Wearables
Samsung is reportedly building a new Android-based watch
Goodbye Tizen?
Before the current rise of smartwatches, Samsung captured swaths of the emerging industry armed with the Linux-based Tizen operating system. However, the operating system is definitely one of the most controversial ones out there, especially when compared to Apple’s watchOS and Google’s Wear OS. To the clamor of Android smartwatch fans, Samsung is reportedly building a new Android-based watch, instead of a Tizen one.
Leaked by renowned Samsung leaker Ice Universe, Samsung will return to its Android roots in the next smartwatch launch. Notably, the leaker used “Android,” instead of Google’s Wear OS. With that wording, it remains ambiguous which form of Android will don the upcoming Gear.
Samsung's new watch will use Android to replace Tizen.
— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) February 19, 2021
As mentioned above, Samsung had used Android for its smartwatches previously. The last one to use the operating system was 2013’s Galaxy Gear. Since then, Samsung switched to Tizen. At the time, Google’s smartwatch software ecosystem was still in its relative infancy. Now, however, Google can boast a thriving ecosystem filled with numerous devices from various brands. One of the key strengths that Samsung can tap is a wider variety of compatible apps. Though Tizen is still superior in terms of battery life, the Linux system doesn’t exactly have a robust gallery of apps.
Currently, no one knows when the next Galaxy Watch, if it’s called that this year, will launch. Though Ice Universe’s leak definitely carries some weight, the upcoming Android-based watch will have to wait for the next report.
SEE ALSO: Samsung is launching ECG monitoring for the Galaxy Watch 3
It’s not often that other brands are trailing behind Apple on an innovation; usually, it’s the other way around. But that’s not the case with the Vision Pro. However, given how lackluster the headset is, it’s no surprise that Apple’s rivals aren’t quickly jumping on the new segment. Now, more than two years since Apple’s debut, Samsung is ready to unveil its own mixed reality headset.
Today, Samsung has officially issued invites for an upcoming event on October 21. There is no mystery as to what’s coming next week. The company has explicitly stated that the event will reveal “a new category of AI-native devices”. The announcement even names Project Moohan, the current codename for the brand’s mixed reality headset.
In contrast to Apple’s native software, Samsung’s headset will run on Android XR, Google’s newest platform for mixed reality hardware, co-developed with Qualcomm. It will also, predictably, infuse the platform with AI-based features.
Looks-wise, the invite comes with a tiny sneak peek at what the headset looks like. Half of the graphic has the familiar dome shape of a typical headset, made to look like the curvature of the globe.
Other than that, we’ll just have to wait a week for the headset’s launch. If anything, the segment is finally warming up. A few months ago, vivo unleashed the Vision, its own take on mixed reality headsets. There’s also some expectation that Apple might finally update the Vision Pro in a more consumer-friendly way.
SEE ALSO: vivo Vision undoubtedly wants to take over Apple’s Vision Pro
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
-
Tablets2 weeks agoThe Xiaomi Pad Mini is discounted until October 13
-
Cameras7 days agoDJI Osmo Nano review
-
Reviews7 days agoThe HONOR MagicPad 3 is an almost perfect premium pad partner
-
Deals2 weeks agoThe new Lenovo Legion Tab comes with a free GameSir G8+ this month
-
Reviews5 days agoSamsung Galaxy S25 FE review: Closer to flagship than ever
-
Reviews2 weeks agoTECNO Slim review: Smexy, Antifragile Slab
-
News5 days agovivo X300 Pro headlines Dimensity 9500 and Sony’s LYT-828 image sensor
-
Reviews2 weeks agoThe Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro is a midrange wearable in premium packaging

