Main topic: Apple Watch set to receive a major redesign in 2022.
Key points:
1. The upcoming Apple Watch, called "Watch X," will be the 10th edition of the device.
2. Apple plans to introduce the most significant redesign of the Apple Watch since its launch in 2015.
3. Previous annual updates to the Apple Watch have been minor, with only small changes or additions.
Samsung's One UI Watch 5 update brings new features to older Wear OS Galaxy smartwatches, including the ability to organize apps in folders for improved accessibility and organization.
Garmin is rolling out a major update to select smartwatches and GPS cycling computers, introducing new features such as endurance and hill scores, muscle maps, weather map overlays, fish forecast, gaming activity integration, and group ride functionality.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will have upgraded sensors, components, and a focus on speed, efficiency, and accuracy, including a new version of the heart rate sensor and an all-new "U2" ultra wideband chip for improved location tracking.
Apple will announce its next generation of mobile products, including the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra, at its upcoming Wonderlust event, with the Ultra expected to have significant design improvements and both watches potentially featuring upgraded sensors and processors.
Apple will unveil the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 at its September 12 event, featuring a new optical heart rate sensor, improved sensors and components, and a focus on performance and speed.
Apple's watchOS 10, launching on September 18, introduces a facelift to the platform by emphasizing widgets and simplifying multitasking.
The Apple Watch Series 9 features a new S9 chip that enables faster performance, on-device Siri processing, and a new gesture called Double Tap, enhancing the user experience of the smartwatch.
Apple has announced an updated version of the Apple Watch Ultra, powered by the S9 chip and featuring a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, with a starting price of $799.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, designed for outdoor adventures, boasts a longer battery life and faster performance with the new S9 SiP processor, while also featuring a brighter display that is easily visible in any lighting conditions.
Apple has announced that watchOS 10, which includes new features such as widgets, redesigned system apps, and advanced workout features, will be available starting September 18 for Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models.
The "Double Tap" feature, a new way of interacting with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, will not be available at launch but will be added via a software update next month.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers modest upgrades from its predecessor, focusing on expanded health tracking features such as personalized sleep coaching and heart rate zone training, but those with previous models may not need to upgrade. The watch also boasts a sleeker design, longer battery life, and comparable features to other leading smartwatches.
The Apple Watch Series 9 disappoints by not offering more accurate location tracking through dual-frequency GPS, which many other fitness brands have implemented in their watches at a lower price point.
The Galaxy Watch 6 is the first smartwatch with WearOS 4 and offers a range of features, making it a smooth operator.
Main topic: Review of the Apple Watch Series 9
Key points:
1. Introduction of new methods of interaction: Double Tap and Raise to Speak (to Siri)
2. On-device Siri processing for convenient voice control
3. Enhanced fitness tracking capabilities and carbon neutral product
(Note: Battery life, new UWB chip, and screen brightness are also mentioned in the content, but they are not included as key points since they are not as significant as the ones listed above.)
Garmin is expected to release the Vivoactive 5, a new smartwatch with an AMOLED display and improved battery life, making it a strong contender against the Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple has released watchOS 10.0.1, a minor update that includes bug fixes and security updates for the Apple Watch, and can be downloaded for free through the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 17.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is recommended for those who don't already own a Series 7 or Series 8, as it offers the same features and more, while the Series 7 is only worth buying at a heavily discounted price due to its similar features.
Apple's WatchOS 10 update has rendered first-generation Apple Watches nearly useless due to a major change that disabled the side button and moved essential controls to it without an option to remap or customize.
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to have advanced health features, a safety check feature, faster internals, and new watch bands, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
Apple launched watchOS 10, which includes features such as Night Mode, multiple timers, access to the App Switcher, adjustable flashlight brightness, and the ability to find your iPhone and hiking trails, among others.
The Apple Watch Series 9 was found to be more accurate than the Fitbit Inspire 3 in counting steps during a test comparing the two fitness trackers.
Fitbit has unveiled the Charge 6, the latest fitness watch with subtle hardware changes but significant software features that integrate with Google services, including turn-by-turn navigation instructions, improved heart rate accuracy, compatibility with gym equipment, Google Wallet integration, haptic buttons, and YouTube Music control.
Apple has moved the Series 0 Apple Watch to the "obsolete" category, meaning that owners will no longer be able to receive any kind of service for their eight-year-old devices.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a similar physical design to its predecessor, but it offers notable improvements in features and performance, such as a faster processor, increased storage, a brighter display, longer battery life, and new features like double tap gesture support and on-device Siri with health access. However, these upgrades may not be compelling enough for those who already own the previous model.
Early adopters of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now access the new double tap gesture with the public beta of watchOS 10.1, which allows users to interact with their watch without touching the display, making it more convenient for tasks when the other hand is occupied.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the 2024 Apple Watch will not offer significant innovative experiences, such as a micro-LED display or blood glucose monitoring, but there may still be the possibility of a high-end "Apple Watch X" that offers more changes.
The Pixel Watch 2 offers incremental improvements over its predecessor, with a focus on health tracking and integration with the Fitbit platform, but lacks compelling features to justify an upgrade from the original model, making it one of the best smartwatches available but not a significant leap forward.
The Apple Watch Series 8 with GPS is currently on sale for up to $175 off at Target, offering an always-on display and fast charging, making it a great option for those not interested in the latest Series 9.
