Category: Wearables

Fenix 6 Series Gets Stable 21.80 Update with Major Fixes
Garmin released software update 21.00 for Fenix 6 series smartwatches in May. It came with plenty of new features, but that didn’t go well for many users. After the installation, users were facing major issues like faster battery draining. Now to fix all those issues, Garmin has rolled out a stable 21.80 firmware update for Fenix 6 series watches. It has fixed all the issues that users complained about in the official forum.
The software is released to tackle all the known issues, and you can see it in the official changelog. There is nothing new in the version but a bunch of fixes for the watches. As per changelog, the problem where “battery in Days” would report 0 in connect IQ report has been fixed.
Here, Garmin tries to say users only see battery decline in Connect IQ graph, but in reality, there wasn’t an issue. The users say a different story about battery issues. In the end, it is good they have fixed it. You can share your battery usage if there is an improvement in this case.
Here is the official changelog for Fenix 6 series watches.
- Fixed an issue where Run/Walk/Idle total time didn’t equal Total Time displayed on watch/Garmin Connect (now all times when totaled should match Total Time).
- Fixed an issue where a user could not delete a Strength workout from the device.
- Fixed an issue with Metronome hotkey not working in the Walk activity.
- Fixed issue in the Jumpmaster activity where the listed elevation data would not properly update.
- Fixed an issue that could prevent the device from booting up properly.
- Fixed a possible crash when completing Strength workouts that didn’t have any rep counting steps.
- Fixed issue where “Battery in Days” would report 0 in Connect IQ apps.
- Other minor improvements and bug fixes.
The firmware update is available to download from the official Garmin forum. Initially, it is available to install on 10% of users. The remaining users will soon receive the update in the coming days.
June 6, 2022
Fossil Gen 6 Wear OS 3 Update will Release by End on June
The Twitter account of Fossil mentions, that the new Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch will receive Wear OS 3 at this month’s end. They have not revealed any exact date but speculated it for June end or early July. Previously, the same team has mentioned the major Wear OS 3 update for Gen 6 will release in the second half. Again it has been claimed that the rollout will begin as per promised. Further, it mentions Fossil Gen 5 will also have the same update later this year.
For Gen 5, the update may release in mid-summer or at the end of summer. We are not sure about the Fossil Gen smartwatch, but we hope Fossil should give it more power and a polished look.
It is almost one year since Wear OS 3 firmware update for Galaxy Watch 4 series. Since then, it is the only device to enjoy all the goodies and exclusive services of Google’s software. The Samsung smartwatches are now having Wear OS 3.5 beta update.
https://twitter.com/Fossil/status/1529442192841908225
Further, many app developers have exclusively launched their apps for Wear OS 3. It is including Strava which has terminated support for Wear OS 2 version. It is good if both Fossil & Google work faster on their software updates.
Along with Fossil watches, Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 & Pro 3 Ultra will receive Wear OS 3 version later this year. With the next Galaxy Watch 5, Samsung will introduce a new software version or the stable version of the current One UI 4.5 beta version. Samsung may announce it as a Wear OS 4.0 with forward-looking features.
June 6, 2022
YouTube Music for Galaxy Watch 4 Receives Major Update
YouTube Music for galaxy Watch 4 has today received its first major update since launch. It was launched for the Samsung Watch right after its announcement in August, and now it is popular among music listeners. In the update, Google introduced Tile for the YouTube Music app for Wear OS 3 watches. The Galaxy Watch 4 series run on Wear OS 3 version, so you can now see the new Tile after the new app version. You will find the Tile in the new 5.06.40 app version.
The new tile will add an app shortcut to the watch. It will show the current playing song with the artist’s name and album’s name. It becomes easy to control music by stopping or resuming the current playing song from the shortcut. Along with the latest app version, Google has announced to bring more features to the smartwatch app. It announces to launch music streaming service for Galaxy Watch 4 family. It let users forget their smartphones at home, and play music on the smartwatch.
Users will be able to stream music using the LTE network or Wi-Fi connectivity. Right now, users can only download the music songs on the watch, and play them. There is no update on when it will release but the move is welcomed by users. Spotify is the only app to offer all the features to its users. Google is slowly catching up with its rivals, and these app updates are the start of it.
Source
May 18, 2022
Latest Galaxy S22 Update Improves Camera, Touch & Bluetooth Quality
Samsung has issued a new firmware version for Galaxy S22 series in the home country. The main aim of the latest software is to enhance various functions on smartphones. As per the changelog, Samsung has improved the camera, Bluetooth, and touch functionalities to get better performances. For the camera, all the three Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ & Galaxy S22 Ultra are going to witness improved image quality when taking videos in low light areas. A few days ago, the Expert RAW app has also received low light photography improvement in the recent version.
Further, it stabilizes Bluetooth connectivity and audio motion. Finally, Samsung has updated Touch firmware to its latest version to minimize minor bugs. Also, it has squashed known bugs on the devices. The update is rolling out in South Korea, and you can identify it by firmware version S90*NKSS1AVDC. It is 635MB in size and carries an April security patch. In the current month, it is the third software update for Galaxy S22 series.
Here is the full changelog for the Galaxy S22 series (Translated by Google Translator):
- Bluetooth connectivity and audio motion-related stabilization code applied.
- Touch firmware – The touch firmware is updated to the latest version.
- Camera – The image quality has been improved when shooting videos in low light.
- Apply Google security patch Security-related stabilization codes have been applied.
April 21, 2022
New 8.15 Beta Updates for Fenix 7 & Epix 2 come with measure bugs
Today Garmin has released a new beta version 8.15 for Fenix 7 series and Epix Gen 2 smartwatches. Like the previous 8.13 beta updates, the new version also included added features and fixed bugs. Well, looks like in the process of squashing known bugs Garmin has added a few more. On the official Garmin forum, the company announced it has noticed two major bugs in the beta software. According to the official note, the new 8.15 version will interfere tracking of stress and sleep data.
It has requested users to not install this beta version until the company comes up with a fix. If you have already installed the new beta, then you should reboot your smartwatch to resume the stress and sleep tracking. Users can also revert to the previous public version if they want, but it will take them back to the 7.35 public version. Also, the backdating software will revert all the settings to the default settings.
Here is the official answer from the Garmin team about the latest known bugs.
Hello, Fēnix 7 and Epix customers,
We are now aware of a bug in the v8.15 update which can interfere with the tracking of stress and sleep data. Luckily, the tracking of this data will resume after a simple reboot of the watch (turning it off and turning it back on again.) If you have already installed the update, please perform this reboot of your watch to correct this problem.
If you would like to avoid this bug entirely, we recommend that you do not install the v8.15 update. If you have already installed this update, remember that you have the option to revert to the current public version of the software, v7.35. Please note that backdating software will revert your watch to default settings.
We apologize for the inconvenience, please know that we are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
Source
April 15, 2022
Fenix 7 Series & Epix 2 Receive Massive 8.13 Beta Update
Just a few days after releasing huge updates for Fenix 6 series watches, Garmin has released massive firmware for Fenix 7 series & Epix Generation 2. In the previous software update, the company had fixed an audio quality issue on the watches, and now the new version brings plenty of new features. It has released an 8.13 public beta version for both Fenix 7 series & Epix generation 2. The added features and changes are really huge in numbers, and it is difficult to cover in one video. I will highlight some important functions from the list and will give you a link in the description box. So check it out.
The main attraction of the new software is its Garmin Connect IQ 5version. It will be a whole new experience for users on their watches. Garmin doesn’t often update its watch face gallery and when they do, they create stunning dials. You will get new five watch faces to match with a business segment. It has improved many activities and there are some new activities like Fish & Endurance horseback riding.
1. Added and improved the ability to modify settings in Garmin Connect mobile app.
2. Added Adventure Race start and end time to post activity summary UI.
3. Added Acclimation, Pace, and Detailed Speed to post activity summary UI.
4. Added download time estimation to map manager.
5. Added support for preloaded maps to update via map manager (Golf and Ski maps, etc.)
6. Added the ability to toggle smart notifications in the notifications and alerts menu.
7. Added 5 new watch faces – one for each Garmin business segment (Automotive, Aviation, Fitness, Marine, and Outdoor).
8. Added ability to go back to a Connect IQ watch face while in an activity.
9. Added Stamina fields to the Adventure Racing activity.
10. Added Fitness Age display to User Profile settings.
11. Added Connect IQ System 5 support.
12. Added Fish activity.
13. Added Green Contours support to golf.
14. Added Bouldering metrics screen to activity summary.
15. Added Endurance Horseback Riding activity.
For the remaining changelog, you should visit the Garmin website forum. Both smartwatches carry the same changelog in the 8.13 beta version. To download the update you will need a computer to install it.
April 11, 2022
Wear OS 3 is Not Coming Soon for Fossil Watches
The latest version for Wear OS had announced along with Galaxy Watch 4 duo. Since then, it is the only smartwatch that is enjoying all the goodies of new software. After the complaints of users of Wear OS-based watches, Google announced the update for other watches will come in 2022. As per the official schedule of Fossil & Mobvoi, the Wear OS 3 should have launched in early 2022. Now, it looks like, it was just an advertising stunt. The new statement from Fossil confirms the new version will not be coming soon for the Fossil watches.
In the response, the official Twitter handler of Fossil stated that Wear OS 3 update for Fossil Gen 6 & Gen 5 will launch in the mid to second half of 2022. The irony is Gen 6 & Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra have launched in 2021, still, they are running on the previous Wear OS 2 version. You can read what the official team has to say about the next update.
Hi! Eligible Wear OS smartwatches will have the option to opt-in and upgrade their devices to Wear OS 3 starting in the mid to second half of 2022.
The delay could be also related to Google’s Pixel Watch. For sure, the next Google or Fitbit watch will run on Wear OS 3 version, and Google don’t want to let other players steal the show. After the launch of the Pixel Watch or Fitbit Watch, other watches will get a new version. For a reminder, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 4 Classic are now running on Wear OS 3.2 version. Samsung has even added some exclusive features to the wearables.
March 21, 2022
Samsung Brings Camera Controller Feature to Galaxy Fit 2
Every user thought Samsung has stopped supporting Galaxy Fit 2, and there will not be any update in the future for the band. Now with the surprise, Samsung has released a new firmware update for the Galaxy Fit 2 that brings major features. The company has brought a Camera Controller feature for the smart band. Apart from that, the users will see a call rejection message on the main screen. Further, it has added the Rope Jumping counting feature to the fitness tracker.
The camera controller feature is not new to Galaxy Watch users. It has launched with Galaxy Watch Active 2, and since then, it is part of every Galaxy smartwatch. Even the Fit 2 rivals like Mi Smart Band 5 & Band 6 support it. The feature is only supported with Samsung Galaxy devices and Android 7.0 or higher versions. It is not confirmed whether the controller function will come to other non-Samsung smartphones.
The previous update for the Fit 2 was distributed at the starting of last year, and since then, the fitness tracker never received any single software. Most users are waiting for the next-gen Galaxy Fit 3, but there is no word from Samsung about it. The latest 2.16MB firmware version R220XXU1AVB8 is available in India & South Korea, and soon, it will come to other countries. Head to the Galaxy Wearable app to install a new version.
February 23, 2022
Fenix 7 series & Epix 2 Get First Updates, New Features for Epix 2
Garmin is very serious when it comes to new software updates for its all smartwatches and fitness trackers. Where last week the new Venu 2 Plus gets its first software, now the latest Fenix 7 lineup & Epix 2 watches are receiving their first software updates. The new firmware version 7.24 has been assigned to both smartwatches that comes with some major fixes and improvements. In the new version, Garmin Epix 2 has gained a display never turns off features when on the wrist. It has added after many users complained about it.
As per the changelog, both watches have received, “Added the ability to tap the left side of an item in the alarm list to edit that alarm. The right side of the item still toggles on/off, and press and hold anywhere still opens edit as well.” Apart from that, Garmin has fixed many other functions. Here is the full list of changes in the 7.24 version.
For both Fenix 7 series & Epix 2:
- Added the ability to tap the left side of an item in the alarm list to edit that alarm. The right side of the item still toggles on/off, and press and hold anywhere still opens edit as well.
- Fixed potential shutdown when using Wifi.
- Fixed issue where a user could get stuck in saving spinner in Health Snapshot.
- Fixed Satellite setting for “Max Accuracy” power mode (multi-band models).
- Fixed potential shutdown in indoor climb activities.
- A fixed potential issue with post-activity summary for pool swim activities.
- Fixed issue with Race Predictor watches faces Pace and Time.
- Fixed issue with button operation in Wallet pin entry.
- Improvements were made to on-device sleep detection and sleep staging.
- Improved vehicle position on a map.
- Improved Wifi for some network types that previously had issues.
Only for Epix 2:
- The display will now never turn off when on the wrist.
- Set display on/off as a default power control and added to the existing power controls if necessary.
- Fixed a UI issue in InReach messaging.
It is a public rollout and you can now install the latest firmware on your new Garmin smartwatches. The rollout will take a few days to reach all the regions, so wait until it hits your country.
Source
February 11, 2022
Wear OS 3.2 Update is Now Available for Galaxy Watch 4
While other Wear OS smartwatches are waiting for Wear OS 3 version, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 series has received Wear OS 3.2 version. In the massive firmware, the South Korean company has seeded plenty of new features to the watch. The company always releases new updates, but this one also changes software version, which means Google has also part into it. Yesterday, Google has further announced updated Google Assistant & YouTube Music streaming for the Galaxy Watch 4.
Both the Assistant & YouTube Music will come later, but Samsung has already launched many new features. Users can now get eight new watch faces along with Galaxy S22 live wallpaper. The Sleep Coach function will guide users to achieve improved sleep, and the Centr app will provide tips and insight for Body composition. The watch will automatically turn off SmartThing connected devices when you are asleep. The new Orientation function lets users change the direction of the watch, so left-handed users can use it better.
Coming to the point, when Samsung is receiving another major update with Wear OS 3.2, other companies are still silent. Fossil & Mobvoi have confirmed to launch a new version of their Fossil Gen 6 & TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra in 2022. Now, the first month has already passed, but still, there is no sign of an update for the smartwatches. Like Samsung, other Wear OS partners should release major updates faster.
February 9, 2022
Fenix 6 Series Gets Major Changes & Improvements in 20.30 Update
As per the sources, Garmin could launch the next Fenix 7 Series smartwatches this month. Though the company will announce new smartwatches, it hasn’t shifted its focus from older models. Garmin is releasing a public version of the 20.30 software version to its Fenix 6 series and Marq series. It is big firmware with several changes, improvements, and fixes to the existing features. Further, it has fixed known issues that have been notified by users in the beta versions.
In the Bike activity, you will notice additional support for eBike, eMTB, Cyclocross, Gravel Bike, Bike Commute, Bike Tour, and Road Bike. Also, the new activities have been added to the HIIT, Snowshoe, Tenis, Pedal, and Pickleball activity profiles and workouts. In the Pulse Ox measurement, it will popup-up an alert if hand movement is too high or enable to get accurate results. Further, the Fenix 6 series has received supports in other features.
Here is the full changelog for Fenix 6 Series watches.
- Added ability to turn off recording activity during a golf round.
- Added an alert to notify a user when a battery is critically low during a music sync.
- Added HRV Support from chest strap for Yoga and breathwork.
- Added pop-up to Pulse Ox Measuring feature if the device detects too much movement and cannot get an accurate measurement.
- Added support for new biking activity profiles: eBike, eMTB, Cyclocross, Gravel Bike, Bike Commute, Bike Tour, and Road Bike.
- Added support for the HIIT activity profile and workouts.
- Added support for the Pickleball profile.
- Added support for the Padel profile.
- Added support for the snowshoe activity profile.
- Added support for the tennis activity profile.
- Added new tips to indicate which activities support Incident detection.
- Improved Explore Sync app waypoint load times.
- Improved Lactate Threshold and Altitude Acclimation algorithms.
- Improved measurement loading UI when taking a SpO2 measurement.
- Update the altimeter’s auto-calibration to be either be “On” or “Nightly”. Setting to “On” will set the device to periodically calibrate altitude throughout the day. Setting to “Nightly” will set the device to calibrate altitude at night and before the start of an activity.
- Fixed issue with alarms intermittently not going off when the device is set in Max. Battery Mode.
- Fixed display issues on the device after navigating to a point initiated by the Garmin Explore App.
- Fixed issue where selecting a single point on a map that contained multiple items would not display the items properly.
- Fixed issue that would corrupt open water swim activity files.
- Fixed issue where PacePro bands would not be recognized by the device.
- Fixed issue with activities reporting incorrect Activity Calories and Training Effect data.
Source
January 14, 2022
Amazfit GTS 3, GTR 3 & GTR 3 Pro Receive Second Major Updates
With the third-gen Amazfit GT watches, Huami has launched one of the finest and affordable wearables. The Amazfit GTR 3, GTR 3 Pro & GTS 3 are available in all the major markets with top-notch features like Galaxy Watch 4 & Apple Watch Series 7. The GTR 3 Pro also comes with third-party app support, making it a true smartwatch. Now, to make it internally more advanced and future-proof, Zepp Health has released second software to these three watches.
In the latest 8.26.3.1 version, the GTR 3 Pro gets a GoPro Mini app in Zepp’s app store. Initially, the company has launched a few apps in the store, and now you can see it growing day by day. The new background application status indicator has been introduced on watch faces, and soon you will see it on them. Further, the company has given a screen lock function in the control center. It makes it easy for you to lock the watch to avoid accidental touches or use.
Also, It has added manual altitude calibration to the watches. Finally, Zepp has improved system stability and fixed some known bugs in the latest version. The Amazfit GTS 3 is getting firmware number 7.30.3.1, and there is no information about GTR 3 firmware. The changelog for these three watches is the same except new app, and it is now available to install in all the major countries.
December 21, 2021
Samsung Suspends Fold 3 & Flip 3 One UI 4 Rollout (Update: Fixed & Resumed)
Update (Dec 16): We all know last week Samsung has delivered faulty firmware for its new foldable phones. The One UI 4 software brick many devices and also created many issues on the phones. After that, Samsung had suspended the official rollout and conduct another beta testing for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3. Now, Samsung has fixed all those problems and resumed the stable One UI 4 update for these foldable phones. The users in South Korea are now seeing update notifications on their devices.
Surprisingly, the users which are running on the Android 11 version are getting updates for Android 12. The beta users may receive a stable version in the coming days. The other countries will get refreshed or fixed versions in the coming days or week.
Previous: This week, Samsung has officially started to distribute the official One UI 4 version for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 devices. The rollout has been dispatched in South Korea for both foldable phones and many customers have downloaded it. Now, after installing a new major update, most of the customers are having major issues with their devices. It is stable rollout after testing it in beta, so it is supposed to run smoothly on the phones with all the functions, but that didn’t go well.
Many customers have complained their Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 has bricked and caused issues like the phone entering into recovery mode. Further, some users faced issues like screen flickering, failed to take screenshots, apps like Netflix, Zoom, YouTube, and their functions are not working. A couple of users have also complained about the camera, dark mode, and sound quality. In the Camera section, users face captured photos deleting automatically from internal storage, and the screen goes black.
Other issues like dual apps not working, lowered refresh rate to 60Hz, and some apps are not loading are also there. After listening to all these complaints, Samsung has decided to stop the rollout. The stable Android 12-based One UI 4 version for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 has now been postponed to a later date. The company says the rollout will begin when all these issues have been solved.
December 16, 2021
Samsung Internet Browser Now Support Other Wear OS Watches
The official Samsung Internet Browser app has recently launched for Wear OS-3 based Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 4 Classic. At launching, the browser was only supported for Samsung watches, but now it has been updated for other Wear OS watches. As spotted by Reddit users, major Wear OS watches running on Wear OS 2 received the browser app. Upon that, some users claimed they hadn’t installed Samsung Browser on the paired smartphone. It is a good step by Samsung because Play Store for Wear OS doesn’t have choices when it comes to internet surfing.
With the browser, users can visit any website to read news, Reddit, or other updates. Also, you can watch YouTube videos from the browser, and yes we have played it too for fun. Wear OS still lacks with YouTube app, so you can use it to watch videos on a tiny screen. It provides features like Add to bookmark, Zoom mode & Show on Phone. Google is by a default search engine that you can change from the settings. On the Galaxy Watch 4, you have to diagonal swipe from the either of the side to reach the corners of a webpage.
Image Source: Reddit
It gives options of keyboard, voice, and gestures to type in the address bar. Samsung doesn’t have any square watches, so it is interesting to see how web pages look & works on such screen. As per Reddit users, the app is now working on Fossil Gen 5 series, Oppo Watch global version, Casio WSD-F30 & Moto 360 3rd Generation smartwatches. To install the app on your watch, go to Play Store and search for the app, or visit the given source below.
Get: Samsung Internet Browser
November 9, 2021
Messaging App KakaoTalk Launched for Wear OS including Galaxy Watch 4
The famous South Korean messaging app KakaoTalk has finally launched a dedicated app for Wear OS watches including Galaxy Watch 4. With the app on your smartwatch, you can chat with your friends and family by sending text messages, images, and emoticons to make rich conversations. It allows you to chat in groups, My Chatroom, or person. You will find plenty of stickers to reply to your current conversation mood. It is secure, faster, and supports the in-best way to fit in a tiny screen.
It is launched for Galaxy Watch 4 series, but the Wear OS devices can also use it with all the features. As per the report published by Money Today back in May, KakaoTalk refused to build a dedicated app for Tizen OS-based watches. It is the reason Samsung decided to join Wear OS, so it could grab more attention of the developers, says a report. So you can imagine how the KakaoTalk app is essential for Korean users. After WhatsApp’s privacy concerns, the KakaoTalk app also has gained some popularity among global users.
It is the most popular messaging app in South Korea with over 50 million active users. It is what WhatsApp is for the US & India, and WeChat for China. If you haven’t used the KakaoTalk app before, then you can try it. And if you already using this app on your Andriod or Apple smartphones, then you can now download it on your Wear OS smartwatches. For your information, the app is already available in the Apple Watch store. It is available to download in Play Store.
Source: Play Store
October 28, 2021
Huawei Watch 3 Update Brings SMS Reply, Hand Wash & Petal Maps Functions
Huawei has updated its two new watches Huawei Watch 3 & Watch 3 Pro with major firmware updates. The latest version brings a couple of new features and optimizations to the smartwatches. The firmware number 2.0.0.188 has been assigned to these HarmonyOS watches. It has brought a new quick SMS reply function which is a necessary part of any premium watch. The new Hand Wash detection which is already available on Wear OS, Apple Watch & Galaxy Watch devices, is now part of HarmonyOS too.
Users can now test any paid watch faces on their watch before purchasing them. Any paid theme will be set for five minutes on the device before you decide to buy it. It also brings more support to the local music formats to upload to the watch. The Petal Maps is now a pre-installed map app for the Huawei Watch 3 & Watch 3 Pro.
Further, the company has added the function of standard display of the charging watch face while charging to enhance the experience. Also, in the always-on display, users can lift their wrist to switch off the screen or to display the main watch face (choose any one option).
Meanwhile, it has optimized the display of the contacts for a better experience. Finally, Huawei has squashed known bugs to offer a better experience with its HarmonyOS-powered watches. It is a global rollout for Huawei Watch 3 & Watch 3 Pro. The update is now rolling out in China & major European countries.
October 18, 2021