Category: Wearables

Samsung Hints One UI 3.0 Release Date for Galaxy S20 & Note 20 Lineup
Your Samsung Galaxy S20 & Note 20 series will now get better with the latest One UI 3.0 version. With the recent update announced on their Malaysian website, Samsung gave us a hint about the features of One UI 3.0 (Android 11) stable version that will soon be rolling out in November first week for its latest versions of Samsung smartphones (Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy Note 20 series) publicly.
Currently, the update is being rolled out for beta users in South Korea, India, Germany, Poland, the US & the UK. If you are a Samsung Galaxy S20 series holder in Europe, you can easily update your phone to the new One UI 3.0 beta version (Android 11). The latest update provides features that will help you to improve your day to day life, adding more convenience for the user.

The feature that is most talked about is the enhanced Quick Panel control, which enables you to easily switch between music, videos, and other tasks. Don’t worry about the notifications when the phone is locked as the new update now allows you to see more information even if your phone is locked. The feature can easily adapt the any galaxy screen size including the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold, and Galaxy Tab S7 series.

It also includes full screen video calls, AR emoji masks, new volume panel design, light and dark theme and many more. After the update, Samsung messages app will add a new trash bin feature to store deleted messages. It has added more dynamic lock screen that makes your phone look even better. It’s got everything you can ask for, better battery usage to enhanced security. This update is something that all Samsung users should look up to.
November 2, 2020
Galaxy Watch Active 2 Gets Voice Support During Exercise
Samsung is now rolling out a new firmware update R820XXU1CTJ5 for Galaxy Watch Active 2 that brings one more premium feature of Galaxy Watch 3. With the latest update, Active 2 users can now use voice guidance service during the exercises. It is the new function that was until now exclusive to a newer model. The Active 2 users can listen to voice support during the workout through the connected Bluetooth headsets or earbuds. In the voice guidance, it will also tell the walked distance and heart rate while performing automatic running and biking workouts.
While exercise you can set a goal and this running coach will tell you how you are performing. It also guides you about whether you have to slow down or need to run fast to reach the target. Furthermore, it encourages you to complete your daily goals. Samsung has done great work by bringing this function to all its Active 2 users. Even it is good that the company is offering it free for everyone when the Fitbit ask users to pay for their Coach premium subscription to unlock it. In the premium segment, Apple, Fitbit, or Garmin don’t offer this service to the users.
Further, the update brings stability to the overall functions and squashed minor bugs. Samsung has already brought fall detection, VO2 max, advanced running analysis, AR Emoji, Bitmoji, and scroll capture features to the Active 2. Now, the new function will make it more forward-looking among the premium watches. The latest firmware has been released in South Korea for the Bluetooth version, and soon it may hit in other countries.
October 28, 2020
WhatsApp, Instagram & Facebook Removed from Tizen Store
This month, after the shutdown of the Tizen Community website and the Community app, now one more shocking news came for Tizen users. Facebook has finally removed all its apps from the Tizen Store. The popular apps WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger are now discontinued from the Tizen Store. Since the last June, Facebook had been sending messages to the users about the termination, and finally today that day arrived. Samsung has stopped making Tizen phones since 2017, and the last model in the market was Samsung Z4.
For five consecutive years, WhatsApp was the number one app in the Tizen Store by the usage and by the most downloads. The other famous social media app Line had already step back from the Tizen phones, so WhatsApp was the only medium for users to chat or make video calls with their friends.
I have posted a video on why WhatsApp, Facebook & Instagram removed from Tizen Store. Watch the video.
Also, the other social media apps Facebook, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger were in the top downloading apps, but now no longer serve the users. Unlike the ACL apps, these were launched by Facebook, and they received regular updates since the beginning.
The decision behind the termination is the lack of new Tizen smartphones in the market. Also, the devices which have been launched in the market is now more than 3 years old. The Samsung Z2 & Samsung Z4 are the most popular Tizen phones in the market. Still, many users in India, Bangladesh & South Africa are using these devices, and today we have received too many emails and messages from users about the situation. Many customers demand that Samsung or Facebook must bring all these apps on the Tizen, but looks like that may not happen.
October 1, 2020
Galaxy Watch Active 2 Receives Galaxy Watch 3 Features
As always a year old Galaxy Watch Active 2 is now receiving some Galaxy Watch 3 features. The new Watch 3 is quite lucky to get some of the best features that can be comparable to Apple Watch Series 5 or upcoming Series 6. Where to start, blood oxygen, ECG, fall detection & VO2 max is the future innovative functions that you can use in many areas. Not all these are coming to Active 2 due to the hardware limitations, but some of them have landed here. The VO2 Max will not let you check how much oxygen your body has observed during the workout for better endurance.
The second most important feature is to Detect fall, it will call or message to the emergency number via SOS to your friends or family. It automatically calls them when the watch detects a hard fall or accidental fall. Enhanced notifications are now open windows while receiving new messages and also show the images. Previously, only WhatsApp was able to show the images. With the Advanced Running Analysis, you can improve your running stay yourself fit & active. You will get all the necessary information in one place with the running analysis.
Now, in the new software, you can easily take screenshots of the watch and send it to the paired smartphone. The screenshot option is not new to the Active 2, though now you can take scroll captures. Finally, in the messages & notification replies, you can use AR Emojis & Bitmojis for better communication. The firmware version R820XXU1CTH8 is now rolling out in some European countries & South Korea.
September 10, 2020
Mi Band 5 Receiving 1.0.1.84 Firmware Update
Xiaomi’s latest Mi Smart Band 5 is now promoted to the firmware version 1.0.1.84. The latest piece of software will improve the overall quality of the band by enhancing its performance and squashing some known bugs. The previous version had brought automatic workout detection which automatically knows your workout mode and act on it. But this new version doesn’t bring that much along with it. Stilll, you wil not see any new function on the fitness tracker, there are some improvements to the core apps. Also, it brings some new languages to users. Most of the languages are from Europe, and Polish is one of them. On the reviews of some users, the device has brought accuracy to the tracking functions and the increased speed in some features.
As per the users, Xiaomi has fixed some bugs of sleep tracking to give you accurate results. The REM sleep is the feature that has enhanced in the 1.0.1.84 firmware version. Since the beginning, we haven’t seen any major or minor issue with the sleep pattern or with REM Sleep data. Though, some customers on social media has raised questions about the accuracy of the sensor. Now, as we go with those customers, then we could see major bump in the result. Apart from that, you will see better results in heart rate monitoring and step counter. Hope this time we get few ghost steps in the outdoor.
The new update is currently rolling out in Indonesia and soon you will see it in other countries in the coming days. As always, you have to first update Mi Fit app to the latest version. Once you update the Mi Fit app then Mi Smart Band 5 will install the new 1.0.1.84 version. The update is only for new band, as there is no software available for Mi Smart Band 4C, Band 4 or Band 3 at the moment.
August 25, 2020
First Galaxy Watch 3 Update Unlocks Blood Oxygen & VO2 Max
Just After the launch of Galaxy Watch 3, Samsung has rolled out one of the major updates for the watch. These days, Samsung is really fast and acknowledged its devices. On the same launch day, Galaxy Note 20 & Note 20 Ultra has received the first software update, which had happened with Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Buds Plus. The first update for Galaxy Watch 3 brings Blood Oxygen, Sleep Score & Vo2 Max functions, thanks to the SamMobile for the news which have a review product. All these features were mentioned in the launch event, so it makes sense to open it for users.
The Blood Oxygen level or in other words SpO2 is necessary to check how your respiratory system transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. VO2 Max is another essential tool for fitness-centric users. It checks how much oxygen you utilize during the exercise to improve your endurance. If you have used Garmin smartwatches, then you may know the VO2 Max feature. And there is Sleep Score, to examine your sleep. Samsung claims it has partnered with the medical company to check your sleep pattern, and guide you on how to get quality sleep.
Finally, the company promises Galaxy Watch 3 will now provide you better results in the running and give you insights. Samsung still has to activate ECG & fall detection in other regions, except South Korea. For now, South Korea is the only country where users can use ECG & blood pressure features. For the Galaxy Watch 3 users, the new R840XXU1BTG6 firmware is available in the Galaxy Wearable app. The 80MB software will release in all the available markets in the coming weeks.
August 8, 2020
Mi Band 4 & Band 5 Updates Bring New Features
The new Mi Band 5 and previous year’s Mi Band 4 are now receiving new software updates. It is the first firmware update for Mi Smart Band 5 or the global version. The Chinese version already has received its first version, where it had enabled Camera Remote control function. It is not the case with the international version as the camera controller is enabled since the first day. The global model gets firmware version 1.0.1.32 that brings two major features to the fitness tracker.
After the update, Mi Band 5 can now automatically detect the exercise mode. Xiaomi has added a new automatic motion detection feature, which will detect your current exercise mode. It is a good function for the users when they forget to start the workout mode while exercising. Many companies are now introducing Detect Activity feature on their smartwatches & smart bands like recently Huawei Watch GT 2 & Honor MagicWatch 2 have received it. It is good that Xioami has brought it to the Mi Band 5.
Apart from that, there is a new option to press & hold the watch faces to set the dial. You can activate these features from Settings – More options. Finally, the new battery percentage indicator for the faces has launched on both Mi Band 4 & Band 5 trackers. The update is now available in all the major countries, where both these smart bands available. To install the latest firmware updates, you have to update the Mi Fit app to 4.4.0 version on the paired smartphone.
August 6, 2020
Galaxy Buds Live User Manual Confirms Many Functions
The leaked user manual of Galaxy Buds Live is confirming many features that we have seen in different leaks. Samsung has accidentally leaked or intentionally posted the user manual of Galaxy Buds Live on the official website. Last week, the company has leaked some of the screenshots on its companion Galaxy Wearable app for iOS, which has revealed almost all the functions. It is now confirmed that the next earbuds will receive ANC function, which will be the first Samsung earbuds to get it. Actually, AKG N400 is the first earbuds comes with ANC feature from the company under the AKG brand.
It is the user manual, so you will get all the guides that necessary to pair the buds with a smartphone, and how to use it. It also confirms the Touch Control and its Equilizer with various other controls. There is plenty to learn from the manual like Gaming Mode and Relieve Pressure with Ambient sound. Along with it, we gathered a bunch of knowledge about the Galaxy Buds Live. The tipster Roland Quandt claims 4.5 hours of battery on earbuds, a three-microphone per setup, and 12mm dynamic drivers.
The next Samsung earbuds would launch on August 5 in the same event, where Samsung will launch Galaxy Note 20 series smartphones & Galaxy Watch 3 smartwatch. The price for the Galaxy Buds Live has been tipped for $169, and it will soon confirm in the launch event. By introducing various feature Samsung will give a good competitor to Apple AirPods Pro.
July 27, 2020
Oppo Watch Launched in Germany with Google Pay Support
Oppo has officially unveiled its first smartwatch in Europe that powered with GPS & NFC functions. Germany is the first country to get Oppo Watch and soon it will land in other European countries. The wearable was first introduced in China with some advanced functions that we have seen on Apple Watch Series 5 & Galaxy Watch Active 2. It has a 1.6-inch screen and offers 1GB RAM & 8GB internal storage to save the music. It runs on Wear OS by Google & ColorOS platform, that opens plenty of apps to install and use on the watch.
In the app section, it pre-loaded with Google Pay, Google Assistant, Online Music, and many other apps. It comes with a microphone & loudspeaker so you can answer the calls on the go. The smart notifications allow you to read & reply to WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media apps & text messages. Unlike the Huawei Watch GT 2, the Oppo Watch supports NFC outside China, so you can make a contactless payment. Write now, it supports with Google Pay and in the future, more payment systems will join it. It powered with Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 & Apollo 3 chipset with different energy-saving options.
Oppo promises 24 hours of battery backup from 300 mAh battery, and in power-saving mode, the watch will run up to 14 days. For the fast charging, it supports VOOC quick charge that fills 46% battery in just 20 minutes. In fitness section, it pre-installed with all the major sports modes and you can also measure your heart rate & sleep score. The Oppo Watch is now available to purchase in Germany for €249.
July 20, 2020
Global Mi Band 5 Spotted with Alexa, SpO2 & NFC Support
In last month, we have revealed that the Mi Band 5 will get NFC support in the global market. Further, we also mentioned the SpO2 & Amazon Alexa functions for the international version. Now the leaked resource file for Mi Band 5 has confirmed all of these functions. Xiaomi has unpacked Mi Band 5 in China on June 11, but the SpO2 & Amazon Alexa features were missing from the tracker. Now, these functions will be exclusively launching on global versions rather than the home version.
It will be the first time Mi Band series will receive SpO2 or blood monitoring along with Women’s heath tool & PAI functions. After the launch of SpO2, it will compete with Honor Band 5, Huawei band 4 Pro & Fitbit Charge 4 which has the blood oxygen monitoring. The animated images of Amazon Alexa have also spotted in leaked files. It will be the replacement of Xiao Ai voice assistant outside China. The revealed code suggests, Alexa will first support with Mi Home devices and later users may connect it with other devices.
SpO2 spotted on Mi Band 5
Alexa Animation on Mi Band 5
We are also the first to claim about the NFC support for international Mi Band 5. The recent launch of Mi Band 4 NFC in Russia is the start of it and the next device will support in many countries. Also, the resource file shows the images of Mastercard, which is the first partner to pay with Band 5 in many places.
Mastercard logo spotted on Mi Band 5
In other countries, Mi Band 5 will launch in July and Europe would be the first market. Recently, the fitness tracker has cleared BIS certification in India, so the Indian launch maybe also near. In the more twist, the recently leaked source code has mentioned there would be three models – Mi Band L, Mi Band 5 Pro & Mi Band 5 Lite. If that is true then, then it is unclear, which model will get SpO2, Alexa, and NFC versions on the board.
June 26, 2020
Amazfit GTR & GTS Update Gets Day Time Naps Monitoring
Huami never fails to surprise Amazfit users with the new updates that come with new functions. Especially, the Amazfit GTR, Amazfit GTS & Amazfit Stratos 3 smartwatches receive new functions on every software version. Now, again Amazfit GTR & GTS is receiving the latest version with one of the most needed function. Both smartwatches now getting support for monitoring sporadic naps over 20 minutes during the day. In short, the new feature will monitor your day time nap that you got suddenly.
The sleep monitoring is not new to the Amazfit watches. You can track your night sleep and get the sleep score in the Amazfit app. In the app, you will get information about deep sleep, light sleep, and time awake for your night sleep data. It is the first time, Huami has introduced sporadic naps monitoring for that last long more than 20 minutes during the day. Many people like to take naps in the day time so the feature will help those users. You don’t have to do anything to measure the sleep score, just wear the watch when you get the sporadic nap.
The new firmware version 1.3.5.77 is releasing for Amazfit GTR & 0.0.9.12 version for Amazfit GTS. To install the new version, first, you have to update the Amazfit app to the new 4.5.3 version. Once you install the new app version then your watch will automatically detect the new version and install it. The new firmware for Amazfit GTR & Amazfit GTS is currently rolling out in Vietnam and soon release in other regions.
June 24, 2020
Oppo Watch Update Gets New Features
Oppo Watch has set to get a new system update which brings several new functionalities. The watch has released in March, this year and now the company rolling out new updates. The update has aimed at bringing new features like WeChat replies, access control function, support for boarding passes, and many more. It will further enhance user convenience and let them manage things from the wrist.
The update carries the number A.38 and needs a companion app Oppo Health app v.2.6.2 or the above version to integrate the new features. This update shows the company’s commitment to add relevant features and make the device more competitive. Further, to accommodate this update user needs a smartphone which runs on Android 6.0 or above with the Android Auto app installed. This is the first smartwatch from the Oppo and now the latest update adds several useful features.
New Oppo Watch Update
Earlier the users could just have access to notifications, but thanks to the update, now they can now reply to the conversation via Xunfei voice input. It is the most important feature which enables users to respond directly from the wrist and thereby enhance their connectivity. Further, now users are able to get access to boarding passes, access cards, and local transportation tickets in China. Additionally, the update brings 10 new watch faces as well as auto-monitoring features for fitness activities.
The Oppo watch comes with a 46mm AMOLED display and runs on Wear OS. It features various important sensors like accelerometer, ECG, heart rate sensor, and gyroscope. It is available in three color variants of Black, Gold and Silver with interchangeable straps. Further, the company aims to add 10 new useful apps in the app store by the June end. All these features make it the perfect wearable and competitive choice for the users.
Source
June 19, 2020
Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Design & Color Options Revealed
Mi Band 5 is not stopping any time soon until its official launch date on June 11. The fitness tracker is revealing with many leaks and on the official Weibo account. A few days ago, we published some of its key elements and images. This time, Samsung itself has teased an image that shows the actual design of the tracker and its color option. It is the first time we are getting the first look at the official image of Band 5 tracker. As per the picture, the fitness band adopts a larger display, that match with our leaked 1.2-inch colored display.
The women’s menstrual cycle feature will be part of the fitness tracker. Women can get information about fertile periods, ovulation days, and predicted menstrual periods. The design hasn’t changed much, but less bezel increased the display size. Xiaomi also mentioned NFC support on the Chinese version. However, the NFC support will come to the global version with Mastercard support. It also offers voice assistants on both models, and the international version could get Amazon Alexa support.
Further, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 comes in Black, Green, Yellow, and Red color options. Apart from these features, it will get five more activities like Yoga & badminton, the camera controllers, SpO2 & world clock. Xiaomi will unveil Mi Band 5 on June 11 in China, and the first sale will start from June 18. The launch event will tell us a clear picture of these rumored functions. The estimated price for the fitness tracker is 177 Yuan in China.
Via
June 8, 2020
One UI 2.5 Leak Suggests Ads Are Coming on Samsung Phones
The leaked images for the next One UI 2.5 version are suggesting that Samsung will put ads on many stock apps as well as on lock screen. It is a surprise turn from Samsung and its decision to put advertisements in so many places. Ads are not new to Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, and many others. They put ads to make revenue by selling low-cost smartphones. Samsung wasn’t in that race but now it looks like the company has changed its mind to grow the revenue this way. As today one customer sends the leaked image of the lock screen with random ads on it.
The revealed lock screen has ads on it with a 15-second timer. To unlock the device users have to see the ads and even they have to wait for 15 seconds and watch the video ads. I don’t think Samsung will put such restrictions on flagship smartphones like Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Fold & Fold 2, Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Z Flip. The users have spent too much money on these costly devices so it is not fair to show them random ads. On the other hand, Samsung might put these ads on lower Galaxy A & Galaxy M series smartphones, as they come with low prices.
Recently in October, Samsung had given us clue about the ads. Here is what Samsung representative said on the advertisement controversy and user complaints in the last October;
I remember that you left an article saying that the advertisements were uncomfortable. Please understand that banner ad are applied in order to provide better theme services to users through the development of new functions and stable service operation through advertising revenue. We will always try to provide a more satisfactory service.
Today, the Weather app has updated and it shows too many ads inside it. That means in the future many Samsung apps will start to show the ads. The Weather app is also getting the latest Weather UX in On UI 2.5 version. The upcoming One UI 2.5 version will launch with Galaxy Note 20 & Galaxy Fold 2. Later the version will release on Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 10, and some Galaxy A & Galaxy M series devices. We have to see how many of these devices will get third-party ads.
Update (09/06): As SamMobile confirmed with Samsung and dug out more about the news, the company will not introduce ads in One UI 2.5. Not at least on the lock screen. It was the translation error that got lost. For now, Samsung is only applying ads on its stock apps.
June 8, 2020
Mi Band 5 Images Reveal Stress, Custom DND & Global NFC Functions
Xiaomi has planned to unveil fifth-gen Mi Band 5 on June 11 in China. So far, we know many functions and the changes in the next tracker. We have also revealed that the Mi band 5 will get Amazon Alexa, SpO2, Camera controller & Menstrual cycle functions. Now, we have received some exclusive images and the information about the upcoming Mi Band 5. To make the fitness band more advanced, the company has also added stress & breathing management, custom DND option, and, as we revealed earlier, global NFC function.
We have some exclusive images of the NFC function for the global version, Mi Smart Band 5. Outside China, it will support with Mastercard. This week, Xiaomi has announced Mi Band 4 NFC in Russia that gets Mastercard support to pay at many places. The same treatment will arrive for Mi Band 5 in other countries. You can use the NFC feature to pay at public transport, shopping centers, supermarkets, gas stations, and many other places. Once you connect Mastercard card with the Mi Fit app, then you can use it.
Mi Band 5 NFC Function
As the information we took out, users still can’t receive the phone calls on Band 5. There are only options to reject the calls & silent the phone call. Maybe next time, users will able to accept the calls from the band. The custom DND will allow users to add limited time as per their need like 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours. The custom Do Not Disturb will help users to get day time naps.
Mi Band 5 Avenger Face
For the Avengers fan, Xiaomi has added one new Avenger watch face. There may be more watch faces that the users can download from Band Display Settings in future updates. We have previously unveiled four pre-installed watch faces, and these two new faces show users will get more watch faces on the band itself.
Mi Band 5 images
Now here are the leaked images of the next Mi band 5 with the default watch face. The images show Mi Band 5 will carry a larger screen than Mi Band 4. As per the previous report, the tracker has a 1.2-inch colored touchscreen. The next tracker will also capable of the measurement of stress & breathing. The descriptions in the source code describe the band will be able to quantify our stress, and it will guide users to control the breath. We have to wait to see how these two functions will work.
Mi Band 5 will unveil next week, and it will first go on sale in China on June 18. If these all features packed on Band 5, then in the market, it will be one of the most advanced fitness trackers. I guess Xiaomi will not release all the features at once. Some features will release via future updates.
June 5, 2020
Xiaomi Launched Mi Smart Band 4 NFC Version Outside China
Last year, we have exclusively revealed that the next year Xiaomi will allow users to use the NFC feature on Mi Bands outside China. Now, Xiaomi has launched Mi Smart Band 4 with NFC function for the global customers. Previously, the feature was supported only in the home country with AliPay. With global support, the users outside China can make contactless payments or pay at the local stores. The first country to receive the NFC version is Russia. As per the company’s plan, it will launch in more European regions and later in remaining countries.
We had also first claimed that the next Mi Band 5 will get NFC support on the global version. Now, it also makes clear that the upcoming Mi Smart Band 5 will have NFC support in other countries. In Russia, customers can make contactless payments in shopping centers, supermarkets, gas stations, and other stores. It also supports paying public transports in the country like in a metro or at the bus station. You can see the supported list of transport on the Mastercard website.
At the moment the NFC in the country only works with Mastercard. To link the MasterCard for payments, you must connect the Mastercard bank card with the Mi Fit app & select Russia as your country. In future updates, you may link the tracker with Visa, Google Pay & PayPal accounts. Note that, this is not the update for regular Mi Band 4. To use the NFC function for contactless payments in Russia, you have to purchase the ‘Mi Smart Band 4 NFC’ model. On the purchase, make sure it has an identifier MGW4059RU as both models look the same.
The new NFC model in the country will be selling for 3,990 ₽, where the regular one priced at 2,990 ₽. Xiaomi has the same plan for the upcoming Mi Band 5, as the global version will get Mi Smart Band 5 with NFC function. The sale for Mi Smart Band 4 NFC will start from June 16 from Mi.com & other online retailers. Later, the NFC version will soon launch in other countries. We will inform you when it launches in other regions.
June 2, 2020