Category: Wearables

Mi Band 5 to Get Camera Controller & New Fitness Activities
The next Mi Band 5 is a huge deal to the company & we can see that with the numbers of added features on it. Last week we leaked a few exclusive features of Mi Band 5. Now, we have a few more features to share. Another function we find out is the camera controller on Band 5. Second, there are now five more activities for fitness-centric users. Also, the tracker will now supportive of the analog watch faces as well as World Clock for travelers.
Camera Controller is the feature that many users were thinking of getting with Mi band 4, but the company never launched it. This time with Mi Band 5, users can control their phone’s camera to take the picture, get the group photo, or to switch front or rear cameras. For the international users, Xiaomi will be added World Clock in the fitness band. Users can add two cities to get the current hours.
Camera Controller on Mi Band 5
To make it more advanced in the fitness category, Xiaomi has introduced five more fitness activities. With added activities, now a total of 11 exercises will be available in the Workout. Those new activities are Yoga, Elliptical, Rowing Machine, Jumping Rope, and Indoor Cycling. These activities will surely help users to track their fitness and stay healthy.
Total 11 activities on Mi Band 5
Also, we discovered the next fitness tracker would support analog watch faces. Previously, only digital watch faces were supported, but now by default, you get two analog watch faces & more may come in future updates.
Watch Faces on Mi Band 5
As we dig into the code, we have discovered, Amazon Alexa will initially only support with Mi Home devices. Well, that what initial coding says about the Alexa can do on it. Though we think in future updates, the company would remove the restrictions, and more devices will support it. With these all features, the company is making Mi Band 5 more advanced and the main rival to the Fitbit Charge 4 & Galaxy Fit.
May 25, 2020
Mi Band 5 Will Have SpO2, Alexa & Menstrual Cycle Functions
With the help of its subsidiary company Huami, Xiaomi will release its next-generation Mi band 5 in China at the end of next month or in the first half of July. As far we know, Mi Band 5 will have a larger display, more features, and NFC on the global version. Furthermore, our member has found out that the next Mi band 5 will have SpO2 or blood oxygen saturation, Amazon Alexa & Women cycle features. These three features will make the tracker more advanced compared to Mi Band 4.
Apart from that, for fitness-centric users there is a Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) function. It’s a scientifically-backed metric that turns heart rate data into a single, personal score, showing users how much activity they need to stay healthy. For your daily activity it gives you score and tells you how much you need to sweet to stay fit.
Mi Band 5 Functions
Now talking about the global version of the fifth-gen tracker, Mi Smart Band 5 is also in work, and it may soon get the release date. As the information we received, the model number XMSH11HM is specified for Mi Smart Band 5. It makes sense that the model number for Mi Band 5 is XMSH10HM. Every year company launches different Mi Band models for global users by compromising some features, though this year there won’t be much difference.
Mi Band 5 Watch Face
Now as per the new information from our source NFC would only be limited to China. It means users have to wait for another year to get the NFC version. Furthermore, we also have found early firmware version – 1.0.0.38. The firmware is for internal development purpose and on the release date we could see the final & stable version. It is the sign that the company is moving towards the final stable release, and the tracker will be ready to launch soon.
Mi Smart Band 5 Will Get SpO2, Alexa & Menstrual Cycle
It will be the first band from Xiaomi to get Amazon Alexa & Women Menstrual cycle feature. Previously, Xiaomi only uses its voice assistant in China, but now both Chinese & global models will have Amazon Alexa features. The tracker will also be helpful for women users that they can now track their monthly cycles using the Mi Band 5 & Mi Smart Band 5.
Mi Band 5 Activities
For now, it is the only information our member has received about the upcoming tracker. The company always first launch Mi Bands in China and later in other countries. That means the company may launch Smart Band 5 in August or in early September in major countries like India and the US. Due to the lockdown and limited employees, we could see a delay in the Mi Band 5 launch.
As per the previous information, the company supposed to announce it in the first week of June but now the company has postponed it. It still has to receive a Bluetooth certificate from SIG, so we think the launch date might be delayed to the last week of June or in the first week of July.
All the images are taken from the official app so the quality is not that good, but in the future will try to post better images. Still, we have to dig more and there would be more features or changes into the upcoming model. So stay tuned with us, we will inform you when we find out more information.
May 22, 2020
TikTok & YouTube Apps Flooded with 1-Star Reviews in India
The roasting battle of TikTok Vs YouTube has now taken another turn in India between both sides of users. Now both TikTok & YouTube users are giving 1-star reviews to each other’s app in the Play Store. It happens when YouTube decided to delete the viral video of Carry Minati YouTube vs TikTok – The End in which he roasted TikTok. It is started when some YouTubers roasted TikTokers about their content creations. Then after that, TikTokers did also the same to defend themselves & to roast YouTubers. It became more rival when the famous YouTuber Carry Minati posted a video to roast in its own style. The video became so viral in India that it broke many records within the first week.
Many users liked this video and when it got deleted it was seen by 74 million users in 7 days. After complaints from TikTok users, YouTube took action against the video & turned it down. In the deletion of video, the YouTube official said it is against the privacy policy and the video was violating the terms & conditions. It is the reason, Carry Minati’s followers are flooded with 1-star reviews on the TikTok app in the Play Store. If you look at the newest reviews for the app in Play Store then you will notice all the users are angry because of the video which was taken down & now they blame TikTok for this.
The irony is that the same users are also blaming YouTube for not defending Carry Minati when he is on YouTube side in the YouTube Vs TikTok battle. The support for Carry Minati is also trending on Twitter & Instagram with #justiceforcarry hashtag, which on top since this today morning. Also, the support is growing too much that on Facebook & YouTube you will see posts & videos that recommend to delete the TikTok from your device & give it a 1-star review.
Update (18/05): The war between YouTube & TikTok users are not going to stop anytime soon. In the support of Carry Minati, now many famous YouTubers are deleting TikTok app from their phones and requesting users to do the same. India’s most famous YouTube channels like Technical Guruji, BB ke Vines, Elvish Yadav and many more are requesting users uninstall the app. Technical Guruji which is most famous Tech channel in India has made a special video, where he uninstalls the app from all his smartphones.
Now many users have uninstalled the app and gave 1-star reviews to the app. As we checked on Friday, the TikTok rating was 4.5-star in the Play Store, but now it decreases to 3.2-star ratings. The TikTok Lite which was enjoying 4.6-star ratings is now came down to 2.1-star. In the wave, more than one million users have rated to the app in the last three days. In India, many times TikTok ratings was decreased due to nationalism but this time it happened because of users of TikTok & YouTube & their rivalry.
Source
May 18, 2020
Mi Band 5 to Get PAI Function for Improved Health Tracking
Mi Band 5 will be released this year with some enhanced features along with the larger display. As we are getting closer to the launch date, which could happen in next June, more details are getting out. At this point, we know that the next Mi Band will get a larger display than the Mi Band 4 & the NFC support for global units. The leaker Slashleak has also revealed the possible punch hole display for the tracker. Now we have more details to share about the upcoming fitness tracker. We have received new information about the Mi Band 5 that the PAI function will come with the tracker.
You can see the new PAI function in the shared image of the Mi Fit app. The PAI function has added to the item in Band display settings. The MI Band 4 doesn’t have this feature, so inevitably, the company is going to introduce it to the next fitness tracker. The PAI function is not new to the company, Huami has released this feature on its Amazfit smartwatches. The PAI may replace the steps count on the Mi Band 5, and instead, it will get the help of heart rate data as an indicator of personal activity. PAI will help you better to know your health condition and act on it.
The HUNT Fitness Study project has shown that the people who keep their PAI value above 100 have a lower risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. The PAI will not be Mi Band 5 exclusive for a long time, the company will later release the function on Mi Band 4, and possibly on Mi Band 3. As per the sources, the next Band 5 would launch in June with the expected price of 179 Yuan. Though, the price could be much higher in other countries. As the days fly, we would get more details about it.
May 5, 2020
Google’s Wearable OS Renamed as Wear OS by Google Smartwatch
In the past Google has changed the name of its wearable OS from the Android Wear to Wear OS by Google. Now, again Wear OS by Google is renamed as Wear OS by Google Smartwatch. It indicates that probably Google is planning to launch its own smartwatch series. The official app and the website have also now changed to the new name. Last year, Google also purchased Fitbit and it is highly likely that the company’s next watch will be launched through Google platform. There are several brands like Mobvoi, Misfit, LG, and Fossil which use Wear OS platform. But, the change in designation is a significant step which indicates that Google is stepping ahead to announce its own smartwatch lineup.
Google is working to make Wear OS smartwatch smarter, more fitness-oriented and compatible with iPhone. Upcoming Google Wear OS smartwatch device will come with innovative and user-friendly features. Google Assistant helps users to make the watch a more proactive device and carry out several tasks conveniently. Also, it is expected that the features like Google Maps and smart run track integrated with smart Google Assistant help to do activities proactively.
Google aims at proactive health and fitness assistant Google Coach to analyze fitness data and provide accurate statistics and recommendations. The company is collaborating with various partners like Nest and Verily to improve the Assistant and for better health services. According to the patent, the next smartwatch may include a camera behind the watch face to enable capture photos through the watch. Probably, Google will introduce the next smartwatch with this feature to make it a more impressive device.
right now, it is just a name that has changed. We have to wait for more proof that the company is preparing a big event for its next smartwatch. Google has already packed Pixel lineup so the upcoming watch would be from Fitbit. Our eyes are on the news and we will inform you when we hear more about Google’s next move.
April 29, 2020
Mi Band 4 Update Allows to Rate Watch Faces & Share Heart Rate Data
When there is a news about Mi band 4C in the industry, Xiaomi is making sure the older trackers won’t stay behind. In that luckily, Mi Band 4 is worshiped with continuously receiving the latest updates with few significant changes. This time the Mi band 4 is receiving V1.0.9.48 that comes with the Activity heart rate sharing feature. Along with this change, there is now a redesigned Band Display Settings section in the Mi Fit app after the new app version V1.1.0. Second, the company allows you to rate the watch faces in the store so the developers should know which one is favorite, and which one should need some work.
The Activity heart rate tracking is not new to the Mi Band 4, since the Band 3 it is available for users. Though, after the launch of Band 4, the company removed it from the fitness tracker without giving any proper reason. Now, version V1.0.9.48 has brought it back. With the feature that appeared in Mi Fit app, you can share your heart rate data with other smart devices. When you enable the function, then with Bluetooth pairing, the band shares data with smartphones, smart devices, and also with apps like Apple Health. It is also helpful to share your heart rate report with your personal doctor.
Coming back to Band display settings, it has now categorized in a neat design. First, you will find your best watch faces in a particular category. Also, you can store watch face in the favorite section for later usage, and finally, you can rate the watch face from 1 to 5 value. The update is now live in India & Vietnam soon will enter in other regions. To get the latest version, you have to upgrade the Mi Fit app to the V1.1.0 version from the Play Store & iOS App Store. After the laptop unlocks update, it is another update in April that brings some changes to the app & tracker.
April 28, 2020
Latest Galaxy Buds+ Update Fixes Wind Noise Problem
To enhance the quality of the earbuds & to fix the known issues, Samsung always releases software updates from time to time. First Galaxy Buds+ update was also such an update that fixes the white noise issue and the delay in pairing the earbuds. Now to squash more bugs and to improve the overall quality of the Galaxy Buds+, Samsung has pushed out firmware version R175XXU0ATD3. The two notable changes in the latest version are, it solves the issue with wind noise & improves the effects of listening to the surrounding sounds.
First, it solves the problem with the function where it fails to suppress the sound of the wind when Ambient sound is enabled. Sometimes, in the windy weather, it was quite difficult to get better results where wind noise was heard loudly while on the call, and now it has made way for surrounding sound. The other change is that during the call when Ambient sound is enabled, it makes the effect of listening to the surrounding sounds a little more natural. We haven’t seen any problem with it though it is good to get better quality while on call.
Some of the users have also mentioned white noise issue has been solved. Actually, in the first Buds+ version Samsung has taken care of this side but looks like it was still there for some users. As per the changelog, the company has improved stability & reliability though you will also notice many improvements. To get the latest version on Galaxy Buds+, go to Wearable app on your paired smartphone and check for the newest firmware. The update is currently rolling out in South Korea & UK, and soon it will hit in other regions.
April 13, 2020
New Mi Band 3 & Band 4 Updates Allow to Unlock Your Laptop
After months of waiting Xiaomi’s fitness trackers are now receiving the latest firmware versions with the new features. The Mi Band 3 & Mi Band 4 are getting new updates that now allows them to unlock your laptops. Since the November, it is the first time both trackers have received some changes. Mi Band 4 gets new updates every month to fix some issues but not received any new function. Now, Mi Band 4 has jumped to V1.0.9.42 version from the previous V1.0.9.34 firmware. As some users noticed there is a minor improvement in the step counter & the company has taken care of ghost steps.
The new function that allows you to use your band to unlock laptop is quite useful. It supports Windows 10 running laptops and currently available for Indian users. Previously, you have to install a third-party side app on paired smartphones to unlock the laptop but now Xiaomi has loaded the support for the Mi Bands. It makes easy to unlock your computer & this way you can also secure your laptop.
Mi Fit app is now upgraded to 4.0.17 app version & it now supports Apple ID Sign-ins. The app has also killed known bugs to improve the user experience. Note that to install the new update on Mi Band 3 & Mi Band 4, first you have to update Mi Fit app to 4.0.17. Once you install a new Mi Fit update, then automatically your Mi Band 3 or 4 starts the update.
April 1, 2020
AKG N400 Wireless Earbuds Launched with ANC Feature
AKG has officially launched its new AKG N400 earbuds in the market with active noise cancelling feature. At the starting of this month, the earbuds introduced as a promotional offer of Samsung’s 8K QLED Smart TV. Now, users can buy it from Samsung’s official website of South Korea. The Galaxy Buds+ has missed active noise cancellation, where AKG’s new earbuds offer this function. The company also has launched an exclusive AKG app to pair the earbuds with your smartphone.
It takes 2 hours to fully charge and offers 12 hours of battery life in a single charge. In the Qi-certified quick charging mode, you can charge for 10 minutes to get 1 hour of battery life. The earbuds case also reserves the same 12 hours of battery life. As per the specs, it let you play 6 hours of music without ANC & 5 hours of music playback with ANC activated. It supports Bixby, Google Assistant & Siri to give you quick information. To do that, just touch your finger for 2 seconds on the right earbud to activate the function.
For protection when it gets wet, it comes with IPX7 waterproof ratings in 1 meter for 30 minutes. The AKG N400 true wireless earbuds are now available to purchase in South Korea. In the country, the earbuds priced at 219,000 won that $ 178 US dollar & comes in Black, Blue & Silver color options. The customers can buy from the official Samsung website, Samsung Digital Plaza, and other retailers in the home country.
March 30, 2020
Fitbit Premium Free for 90 Days, Unlocks all Paid Features
The world is now fighting with Coronavirus. All the governments are asking to stay at home or take all the necessary precautions. Fitbit has done the same and requests users to take care of health & wellness. Fitbit CEO & Co-founder James Park has today sent a letter to all Fitbit users to spread the awareness about the COVID-19. He said the company is working with various research institutes & healthcare communities, where Fitbit shares user’s data (not personal) for better study.
As per the research by Scripps Research Translation Institute, it has found that Fitbit is significantly better at finding influenza-like illness when the users wear the Fitbit wearables. Fitbit doesn’t have shared more data about this research, but the company says it will provide data to institutes who work to fight against COVID-19. James Park has also announced free 90 days trial of Fitbit Premium for all the users with 40 new premium content along with 150+ workouts from third-party companies. In these 90 days, users won’t be charged, and they can cancel it anytime.
In this situation, staying fit is the only option, so he requests people to eat healthy food, sleep well, stay active, and manage stress. Premium membership is also open in those countries where Fitbit hasn’t launched Premium or Coach services. Users in these countries can stream videos on their phones or computers. The Enterprise users can also unlock the feature at no extra cost to help their employees or colleagues.
March 21, 2020
Galaxy S10 Lite Update Gets New Camera Features
The affordable version of Galaxy S10 series, the Galaxy S10 Lite is now upgrading with new camera features. It has promoted with 48MP primary camera and 32MP front camera and the newly added features will surely give wide options to take advantage. The first firmware version for Galaxy S10 Lite is now rolling out in India that gives Super Steady Mode option to the UHD video recording of the rear camera. After the installation of the update, the smartphone will upgrade to firmware version G770FXXU2ATB2 that counts 416MB in size and secures Android’s February 2020 security patch. The device will also get an option to record videos in 16:9 UHD (3840×2160, 60fps) mode.
As per the changelog, the company has improved the overall picture quality of the Galaxy S10 Lite and also taken care of its stability. All flagship Samsung phones allow users to use Super Steady Mode in FHD, but here the company adds UHD recording to the Lite version. Apart from that, Samsung has improved the performance of the Fingerprint recognition system. We haven’t heard any issue in this department but still, it is good to get faster & secure performance. The phone has received February 2020 security patch level, it would have been better if they had given the March 2020 security patch like the other Galaxy S10 series devices. Anyway, Samsung might release the March security patch in the coming weeks.
To update the latest version on your Galaxy S10 Lite, go to Settings, and then Software Update, where you can check it manually. The Update is now distributing in India and soon it will come to other countries via OTA. These days, Samsung has become very fast to dispatch new firmware for its newly launched smartphones. Last week, the company had released its first software versions for Galaxy S20 Ultra & Galaxy Buds+, and now the Galaxy S10 Lite has received its first update.
March 2, 2020
Fitbit’s Blood Oxygen Monitoring Now Available in More Countries
Fitbit is now activating blood oxygen monitoring feature in more countries. When the company enabled the function it was only available for a small fraction of users in the US to test the functionality. Now the company has released it for the users in the UK & Canada as blood oxygen saturation data has appeared in the app. As we confirmed with many users, it has now available for Fitbit Versa, Versa Lite, Versa 2, Ionic and Charge 3 wearables.
The company has also enabled this feature for more US users on the mentioned Fitbit wearables. There is also some chatter about the availability in Sweden but we haven’t confirmed it yet though you can check it manually in the Fitbit app. The blood oxygen monitoring sensor on the back of the device uses to detect the sleep apnea and also track your sleep quantity & quality—the sensor work by detecting blood flow through the outer layer of the skin.
The Fitbit CEO Jack park said it is the first step and the company’s goal is to get FDA clearance for a sleep apnea diagnosis feature. Further, he noted Fitbit is collecting clinical data to test & develop FDA-cleared function. Like before, the blood oxygen variation will be available for limited users in UK & Canada and later, more users will get it. To see the enabled function open the Fitbit app and head to the Sleep section.
February 20, 2020
Galaxy Home Mini Will Release on February 12
Samsung is working on Galaxy Home Mini for quite a long time. Since the announcement, Samsung had never announced the release date. We got the first sign when Samsung opened a beta testing program for Galaxy Home Mini in August last year. Now after long waiting, the company has finally revealed the launch date for its AI-based smart speaker. Samsung will officially launch Galaxy Home Mini on February 12. South Korea will be the first country to get Galaxy Home Mini smart speaker for 99,000 won.
Last month, In the CES 2020 event CEO of Samsung’s consumer electronics division, Hyunsuk Kim hinted to launch the product in early 2020. That means, soon the smart speaker will land in other major regions. On the reason for the delay, the company said it delayed due to the company focused on making it control hub for other smart home devices rather than just Bixby voice assistant. The beta program for the smart speaker was also part of it.
Update: Samsung has removed the original article from its official website for some reason or to update the information. You may encounter the broken link so here is the screenshot (in Korean) from official website, taken before it went down.
The Samsung Galaxy Home Mini was introduced in August 2018 and since then, it had seen many launch dates. Now finally, Samsung decided to make it official for the customers, at least in the home country. Samsung will unveil Galaxy S20 series smartphones on February 11 and the next day we will see the first smart speaker from the company. In the market, it will compete with Google Nest Mini & Amazon Alexa Echo smart speakers.
February 3, 2020
New Amazfit GTR & GTS Update Improves GPS Speed & Accuracy
Huami has listened to all its customers who have complained about slow & inaccurate GPS functionality. The Amazfit GTR & Amazfit GTS were the two smartwatches that have GPS issues for an extended period. Now Huami has released a new software update in China to improve the GPS positioning on both watches. The firmware version 1.6.7.41 is available for Amazfit GTR 47mm and firmware version 0.1.0.47 is available for 42mm model. The Amazfit GTS is getting a 0.0.8.37 firmware version in China.
In the last update, both devices have received an automatic screen timeout feature for Always-on Display along with fixes for the black screen problem. Both missed dealing with the actual problem of having since the beginning. The latest update only mentions, “Optimized GPS positioning speed and accuracy.” It means that Huami has rolled out this version solely to tackle with GPS issue and to improve the speed and accuracy. Most of the customers have a problem with slower GPS and its accuracy while doing outdoor activities and we hope the company has solved it.
The new firmware is rolling out In China so, at this time, we can’t review the GPS on both watches. If any of you have installed it, then you can share your experience with updated GPS in the comment box below. The new version for both Amazfit GTR & Amazfit GTS will available soon in other countries.
January 17, 2020
Fitbit Activates Blood Oxygen Monitoring (SpO2) Feature
Finally, Fitbit has activated blood oxygen monitoring or SpO2 feature on its Versa family, Ionic & charge 3 wearables. Today, many Fitbit users are reporting first-time blood oxygen saturation data with a graph inside the Fitbit app. Fitbit included a SpO2 sensor on Versa series & Ionic to improve the health tracking powers. The recent fitness tracker, Charge 3, had also come with it but the company postponed to activate the function. It is impactful to track the stop breathing during sleep and monitoring blood oxygen levels so most of the fitness-centric users were waiting for it.
Earlier this year, Fitbit CEO, Jack Park, promised users to enable the function for all users in the coming fall. He said the SpO2 graph would be available for all the devices that have a SpO2 sensor. Now, almost a year after the launch of Charge 3, the company has opened the feature for all the users. The function is helpful in the sleep score metric to measure sleep quantity and quality. Also, it best in the detection of sleep apnea.
You will notice the Estimated Oxygen Variation option enabled in the Fitbit app when you receive the new update. As per the report we received while writing this article, the update is available in the USA. It is now rolling out on first-generation Fitbit Versa, Versa Lite, Versa 2, Ionic and Fitbit Charge 3 devices. The SpO2 is already available on Honor Band 5, 5i, Huawei Band 4 Pro and some Huami Amazfit smartwatches.
January 15, 2020
Mi Band 5 Will Have 1.2-inch Screen, Google Pay Support
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is now widely available in all major countries. It became one of the best selling fitness bands all across the world because of its future-packed functions at a low price. Now, Xiaomi is moving ahead to launch Mi Band 5 with more advanced features. As we got the exclusive information, Xiaomi will increase the touch screen size to 1.2-inch on Mi Band 5. It will be lighter and more contrast, which makes it better readable in the sunlight. The current Mi Band 4 has a 0.95-inch display so the next tracker will have more readable space. Of course, it will be a full-colored AMOLED screen.
As we said in October, the next Mi Band 5 will support NFC function outside China. Now we have insider news confirms NFC on a global version for contactless payments. It opens the door for Google Pay & other payment services to take advantage of it. Currently, only Mi Pay works on Mi Bands to pay any purchases and to pay for travel in transit. At present, the NFC is only supported on Mi Band 3 & Band 4 in China & only for residents. It will be going to change on the next band as the demand for the NFC version is growing fast.
The price for Mi Band 5 will be 179 Yuan in China, which is nearly 26 US dollars. The prices may vary in other countries. Mi Band 4 is selling at $35 so we could see a little price bump with the next band. Huami has confirmed that it is making Mi Band 5. Huami said there is no exclusive deal signed between both companies though it will work with Xiaomi on many upcoming projects. It is now confirmed Xiaomi will launch Mi Band 5 in June and China will be the first country to get it.
January 9, 2020