Wearables

Pixel Watch reportedly set to launch in 2022

Google’s first in-house watch

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Today’s tech buzzword is “in-house,” apparently. More and more, the world’s most popular brands are coming up with their own in-house components and devices to reduce their reliance on third-party suppliers. The first major proponent of the trend, Google, recently released their first in-house chipset, the Tensor, for its new Pixel lineup. Months after that launch, Google is back with another plan for another in-house device: the Pixel Watch.

According to Insider, Google is developing its first in-house smartwatch for a launch scheduled sometime in 2022. Earlier this year, Google purchased Fitbit, bolstering its presence and assets in the wearable industry. However, as the report indicates, the upcoming wearable is under Google’s capable hands, rather than Fitbit’s team.

This isn’t the Pixel Watch’s first time shining under a hypothetical spotlight, though. Years ago, Google was also rumored to launch the device but never did. Now that the industry is ripe for wearables and that Google has Fitbit, the company might feel more confident about releasing the device next year.

The upcoming watch, currently spotted with the codename “Rohan,” will have the standard array of fitness tracking features but will cost more than a Fitbit. Also, to flex its partnership with Fitbit, Google is also working on more integration between Fitbit devices and Wear OS. Given that promise, the upcoming Pixel Watch might place itself in an ecosystem with Fitbit.

SEE ALSO: Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score will determine if you’re ready for a workout

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HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro for golf launches

Professional golf management on your wrist

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The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has officially launched. This collaboration between HUAWEI and HONMA Golf, Japan’s prestigious golf house, brings professional golf management to users’ wrists.

Along with advanced smart technology and decades of craftsmanship tailor-made for golf, the premium wearable transforms the way golfers play, track, and enjoy every round.

The limited-edition HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro comes in a Premium Gift Box. It is priced starting PhP 17,999 (~ US$ 307) until March 11 in the Philippines before it reverts to its original price of PhP 19,999 (~ US$ 341).

The Premium Collection Gift Box comes with golf accessories: a commemorative golf ball, divot toll, and special ball marker.

The golf-centric premium smartwatch features professional-grade golf intelligence. It also comes with more than 17,000 zoomable 3D course maps worldwide, including more than 100 local maps.

This allows golfers to visualize fairways, hazards, and landing zones in advance to plan each hole with confidence.

Instead of guessing, players can manage risks better, commit to their shots, and focus on execution.

Moreover, Green Slope Direction gives clearer insight into how a putt will break. Play-Like Distance, meanwhile, factors in elevation changes and wind conditions.

Furthermore, AI Caddie works quietly in the background, analyzing swing history, performance trends, and course layout to offer smarter recommendations moving forward.

Complementing these are Shot Distance Tracking and digital scorecards which automatically capture every swing and score. This way, users can understand their insights and track progress after each round.

And using the HUAWEI Health app, users can also access Through Ball Trajectory Sharing to relive their best shots and review key moments.

Here’s the complete set of on-course tools with the HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro:

  • Greens View
  • Fairway View
  • Fairway Panoramic View
  • Front / Middle / Rear Green Distance
  • Obstacle View Ranging
  • View Obstacle Zone/Target
  • Free Point Ranging
  • Wind Speed/Wind Direction
  • Electronic Scorecard
  • Half-Court Scoring
  • Switch Court function
  • Play-Like Distance

Luxurious designs

Design wise, every detail of the wearable reflects premium Japanese craftsmanship. Its default HONMA Elemental Dial features a traditional Japanese Pine Leaf Pattern.

This is paired with a putter-shaped second hand. There is also another HONMA-exclusive option with a BERES 7S dial in vibrant blue with Mt. Fuji for a truly iconic look.

The HONMA x HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has an aerospace-grade titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, and HONMA-engraved gold buckle for a luxurious yet durable build.

In front is a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The watch also lasts up to 21 days on a single charge.

Health features are likewise advanced, including heart rate, HRV, breathing, and interruptions. Stress and emotional wellbeing are also tracked every 10 minutes and integrated into the HUAWEI Health app.

Aside from golf, the watch supports over 100 sports modes, including pro-level activities. There’s also support for freediving for up to 40 meters with depth and duration tracking.

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Samsung is teasing smart glasses again

The brand is experimenting with more form factors.

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What comes next after the smartphone? For years, brands hunted for an answer. Apple, for example, placed its bet on the Vision Pro, a wager that hasn’t paid off yet. Samsung, on the other hand, is betting on a different horse: augmented reality.

In a new earnings call (via Seeking Alpha), Samsung’s Seong H. Cho, the brand’s head for mobile marketing, confirmed that they will experiment more with “diverse form factors such as next-generation AR glasses.”

Samsung has been teasing a pair of glasses for a while now. However, with an impressive lineup already in the works (including the brand’s first trifold smartphone), it’s understandable that hype for the teased glasses took a bit of a backseat.

But, with an official word now about the wearable, the game is once again on to create an impressive pair of smart glasses.

The only question here is the “next-generation” part. Since Samsung doesn’t really have a pair out in the market right now, it’s a bit difficult to determine what the next generation might mean.

Of course, it could simply be a marketing term that implies smart glasses are the next generation of technology. If it pertains to what’s already out in the market, it could mean a pair that comes with a camera or even a display. Of note, most smart glasses today (or, at least, those accessible to most users) use only audio for its smart functionalities.

SEE ALSO: Samsung teases anti-shoulder surfing privacy feature

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Wearables

HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i to launch in the Philippines

Best ANC earbuds under US$ 100?

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The HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, featuring AI noise cancellation, is coming to the Philippines on February 2. It promises a sub-PhP 5,000 asking price, and an advanced noise cancellation for earbuds under the segment.

Of course, users are also assured of immersive audio, pro-level call clarity, and more features in one sleek, modern package.

At the wearables’ core is Dynamic ANC 4.0. This is capable of an average full-band noise reduction depth of 28 dB and up to 55 dB maximum noise cancellation.

The earbuds focus on average full-band performance rather than isolated frequency peaks. This way, the noise reduction experience is more natural and consistent — aligning with how the human ear perceives sound.

The advanced system is powered by an ultra-large 8 mm² rear vent and super-sized air guide cavity. These are designed to absorb and slow down external noise more effectively. They also detect and cancel noise faster and more accurately.

Moreover, the HUAWEI Freebuds 7i also boast of an advanced six-microphone system that can suppress up to 90 dB of ambient noise.

Combined with a bone-conduction mic, Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), and AI call noise reduction, users are ensured of stable and clear calls, wherever they may be.

New dimension of immersive sound

Beyond the ANC capabilities, HUAWEI’s latest offering is equipped with a newly added Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for Unlimited Spatial Audio with six-axis sensor and head tracking.

This creates a dynamic 3D soundstage that adapts naturally as users move. Unlike traditional spatial audio systems, the feature works independently of device type or content source.

Inside are 11mm quad-magnetic dynamic drivers paired with Hi-Res Audio certification. The balanced sound signature features punchy bass and bright yet delicate treble. Such is suited for several scenarios, including music, gaming, videos, and calls.

Other features include IP54 dust and water resistance, as well as dual-device connectivity and full compatibility with both Android and iOS.

The buds last up to 35 hours along with their charging case. Fast charging support also offers hours of listening for just a brief 10-minute charge.

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