Wearables
Google launches its first smartwatch, the Pixel Watch
Your next Fitbit alternative
So, the rumors were true. Recently, the then-unannounced Pixel Watch showed up in a Chicago restaurant. The mysterious device turned a lot of heads especially since Google hasn’t officially entered the smartwatch industry yet, outside of purchasing Fitbit. Now, it’s time to lay the rumors to rest. During the latest Google I/O, Google has officially launched the Pixel Watch.
If you’ve seen the left-behind wearable, then you know what the official device looks like. The Pixel Watch is a circular timepiece with a crown that sits comfortably on your wrist. However, though the crown should see some use, the spotlight is on the device’s software.
The watch comes with Wear OS by Google, packing a lot of Google features — like Google Assistant, Maps, and Wallet — into its lithe frame. Plus, it’s not the Wear OS you know, either. Google has refreshed the software’s interface, making it easier to read and glance at.
If you’re more familiar with Fitbit, the Pixel Watch will remain compatible with Fitbit’s software. You can still use your Fitbit account to keep track of your fitness goals, including heart rate, active zone minutes, and sleep quality.
The smartwatch also comes in a 4G LTE variant. You can leave your phone behind while you go on a run.
Discreet wearables are finally a thing. Though huge screens are still thriving in the market, there is a growing demand for wearables that don’t make it obvious that they’re wearables. Besides smart rings, we now have screen-less fitness bands, highlighted by the new Google Fitbit Air.
Fitbit has been known as a wearable brand for a long time now. However, the wearable has since mellowed out since getting bought by Google, especially after the launch of the Pixel Watch. Now, Google is aiming for a resurgence of Fitbit in the screen-less market.
Today, Google is launching the Fitbit Air, a screen-less band that’s designed for subtlety and comfort, while maintaining the brand’s prowess in fitness tracking. On the outside, the new wearable presents itself as a modest customizable band. On the inside, a pebble-shaped device rests comfortably between the band and your skin. This little pebble packs all the tech that can give you a rundown of your fitness.
Since the Fitbit Air doesn’t have a screen, you can control everything via the new Google Health app. It also has automatic workout tracking which starts when the device detects activity. Users can then view their workouts afterwards on the app.
Besides workouts, the Fitbit Air has an optical heartrate monitor, a 3-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, an SpO2 monitor, and a temperature sensor. There’s also a vibration motor for alarms.
A single charge can reportedly last up to seven days. Plus, a five-minute charge is enough for a day’s worth of battery.
The Fitbit Air will ship starting May 26. It starts at US$ 99.99. A special Stephen Curry edition retails for US$ 129.99.
It comes in Obsidian, Fog, Berry, and Lavender. You can also get a sweat-proof Active Sport Band (US$ 34.99) or an Elevated Modern band (US$ 49.99).
When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.
According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.
If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.
Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.
To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.
However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.
SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade
News
Samsung Galaxy Glasses revealed in leaked images
It’s out first glimpse since getting teased by Samsung.
Samsung’s next major project is now making its first peek from the shadows. The upcoming Galaxy Glasses recently surfaced in a major leak.
Being an unannounced device, Samsung has not revealed anything substantial about the new glasses yet. We know it exists, though. Months ago, the company made direct allusions to “next-generation AR glasses.” Now, for the first time, the so-called Galaxy Glasses are real, albeit via a leak.
Revealed by Android Headlines, the Galaxy Glasses look like a standard set of frames but with some tech built inside. It’s not a complete package yet, though. Codenamed “Jinju,” the first iteration of the wearable will not have a display. Instead, it will have a built-in camera, which users can interface with via Android XR.
It’s not the only thing, too. Though the leak depicts the Jinju, Samsung is reportedly working on a second iteration already. Codenamed “Haean,” the second generation will have a micro-LED display. That pair might debut in 2027.
In the meantime, the Jinju is expected to launch later this year at an undisclosed date. The likeliest candidate is the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked in a few months.
Though undisclosed, this might not be the only time we’ll hear about the Galaxy Glasses. Next month, Google is hosting its annual I/O event. Android XR will likely make an appearance, so expect Samsung’s wearable to be bandied around even if it’s just a mention.
Additionally, Samsung won’t be the only player. Google is also expected to launch its own pair of glasses soon.
SEE ALSO: Samsung is teasing smart glasses again
-
Singapore1 week agovivo Y Series launches in Singapore with bigger battery, durability upgrades
-
Automotive2 weeks agoThe VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers
-
Gaming1 week agoPRAGMATA is not for the faint of heart
-
Features2 weeks agoA Galaxy summer to remember
-
Laptops7 days agoSpotlight: ASUS Zenbook A16
-
Gaming1 week agoStar Wars: Galactic Racer launches October 6
-
Gaming7 days agoStranger Than Heaven is a Yakuza prequel with Snoop Dogg
-
News7 days agoiPhone 17 is the best-selling phone of 2026 so far

