Wearables
Garmin launches first solar-charging running smartwatch
The Forerunner 955 Solar
Garmin Philippines is launching the Forerunner 955 Solar, their first premium running smartwatch with a solar charging feature.
On top of its advanced health and wellness monitoring features such as Pulse Ox (blood oxygen saturation) and Body Battery (energy monitoring), the new wearable has an innovative Power Glass solar charging lens.
This gives users up to 20 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or up to 49 hours in GPS mode.
It has an always-on, full-color display with a responsive touchscreen to complement the traditional five-button design for fast access to health features and easier control of maps and more.
Here are more highlights of the Garmin’s new smartwatch:
- Real-time stamina insights: Users are able to monitor and track their exertion levels in real-time while recording a physical activity; using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro also gives real-time metrics
- 24/7 tracking: Sleep, heart rate viability, and more
- Multi-band GPS: Multi-band, multi-satellite-system tracking for accurate location
- Race widget: All-in-one widget that personalizes an athlete’s workout based on race day; also shows race day weather, countdown clock, and race-day performance prediction
- Built-in music: Capable of playing over 2,000 songs via Spotify
- Personalization: Choose from watch faces, data fields, apps and widgets via the Connect IQ Store.
Pricing, availability
The Forerunner 955 Solar is now available at Garmin Brand Stores, kinetic.com.ph, Lazada, Shopee and the Garmin PH Viber Community for PhP 34,995. A non-solar charging version also retails for PhP 40,865.
As an introductory offer, customers can avail of a 20 percent discount for ASICS products until October 15, 2022 with any purchase of a Forerunner 955 smartwatch.
Did you hear that? That was the sound of a nepo baby opening their wallet for a new piece of ostentatious luxury. For those dissatisfied with the sheer number of convenient smartwatch options out in the market, Tag Heuer has just partnered with New Balance for a new sporty watch.
Now, if a luxury watch brand like Tag Heuer started offering smartwatches meant for sport, I wouldn’t usually give a second glance. Leaving the sporty features to the ones with experience sounds like a better idea, anyway.
However, the new Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E5 40mm x New Balance Edition has some pedigree behind it. The running shoe brand is lending its experience in sports to help produce a worthy smartwatch.
Shining in lilac and mint green, the smartwatch is quite the looker. Yes, it does look like it’s asking me to get in the effin’ robot, but the color combination works. The curved glass and the textile strap adds to the premium-but-functional feel.
Inside, the Connected Calibre E5 has a good array of sensors you might need for an active day, including a heart rate monitor, GPS, an altimeter, and a sleep tracker. It also comes with workouts tailored by New Balance.
It comes with a hefty Snapdragon 5100+ processor and Tag Heuer OS, which is based on the Android Open Source Project.
As a downside, the battery lasts only a day-and-a-half on full power, and only two days on low power mode. It can charge to full in just 90 minutes, though.
And now for the price. Just like any Tag Heuer watch, the Connected Calibre E5 40mm x New Balance Edition costs quite a lot of pennies — US$ 2,050, to be exact.
SEE ALSO: Unboxing the latest Apple Watch × Hermès
News
Suunto joins Strava in legal battle against Garmin
Last week, Strava started a surprising legal war against Garmin. The latter allegedly infringed on several software patents. Now, another company is joining the fight. Suunto is also suing Garmin for hardware-related patent infringements.
Strava’s issues stem from software-related issues. Some features, especially Garmin’s heatmaps, are allegedly violating Strava’s own patents. Thus, Strava is asking the courts to stop Garmin from selling its infringing devices, which coincidentally makes up most of the company’s lineup.
In contrast, Suunto’s issues are geared towards Garmin’s hardware. However, the desired end result is the same: stopping Garmin from selling its watches.
Via Canadian Running, Garmin reportedly violated up to five hardware patents. These patents supposedly cover a variety of features including antenna positioning, golf swing detection, and the case’s design.
The suit was filed on September 22, so it’s a fairly recent development too. Much like Strava, Suunto wants financial compensation and an injunction against Garmin selling affected smartwatches. Coincidentally, the devices affected once again include most of Garmin’s devices.
Last week, it felt unlikely that Strava’s lawsuit would lead to the collapse of Garmin’s business. However, with two companies now fighting against the one, the fight just got more interesting. To be fair, the cases might still end up with nothing happening, but it’s still worth following.
SEE ALSO: Strava is suing Garmin over alleged patent infringements
It’s been 10 years since Apple and Hermès first teamed up to bring French luxury craftsmanship to the Apple Watch.
From iconic leather straps to exclusive watch faces, this partnership has transformed how we see wearable tech.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Apple Watch Hermès experience so special — or if the 10th Anniversary Edition is worth it — you won’t want to miss this.
Here’s our 10-year special of the solidified partnership between Apple x Hermès alongside the latest series of the premium Apple Watch.
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