Two years ago, I had the privilege of going hands-on with Meta Orion glasses. It was the first time I'd used a pair of AR glasses that didn't feel like a massively compromised experience, and while they weren't quite ready for prime time, I knew a proper consumer version wasn't far off.

Sure enough, Meta debuted Ray-Ban Display glasses at last year's Meta Connect show in September. They're not quite the full vision Orion showed me was possible, but they made the right concessions to deliver good-looking frames at a good price.

Now, a year later, I'm asking the question: have they been worth it, and should you buy them, or should you wait for the next big release?

What can Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses do?

Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses retail for $799 and are available at stores like Best Buy, where you can stop in and try a pair on. These support a narrow prescription range, so be sure to get your prescription filled when you order, since the lenses can't be easily swapped out after ordering.

Ray-Ban Display glasses feature a display in the right lens only to reduce weight and battery use. This is a full-color display and doesn't have the warping or light bleed found in similar glasses like Even Realities G2 or MemoMind One. The sophisticated lenses and displays are a hallmark of Meta's glasses and a major difference from the competition.

I spoke with Lumus, the manufacturer of the waveguide displays Meta uses, to better understand how the tech works. In a nutshell, these full-color optics are built for privacy and clarity. People cannot see your display, even if they put their face right up to the outside of your glasses.

Meta's software is also substantially more robust and mature than any other smart glasses platform I've used to date. It integrates directly with popular fitness services like Garmin and Strava, and supports all of Meta's apps and services, like WhatsApp and Instagram.

Viewing Instagram feeds on the display is novel, though it's a bit visually tiring since the display is in only one lens. You'll never have an issue seeing things since the display gets so bright (yes, even in direct sunlight), but the monocular vision can be very jarring for some tasks.

Reading messages, navigating, checking notifications, and controlling music are all perfect examples of how this hardware shines. Even taking pictures with the built-in viewfinder feels like a major step-up from Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses, which have no display and can only give you audio feedback.

Like those glasses, Ray-Ban Display also has built-in microphones and speakers and can do everything those can do (plus more). The camera quality is excellent, and you can even zoom in using the camera viewfinder, which isn't something supported on non-display Meta AI glasses.

Updates and apps make all the difference

When Meta launched Ray-Ban Display last year, it very much felt like a beta product. The glasses had tons of promise, but the vision clearly wasn't complete. It didn't even ship with the handwriting recognition feature that Mark Zuckerberg proudly showed off on stage at last year's Connect.

One year later, Display not only has that and every other promised feature, but it also sports some fresh features Meta didn't initially show off. My favorite feature addition so far is app support, but this comes with a big caveat. Apps all require smartphone connectivity to work, and you'll need to add them through a beta UI panel on the Meta AI app on your phone.

The easiest way to find them is the Meta Glasses Apps website, which gives you a QR code you can scan with your phone to get it quickly added to your glasses app list.

The problem with the current crop of apps is that only 26 are available. Clearly, Meta is having just as hard a time convincing developers to make content for these glasses as it did convincing the same developers to make 2D apps for its Quest headsets.

And that's really the core problem with Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses. While Meta has proven itself time and time again to deliver incredible support and regular updates to its excellent hardware products, the company continues to have a difficult time courting developers for its ecosystems.

The band is still the best (and worst) part

Meta's Neural Band, which is required to interact with most of Ray-Ban Display's UI, is truly brilliant. The band is vitally important to the experience because you can interact with the glasses without pointing or holding your hand in the air. Keep your hands in your pockets, if you like, or just leave them in your lap. It's effortless and brilliant.

The degree of control it delivers over the floating glasses UI is astounding, and the haptic feedback you receive with each interaction is paramount to making the glasses feel like a more authentic experience. It's essentially the touchscreen of the smart glasses world.

The band is ultra-responsive and never misses a beat. You interact with the glasses' UI through gestures the band picks up, understanding the nuances of muscle movement and electrical signals. The first time you respond to a message by writing with your fingers or adjust music volume by turning an invisible nob is going to blow your mind.

I'm someone who dislikes wearing watches all day because they irritate my wrist, especially when I'm writing, but Meta's comfortable cloth construction feels different.

However, the worst part about needing the Neural Band is that you have to remember to charge it. Battery life is slightly longer than the glasses, but you'll still need to charge it once per day.

Like most smartwatches, this one uses a bespoke charger that doesn't work with anything else. That also means that if you lose the charger (like I did), you won't be able to use your glasses until you find the charger or buy a new one.

Should you buy it?

The short answer is no; most people should not buy these glasses. While they represent a big step up in capability compared to standard Meta AI glasses, there simply aren't enough reasons for the average person to spend twice the amount of money (or more) on them versus a pair without a display.

I love what Meta built here and think it's a great template for upcoming smart glasses that will inevitably be lighter, have thinner frames, better battery life, and more functionality. For now, though, these are an amazing tech toy that's perfect for

Huawei knows a thing or ten about making a great smartwatch, and the Watch Ultimate 2 is still one of my favorite smartwatches. After releasing the Watch Fit 5 Pro a few months ago, Huawei has now introduced the Watch GT 7 Pro, and it is now available in the U.K. for £379 ($511), and as is the case with every new launch, there are decent launch incentives that bring the cost down to £329 ($443), and the brand is bundling the Huawei Scale 3 along with Huawei Care+ as free gifts when you buy the smartwatch.

The Watch GT 7 Pro has a lot of great features, but I'm starting with the one I like the most: battery life. While the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 manage to last just over two days between charges, the Watch GT 7 Pro delivers a week of usage before you'll need to charge it. This is with heavy use involving daily exercise monitoring, always-on panel, and 24/7 health monitoring.

This is the main reason why I continue to wear Huawei smartwatches, and not having to worry about charging the watch every other day is just plain refreshing. You can make the GT 7 Pro last longer by not using the always-on mode, and in that situation, you get around 10 days of battery life.

At the outset, the GT 7 Pro doesn't look too different to last year's GT 6 Pro, and that's a good thing. Just like Samsung and Google's smartwatches, Huawei has a clearly-defined visual aesthetic, and it makes sense to continue the same design language across generations.

You still get a design that stands out quite a bit, and the new color choices give the GT 7 Pro an added dash of vibrancy; I'm using the yellow model, and it looks pretty great. It looks quite sporty, but you can switch out the bands if you need to wear it with a dress shirt.

The GT 7 Pro is sold in a single variant with a 46mm case, and while it is a little heavier at 55g (the Pixel Watch 5 is 37g), I actually like the heft as it makes the smartwatch feel like a regular watch. The build quality is among the best in this category, and the titanium alloy chassis with a ceramic bezel gives the GT 7 Pro a level of elegance that's missing with its immediate rivals. Huawei retained the rotating crown, and it is a good way to navigate the interface and scroll through unread notifications.

The band is much better this time as well; Huawei calls it EasyCross, and the band essentially tucks underneath, and it looks cleaner. The quality of the fluoroelastomer band itself is great, and I didn't see any problems in this area in the two weeks I used the Watch GT 7 Pro.

You get a 1.47-inch AMOLED panel with decent pixel density, and it gets bright — I had no issues viewing the contents on the screen under harsh sunlight. There's 5ATM along with IP69 water resistance, the GT 7 Pro is dive-ready up to 40 meters, and you get dual-band GPS as well as NFC.

Coming to health monitoring, Huawei has all the requisite sensors to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and it gets ECG, A-fib analysis, emotional wellbeing, and sleep tracking. What I like is that there's now a readiness score that takes all the disparate health metrics and gives you an overall score, similar to what Google does.

The GT 7 Pro has extensive fitness monitoring as well, with Huawei focusing on skiing and cycling this generation. Now, I don't do those activities (there's a distinct dearth of snow in India), but I wore the smartwatch to the gym, and it did a good job with HRV monitoring in HIIT workouts and treadmill runs.

As the smartwatch is running a lightweight RTOS, you don't get the ability to install apps. While this is an issue with other smartwatches, Huawei does a great job delivering most of the things you need, and I particularly like the mini-workouts that are new this year. The idea is that instead of an extensive workout session, you can do small workouts right at your desk, with these targeting 10 key body parts with 30 guided workouts available. Oh, and the panda animations are adorable.

There are no problems in day-to-day use; the GT 7 Pro mirrored notifications to my wrist, and I was able to take calls as well. You get a good selection of watch faces, and Huawei Health pairs with Android as well as iPhones. There's no Google Wallet, but Huawei collaborated with Curve Pay to bring NFC payments to select western markets. This is a good move, and while I wasn't able to test it out (it needs a card issued in these countries), it is a viable alternative to Google Wallet.

Overall, Huawei did all the right things with the Watch GT 7 Pro. It may not have a brand-new design, but the new colors are quite good, and you get a lot of software-focused additions that make a difference. Of course, the battery life continues to be the star of the show, and if you want a full-fledged smartwatch with standout battery life and all the extras, the Watch GT 7 Pro is a great choice.

Readers on the hunt for a great smartwatch deal can call off the search, as Amazon just slashed 27% off the 41mm Google Pixel Watch 4 (LTE). That's a record-smashing discount on one of the best wearables that we've ever tested, dropping the watch down to just $329.99 for a limited time.

This deal follows last month's launch of the new Pixel Watch 5, a somewhat redundant device that doesn't dramatically upgrade any of the features that made the Google Pixel Watch 4 so iconic. After all, there's a reason why last year's model is still holding a top spot in our guide to the best Android smartwatches that money can buy.

A new release from Google also means that discounts on the last-gen wearable are becoming more common, although even I have to admit I'm surprised to see a record-breaking discount this soon. Why wait for Black Friday? The first great Pixel deal of the season is already here.

Currently 27% off at Amazon, the Google Pixel Watch 4 boasts a stunning domed display with 3,000 nits of brightness, plus you get smooth Wear OS performance out of the box, 32GB of onboard storage, and a ton of accurate health and fitness tracking features. The 41mm watch also lasts up to two days on a single charge, while its fast charging capabilities can get your battery back up to 50% in as little as 15 minutes.

But what about the new Google Pixel Watch 5? Well, the watches look pretty much identical at first glance, but you are getting 50% more RAM and twice the storage by going with the newer model. You also get a slight uptick in GPS accuracy. The problem is that, aside from the storage boost, most users won't notice much of a difference between the two models on a day-to-day basis.

If both watches were at full price, sure, I'd recommend dropping the additional 50 bucks to get the new Pixel Watch 5. But with this Amazon discount, the 41mm Google Pixel Watch 4 with LTE is a whopping $170 cheaper than its 2026 counterpart. The small upgrades from the Pixel Watch 5 simply don't justify the higher price tag, making last year's model a much smarter buy while this discount is active.

TL;DR: the hybrid-style Garmin Venu 3S just scored a 36% discount that drops the fitness watch to its lowest price ever recorded at Amazon.

About a year ago, I decided it was finally time to try jogging again. I had hated the activity since I was a kid, but something about the simplicity of hitting the trail with nothing more than some earbuds, good running shoes, and a fitness watch suddenly appealed to me one day.

The problem is that I didn't have a fitness watch at the time, and all of the best Garmin watches seemed too bulky and rugged-looking for my (admittedly) skinny wrists. Fortunately, that's when I came across the Garmin Venu 3S.

This wearable takes the hardware of the excellent Venu 3 and packs it into a sleek, discreet wearable that could easily pass inspection as a traditional Android smartwatch. I paid around $350 for it last year (insert crying face emoji), but now Amazon is slashing a record-smashing 36% off the watch, knocking the price down to just $288.

The Garmin Venu 3S took my fitness regimen to the next level, and now it's selling at a record low price

The Venu 3S comes packed full of the detailed metrics you'd expect in a Garmin watch, such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, and Pulse Ox, plus you get useful features like Body Battery and Sleep Score. And for once, you're getting a fitness watch that's actually comfortable enough to sleep in.

The Garmin Venu 3S also comes with GPS tracking, 8GB of storage for music files, and over 30 pre-installed activity modes, which means I can take it on hikes and bike rides without skipping a beat. Battery life isn't exactly groundbreaking, but the Venu 3S does last a solid week or so before it needs a recharge (with GPS activated).

Is it the best Garmin watch ever built? No, that title probably belongs to the pricey Fenix 9. But is it a reliable fitness watch that's perfect for this (very) casual athlete? Absolutely, and if you've been on the fence about the Venu 3S, this record-smashing 36% discount should encourage you to take the leap like I did.

You've certainly heard this one before: on the surface, the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5 look identical. They've got the same beautiful domed glass design, use the same fast-charging solution, and sport the latest version of Google's Wear OS platform. But under the hood (or glass, I suppose), things are quite different.

The Pixel Watch 5 features 50% more RAM and 2x storage, a faster processor, more accurate GPS tracking, and on-device Gemini Nano. For just $30 more, it's a surprisingly good spec bump that's a worthwhile upgrade for anyone coming from an older Pixel Watch (or something else, entirely).

Of course, at this point, you could probably find a Pixel Watch 4 for much less, and that would be a great purchase, especially if we're talking something like $100 less than the Pixel Watch 5. Let's explore what these differences mean and if the newer Watch 5 is the best choice for you.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Design, hardware, and specs

As you can see from the image above, both watches look identical. They've got the exact same dimensions and weight, use the same glass dome, have the same water and dust resistance, diving specs, and even all the same sensors. It's even got the same 3,000-nit display.

The Pixel Watch 5 has a 2% larger battery than the Pixel Watch 4, which helps give it the same battery life as the Pixel Watch 4, even though the Watch 5 has a chipset that's 20% faster. The Pixel Watch 5 also ships with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the Watch 4 only has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

The extra 1GB doesn't sound like much, but it enables Gemini Nano to function properly, and the extra storage means you can download more music and podcasts for listening while you work out.

Both models feature Google's superb haptic engine, the lovely rotating crown, a super shiny, bubbly exterior, support for all the same wristbands, and the same great connection capabilities.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Software and AI

There's no meaningful difference between the features on these watches, but there are a few things to note. Google's new Health Guardian is supported back to the Pixel Watch 3, so you can buy an even older (and cheaper) Pixel Watch if insulin resistance and blood pressure trends are your main reason for looking at new hardware. You can even sideload Pixel Watch 5 watch faces onto a Pixel Watch 4, if you want.

The real difference lies in Gemini capability and software support. The Pixel Watch 4 will get OS updates through October 2028, while the Watch 5 is supported through October 2029. That extra year of support will likely include new Gemini-based features, too, since the Pixel Watch 5 has 50% more RAM.

And speaking of Gemini, the Watch 5 supports onboard Gemini Nano, so all those simple commands (like starting a timer, controlling workouts or music with your voice, toggling settings) are all instant, while the Pixel Watch 4 needs an internet connection to get the job done. That may not matter most of the time, but it will make a difference if you're out on a run and don't have your phone (or an LTE connection) with you.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Health and workout tracking

Google announced a ton of great new health features alongside the Pixel Watch 5, and the good news is that all of those features are headed to the Pixel Watch 4. The new insulin resistance and blood pressure trends features are all here.

The only real difference lies in Google's new enhanced GPS tracking on the Pixel Watch 5, which further improves accuracy from the already excellent dual-band tracking on the Pixel Watch 4. This will come in handy if you navigate Google Maps a lot on your watch, especially in a city, but might not be a big deal otherwise.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Which should you buy?

At retail price, it makes more sense to buy a Pixel Watch 5. For just $30 more, you're getting double the RAM, a faster processor, proper on-device Gemini capability, and an extra year of software support. That's a no-brainer choice.

If you can find the Pixel Watch 4 for at least $100 less, however, the tide changes a bit. It's still a less capable watch, but most people won't care about the fancy new features if they can save a ton of money in the process. Just remember that the Pixel Watch 4 only has two more years of software support left (ending in October 2028) if you're worried about that.

What you need to know

• It's been reported that Samsung has cut support for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic.
• The watches have reached the end of their five-year software support cycle and will no longer receive any updates from Samsung.
• The Galaxy Watch 4 series made headlines years ago since Samsung swapped its in-house Tizen OS for Wear OS 3; however, there was a lot we weren't satisfied with.

Samsung's made a change this week regarding currently supported devices, and two old smartwatches are no longer on the list.

Samsung amended its Security Updates page, and it no longer lists the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (via Android Police). The company's smartwatches receive "Quarterly" security patches, and that's where the change resides. According to Samsung, the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic have reached the end of their update lifecycles.

As it stands, Samsung's "oldest" supported watches are the Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm, 44mm) and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Users with a Galaxy Watch 4 series device have reached the end of their allotted five years of updates. It also makes sense that Samsung is writing in this change now, in September. The watches' final update rolled out early in August.

That update was pretty minimal, which you'd expect for a device so old. Samsung only rolled out the essential fixes to ensure your Galaxy Watch 4/4 Classic would remain protected against malicious attacks, but that's it.

They've been cut

There's a lot we can sit here and talk about concerning the Galaxy Watch 4 and 4 Classic. But we don't have that kind of time. One of the main highlights was Samsung's software change for the Watch 4. The device launched with Google's Wear OS, not the brand's in-house wearable OS, Tizen. In fact, Samsung co-developed Wear OS 3 for its Galaxy watches.

However, despite some of the "good" Samsung did with the watch, there was a lot we weren't happy with. The UI on the watches mirrored Tizen quite closely, despite being Wear OS 3. What's more, the Galaxy Watch 4 and 4 Classic were missing some classic Wear OS features. That was a strange pill to swallow, considering you'd find those features readily available on a TicWatch.

Fast-forward to 2026, and you'll find Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch 9 series. Samsung is using Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite (a great move). The company has also continued to enhance the available health features on the watch, as well, for your heart health and more.

As I prepped for my day this morning, I opened the YouTube Music app on my Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and queued up the latest episode of my favorite podcast. Everything felt great until I actually went out on my run, when the watch lost connection to my phone and stopped playing the podcast. Turns out, auto-downloading isn't enabled by default. Why? I asked the same question.

I'd love to say this was the only annoyance I've faced in the past month since I started using the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, but that's only a half truth. That's not to say this is a bad watch by any means — far from it — but several aspects of the experience have been irritating until I tweak something to work the way I expect. This is one reason I stopped using Wear OS watches over the past two years, and while some aspects have improved, others have gotten worse.

That feeling extends across the entire Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 experience. The hardware is faster, but the battery life is worse, and the charging is much slower. Samsung has finally addressed some of the weakest points of the workout experience (like the missing rep count feature on previous watches), but some things are still too obtuse for their own good.

Plus, many of the best features are arbitrarily locked to Android owners who happen to use Samsung phones. I wanted to say I loved the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, but that would also be a lie. Here's my full review.

What's good

Right off the bat, I was impressed with Samsung's design and build quality. The circle-within-a-squircle design looked better than I initially imagined, and I appreciate that this watch uses buttons instead of a crown that gets in the way when working out.

I also loved how well apps worked on the phone. This watch is a multitasking beast, both thanks to the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor inside and Wear OS's generally excellent OS design. It's so nice to easily juggle messaging apps, check my calendar, and log my workouts without losing any progress.

The new trail run workout mode is absolutely superb. This one differs from outdoor running because it provides turn-by-turn navigation (which is paramount for not getting lost on a mountain trail, trust me) and an easy way to load up routes from apps like AllTrails. The voice guidance was more attentive than my favorite Amazfit watch, which I appreciated.

While I rarely ever use Gemini on a watch, it's a great feature to have when you want to do something hands-free. Samsung also loads this watch with great gesture support, furthering the idea that you don't need to get your grubby fingerprints on the screen.

I was also elated to see that several workouts support rep counts and weight measurements, something that's been missing from most Wear OS watches since their inception.

I've also loved using the Running Coach feature, which has been helping me train for a half marathon I've scheduled in November. I've never run a half marathon before, and setting this up on the watch was as easy as opening Running Coach and following the prompts in the Samsung Health app.

Not just annoyances. Real problems.

Samsung's Running Coach is excellent, but I found that the watch doesn't measure pacing correctly. This was especially prominent during my half marathon training, as the watch wants me to run at a specific slow pace to build endurance, but it's hard to do that when it constantly thinks I'm going too fast. I found this to be the case even during the Spartan Race I wrote about last month, so it's not limited to slow paces.

While I appreciate all the cool new heart health features Samsung added to this watch, they're only for people using Galaxy phones. This makes no sense at all and, quite frankly, is embarrassing for an Android device. Android thrives on interoperability between brands, and Samsung feels like it is making a mockery of that.

I was also extremely unimpressed with the blood pressure and food logging features. Blood pressure monitoring was far too difficult to set up (you have to use a blood pressure machine to create a baseline), and food logging in the Samsung Health app is extremely archaic. In the age of Galaxy AI, I still have to search and scroll through lists of items instead of just asking AI to do it. Competitors like Amazfit have had that feature for years, and it's time Samsung got with it.

Lastly, I can't express how disappointed I was with this watch's battery life. With an 800mAh battery, this thing should last a week. As it stands, I could barely get through 2 days, and it takes around 2 hours to charge it from empty. If I paid $700 for this watch, I would be pretty disappointed in how mid the overall experience has been.

You could buy the Galaxy watch Ultra 2, or...

If I were recommending new Wear OS watches this year, the Pixel Watch 5 would be my choice. If you're deeply entrenched in Samsung's ecosystem or have a specific feature you love (like diving or trail running), this is a great second-place option, but it's hard to recommend something so expensive when it simply doesn't excel in all the areas it should.

Garmin smartwatch deals are hardly uncommon nowadays, but any discount on the brand's premium Fenix line is sure to turn heads.

Head to Amazon before its Labor Day deals expire and you can score a straight 25% discount on the Garmin Fenix 8, a classic fitness watch that still impresses with a rugged design and a suite of comprehensive fitness tracking features.

It may not be the newest Garmin Fenix watch around any longer (that honor belongs to the great Fenix 9), but if you don't mind going with a last-gen device, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck with the Fenix 8.

• See the full list of leftover Labor Day deals at Amazon today

Despite its last-gen status, the Fenix 8 continues to impress as one of the best Garmin watches on the market today, thanks to the wearable's sophisticated blend of rugged design and powerful performance. The watch boasts a vibrant AMOLED face with stainless steel and reinforced polymer components, plus you get military-grade durability with 10ATM water resistance (so you can wear it in the pool).

The Fenix 8 also sports a built-in LED flashlight and microphone for voice commands/calls, while under the hood you get 32GB of onboard storage and up to 10 days of battery life on a single charge. The fitness watch also comes with all of the health and fitness tracking tools we've come to expect from the brand, including heart rate, SpO2, and ECG monitoring, alongside features like Body Battery and Garmin Coach.

Indeed, the newer Garmin Fenix 9 is the better watch, but these upgrades come at a price. If you want the flagship Garmin experience without spending an arm and a leg, this Fenix 8 deal presents a convenient alternative. Just don't wait too long to make your move.

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman announced that it has raised $70 million, thanks to investments from Qualcomm Ventures, Labcorp, Alpha Wave, and more.
• The company says these investments will help push its desires to create a world where human computing helps us and our health.
• Ultrahuman says it wants computational platforms that can understand the human body, delivering important, crucial pieces of actionable intel.

This afternoon (Sept 3), Ultrahuman announced another substantial investment from several companies. The announcement comes at a time when Ultrahuman wants to push the envelope for human computing.

A press release reveals that Ultrahuman has received $70 million in investment funding from Qualcomm Ventures, Labcorp, Alpha Wave, Blume, Nexus, Alteria, and more. As stated before, human computing is where Ultrahuman is placing its focus. Moreover, Ultrahuman states this investment will help it shift from "a wearable health company into a human-computer interface company built around the body."

Ultrahuman highlights several features daily users will know well: Jade AI, its smart rings, and M1/M2 Live continuous glucose monitoring. These features nail Ultrahuman's goal: systems that understand the state of the user's body. The company no longer wants features that "wait for human input." Through AI and newer computing systems, Ultrahuman wants more proactive, smart features that deliver true aid.

The company states the future of computing platforms should "understand the human body continuously... and turn those signals into intelligence that meaningfully improves a person’s life."

The company discussed how it's continued to evolve the smart ring form factor with science and computational platforms. Ultrahuman drew attention to Pulsomics, which was launched this year. This research platform aids its software and smart rings with the tools required to turn the body's complex signals and information into actionable intel for the user.

Power ahead with intel that means something

The investments Ultrahuman has received in September will help continue the work it's trying to complete. It says "development across sensing, AI, miniaturised electronics and health algorithms" will deepen and accelerate.

PowerPlugs are another major part of the Ultrahuman experience. The company describes it as a feature that brings "specialised health capabilities" to the platform. Take Ultrahuman and Les Mills' partnership from April. It brought workout sessions that rivaled what you'd find in a traditional studio right to your phone. The app would also take advantage of your biomarkers to understand key data, so you know when to push yourself and when to let off.

On the other hand, we have Ultrahuman's significant Emerald update from July. The "decision engine," otherwise known as the UltraSphere, felt like Ultrahuman's next step into this "human computing" world for our health. It can deliver over 60 "Next Best Action" suggestions to users using sleep, HRV, recovery, weather, location, and more.

What you need to know

• At IFA 2026, the Moto Watch Ultra was announced with Wear OS, a partnership with Polar for fitness, on a 46mm stainless steel body and a 1.5-inch OLED display.
• The continued Polar partnership adds various sleep features like "Serene" for breathing exercises and Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages for sleep score and more.
• The Moto Watch Ultra will be available on September 10 for $349.

That's not all Motorola has prepared this midweek. The Moto Watch Ultra was debuted at IFA 2026, expanding the company's wearable portfolio. The Watch Ultra uses Google's Wear OS, incorporating the Play Store and Moto's AI, Qira. However, the major highlight with the Moto Watch Ultra is Motorola's continued partnership with Polar.

Polar excels at wearable sports and fitness, and it's bringing that prowess to the Moto Watch Ultra. For its wellness features, the Watch Ultra sports "Serene." This breathing exercise mode delivers real-time "biofeedback" to help the user calm their breathing and reach a more optimal rhythm. Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages help users understand their recovery and sleep score.

If you're looking to get more active and track your progress, Polar's involvement brings a breadth of features. Consumers will find expected features like Activity Goal, Activity Score, and Active Intensity Zones. What's more, Smart Calories delivers an overview of your daily calories burned, alongside an Inactivity Alert and Energy Sources (metabolic insights).

The Moto Watch Ultra offers a 1.5-inch OLED display on a 46mm stainless steel body. Inside, you'll find Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 SoC. The Watch Ultra is said to last two days with "active use" with its AOD (always-on display) disabled. Consumers can choose between the "breathable" silicone band (PANTONE Black Beauty or PANTONE Mountain View) or the leather strap (Black Beauty or Nuthatch).

Not bad

Elsewhere, Motorola highlights the "Running Coach." As it sounds, you can expect a guided experience for new and veteran runners (walking, too). The company states the Running Coach can help users struggling with pacing themselves. Other details include Google Wallet support, dual-band GPS, IP68, and 5ATM underwater protection.

At IFA 2026, Motorola confirmed that the Watch Ultra will be available on September 10, starting at $349 on motorola.com. Consumers will also find the device at Verizon on September 24. The Watch Ultra will expand to more places, such as T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, AT&T, Xfinity Mobile, and Consumer Cellular, "in the coming months."

Android Central's Take

I'm pleasantly surprised by the Moto Watch Ultra. Motorola already has what you'd consider a "basic" watch. It misses the Ultra tag. The design is fairly simple, very watch-like. The Watch Ultra feels cleaner to me. I also think the Polar partnership is a huge win for Motorola to continue with the device. I already think I hear my colleague Derrek Lee putting one on his wrist and heading outside.

I admit I was a little disappointed to learn that the Pixel Watch 5 is powered by essentially a boosted version of the same chip from the previous Pixel Watch, rather than the new Snapdragon Wear Elite, which is positioned as a premium smartwatch chip for on-device AI and more.

However, after reviewing the Galaxy Watch 9 and testing the Pixel Watch 5 for two weeks, I realized that Google may have made the right choice by skipping the Wear Elite. As a result, the Pixel Watch 5 delivers smooth performance, supports new AI features, and maintains good battery life. Unfortunately, the one feature I was looking forward to isn't here yet.

The same charm

Aesthetically, the Pixel Watch 5 is no different from the Pixel Watch 4, with a sleek design that still feels fresh yet is also starting to get a little old. The domed glass screen is gorgeous, and the display is bright at 3,000 nits, although I still don’t really care for its shape, as it slightly warps content towards the center.

Otherwise, Wear OS 7 looks fantastic, and the UI is incredibly fluid thanks to Material 3 Expressive. Icons seem to shrink and expand as you scroll, and there’s a pleasant bounce to animations.

I like some of the new watch faces like Weave, although I tried creating my own watch face using AI, with… interesting results. It feels more like a way to theme a new watch face than to create a whole new style of watch face from scratch, which is fine but less compelling than I thought it would be.

I do wish that Google would take after Samsung when it comes to widgets. The current iteration looks great and is better at providing glanceable information, but freely stacking widgets on One UI Watch adds a layer of personal touch I would love to see here.

Don't touch me

Gestures are much more prevalent in Wear OS 7. In fact, it constantly feels like the Pixel Watch 5 doesn’t want me touching its screen. As I go through my day, I receive a notification and pinch my fingers twice to open the notification panel, then again to scroll through my notifications, all without touching my display. I then twist my wrist to dismiss the panel.

As I take a stroll through the neighborhood, I let my music and Google Maps guide me to my destination. I pinch my fingers again to open At a Glance, which shows my current Google Maps route, then pinch to swap between the route view and directions. Similarly, in media controls, I pinch my fingers to skip or pause/play the current song on YouTube Music, which you can thankfully customize.

Throughout my day, I raise the Pixel Watch 5 to my face to view the time or a notification, and notice a bright sliver of blue at the bottom of the display, signaling Gemini is ready to listen for any commands or queries. It's good at knowing when to either fade away or pick up what I’m saying, in case I want to check my Google Health stats, ask it a question about my schedule, or check on a package I’m expecting.

Gemini also gives me the occasional proactive prompts in my notifications to do things like set a reminder. And Gemini even works offline in a limited capacity, which is handy if you don’t have an LTE-enabled watch.

It’s surprisingly intuitive and works quite well, but make sure you set your wrist orientation correctly so the watch can better detect your gestures.

Health and fitness are... almost there

The Pixel Watch hasn’t been my favorite smartwatch for fitness, but the Watch 5 promises to be better in a few areas, even if I haven’t experienced all of them yet. I recently ran a 5K race and tracked the run using the Pixel Watch and two other wearables. For some reason, the Pixel Watch didn’t record my GPS data, but it did accurately record my run distance and later recorded my route on a long walk I took.

The Pixel also beat the Galaxy Watch 9 in a step test and more closely matched the Garmin Cirqa in heart rate data across several workouts.

There have been some updates to the workout screens, but unfortunately the new live-guided training sessions aren’t available yet. As someone who frequently works out, I’ve been looking forward to this feature the most. However, when it does arrive, I will do a separate deep dive into how it works and how it compares to Garmin’s workout tracking.

Google also claims sleep tracking has improved, and I’m inclined to believe it. The Pixel Watch 5 even picks up on moments when I'm particularly restless, though there was only one instance when it didn't track my sleep. I wonder if I was too restless that night, as I do recall waking up quite a bit.

Unfortunately, newer health features such as Insulin Resilience and Blood Pressure Trends are also unavailable at the time of writing, which is kind of a bummer.

Should you buy the Pixel Watch 5?

The Pixel Watch 5 is a great smartwatch, and one I could easily recommend over the cheaper Galaxy Watch 9 for one major reason: battery life. I easily get two days of battery life while tracking sleep and workouts, and occasionally spamming Gemini.

That said, I can’t recommend it over the Pixel Watch 4. The watches are too similar, and the Watch 5 is leaning on the promise of features that haven’t yet arrived at the time this review is written. That said, some of these features may not make it to the Watch 4 at all, so you'll have to decide if you want to take that chance.

What you need to know

• Google Health is rolling out v5.07 to Android and iOS users late this week, bringing a major update to manual workout logging.
• Users can now "add or adjust" their metrics much easier, and any changes will appear in their post-workout summaries much quicker.
• Other updates this week include trail run and incline data in "Running Distance" totals, a fix for Maps in the Health app, and more.

Google Health is rolling out one more update late in August that's just what the doctor ordered for fitness users.

The company detailed v5.07 in a community post for the Google Health app this morning (Aug 28). This update is rolling out for Android and iOS users late this week, bringing three important "Activity and Fitness" updates. These improvements concern the Health app's manual workout logging capabilities. Google says users can now "add and adjust more metrics when logging an exercise manually." Any edits made should now appear more quickly in your workout summary.

What's more, Google Health now lets users add more metrics and workout information when switching from pool swimming to an open swim exercise.

If you're taking things outside, the patch notes state the maps experience has been upgraded. Users should experience faster loading times and "smoother rendering." The patch also solves a bug where some users wouldn't see a map after finishing a run or a long walk. Similarly, the patch this week brings trail runs and incline runs into your "Running Distance" totals.

For weight trackers, Google highlights its work in bringing more clarity to trends. Users should be able to notice changes more easily in the weight graph. Lastly, a connection problem between Health Connect and certain Android phones has been fixed.

Consistency is key

The consistent Google Health updates continue, even into the final days of August. The last major patch that turned heads was the app's Nutrition Logging patch. This arrived in v5.04, in which Google introduced "custom foods." The purpose was to give users a personal touch behind how they log the meals they've eaten. Users can now "create, edit, and delete" their nutrition logs with more freedom. However, while useful, Google Health added another feature: Quick Logging.

The company designed this to be an alternative to the traditional Nutrition Logging approach. Users don't have to search or add the specific name of what they've consumed. Instead, all they're required to add is the meal's calories and macronutrients. Google also added Naps in the Today tab and a Cycle Health update, making it easier for users to track long-term trends.

What you need to know

• The Fitbit Air now comes in a Pokémon Sleep Special Edition with a Sleeping Pikachu strap.
• The special edition tracker keeps its lightweight design, week-long battery, 50-meter water resistance, optical heart-rate sensor, and skin-temperature monitoring.
• Overnight sleep and naps sync automatically with Pokémon Sleep through Health Connect on Android or Apple Health on iOS.
• Sleep Score boosts Snorlax’s Strength to create “Drowsy Power,” with higher scores unlocking rarer Pokémon sleep styles.

The Fitbit Air made its quiet debut earlier this year as Google's lightest wearable yet, but today it’s getting a colorful makeover that will make it much harder to ignore. Google has announced the Fitbit Air Special Edition Pokémon Sleep that turns your morning grogginess into in-game gains.

If you’ve been MIA since the Air landed in early 2026, here’s the TL;DR: It's the screen-free tracker that weighs just 12 grams total. As Derrek Lee put it in his review for Android Central, this thing is forgettable in the best way. You put it on and forget it’s there, which is the whole point if you’re trying to get some quality sleep. The week-long battery is a lovely touch as well.

The Pokémon Sleep edition retains all the things that make the Air so good — the 50-meter water resistance, the optical heart rate sensor, and the skin temperature monitoring — but swaps out the strap for one with a sleeping Pikachu.

What’s interesting about this slight makeover is what happens when you plug your Fitbit Air into the Pokémon Sleep app. Your overnight sleep and daytime naps are auto-synced through Health Connect on Android or Apple Health on iOS, importing your sleep duration stats straight into the game.

When you wake up, Pokémon with sleep types similar to yours gather around Snorlax, and your Sleep Score multiplies Snorlax's Strength to generate "Drowsy Power." The higher that number, the rarer the sleep styles you'll discover.

Under the hood is Google Health’s sleep tracking, which now uses machine learning algorithms that are 15% more accurate at picking up sleep stages, naps, and those pesky overnight interruptions. With every purchase, you get a three-month trial to Google Health Premium, which gives you access to the AI-powered Health Coach that analyzes your trends and offers personalized tips.

Preorders for the Fitbit Air Special Edition Pokémon Sleep start today at the Google Store and Target, with shipping beginning September 15. It's limited to the U.S. and Japan, so if you’ve been waiting for a reason to finally track your sleep, your Pikachu-themed excuse just arrived.

What you need to know

• The Garmin Fenix 9's AMOLED screen is twice as bright as the Fenix 8, with sapphire glass, leakproof buttons, and 40-meter dive resistance.
• The Fenix 9 Pro features Garmin’s first titanium Fenix case, which uses nano-molding to combine metal and plastic, reducing thickness while keeping the watch lightweight.
• Navigation is noticeably faster: 50% more RAM and a new map engine make map panning up to 30% faster, while 64GB storage doubles map capacity and holds up to 7,000 songs.

Garmin is giving its flagship adventure watch a serious refresh with the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro, building on the Fenix 8 with brighter displays, faster maps, new training insights, and a more capable phone-free experience. The Fenix 9's AMOLED panel is twice as bright as its predecessor, and Garmin has included a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, leakproof buttons, and 40-meter dive resistance.

The bigger technical jump comes from what Garmin changed underneath. The Fenix 9 has 50% more RAM than the Fenix 8 and a new map engine that makes panning up to 30% faster. A new perspective view adds more map detail at different distances, and 64GB of storage gives you double the map capacity and room for up to 7,000 songs.

Garmin is also expanding its rucking tools, with support for changing pack weight mid-activity, GORUCK workouts, and targets based on up to 100kg of carried weight.

When it comes to training, the new stamina zones and a stamina curve allow you to track how endurance improves with fitness and training history, providing more information on pacing for athletes. With compatible equipment, indoor rowers also get VO2 Max and power-curve insights.

And then there’s the Fenix 9 Pro. The watch is the first to feature Garmin’s titanium Fenix case, made using nano-molding technology that combines metal and plastic at the molecular scale. Garmin says the approach keeps the watch lightweight while reducing its overall thickness.

On the software side, both watches introduce Garmin Epic to group multi-day workouts into single shareable stories.

The Pro’s AMOLED models go up to 3,000 nits, and the 51mm model uses a 1.5-inch display without a bigger case. Selected models also have solar charging like most fan-favorite Garmin watches, a green flashlight mode, and inReach connectivity for calls, messaging, LiveTrack, location sharing, weather updates, and SOS assistance.

The Fenix 9 starts at $1,000 and the Fenix 9 Pro at $1,100. Both are available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, with battery life up to 29 days for the Fenix 9 and 31 days for the largest AMOLED Pro. Solar versions can last 57 days.

TL;DR: Amazon is slashing 34% off the Garmin Venu 3 (45mm), knocking the popular fitness watch down to its lowest price ever recorded. 

Garmin has been producing industry-leading fitness smartwatches for years, but major discounts on the wearables can be difficult to find outside of major sale events. This is particularly true if you're looking at the brand's popular Venu and Forerunner series of watches, which is why I was pleasantly surprised to see Amazon carve a record-smashing 34% off the price of the Garmin Venu 3 this week. 

This iconic fitness watch once topped our list of the best Garmin watches money can buy, but three years after launch, is the Venu 3 still worth it? It largely depends on what you're looking for in a wearable. Let's break it down. 

The Venu 3 is the predecessor to Garmin's Venu 4, which is currently sitting at the top spot in our guide to the best fitness watches of 2026. Shockingly, the last gen model actually surpasses the Venu 4 in a few areas, with better battery life (up to 14 days) and a lighter polymer casing. You also get the same accurate health sensors with both models, stainless steel bezels, and nearly-identical designs.

Furthermore, the Garmin Venu 3 boasts a ton of comprehensive health and fitness monitoring features (including ECG), NFC and GLONASS GPS tracking, and a built-in microphone for calls. All good stuff, so what's the catch? 

Well, if you're accustomed to a newer fitness watch, the Venu 3 can feel a bit lacking in the software department. You get all of the Garmin basics, such as Body Battery, VO2 Max, and 30 pre-installed sports modes, but you miss out on newer additions like Fitness Coach, Health Status, and Sleep Alignment. The Garmin Venu 3 also doesn't have the built-in flashlight or dual-band GPS. 

That being said, with the current Amazon discount, the Garmin Venu 3 is a whopping $205 cheaper than the Venu 4. If you're a self-guided athlete who doesn't need all of the latest software features, the Venu 3 is a reliable fitness watch at an exceptional price. It'd also make an excellent entry-level watch for someone who's just now getting into tracking their fitness.

For folks who want the latest and greatest in fitness-tracking technology, however, you may want to wait. After all, the Garmin Venu 4 is sure to get a hefty discount of its own one of these days, right?

When I heard that the Galaxy Watch 9 would be powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite, I was excited about the prospect of a proper flagship Qualcomm chip on a smartwatch. That’s not to say recent chips have been bad, but it finally feels like Qualcomm is putting its best foot forward- enough that Samsung is finally willing to ditch its own Exynos chips.

However, after testing the Galaxy Watch 9, I've questioned whether a premium smartwatch chip of this caliber is really necessary. Sure, performance is great, but I haven’t exactly struggled to use smartwatches powered by Qualcomm’s last two chipsets. And in the pursuit of power, the Galaxy Watch 9 seems to suffer in one major area, which makes me think Google had the right idea after all with the Pixel Watch 5.

A smartwatch comfortable enough to sleep with

The Galaxy Watch 9 continues a trend it started with the Watch 8, with a thin, lightweight design that's pretty much identical to its predecessor. It has a circular display encased in a square-ish and feather-light aluminum chassis, making it probably the most comfortable smartwatch I've used.

At just over 34g, it's not quite as light as something like the Fitbit Air or Garmin Cirqa, but it's more than comfortable enough to wear while sleeping. That's important because many of the Galaxy Watch 9's health-tracking features count on the ability to monitor your sleep.

Beyond the watch case, the proprietary Galaxy Watch 9 sport band is light and flexible, allowing it to sit relatively flat on a surface and more flush with your wrist, which should help with health and fitness tracking.

More scores, more to keep track of

The Galaxy Watch 9 builds on Samsung's previous smartwatches and features pretty much all the major health-monitoring capabilities you could want in a smartwatch, including newer ones like Blood Pressure Trends.

In addition to a Sleep score and Energy score, the watch now provides a look at my Vitals, a new, easy-to-understand view of my major health metrics as I sleep, allowing me to check if anything is off-kilter and find ways to address it.

As I track my activities with the Galaxy Watch 9, I can also check my Fitness Index, a set of five scores that measure my physical fitness. It's an interesting concept, but this is probably one of the more confusing features, and it's hard to know exactly how to improve any given score, such as Flexibility or Endurance.

But this confusion is kind of a theme in the upgraded Samsung Health app and in Samsung's overall approach to health and fitness tracking. There is a ton of information to keep track of and a lot of different scores, but much of it feels disparate, with little way to make it useful. There are also features I just can't even take advantage of, like Heart Health, which requires Blood Pressure tracking (I don't have a cuff to calibrate with).

That's not to say more information is bad, but it's definitely a bit overwhelming.

The Samsung Health app does provide occasional notices, including a large banner on the Home tab. But it feels like it's leading towards an AI health assistant that just isn't there (yet). That said, I can always ask Gemini or Bixby to show me certain metrics, such as my Sleep or Energy scores, in addition to their usual functions.

I also like the new layout of the Samsung Health Android app, and the ability to log food makes me want to stop using MyFitnessPal, especially with Antioxidant Index providing more metabolic context. The Watch is also great at workout tracking, automatically detecting exercises like Pilates and providing pretty accurate GPS data for runs.

The price of thinness

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Watch 9's thin profile has one major downside: battery life. Samsung squeezed a 445mAh battery into the larger 44mm model, but unfortunately, the watch doesn't last more than a day. In fact, during my testing, the Galaxy Watch 9 barely lasts through the day, and I often have to charge it before bed.

This is with the AOD turned off and Raise Wrist to Wake turned on, while using the watch sparingly throughout the day to check notifications, update apps, and occasionally chat with Gemini. I also monitor my sleep each night, track at least one workout per day, and let the watch automatically track activities like walking, running, and more.

I had been using the Pixel Watch 4 for so long that I forgot what it's like to have a smartwatch that can't last a full day (let alone two).

And to make matters worse, charging is incredibly slow. Going from empty to 100% takes well over an hour, to the point where I get tired of waiting for it to fully charge because, frankly, I have places to be.

You can likely get more battery life out of it by disabling certain features, but I feel like this sort of defeats the purpose of having a "smart" watch.

Should you buy the Galaxy Watch 9?

The Galaxy Watch 9 has a lot going for it, including great performance, a comfortable design, and a UI that's easier to navigate with gestures. It also has a bevy of health and fitness features that can feel a bit overwhelming, but ultimately are there to give you all the information you need to lead a healthier lifestyle.

That said, I wonder whether the watch could have benefited from a larger battery or a less "Elite" chipset to improve battery life, as the frequent charging kind of ruins the entire experience. I also think Samsung's health and fitness tracking needs the kind of AI overhaul we saw with Google Health to make all its information feel useful.

Still, the Galaxy Watch 9 isn't a bad smartwatch if you need something to track your sleep, runs, or workouts, so long as you remember to charge it frequently.

I recently ran my first and second 5Ks, and I tracked the most recent run using the latest wearables from Google, Samsung, and Garmin. The Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 just hit the market, while the Garmin Cirqa is still pretty new.

Two of these wearables are traditional smartwatches, while one is a screenless fitness tracker. However, fitness tracking is a primary function of these devices, so I wanted to compare how they perform one of my most-used functions, especially now that I'm running more often.

Running the 5K

Last weekend, I ran the Emerald City 5K, which was just over 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). Each device measured my heart rate, but you can see from the chart below that there were some interesting deviations from the Galaxy Watch 9.

The Samsung watch took nearly four minutes to catch up to the Cirqa and Pixel Watch, only to continue rising well above the other two wearables for more than 10 minutes. The race had just started, and I know my heart rate wasn't so elevated right off the bat.

After about four minutes, the Cirqa and Pixel Watch 5 also diverged, with the latter dropping to about 135 bpm while the former remained relatively steady. The Pixel Watch eventually catches up, and they remain pretty much in sync for much of the run. That is, until the end, when it fell just below the Galaxy Watch 9 and Garmin Cirqa. At this point, I was "sprinting" (and I use that term loosely) to the finish line, so I know my heart rate was elevated.

I intended to record GPS data during the run, but for some odd reason, the Pixel Watch 5 did not track the route while the Galaxy Watch 9 and Garmin Cirqa (via my phone) did. I can only chalk it up to the Pixel Watch not properly connecting to GPS before the run started.

Still, you can see how the Galaxy Watch and Garmin Cirqa compare with the actual 5K route, marked in brown in the images below. Even though the Cirqa (blue) was connected to my phone for GPS data, it deviated quite a bit from the actual route, showing that I ran on the grass toward the beginning even though I remained on the pathway. It was also quite a bit off at the midpoint when I made a U-turn to head back to run the second half of the race.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 9 (orange) did surprisingly well throughout the run, pinpointing my position more accurately.

The Galaxy Watch 9 was also the closest to measuring the actual route distance, which was 3.146 miles, according to the official website. The Watch 9 logged 3.15 miles, the Pixel Watch 3.19 miles, and the Garmin Cirqa (via my phone) 3.29 miles. This tells me that, at least, there should be nothing wrong with the Pixel Watch 5's positioning, despite the lack of actual map data.

Also, perhaps the Galaxy Flip 8 isn't the best for connected GPS data, given the Garmin Cirqa's numbers and map data.

Getting in your steps

In addition to running a 5K, I figured I would also walk 5,000 steps and track it with each device to see which is more accurate. It's nearly 3 miles, so it's almost like walking a 5K. During the walk, I tracked my steps using a manual counter in an app, although there is a ~5-step error.

You can check out the results from that walk below. As you can see, the Pixel Watch 5 was pretty spot-on at the halfway point, whereas the Galaxy Watch 9 was a bit ahead by just under 40 steps. The Garmin Cirqa doesn't show steps while still tracking, so I couldn't get a midpoint figure.

Unsurprisingly, the Pixel Watch 5 did better at tracking the entire 5,000-step walk, as it was over by just 26 steps. The Galaxy Watch 9 didn't do too badly, still managing to be over by less than 100 steps, which is a win in my book. However, the Garmin Cirqa beat out both and was over by just 12 steps.

Another run?

In addition to running the 5K, I tracked a second, shorter run. I also monitored my heart rate during that 5,000-step walk.

During the run, the Pixel Watch 5 and Garmin Cirqa were largely in sync. However, the Galaxy Watch 9 started off strong for about one minute before logging much lower heart rate data throughout the 12-minute run.

Note: I ended the run on the Garmin Cirqa prematurely once I began my cooldown, which is why the data suddenly stops.

As for the walk, all three devices were within the same ballpark, which wasn't much of a surprise as it was a much lower intensity activity with less dynamic movement and fewer reasons for sudden jumps or dips in heart rate.

That said, the Galaxy Watch 9 was more consistently slightly lower than the other two devices. Toward the end, it was the Pixel Watch 5 that dropped below the other devices.

The data shows some interesting-looking straight-line jumps from the Garmin and later in the Galaxy Watch, although I think this was just an error in how the data is bring presented.

Verdict

If you want a low-key fitness tracker and don't necessarily need GPS (or can rely on your phone for it), then I think the Garmin Cirqa is a good option. It's lightweight, does surprisingly well with automatic workout tracking, tracks steps pretty accurately, and you can wear it on your arm, which is generally a preferred position for fitness wearables (second to a chest strap).

However, if you need a more fully functioning smartwatch experience, I am leaning towards the Pixel Watch 5. Both it and the Galaxy Watch log distance equally well, and despite not providing map data for my recent runs, the Pixel Watch 5 heart rate data feels more accurate and consistent, while the Galaxy Watch 9 tends to under- or overestimate your heart rate. It also tracks your steps more accurately and retains more of the heart rate data from automatically detected workouts.

That's not to say the Galaxy Watch 9 is a bad fitness watch; I enjoy how lightweight it is and its ability to map my running routes more consistently. But so far in my testing, I much prefer the Pixel Watch 5.

What you need to know

• Google just posted the official factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5, introducing a unified build strategy.
• The Pixel Watch 5 now uses a single software build (CD5A.260611.00) for both Wi-Fi and LTE models.
• Flashing factory images still requires Google’s invite-only debug adapter.

Google has released factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5, and it seems the new smartwatch uses a single software build for both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE models, which could make future updates easier.

The Pixel Watch 5 is listed with the codename “goteria” and build CD5A.260611.00. Interestingly, it’s not split between Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE models like previous generations (via 9to5Google).

That sounds like a small developer-facing change, but it could simplify Google’s internal software process by consolidating the builds and may reduce the complexity of future updates. The Pixel Watch 5 runs on Wear OS 7, which is based on Android 17.

There’s one more catch for anyone who thinks about tinkering with the software. As with the Pixel Watch 4, flashing the factory image still requires a debug adapter that Google only ships by invite. Google also notes that unlocking the bootloader will make the watch less secure and that installing a factory image will wipe it.

The Pixel Watch 5 is already receiving new software features like Gemini Intelligence and At a Glance along with hardware upgrades such as 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

With the software foundation now in place, the September update should give us a better idea of how quickly Google can extend that experience to older Pixel Watches.

What you need to know

• Original Pixel Watch users on Reddit quickly reported a warning message in the Google Health app that said they were about to lose major features.
• Sync for sleep and workout data was apparently going to be removed unless they updated Wear OS, which isn't possible for this four-year-old watch.
• Google confirmed that this warning was a bug in its systems and that the original Pixel Watch is still "fully supported" in the Health app.

Owners of Google's original Pixel Watch were frightened this week by an on-device alert that said they were losing access to Health features.

We're coming off the back of the Pixel Watch 5's launch, and the last thing consumers want is for their tech to become obsolete. That nearly felt like a reality, as users on Reddit posted an alert that read: "Update your watch to keep using Google Health" (via Android Authority). This warning made its rounds, as more users replied to the thread, reporting the same alert. The message said their watch was running an "older version of Wear OS" and that it would soon "stop syncing sleep and workout data with Google Health."

Many users were in an uproar. The first Pixel Watch debuted four years ago. While the device received its last minor update last November, it stunned many to think that Google would drop it outright after the Pixel Watch 5. Becoming ineligible for new features is one thing, since it's an older model. But cutting support entirely wasn't sitting well with the majority. Not everyone saw this warning message, and that's where things became curious. A community moderator highlighted Google's official response to the warning O.G. Pixel Watch users have been seeing.

Google confirms that the first Pixel Watch remains "fully supported" with the Health app and features. It adds, "We had a bug where some users received this card incorrectly. Thanks for raising this, it has now been resolved."

Pixel Watch is still hanging on

Google had a Health app double-feature in July. The first update focused on key stats, as the app rolled out a massive selection of metric tiles for the Today and Health tabs. Google said users would find new tiles for "heart rate variability, breathing rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), resting heart rate, skin temperature variation, blood glucose, mindful days, mindful minutes, resilience, protein intake, fat intake, carbohydrate intake, and your friend leaderboard." Convenience was the goal for this.

Many of these metrics can be viewed in the Health tab; however, taking a quick glance at them in the Today tab would save you time. What's more, your sleep session statistics will now account for any naps (20 mins or longer). The second July update was about nutrition. Nutrition Logging, or rather "Quick Logging," focuses on calories and macro estimates. Google states users don't have to worry about the exact name of what they've eaten.

So long as they can fill out the meal's calories and macronutrients, it will be logged. These nutrition updates rolled out with vv5.04 of the Google Health app.

Android Central's Take

The funny thing that a few users mentioned on Reddit is that the original Pixel Watch runs Wear OS 5.1. Given that, you'd think the device would be spared from any EOS in the Health app. These alerts were a scare, for sure. They're not that far behind in software. Sure, the hardware is older, which is why many aren't expecting new features (EOS came for Wear OS, not the app). I'm glad it worked out. The original Pixel Watch isn't that bad, even four years later.

The Pixel Watch 6 is likely a year away, but it's never too early to speculate about what Google could be cooking up for its next smartwatch. Of course, we'll take a look at what we might expect based on the current Pixel Watch 5, Google's latest smartwatch.

The Pixel Watch 5 may not bring many hardware upgrades; it comes with compelling software that should appeal to health-conscious and fitness enthusiasts. Even so, the Pixel Watch 5 may not be the upgrade consumers were looking for, which is where the Pixel Watch 6 could come into play.

Here's what we know so far and what we hope to see in the Pixel Watch 6.

Price and availability

The Pixel Watch has always been an expensive smartwatch, but Google raised the price for the first time in the smartwatch's history with the Pixel Watch 5. The watch starts at $399, which is $50 more than its predecessors. This may be due in part to rising memory costs resulting from the RAM crisis, which is expected to last through 2027 and likely into 2028.

That means we can expect the Pixel Watch 6 to start at $399, at least for the smaller Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model, while larger sizes and LTE models will cost even more.

Performance gains where they count

The Pixel Watch 5 features more or less the same chip as its predecessor, although the "Accelerated" chip promises a 20% boost in performance, which isn't nothing. This should help the Pixel Watch 5 run AI features faster, though we admit we were hoping for something a bit more "Elite" for a $400 smartwatch.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite already powers the Galaxy Watch 9 and supports powerful on-device AI, better power efficiency, faster charging, and enhanced connectivity options like 5G RedCap.

This is the type of chip we expect to see in Google's Pixel Watch 6. Even if it's already a year old by the time the Pixel Watch 6 arrives, it should still be more than enough and adequate for the types of AI experiences Google is trying to provide on its smartwatch.

I would like to see larger batteries in the Pixel Watch 6, although I can easily get two days of use per charge with the Pixel Watch 4, and the Pixel Watch 5 has a very slightly larger battery capacity, so I expect the experience to be roughly the same. If Google can figure out how to squeeze larger batteries into the watch, as OnePlus has, perhaps we could be looking at a 3- or 4-day battery life?

Wear OS and Android XR

The Pixel Watch 6 should arrive with Wear OS 8 in tow, although we don't yet know what to expect from Google's next major smartwatch update. Wear OS 7 is already pretty fully featured with new widgets (to replace Tiles), Gemini Intelligence, and improved health and fitness capabilities.

What we don't expect is a major visual overhaul, as Material 3 Expressive is still pretty new on watches. However, Google could update some UI elements, perhaps making widgets more customizable, as Samsung's One UI Watch allows users to stack multiple widgets in a single view.

That said, we expect a greater emphasis on AI, perhaps with more on-device AI, especially if the watch is powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite.

Google is expected to roll out Android XR glasses with Samsung later in 2026, and with them will come Wear OS-specific features that allow the watch to connect to and even control the glasses. With Android XR becoming more widely available for consumers, I expect future versions of Wear OS to build on these experiences, although it's unclear how until we get the first batch of glasses out in the wild.

Pixel Watch Pro?

We've seen the same batch of Pixel Watches for years now, but we hope to see something akin to a Pixel Watch Pro in future models. Like the Pixel Pro series, this would offer higher specs and additional features not found on the base Pixel Watch 6, such as more storage and RAM.

This could also include a new design, perhaps something a bit more rugged than the current models. Google has proven it can make a beautiful watch, but the glass dome doesn't exactly inspire confidence in people who like to go hiking, rock climbing, or even diving.

Google should emulate what Samsung and Apple have done with smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, giving consumers a more rugged build, larger batteries, and features tailored to outdoor experiences.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 debate is an interesting one. While you might think the Pixel Watch makes the most sense for a Pixel phone owner and the Galaxy Watch for a Galaxy phone owner, this isn't always the case. Some people prefer one phone brand and another watch brand. With that said, it's not such a cut-and-dried decision. Let's dive deeper to help you decide.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Design and battery life

The Google Pixel Watch 5 has the usual domed display, giving it a sleeker, more elegant look. But it's still the same usual look, and Shruti Shekar opines that her early hands-on is getting sort of bland. That said, she admits that Pixel Watch is still "one of the more gorgeous smartwatches on the market."

The Galaxy Watch 9, meanwhile, is still a pretty sexy device. It has two side buttons, while the Pixel Watch 5 has a side button and haptic crown. Aside from being more comfortable than the Galaxy Watch 8, the Watch 9's design is largely unchanged.

Both always-on screens are equally bright, and both smartwatches are durable and water-resistant. The Galaxy Watch 9 also meets MIL-STD-810H standards, giving it a slight leg up in durability.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 is rated to last up to 40 hours with the always-on display, up to 72 hours with Battery Saver mode for the larger size, and up to 30 and 48 hours for the smaller size, respectively. By comparison, the Galaxy Watch 9 is rated for up to 30 hours with the always-on display. In my tests, having worn one for the last several weeks, it never lasts a full day. The good news is that it charges quickly.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Power and performance

The Pixel Watch 5's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor is largely the same as the one in the Pixel Watch 4, but with increased processing power. It goes up against the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor in the Galaxy Watch 9, which should offer snappier performance.

Since both run Wear OS, you get a similar experience, though each adds its own flavor. Samsung's One UI Watch 9 brings more customization, while Google includes features that leverage Gemini. For example, in addition to the standard themes and complication styles, you can use Nano Banana to generate a custom theme. It's easily one of the most fun new features of the watch.

When it comes to health tracking, Google has a leg up. The Galaxy Watch 9 works with Samsung Health, but Google Health Premium has enticing features for Pixel Watch wearers. The caveat is that you need a subscription for the AI features.

You can unlock the helpful Google Health Coach, which walks you through training plans, nutrition, and more in a conversational manner. You get virtual coaching and guidance. Even if you don't sign up for Google Health Premium, fitness buffs will love the new weight- and rep-logging, rest timers, and a workout builder.

Also coming to Pixel Watch 5 is Health Guardian, which can analyze and provide data about breathing trends and irregular heart rhythms, and even alert you of breathing emergencies. It can also measure blood pressure trends and assess insulin resistance.

Samsung is no slouch in this department, though. Samsung Health adds new features to this watch, including a new Vitals dashboard, Trail Run mode, improved hydration management, and an energy score.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Specs

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: What else you need to know

The Google Pixel Watch 5 supports satellite SOS communications, and it comes with a two-year trial. This is crucial for outdoor adventurers. That said, if you fall into this camp, you might prefer a watch like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 instead. That brings up a good point: Shekar notes that Google is overdue to launch a Pixel Watch Pro to compete in this space, too.

Both support gestures, a nice-to-have feature for quickly dismissing or picking up a call or performing another desired action if your other hand is otherwise occupied. In terms of sensors, both come with the usuals, including advanced sensors such as temperature, SpO2, and ECG.

Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 9: Which should you choose?

Choosing between the Google Pixel Watch 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is not as simple as choosing the model that matches your phone. Both work well with either brand's device, though you do get some benefits by matching. This includes advanced health metrics in the Samsung Health app on Galaxy phones and features like camera controls on Pixel.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 is the better health companion if you plan to sign up for Google Health Premium. If not, it's a wash between the two, as they both do an equally good job. That said, the Pixel Watch 5's battery life is reportedly much longer, which might be a dealbreaker for some. It's also a sleeker design. But it's not a massive upgrade from the Pixel Watch 4.

Overall, both smartwatches offer distinct but equally good experiences. I'd go with the Pixel Watch 5 because if it lives up to the Pixel Watch 4's reputation as one of the best Android smartwatches, it will easily be the best new Android smartwatch this year. Its style, functionality, and features are best suited to everyday users. And you can unlock plenty of familiar Google experiences right from your wrist.

It's no secret that T-Mobile is a great source for Android phone deals, but many folks don't know that the carrier also sells a variety of other tech, including tablets, smartwatches, headphones, and more. 

Just in time for Back to School season, T-Mobile is attempting to draw more attention to its wider inventory with the new Beyond the Smartphone promotion. This sale offers some incredible deals that could make the latest Android devices dirt cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right. 

Of course, most of these T-Mobile deals will require you to add an eligible service line to your account to enjoy the max savings. Fortunately, these plans go for as little as $10 per month and come with unlimited talk, text, data, and more. Whether you want a Google Pixel Watch or a powerful Samsung tablet, keep reading for my favorite offers from T-Mobile's Beyond the Smartphone initiative. 

The Google Pixel Watch 5 has finally been revealed with an August 20th release date, and there are already several preorder deals that could make the flagship wearable dirt cheap if you play your cards right. 

Grab the watch from T-Mobile with Mobile Plan Plus 2.0 and you'll score $300 off your purchase. That knocks the price of your preorder down to just $5.55 per month for 36 months! One of the best Android smartwatches of 2026 for the price of a large latte every month? Sign me up. 

Preorder the Google Pixel Watch 5 for just over $5/month at T-Mobile

Compared to its predecessor, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is more of a refinement than a dramatic transformation, and in many ways, that's a good thing. You still get the eye-catching water droplet-inspired design with the AMOLED display, plus Wear OS 7, a Snapdragon chipset, and dual-band GPS. 

The Pixel Watch 5 also comes packed with the latest AI-boosted software features, including Generative Watch Faces, Blood Pressure Trends, and the Smart Wake Alarm. You also get twice the onboard storage compared to the Pixel Watch 4 (now it's 64GB) and a slight boost in battery life that doesn't affect the size or weight. 

So what's the catch? Well, aside from those small upgrades, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is largely unchanged from the previous generation. If you're passionate about fancy smartwatch features and/or you've never owned a Pixel watch, then I'd absolutely recommend jumping on this preorder deal. 

On the other hand, if you're already the owner of a Google Pixel Watch 4, it'd be understandable if you wanted to skip this one. It's also worth mentioning that T-Mobile has extended this $300 discount to all of the Pixel smartwatches on its site, which means you could get the Google Pixel Watch 4 for free and enjoy nearly identical performance to the 2026 model without paying a dime. The choice is yours. 

I think it’s time Google branched out to give people what they need — a Pixel Watch Pro. And I’m saying this because, after playing with the Pixel Watch 5, I’m not sure why the company keeps putting out a new version of the watch every year when not much has really changed.

I want to be very clear: I love the Pixel Watch. I mean, I broke the news that the very first Pixel Watch was found in a restaurant. So you can imagine my excitement when I see new Pixel Watches every year. But now it’s starting to get boring.

Not much has changed, nothing exciting is happening, and the number of Wear OS updates and upgrades doesn’t justify the price increase of the Watch.

Still the same watch

While the form factor of the watch remains the same, Google did come up with some new watch band colors, including olive-toned, magenta-toned, and frost-toned, to match the new Pixel 11 base colors.

Google also didn’t update its chip to the Snapdragon Wear Elite, as Samsung did with its Galaxy Watches. Instead, the new Pixel Watch 5 is still using the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 “Accelerated,” which seems to be a boosted version of the same chip from the Pixel Watch 4.

The look and feel of the new watch is literally the same as the past two generations, and in my opinion nothing really has changed. That’s not fully a bad thing; the Pixel Watch is one of the more gorgeous smartwatches on the market. However, it’s starting to get bland, and something new needs to happen here.

New features might make the watch worth it

If you were to get the Watch 5, the only reason you should get it is because of the new Gemini and Wear OS features. And many of these features are probably going to take a while to trickle down to the other watches.

The new Insulin Resistance Trends and Blood Pressure Trends features are incredibly compelling. Both have never been on any Pixel Watch before, and both are active features to help monitor your health trends. When I was at my content capture, both features were not available to try out, as they were not ready yet. But I am certain that when the Watch is ready to be shipped, it will be available.

I will also note that my Google rep told me it takes about a month of daily tracking to get trend results, so even if that feature was there at content capture, it would be hard to test without at least 30 days of testing.

Android Central’s Derrek Lee is also very excited about the newly upgraded workout experience, which now includes weight and rep tracking as well as rest timers and a workout builder, making the Watch 5 a more well-rounded fitness companion.

Generative Watch Faces: Your next bff

Honestly, the thing I was most excited about was the new Generative Watch Faces feature. This feature is going to be so fun to play around with, and it uses Google’s Nano Banana to generate.

I tested the feature by asking the watch face to generate pink unicorns, and it actually did. It was super cute and fun, and I think this will be a game-changer for people who like custom watch faces and want to have fun with what their watch looks like.

It’s time for a Pixel Watch Pro

As much as I love the Pixel Watch, it’s time for Google to upgrade what it's doing. I like the new workout features and some of the other features I mentioned above, but I think it’s time Google launched a Pro version of its watches.

It could be something similar to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 or the Apple Watch Ultra 3, a watch that is much more rugged and geared to serious workout enthusiasts or athletes. In my opinion, the watch could have a deeper focus on fitness and offer something even more compelling for those who would pay the money for it.

As an example, I currently own a Garmin Forerunner 970, and I sought out this watch because I am training for a half marathon. I knew that my training would involve deep stats and workout details that a regular watch might not suffice for. And I think it’s for this very reason Google needs to think about expanding its watch family.

I don’t hate the Pixel, and I think maybe after reading this you might think that, and that is far from how I feel. I love the Pixel; I think it is a robust watch with really great features, but Gen 5 feels boring and flat. I want something more, and I know Google is capable of it.

What you need to know

• The Pixel Watch 5 looks almost identical to the Pixel Watch 4 and keeps the same W5 Gen 2 chip.
• Google calls it the W5 Gen 2 Accelerated, but the underlying hardware remains essentially unchanged.
• You still get 41mm and 45mm models, with Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, and LTE options.
• New tools for insulin and blood pressure management add meaningful functionality.

Google's smartwatches are slowly gaining momentum, but you wouldn't be able to tell each model apart. That's particularly true this year with the Pixel Watch 5; I read the press release Google shared ahead of launch, and I still don't understand what's new.

The Pixel Watch 5 looks identical to last year's Pixel Watch 4. It has the exact same hardware as well, and Google didn't bother using Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite Wear platform, which is short-sighted. It instead has the same W5 Gen 2 as last year, but it's now called the Gen 2 Accelerated, so make of that what you will.

Like previous years, you get two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. There's Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, and Satellite SOS in select countries, and Google will continue to sell cellular-enabled LTE models. You get similar colors as last year, and the chassis is made out of recycled materials, just like Google's phones. There are new bands though, and they're in vibrant colors.

You still get 5ATM and IP68 water resistance, and it should hold up to everyday wear and tear just as well as its predecessors.

That doesn't mean there isn't anything new. Google is debuting features to manage insulin and blood pressure resistance, and they're bound to be useful. There's a slate of new Gemini features as well, along with everything new in Wear OS. Here's the full list of the watch's health and fitness features:

• Health Guardian suite (Irregular Rhythm Notifications / AFib, high/low heart rate alerts)
• Monthly blood pressure trends & insulin resistance trends
• Multi-path optical heart rate sensor & SpO2 monitoring
• ECG app & Skin conductance (cEDA) tracking
• Far-field skin temperature sensor
• Google Health Coach integration (powered by Gemini)
• 50+ tracked exercises with custom HIIT/strength routine syncing
• Readiness Score & Key Metrics post-workout view
• Sleep Breathing Quality (minute-by-minute SpO2 analysis)
• Stage tracking (Awake, REM, Light, Deep) & Sleep Score
• Bedtime Automations, Smart Wake Alarms, Morning Brief
• Breathing Emergency Detection (EU only)
• Loss of Pulse alerts
• Satellite SOS communication
• Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, Fall Detection, Car Crash Detection

Oh, and I like the feature that lets you generate watch faces using AI, and it is pretty cool. But that alone doesn't justify buying a new watch, and the Pixel Watch 4 should get the feature anyway at some point in the future.

If the Pixel Watch 5 doesn't look particularly noteworthy, it's because the hardware itself hasn't changed to any measurable degree. This is like the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 all over again, and Google needs to do better to differentiate its smartwatch -- as AC EiC Shruti Shekar said in her hands-on post, it's time we got a Pixel Watch Pro.

What you need to know

• Samsung just uploaded a One UI 9 Watch test firmware (L500XXU2ZZH2) for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to its servers.
• The new firmware specifically targets the Watch 8 Classic, making it one of the first older models (outside the new Watch 9 series) to get public beta access.
• This build runs on a newer bootloader version. Once you install it, rolling back to the previous software won't be possible.

Samsung is moving closer to bringing One UI 9 Watch to older Galaxy smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic seems to be among the first to receive it. A new test build has appeared on Samsung’s test servers, which could be a sign that a public beta could be launched soon.

As per the screenshots shared by Tarun Vats on X, Samsung has uploaded the firmware with build number L500XXU2ZZH2/L500OXM2ZZH2 for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Just because the software is ready doesn’t mean the beta will be available quite yet, but it’s a strong indication that Samsung is preparing to get things started soon.

Samsung's smartwatch software usually goes through a few internal builds before it makes it to users. The test-server listing also suggests that downgrade might not be possible after the update is installed, and the new firmware seems to be built on a newer bootloader version.

This is important for anyone looking to get into the beta early. The software is still in testing, so expect unfinished features, bugs, and compatibility issues. If you rely on your smartwatch for notifications, exercise, or health monitoring, it might not be the best idea to put it on your everyday watch.

While Samsung hasn’t made an official statement regarding the beta program, the leaked build suggests that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could be one of the first devices, apart from the Galaxy Watch 9 series, to get access.

There is a bigger reason to follow this rollout. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 already ship with One UI 9 Watch based on Wear OS 7, so there's little reason for Samsung to now withhold the update from older models. If Samsung holds to its usual rollout pattern, the beta could be here in the next few weeks.

TL;DR: T-Mobile will give you the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 for FREE when you add a line with the Watch Plan Plus 2.0 plan.

Samsung's newest smartwatches finally hit store shelves last week, but if you weren't being vigilant, you could've completely missed that one of the best Galaxy Watch 9 deals is still going strong at T-Mobile.

This leftover preorder offer will get you the flagship smartwatch for completely FREE when you add a line with Watch Plan Plus 2.0 on the carrier's site. No trade-in required!

That's a whopping $430 in savings on the 40mm version of the watch. Need something bigger? You can apply the same discount to the 44mm version or even the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you need a bit more power. The choice is yours. 

Samsung's newest smartwatch is FREE at T-Mobile

• See my guide to the best T-Mobile deals of August 2026

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 takes the foundation of its excellent predecessor and adds a new Snapdragon processor and a larger battery without increasing the size or weight. The result is a sleek, lightweight smartwatch that doesn't skimp on premium specs and innovative Galaxy AI software features. 

Just like the Galaxy Watch 8, the new model still features a vibrant AMOLED display with 32GB of onboard storage, plus you get dual-band GPS tracking, IP68 with 5ATM water resistance, and a powerful BioActive sensor with ultra-accurate health and fitness tracking capabilities.

So what's the catch? Well, as I mentioned above, you'll need to pay the $35 activation fee and sign up for the Watch Plan Plus 2.0 plan to enjoy the $430 discount. This plan costs just $15 per month and gives you unlimited talk, text, and data directly from your smartwatch, in addition to unlimited texting and 5GB of data in over 215 countries worldwide (15GB of data in Mexico and Canada). 

"Hold on, hold on. What's going on here?" my coach asked as he noticed me wearing four watches before I went out running. I often wear two watches to the gym because I'm constantly comparing them, but I've never worn four before, and that was clearly enough to raise eyebrows.

After explaining the article you're currently reading, in which I wear four smartwatches through a series of tests, he laughed and told me I must have a fun job. Indeed, I do! But the results of the test should be a real help to anyone looking to buy a smartwatch this year (and help save some money in the process).

So stick with me as I run through my past week, in which I wore four smartwatches to sleep, every time I ran during my half-marathon Spartan training, and during a full 5K Spartan race over the weekend.

Starting off with a good night's sleep

I would never recommend sleeping with four smartwatches on, but I will say that it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as I had been dreading. Most smartwatches collect the same sleep data, but every so often you'll find a watch that does something different. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, for example, included a skin temperature measurement, measured against a baseline it had determined in the past 2 weeks since I started wearing it.

Of all the watches I wore, the Honor Watch 6 showed the least data. Most of it is holed up in a sleep analysis section that gives you percentages and glanceable "normal," "high," and "low" ranges so you don't have to dive deep. That's good because I couldn't figure out how to dive deep into this data.

The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm offered a better look at the data, but it didn't include as many data points (like SpO2 or breathing quality). The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 did a great overall job, but it seems like it's a bit more sensitive to my restless sleep than the other watches.

Overall, I felt like the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro's data was the most accurate. I know I woke up more than 2 times (which the Honor and OnePlus watches say), but there's no chance I was up 18 times as Samsung suggests. The T-Rex 3 Pro has a temperature sensor onboard, but apparently, it doesn't include this data for sleep. Weird choice, but that terrible 54 sleep score lines up with how I felt when I woke up, not the 72 Samsung gave me.

Time for a run (or four)

I began training for a Spartan Beast a few weeks ago using Amazfit's incredible running coach feature because I already felt confident in the watch's ability to accurately measure everything. Since I had already been comparing the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro to every other watch I've worn over the past few years, it made sense to keep it on for this comparison.

My intuition wasn't wrong. Looking at the map data above, where I ran 2.5 miles over two loops around this Walmart and the surrounding business park, things look pretty even until you zoom in. I broke off sections of the track so you can see the GPS tracking discrepancies between the watches.

Overall, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm was the least accurate (genuinely a surprise to me), while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro tied for first. The Honor Watch 6 also did an excellent job, but there were two points on the map with notable tree cover that showed me running in the road instead of on the sidewalk, while the other two kept me on the side of the road.

As I dove deeper into the rest of the data, I found a consistent pattern among all four watches. In each data point, there was a clear outlier. The Honor Watch 6, for example, got the altitude all wrong, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 completely fumbled the cadence measurement.

The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm had some very strange spikes and dips in speed, almost assuredly owing to the GPS tracking issues I mentioned earlier, while all four watches tied for heart rate accuracy. Notably, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro didn't show up as an outlier on any of the data points, owing to its excellent overall accuracy.

One Spartan Race to finish it off

As I approached the Spartan Race, it was clear that Amazfit and Samsung were leading the pack here. Since I had to wear an RFID bracelet and a separate time bracelet for the race, I only had room for two smartwatches, so this was going to be between the winners.

I don't see any obvious discrepancies in the GPS data between the two watches. Clearly, each is slightly different from the other, but it's impossible to tell which one is right since this is a trail course. I'll give this section a tie.

You'll need to click the expand button on the image above and zoom in to see all the details, but once you do, you'll understand why Amazfit did a better job of tracking this race. In the heart rate data, you'll see three points where the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 did something weird. Just after 9:20 and around 10:05, it registered a far lower heart rate than I actually had.

Then, around 10:46-10:50, it seems to have failed to get a heart rate at all. Strangely enough, that same lapse in data also appears in the speed and cadence graphs. While both watches were dead-on with speed data and mostly similar with altitude, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 wildly messed up my running cadence, which happened during other runs I've gone on with this watch, too.

This particular Spartan Race was both very busy and extremely muddy, causing quite a bit of backup at each obstacle. On the cadence graph, you can see where the Amazefit T-Rex 3 Pro properly measured me not moving while waiting in line, yet the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 seems to think these moments didn't happen. Trust me, I was frustrated enough to remember them, and that's enough to give the T-Rex 3 Pro the win.

Truly amaze

The Amazefit T-Rex 3 Pro has been my go-to smartwatch for the past two years, and it's no wonder, with the results I've seen over the past week. While several watches have caught my attention since then, this one is consistently the most reliable and one of the most feature-rich.

Aside from being a great watch, the Zepp app that powers the experience is second to none. The UI is excellent; it's got a ton of amazing features (like this AI-powered food logging feature), and the subscription is only necessary if you want additional AI-powered insights, which I haven't typically used in the past. All in all, it's easily my favorite workout companion and an experience I think fitness fans will love.

What you need to know

• Rumors on X claim Nothing is working on its first smartwatch with a starting price "under" $300.
• A tipster suggests the watch could feature Nothing's typical DNA (likely in design), but it might only launch in "limited markets."
• Nothing has technically made watches before, but under CMF with the Watch 3 Pro and other predecessors that use RTOS, not WearOS.

Rumors have started on social media about a new Nothing product. The company is allegedly working on its first smartwatch outside of its CMF brand.

Tipster Yogesh Brar on X claims that Nothing is developing its first smartwatch (via GSMArena). There aren't a ton of details we can sink our teeth into, but Brar claims the watch will rock "typical Nothing DNA." This is likely referring to its design. The watch is supposedly eyeing a release in "limited markets" at a starting price that's under $300.

This is a price that would put the watch a bit under others, like the Galaxy Watch 9, which starts at $379. Brar suggests that there's more to come, with alleged details forthcoming. Rumors end by purporting a September launch for this Nothing Watch (or whatever it'll be called). Many users are reacting to this rumor on X, much like we are. A major concern that we've seen mentioned is the watch's software.

Users wonder if the device will sport Google's WearOS software, or if the watch will settle for a proprietary RTOS.

Is this where we're headed?

Smartwatches aren't technically a "new thing" for Nothing. What's been alleged now would be new, as Nothing hasn't released a watch from its main portfolio. Instead, what we've gotten are devices from CMF, its sub-brand that generates devices for affordability. CMF launched the Watch 3 Pro last summer, which offered a few noteworthy upgrades. CMF improved its heart sensor and sports modes, rolling out 131 supported activities.

The watch features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, 120 customizable watch faces, and dual-band GPS. What's more, CMF states users can get ~13 days out of its battery for "typical use." That'll look more like 10 days with "heavy use." These specs are fine, especially considering the market CMF is in. But what's always stuck out is its software. CMF's Watch 3 Pro doesn't use WearOS; it uses an RTOS. While this hasn't always sat well with people, the device isn't that bad.

CMF's watch lacks depth. Depth that you would receive from a fully connected device running WearOS from Google, Samsung, or Garmin. Considering the rumor, if Nothing is working on a "flagship" watch, there are expectations.

What you need to know

• The Pixel Watch 5 has appeared again ahead of launch, this time inside Google's official Google Health app.
• The listing appeared for setup for one user, suggesting Google has quietly added pairing support.
• The setup screens still use Pixel Watch 4 artwork, likely because Google hasn't updated the images yet

The Google Pixel Watch 5 has surfaced once again ahead of its expected launch next month.

If you remember, the Pixel Watch 5 made headlines earlier this year after a unit was reportedly found on the ocean floor by a scuba diver in St. Martin, giving us our first real-world look at the smartwatch.

Since then, we've seen several more leaks confirming its sizes and expected pricing. Now, with the Pixel 11 series launch just around the corner, the Pixel Watch 5 has shown up in one of Google's own apps.

Another Pixel Watch 5 leak before launch

As spotted by a user on Telegram (via Android Authority), the Pixel Watch 5 appeared briefly towards the top of the device list when pairing a new wearable through the Google Health app. In the screenshot shared, the "Google Pixel Watch 5" is listed above the Fitbit Air in the device selection menu.

Tapping on it even takes the user through the next setup screens, suggesting Google has already added support for the upcoming smartwatch.

That said, the setup process doesn't reveal anything new about the watch's design. The artwork shown in the app is still identical to the Pixel Watch 4, which could simply be a placeholder since the two watches are expected to look very similar. It's also possible that Google just hasn't updated the artwork yet.

Either way, this is another appearance of the Pixel Watch 5 ahead of its expected debut next month. With Google's Pixel 11 launch event now only a couple of weeks away, we're likely to see even more leaks surface.

So far, though, everything points to the Pixel Watch 5 being a fairly iterative upgrade, albeit one that may come with a slightly higher price tag than its predecessor.

If you've been on the fence about preordering the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, T-Mobile just shared a deal that might encourage you to take the leap. 

From now through the wearable's August 7th release date, you can get the Galaxy Watch 9 for FREE when you add a line with T-Mobile's Watch Plan Plus. That's $430 of promo credits over 24 months, no trade-in required and no additional eligibility requirements to worry about — just good old-fashioned savings on a device that's almost certain to rank among the best Android smartwatches of 2026. 

Get a FREE Galaxy Watch 9 with this new T-Mobile deal

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 may look almost identical to its predecessor, but there are a few notable improvements under the hood. The 2026 watch features upgraded battery life (up to 40 hours) and the incorporation of the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset without adding any extra weight to the frame. You also get all of the latest on-device Galaxy AI software features and some improved health and fitness tracking capabilities.

Just like last year's version, the Galaxy Watch 9 also boasts a vibrant AMOLED display and "squircle"-style design with 32GB of onboard storage, dual-band GPS, and IP68/5ATM durability.

The new chipset and upgraded battery are enough reason to call the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 one of the best smartwatches of the year, but last year's Galaxy Watch 8 is no slouch either. If you prefer Bluetooth and can find a good deal on the last-gen model, go for it. But if you want to use a 2026 smartwatch on your cellular network, T-Mobile's preorder deal is one of the most cost-effective ways to do so. This offer ends on August 7th, however, so don't wait too long to make your move. 

What you need to know

• Samsung says its Galaxy Glasses will be priced at a "reasonable" premium, likely above the $300 Meta Ray-Bans.
• The glasses are designed to work as an extension of Galaxy phones rather than as a standalone smart device.
• Samsung is adding Galaxy-exclusive features like Watch gesture controls and instant photo syncing to your phone.

Samsung may not have revealed much about its Galaxy Glasses during Galaxy Unpacked in London, but the company has now shared a few more details about what we can expect to pay for its first Android XR smart glasses.

Samsung is gearing up to launch its first pair of Android XR glasses later this year. The company has already confirmed that the glasses are being developed in partnership with eyewear brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. We've even had some hands-on time with the device, but until now, Samsung hadn't said anything about pricing.

Speaking with The Korea Times, Samsung has now shed a little more light on that (via 9to5Google). The company says it plans to price the Galaxy Glasses "at a reasonable level," while still positioning them in the premium segment.

That doesn't give us an exact price, but it does suggest Samsung's glasses could cost a little more than the Meta Ray-Bans, which currently start at $300 in the U.S.

Samsung also believes its biggest advantage isn't just the hardware, but the ecosystem around it. Unlike Meta's smart glasses, which are largely designed as a standalone accessory, Samsung says its glasses are being built by a smartphone company first. The idea is for the Galaxy Glasses to feel like a natural extension of your Galaxy phone, rather than a separate device.

The company has already teased a few of those integrations. For example, you'll be able to control the glasses using gestures on compatible Galaxy Watches, while photos captured on the glasses can instantly appear as notifications on your Galaxy phone for quick viewing and sharing.

Privacy is another area Samsung says it's taking seriously. The company confirmed that the glasses will automatically disable recording if the privacy LED is covered or if the glasses aren't being worn.

That's an interesting move, especially since Meta recently rolled out a mandatory update for its smart glasses that disables the camera if the recording LED appears to have been tampered with.

Samsung still hasn't announced an exact launch date for the Galaxy Glasses, but we at least have a better idea of where they'll sit in the market.

What you need to know

• Google is developing a new "Phone to Watch Unlock" feature that automatically unlocks your Pixel Watch with your Pixel phone.
• The feature works in reverse of today's Watch Unlock, eliminating the need to enter your watch PIN repeatedly.
• Code strings suggest the feature will be exclusive to the Pixel Watch and Pixel phone ecosystem through Connected Services.

Google could finally fix the one thing that's been annoying me about using a passcode on my Pixel Watch.

For quite some time now, Google has offered a feature called Watch Unlock that lets your Pixel Watch unlock your Pixel phone. If your Pixel Watch is already unlocked and on your wrist, your phone automatically unlocks without asking for your passcode. The problem is that it doesn't work the other way around.

Thankfully, that could finally be changing.

As spotted by Android Authority, Google is working on a new feature called Phone to Watch Unlock that would automatically unlock your Pixel Watch whenever you unlock your paired Pixel phone.

Unlike the current implementation, where an unlocked Pixel Watch can unlock your phone, this feature would work in reverse. Once you unlock your Pixel phone, your Pixel Watch will automatically unlock as well. It's something that's been bugging me for a long time, so I'm glad to see Google finally working on a fix.

Unfortunately, it looks like this feature will be exclusive to the Pixel ecosystem. The code strings were discovered in Google's Connected Phone and Watch Services app, suggesting it will only work between Pixel phones and Pixel Watches.

From what it appears, Google will prompt users to enable the feature during setup. You'll first need to enter your current watch PIN as a one-time verification, after which your Pixel Watch will automatically unlock whenever you unlock your Pixel phone.

There's currently no word on when the feature will roll out. However, since it's already been spotted in the app's code, there's a good chance Google is preparing to launch it sooner rather than later.

Android 17's first major Feature Drop is expected next month, so it's possible this feature could arrive as part of that update.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out Fitbit Air firmware version 253.2, but don't expect new features.
• This update focuses entirely on reliability and minor bug fixes.
• Google advises installing the update during the day or evening, as updating around midnight can temporarily throw off your daily step count.

Google has begun rolling out a new software update for the Fitbit Air. However, this release is solely focused on reliability and not on new features.

The company officially describes the update as containing only “minor bug fixes,” but it does not say what those fixes are. This is the second firmware release for the wearable, following the initial update last month. In its community post, Google says firmware version 253.2 is being rolled out to devices over the next few days.

Before you begin the installation process, Google says to make sure your Fitbit Air is charged or plugged into its charger and has at least 50% battery. You also have to keep the wearable connected to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth and have the latest version of the Google Health app on your device.

It also matters when you install. Google recommends updating your device during the day or in the evening, not at midnight, as updating late at night could make that day’s step count appear inaccurate temporarily.

Installation takes about 10 minutes to complete. First, open the Google Health app with your Fitbit Air nearby and tap Update on the Today tab. You can also tap on Update in the top left corner under Connections and then tap on your device.

Just keep the Google Health app open and keep your Fitbit close to your phone or tablet until the progress bar is complete.

Android Central's Take

I get that Google is finally shipping an update instead of leaving early buyers hanging, but “bug fixes and general improvements” has become one of the most overused phrases in tech. If this update really helps with automatic workout detection, Google should just say so. People don't buy fitness trackers so they can decipher vague changelogs. They buy them because they want reliable health tracking without babysitting it.

The Galaxy Watch 9 is now on sale globally, and while it has a slightly bigger battery and runs Qualcomm's silicon, the design is identical to last year. Samsung didn't change too much with the smartwatch, and it's the software where the brand focused most of its attention.

If anything, it's the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 that got most of the upgrades this time, and that's also understandable — last year's model missed out on any new changes. By that logic, Samsung should offer meaningful upgrades with the Galaxy Watch 10 next year, and while there isn't much in the way of information about the smartwatch at this moment in time, that will change over the coming months. In the meantime, I'm listing a few features that I want to see in next year's smartwatch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 10: Pricing and availability

Samsung increased prices across the board this year, with the 40mm Galaxy Watch 9 starting at $379 (a $30 increase from last year), and the 44mm starting at $409 (also $30 higher than last year). The LTE models got the same $30 price hike, and while smartwatches aren't quite as affected by the RAM and storage crisis, it is entirely likely that the Galaxy Watch 10 will see a similar uptick in pricing.

That's just the way the industry is going, and with the RAM shortage set to continue well into 2027 and beyond, we could see brands raise prices next year as well. Obviously, it's too early to talk about what the Galaxy Watch 10 could cost, but I'm predicting a $399 starting price.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 10: What I want to see

The one upgrade I want on the Galaxy Watch 10 is improved battery life. Samsung put a massive battery in the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 while somehow making it thinner, so it shouldn't be difficult to do the same with the Galaxy Watch 10. While the Galaxy Watch 9 lasts two days, I want to see at least three days before needing to charge the smartwatch, and this is something Samsung needs to address next year.

In a similar vein, I want charging to be faster; Samsung doesn't quite do enough in this area, and that needs to change in 2027. I also want Samsung to increase durability to 10ATM, just like the Watch Ultra 2. A better selection of colors would be nice, as Samsung doesn't make all color variants available in all regions.

Also, we need a model with a rotating bezel. I still don't get why Samsung doesn't offer this as standard on one of the Galaxy Watch 9 models, and there isn't a Classic option this time either. Samsung must've noticed that the rotating bezel is an oft-requested feature from long-time users, so it isn't quite clear why the brand doesn't prioritize it.

Where Samsung has an advantage is with the software, and this year saw an influx of AI-assisted features. Of course, this isn't just with the smartwatches, with Samsung heavily pushing Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Fold 8. It is likely that Samsung will continue to lean into AI with next year's devices as well.

There's higher-than-usual interest in the Galaxy Watch 10 given that this year's model didn't have many upgrades, and I will update this post as soon as we have any tangible information around the 2027 model. In the meantime, if you need a smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 9 is the best bet.

What you need to know

• Samsung has extended the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to five major Wear OS upgrades.
• The new watches launch with Wear OS 7 and One UI 9, meaning software support should continue through 2031.
• Samsung likely enabled the longer support thanks to the new 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip.

Samsung has expanded the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's Wear OS software support to five years.

Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 alongside its new Galaxy Z Fold 8 series at Galaxy Unpacked in London on July 22. While the new foldable phones grabbed most of the attention, Samsung's latest smartwatches also bring some meaningful upgrades, including larger batteries across both models.

But there are even more improvements that Samsung didn't spend much time talking about during the keynote, and one of them is the software update policy.

Samsung has already been one of the best Android smartwatch makers when it comes to software support. Until now, the company promised four major Wear OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its Galaxy Watches.

For comparison, Google currently offers only three years of software updates for the Pixel Watch lineup, so Samsung was already ahead on that front.

With the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Samsung has taken things a step further. As first spotted by SamMobile, the company has expanded the update policy to five major Wear OS upgrades, while continuing to offer five years of security updates.

That's one additional major OS upgrade over previous Galaxy Watches. It's also worth noting that both watches ship with One UI 9 based on Wear OS 7 out of the box. Assuming Samsung sticks to its promise, these watches should continue receiving major Wear OS updates through 2031, which would presumably take them to Wear OS 12.

Samsung didn't really highlight this during the launch event, but it's likely that the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset is one of the reasons behind the extended support. The new chip is built on a 3nm process and is claimed to deliver up to 32% better performance than the previous generation.

For anyone considering a new smartwatch, that's one more reason to look at Samsung's latest lineup. The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $380 in the U.S., while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $700. Both smartwatches will be available starting August 7.

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman announced the Emerald update for its app, which brings a "decision engine," known as UltraSphere.
• UltraSphere can deliver over 60 "Next Best Action" suggestions to users based on their location, weather, profile, and biomarkers (sleep, HRV, recovery, etc.).
• Other updates involve VO2 Max algorithm updates, heart rate accuracy improvements, and enhanced workout detection.
• The Emerald update is rolling out today (July 23) globally.

Ultrahuman pushes its smart rings and users to be better in health and fitness. But the company isn't done, and its major app overhaul today (July 23) is the largest in its history.

The Emerald update is rolling out for the Ultrahuman app late this week. The company highlights "15 new and overhauled features" in this patch, but the star is the "decision engine," UltraSphere. The app sports several UI refinements in this patch. The company states it redesigned its UI for clarity for "health data and to promote better decisions." Users receive light and dark modes, a Jade AI tab, and "timely" information in the Ring tab.

UltraSphere is the centerpiece of the Emerald update and the app's homescreen. Ultrahuman says this is a "decision engine that generates 60+ Next Best Actions, such as boosting energy and alertness, winding down, and promoting more restful, restorative sleep." UltraSphere doesn't do it alone, as the press release states it leverages Jade AI to draw on your markers from sleep, recovery, HRV, cycle phase, and more.

Mohit Kumar, Ultrahuman's CEO, states, "All wearable trackers generate data. Data is empowering, but people do need something more than a number – they want to know what to do." In that spirit, UltraSphere delivers its suggestions based on your location and weather, circadian rhythm, and profile.

If you're a parent or someone working the night shift, UltraSphere would tailor its suggestions to fit that lifestyle. A "Next Best Action" suggestion might include "Get Light," which would tell the user to "Step outside for a few minutes soon after waking. Morning light sets the body clock so users feel alert today and fall asleep more easily."

Your heart and VO2 Max

The Emerald update makes two important changes to the app's tracking and accuracy. Ultrahuman says its Ring runs all of its processes on your device. This was done to keep your insights available without a connection.

The latter focuses on workout analysis and heart-rate accuracy with the Ring Pro and Air. Automatic workout detection and tagging have been improved. Heart rate details take a few steps up in this update, too. The Ultrahuman app also welcomes third-party devices for workout tracking. It highlights many GPS sports watches like the Apple Watch, Garmin, WHOOP, and others.

Ultrahuman is putting its VO2 Max capabilities in the spotlight, boasting a 21% increase in accuracy. The company credits a major algorithm, which has been "validated" against gold-standard CPET lab tests. The Emerald update for the Ultrahuman app is rolling out globally today (July 23). While we've covered a few important updates here, there are several more you'll also find: Sleep Screener, Longevity tab, Connections, Windows, Live View, Today's Activity, Today's Activity, Contextual Content, Goals, and PowerPlugs.

Considering that we called the Galaxy Watch 8 the 'best Android smartwatch of 2025', it's no surprise that we've been eagerly awaiting the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9. Now the big day has arrived, and Samsung's newest flagship wearable doesn't disappoint. 

The only problem is that the new smartwatch is a bit more expensive than its predecessor, which is why I was excited to see Amazon offer a free $50 gift card when you preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 ahead of its August 7th release date.  

Preorder the Galaxy Watch 9 and Amazon will give you a $50 gift card

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 may not look that different from its predecessor at first glance, but there are some significant improvements when you dig in a bit deeper. The 2026 watch is driven by the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, offering a notable performance boost when compared to the Galaxy Watch 8's Exynos processor. Battery capacity has also been upgraded, plus the Galaxy Watch 9 features all of the latest Galaxy AI features with some expanded health and fitness tracking capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 sports the exact same weight and dimensions as last year's model, which, considering how much we loved the Galaxy Watch 8, is a good thing in our eyes. The new wearable also features the same vibrant AMOLED display, 32GB of onboard storage, and dual-band GPS.

Does upgraded battery life and a new chip justify the higher price on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9? It's not for me to say. If you can find a good deal on the Galaxy Watch 8 and you don't mind using a last-gen watch, go for it. But if you want the latest and greatest model from Samsung, I can pretty much guarantee that the Galaxy Watch 9 won't disappoint. The free $50 gift card from Amazon is simply the cherry on top. 

What you need to know

• Samsung announced during Galaxy Unpacked that the Galaxy Ring will receive Sleep Apnea detection "this fall."
• The company states that the Galaxy Ring will be the "first and only" smart ring that's available over-the-counter to receive FDA clearance for such detection.
• Samsung first cleared its Sleep Apnea detection for the Galaxy Watch in Korea in 2023 before rolling it out globally (after the FDA gave the go-ahead) in 2025.

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked is just wrapping up in London, but the company snuck in a surprise: the Galaxy Ring is getting major sleep health clearance.

During the keynote, Samsung was covering its summer releases, and this particular section involved the Galaxy Watch 9. The company's newest "all-day, always-on for health" smartwatch has been cleared by the FDA for Sleep Apnea detection; however, Samsung says so will the Galaxy Ring. The company states, "this fall," its Galaxy Ring will be the "first and only FDA-cleared, over-the-counter ring device for Sleep Apnea risk protection."

As previously mentioned, the Galaxy Watch 9 features Sleep Apnea detection. Samsung revealed everything about the device and its Ultra 2 partner this morning (July 22). The watch's Sleep Apnea detection goes further than letting the user know a disruption took place overnight. According to Samsung, its Sleep Apnea detection features AI algorithms for "deeper insights into breathing disruptions during sleep."

This is an important highlight Samsung discussed during its Unpacked keynote, too.

Huge for the Galaxy Ring

Samsung has been down a long road for Sleep Apnea detection on its wearables. In 2023, the company's Galaxy Watch received approval from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for Sleep Apnea detection, as well as blood pressure monitoring. Consumers in the U.S., and many of us here at Android Central, were eagerly awaiting (and hoping) for FDA approval, too. We had to wait until February 2024 before the FDA gave the all-clear for Samsung's Galaxy Watch detection.

While approval is all well and good, Sleep Apnea detection didn't hit our devices until 2025. The feature leverages the watch's BioActive sensor to alert the user to potential disruptions. Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition that Samsung is trying to give users better insight into. If left unchecked, it can cause an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and more.

Now that Samsung has worked in more of its AI algorithms, we can likely expect more detailed round-ups once this hits the Galaxy Ring. For now, we have the Galaxy Watch 9 to use and see how it works before the fall.

Android Central's Take

This stunned us during Unpacked. It's not something we were expecting, and I'm sure all eyes are on Samsung's smart ring competitors. Sleep Apnea, as I mentioned already, is a serious medical issue. If left unchecked, like anything else, it can worsen. Health awareness is never a bad thing, and for a device (a smart ring) that's already hard-focused on health, it sounds like a no-brainer.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Pricing and availability

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 made its debut at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked launch event in London on July 22, 2026, and it is now on sale globally. The smartwatch retails for $699, and that's pretty decent when you consider you're getting 64GB of storage and a ton of new features.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 launched at $649, the same as its predecessor. Which is understandable as the smartwatch didn't actually bring any new features, and other than double the amount of onboard storage, it was identical to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024. Thankfully, that's not the case this year.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Design and features

Samsung is changing the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 a little bit; the smartwatch has a squircle case that's made out of titanium, and the design looks a lot cleaner than the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. Samsung is offering the smartwatch in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray, and we'll need to wait and see if both models are available in all global regions.

What I like the most is that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is significantly thinner at 10mm (versus 12.1mm); this was a big pain point with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024 and 2025 models, and it's good to see Samsung addressing it. Another change has to do with durability; the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets IP69K ingress protection, giving it added resilience against dust and water ingress.

You still get a massive 47mm case, and I like that Samsung didn't change this. The display is slightly bigger at 1.52 inches thanks to thinner bezels, and the resolution is also a little higher at 498x498 (Ultra 2025 has 480x480). But where the Watch Ultra 2 stands out the most is the overall brightness; Samsung is somehow touting brightness of up to 5,000 nits, and that's a significant boost from the 3,000-nit Watch Ultra 2025.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Hardware and specs

If I had to point to a single upgrade that makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 truly stand out, it would be the battery. The smartwatch comes with an 800mAh battery, and this is an area where Samsung absolutely did the right thing. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025's 590mAh battery is decent enough, but the much bigger battery should allow the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to last even longer.

Powering the smartwatch is the latest Snapdragon Wear Elite, and this again is a big change; last year's model had the Exynos W1000, and the switch to Qualcomm should deliver better efficiency, boosting battery life even more. The smartwatch gets 2GB of memory and 64GB of storage as standard, and it retains similar connectivity as last year's model, including NFC.

Coming to fitness and health monitoring, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets Samsung's BioActive Sensor, and it includes all the hardware needed to monitor vitals and daily activity. You get Samsung's Wear OS 7 out of the box with One UI 9 Watch, and there's a lot to like with the software in general. Samsung is the way to go if you want the best Android smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 continues that momentum on the software front.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Which should you buy?

There's no doubt in my mind: if you're ready to upgrade to a bigger smartwatch, you need to buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It has exciting upgrades across the board, and the thinner design combined with a bigger battery and brighter AMOLED panel make it a much better choice.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is still a decent choice if you're able to get a sizeable discount, but of the two, I'd suggest getting the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — it's just a better all-round smartwatch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Pricing and availability

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 at a launch event in London on June 22, 2026. Both smartwatches are now on pre-order globally, with sales starting shortly.

Like previous years, Samsung has two models of the Galaxy Watch 9: 40mm and 40mm. The 40mm model with Bluetooth costs $379, and if you need LTE, you'll need to pay $429. The 44mm Bluetooth variant is $409, and the LTE model is $459. There's a modest increase from last year, but the Galaxy Watch 9 is still an affordable choice.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, retails for $699, a $50 increase. You are getting an extensive feature-set, bigger battery, and titanium chassis, and that's reflected in the cost.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Design and display

The Galaxy Watch 9 looks identical to its predecessor, and that's a good thing. You still get a smartwatch that looks great, and it's just as thin (8.6mm) and light (34g) as the Galaxy Watch 8.

Samsung didn't change its choice of materials either, so you get an aluminum case with a plastic housing on the underside to accommodate the BioActive module. Like last year, the Galaxy Watch 9 is sold in 40mm and 44mm variants, and Samsung is even selling the same color models. There's no rotating bezel on either device, but you get side-mounted buttons.

If you're looking to get a watch that looks different to last year, you'll need to pick up the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It has a significantly thinner design that looks much better this time, and the 47mm case gives it a dominating presence that you just don't get with the 44mm Galaxy Watch 9. It's made out of titanium, and has better durability as well — 10ATM and IP69K versus 5ATM and IP68 of the Galaxy Watch 9.

Coming to the display, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets a 1.52-inch AMOLED that goes up to a ridiculous 5,000 nits. The 44mm Galaxy Watch 9 has the same 1.47-inch panel as last year, and the 40mm model retains the 1.34-inch screen, with both going up to 3,000 nits. Outside of that, you don't see much of a difference between the two smartwatches.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Features and specs

What's good to see is that both smartwatches use the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite. Ahead of launch, it was unclear if the Galaxy Watch 9 would come with last year's Exynos W100 instead of the new Qualcomm silicon, and Samsung did the right thing by using Qualcomm across the board.

While the hardware itself is exciting, Samsung turned its attention to the software this year, and both smartwatches have a ton of new health and fitness features. There's Energy Tracking, Sleep Apnea Detection, a new running-focused feature, and Vitals, a dashboard that gives you a broad overview of your vitals in one area.

You also get a new Nutrition Alert feature alongside Trail Run that measures detailed elevation changes and climbing progress. And as for the software, both smartwatches run the latest Wear OS 7 with Samsung's One UI 9 Watch. Samsung does a great job with the software in general, and One UI 9 Watch has the best feature-set of any Android smartwatch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 is entirely down to what you need in a smartwatch. If you need a smaller watch that nails the basics and looks stylish, just get the Galaxy Watch 9. You're not missing out on the essentials, and this is a proven design that has worked really well for Samsung in the last two years.

But if you want a bigger smartwatch that grabs attention, you should get the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Yes, it costs a lot more, but you also get a bigger screen that gets much brighter, much bigger battery that lasts nearly twice as long, better durability, and a titanium design that looks exquisite. If I had to choose a model between these two, I'm getting the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 anytime — it's much more exciting.

Samsung is set to fully launch its "Intelligent Eyewear" this fall, and at Unpacked, the company gave us a look at its designs from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. I've already played with prototype Android XR glasses a few times, but this is my first time getting hands-on time with production design models, and I feel like it's finally starting to come together.

However, given how long it's taking Google and Samsung to bring these to market, I'm wondering if this new effort can survive the hurdles of a shifting public opinion on smart glasses.

AI meets style

The models I got to handle were not functioning products, but just something to give us a peek at what we're getting ahead of the actual launch. So while I couldn't actually use the glasses or even put them on my face, I at least got to hold them and get a feel for them, and I was quite impressed.

Of the new designs I got to see, the Gentle Monster model caught my eye, as I prefer its more classic style, which is closer to the kinds of glasses I wear. However, the Warby Parker glasses looked more stylish, so I'm sure there will still be plenty of appeal for these.

This is why Samsung's partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are so important, as highlighted by James Choi, corporate EVP and head of XR R&D at Samsung.

"They must first be something people really want to wear every day. After all, this is eyewear. People want a natural, stylish fashion item, not a piece of technology on their face," he said during a round table briefing.

Not only did the glasses look relatively thin; they also felt surprisingly light. Weight is generally a major hurdle when it comes to smart glasses, so lighter glasses mean less chance of fatigue. Furthermore, the relatively thin design helps them look less like tech and blend in as glasses.

Despite their thin, lightweight design, the glasses are still quite durable, and Samsung has ensured "mobile-grade quality assurance," so they should be able to withstand a fall.

Choi also highlighted something called Power Camp, a joint effort between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm to optimize battery life and tune software and data streamlining.

And while the glasses are powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1, they will leverage the phone's memory and compute to provide faster responses and relevant data protections.

As a result, the glasses can get up to an estimated nine hours of mixed-use battery life using the camera, listening to music, and triggering Gemini (and/or Bixby), with an additional seven full charges with the case. You'll also be able to control them with Wear OS watches and connect with apps like Maps, Interpreter, and Samsung Notes through the glasses.

The elephant in the room...

Public opinion around smart glasses has taken a bit of a turn lately. Despite Ray-Ban Meta glasses being available for years, consumers are starting to turn on them, especially after a few missteps, reports of always-on glasses, and the current smear campaign against the glasses. So how is Samsung approaching the market given the shifting tides?

Choi says privacy is not an afterthought but the core of how Samsung is developing these new glasses. That means including things like the LED indicator light to show when the camera is in use, as well as wear detection to disable the camera if the user takes off the glasses or even covers the LED.

But there is a concern that perhaps more needs to be done. Choi makes it clear that navigating public perception is not easy, especially in different cultures, and recognizes that it's a shared industry problem. He notes that Samsung is constantly in communication with governments to ensure they're meeting regulations, and the hope is that they are able to come to some sort of solution while still fostering the development of new technologies such as these.

For now, it sounds like Samsung and Google are doing their part, but the onus is on governing bodies to instill regulations that make everyone happy. I just hope this doesn't sully the launch of a product I'm genuinely interested in. After all, Google already had its Glasshole moment; it would be a shame for Android XR to also be relegated as just another pair of "pervert glasses."

What you need to know

• Google shared details about a few Gemini updates, which coincide with Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked reveals.
• Google reiterates Gemini's presence on Intelligent Eyewear (Samsung collab); however, Galaxy Watch 9 users can raise their wrist to activate the AI, all without saying a word.
• Gemini Notebook is pre-installed on Samsung's new foldables, but Galaxy Z Fold 8 users can take full advantage of their multitasking capabilities, dragging and dropping content from other apps into the AI notebook.

It's Samsung's day, but Google has a few updates to offer users interested in everything revealed at Galaxy Unpacked.

Google shared a press release this morning (July 22), reiterating its recent collaboration with Samsung for Intelligent Eyewear. While the two have joined hands before (primarily for phones), these smart glasses are the next step. Google reminds us that Gemini on Intelligent Eyewear provides helpfulness in a way beyond phones. However, Google's bringing a little more to Samsung's new watch. Intelligent Eyewear is also receiving two new frames following Unpacked, which you can view below.

The Galaxy Watch 9 is receiving a little Gemini update for convenience. Google says users need only "raise their wrist," and the AI will activate. Users don't have to say "Hey Google" or "Hey Gemini." Raising your wrist opens its digital ears for your questions or tasks.

Gemini Intelligence continues its round of Galaxy Unpacked updates, as Google introduced a "task automation" expansion. This feature lets users give Gemini tasks that are rather mundane. Tasks like ordering food or items from your favorite online store. Google states task automation is expanding to more than 40 apps. What's more, this expansion gives Gemini the ability to understand what's on your screen.

If there's an item you've found, you can ask Gemini to find "something similar" on Etsy or another store, and order it for you. Users can track Gemini's progress in completing the task you've given it, as well. Google says this gives users the chance to cut in and correct anything before handing the task back to Gemini. Of course, any transactions fall solely on the user to complete.

With the Galaxy Z Flip 8's launch today, users can begin task automation on its Flex Window by long-pressing the power button.

Unpacking Gemini updates

On-device AI continues to advance with an interest in remaining useful. Google announced that Gemini Notebook (previously NotebookLM) is pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8. However, it's the larger sibling—the Galaxy Z Fold 8—that lets users take full advantage of the multitasking. Gemini Notebook can hold pages, videos, and more that you've found from other apps while you're searching.

Google highlights that users can have Chrome open on one side of the Fold 8 and Gemini Notebook on the other. This lets you easily drag and drop before handing off itinerary generation to Gemini. There is a chat function available. Users can chat with Gemini, asking questions about sources and more to create "high-quality" slide decks, videos, quizzes, and more.

One more thing: Samsung and Google introduced a new "native migration experience built directly into Android 17." The blog post states this lets users "transfer even more data types from an iPhone wirelessly—without downloading a separate app." Users can transfer photos, videos, contacts, messages, and calendar info. New supported data now includes your Google Account, passwords, Wi-Fi details, and eSIM. Much of this data was mentioned previously by Google's product lead for Android Onboarding and Android Settings, Paul Dunlop, when discussing what Android 17 would change for Android Switch.

Intelligent Eyewear debuted during Google I/O in May. The glasses, with frames from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, merged style with technology. Users could talk to Gemini for navigational purposes, order pickups, and photo capture. Samsung joined the discussion, stating users could pair Intelligent Eyewear with their phones for hands-free assistance.

Android Central's Take

Task automation was already an eye-catching addition when the Galaxy S26 series debuted. To see it now begin expanding to more apps is another thumbs up from me. I like when AI is useful. It's nice that it continues to walk you through its progress via on-screen notifications (even on your lock screen).

What you need to know

• Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked in London is underway, and the company has revealed the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2.
• The Galaxy Watch 9 is lighter with a more comfortable fit on the wrist, delivering major health features like Vitals and Heart Health Score.
• The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 continues its rugged focus for users who dive, run, swim, and more with new Trail Run and Diver-focused automatic tracking.
• Samsung has started pre-orders: the Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, 44mm) starts at $379 for Bluetooth, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 begins at $699.

The moment we've been waiting for is here: Samsung's Unpacked revealed its next-gen smartwatches, and this is everything you need to know.

Today (July 22), Samsung held its Galaxy Unpacked event in London, U.K., to discuss what's next for its portfolio. Headlining the event are the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9. The latter is where we're beginning this early morning. Samsung stressed during its keynote that the Galaxy Watch 9 is the "ultimate everyday companion." The watch has been upgraded for consumers who take their health seriously and are looking to "build healthy habits."

The Galaxy Watch 9's design sticks close to what we received with the Galaxy Watch 8. The device offers that squircle design: a circular watch face atop a square frame. However, Samsung states the Watch 9 has been equipped with a "lightweight, yet durable chassis." The watch has been refined for a closer fit against your wrist that is intended to feel more natural, enhancing comfort.

Internally, Samsung revealed that the Galaxy Watch 9 features Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. The SoC's major highlights include improvements to the device's speed and efficiency, reducing the lag users might experience when swiping through the watch's UI. It also goes without saying that the Wear Elite SoC will help the Watch 9's 390mAh battery, too.

Unpacking Samsung's health features, the company states the Galaxy Watch 9 features a BioActive sensor, which captures "continuous biometric data about a user’s lifestyle habits to develop a deep understanding of their wellness." Users will find features like Sleep Apnea (FDA clearance-backed), Daily Cardio Score, Fitness Index, and Hearing, helping to protect their ear health.

What's more, Samsung reminds us of Vitals and Heart Health Score. Many might remember these two (the Hearing feature, too) from the Health app's huge update in June. Vitals will "proactively" watch the user's health baseline while they sleep to provide alerts about deviations. The Heart Health Score focuses on your cardiovascular wellness with a simple score that helps users understand if they should "take action."

If you're looking at the Galaxy Watch 9, Samsung says you'll find an assortment of new bands. Consumers can pick from Sports, Misty, and Fabric bands. Each offers a different experience, ranging from the thin, soft all-rounder Sports band to the soft silicone Misty band for a stable, bounce-free fit.

The Galaxy Watch 9 comes in 40mm and 44mm variants, starting at $379 for its Bluetooth model and $429 for its LTE version. Pre-orders begin July 22 before its full market launch on August 7. Samsung Care Plus is available to help protect your watch from damage, but there are extra goodies for consumers. A 60-day trial for Strava and a two-month iFIT free trial are available for the Galaxy Watch 9 after purchase.

Galaxy is going Ultra (2)

The bigger, rugged-oriented Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is finally here. Samsung is calling the Watch Ultra 2 its "most powerful and advanced Galaxy Watch ever." Extreme outdoor shenanigans and users who live for high-performance activities are who the Watch Ultra 2 is designed for. While the device sticks to a familiar squircle design, the company states it has achieved a "thinner, innovative" build. The Watch Ultra 2 is thinner by ~12% compared to the first version. There have also been improvements to make it lighter, too.

Runners and climbers might also benefit from the watch's shock-resistant titanium casing.

Inside, the wearable features Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite SoC and a huge 800mAh battery (a 35% boost over the first version). There are several activities the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 supports, but this update has divers in mind. To aid professional divers, Samsung says the watch is rated IP69K, 10 ATM, and EN13319 certified. The Watch Ultra 2 will track your diving data (depth, time, water temp) from the moment you enter the water.

Samsung has created an Ultra-exclusive Diving app that users can lean on for advanced features. The company states the app will be available later in 2026. For all the landlubbers, Trail Run is a Watch Ultra 2 feature that "tracks detailed elevation, climbing progress, and terrain impact..." Real-time hydration guidance is provided via Nutrition Alert, pairing nicely with Sweat Loss.

Like the Galaxy Watch 9, the Watch Ultra 2 features an assortment of new bands: Marine, PeakForm, and Trail. Samsung Care Plus and the free trials for Strava and iFIT are also available for purchased Galaxy Watch Ultra 2s. Consumers will find the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for $699 for its 47mm size. You will also be able to choose between Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray colorways.

Pre-orders begin July 22 ahead of a full release on August 7.

After spending some time with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, it's clear that this is a year of refinement for Samsung. These watches are essentially upgraded versions of their predecessors, and while there may not be many differences on the outside, one major upgrade on the inside makes all the difference.

The same but different

In terms of design, Samsung didn't change much about the latest watches. That said, once you hold them or put them next to their predecessors, you might be able to spot the changes. The Watch Ultra 2, for example, is noticeably thinner than its predecessor, shaving off roughly 2mm despite its massive 800mAh battery; a 210mAh increase.

This means it feels a bit better on your wrist, which is also aided by the new watch bands. They're thinner and more malleable, allowing the watch to sit flatter on surfaces and provide a better fit on your wrist. That said, the Watch Ultra 2 is still quite heavy, and I can't imagine wearing it throughout its roughly 60-hour battery life estimate (with AOD on).

As for the Galaxy Watch 9, the dimensions are roughly the same as the Watch 8, but Samsung managed to increase the battery a bit. Thickness is the same too, making the Watch 9 much more comfortable to wear than the Ultra 2 and probably something I can see myself rocking throughout the day.

That said, the Ultra 2 is built to appeal to outdoorsy types and anyone with a more rugged lifestyle, and some new features are clear indications of such. Trail Run, for example, is an Ultra 2-exclusive feature that will track a run on a trail while monitoring elevation, total climb, and total descent.

And for serious runners, Samsung is upgrading the Sweat Loss estimation with a Nutrition Alert to help you stay adequately hydrated.

That extra-rugged design also means professional divers can use the Watch Ultra 2 to track their dives with a new Diving app coming later this year. I didn't get to see this during my hands-on, but Samsung says the Mares-developed app will track real-time diving metrics.

Oh, and the screen is apparently really bright, reaching a 5,000 nits peak. I couldn't test this out in my enclosed environment, but the brighter screen will definitely help with outdoor visibility.

The upgrade I'm most excited about in both watches is the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. It's Samsung's first time using a Snapdragon chip in its smartwatches, and it promises better performance, longer battery life, and better GPS tracking.

Qualcomm highlights improved AI capabilities thanks to the built-in NPU, meaning some AI tasks won't have to be routed to the phone. You can tell Gemini something like "what's my sleep score," and it will take you directly to the metric you're looking for in Samsung Health.

The new chip also enhances the capabilities of the BioActive sensor for enhanced accuracy and new features. Sleep Apnea insights, Heart Health, Daily Cardio Load, Hearing, and Fitness Index are all available on both watches to provide a more comprehensive look at your health.

Even without a Classic model, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 feel like they have something for everyone. The Ultra 2 feels like more of an upgrade, but the Watch 9 feels like the watch for most people and will still get many of the same features as the Ultra 2.

My hands-on time wasn't too in-depth, but we'll be reviewing both watches soon, so you can look forward to our coverage as we test these watches and pit them against some of our favorite fitness watches.

What you need to know

• Garmin announced the CIRQA, its take on the screenless fitness band, which delivers a wealth of health and fitness insights without a subscription.
• The CIRQA can track more than 80 activities, while also focusing on women's health, sleep score, HRV, skin temperature, and much more.
• Garmin's store listing says the CIRQA is available for $199; however, consumers can purchase it from its storefront on July 24.

Garmin is getting in on the screenless fitness band trend this week. The company highlights its strong wellness capabilities, and they're all possible without a subscription.

Early this morning (July 21), Garmin announced in a press release that its first screenless fitness band, the CIRQA, is available now for $199. As we've already said, the CIRQA is screenless, and Garmin says it's the device's "inconspicuous design" that helps "minimize distractions while tracking important health and performance metrics." The band will automatically detect and record a multitude of activities.

While the expected metrics will be recorded (steps, calories burned, etc.), Garmin says the CIRQA can track more than 80 activities, such as running, walking, and yoga. What's more, users can "select a favorite activity to track by simply tapping the single side button." Garmin is giving the CIRQA band additional strength to handle "advanced training." The band will help inform users if they should push themselves or take a rest day.

It will provide HRV status, VO2 Max, and more for insights about your training effectiveness. Understanding your recovery time is another aspect of the band's fitness assistance. For users going on runs or long walks, the CIRQA supports GPS when connected to a compatible Android or iPhone.

All about your health

Health monitoring—all-day, especially—is where Garmin takes us next. Important metrics, such as "wrist-based heart rate, Body Battery energy monitoring, Pulse Ox², stress, and skin temperature," are available with the CIRQA. For women's health, Garmin says users will find menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking. Each provides enhanced insight into period predictions and past ovulation estimates by using skin temperature readings while sleeping.

For all users, sleep data the fitness band has captured provides a detailed look into their sleep stages, sleep score, heart rate variability, respiration, and nap detection. Every captured statistic is available to users to view in the Garmin Connect app.

We mentioned this before, but the health and fitness features the CIRQA can provide are available to consumers without a subscription. Garmin's vice president of consumer sales and marketing, Susan Lyman, said, "Plus, with no subscription required, CIRQA Smart Band helps you stay on top of your health and fitness goals—and makes a thoughtful gift for others who want to do the same."

The CIRQA fitness band has been designed with all-day comfort in mind. Garmin highlights its fabric material and "fun, neutral colors." The band is available in Citron Gray, Mauve, French Gray, Dark Olive, Captain Blue, French Blue, and black. Consumers can wear the CIRQA on their wrist or as an armband.

Once again, Garmin states the CIRQA fitness band is available for $199. Its store listing says consumers can begin purchasing it on July 24.

What you need to know

• Halliday G2 uses the company's new Meeting Flow feature to provide real-time prompts and context as conversations happen.
• Meeting Flow helps you stay engaged without reaching for your phone, offering live captions, translations, instant recaps, contextual research, and confidence-rated answers through the glasses.
• The AI spots topic drift, flags unclear decisions, identifies incomplete action items, and generates structured summaries with transcripts after meetings.

Most AI meeting assistants have become pretty good at telling you what already happened. Halliday thinks that is solving the wrong problem and has unveiled the Halliday G2, a new breed of AI smart glasses based on a feature called Meeting Flow, which gives you live prompts and contextual information during a conversation rather than producing notes after everyone’s left the room.

The new glasses are available for pre-order starting today with a $10 deposit, shaving $100 off the expected retail price of $599 before shipments are scheduled for September 2026.

Halliday’s pitch is that the glasses’ Meeting Flow listens to the conversation in real time and presents bite-sized insights directly through the glasses’ waveguide display rather than having users type prompts into an AI chatbot. That includes live captions and translation, instant recaps if you lose track of the discussion, and contextual research that can answer questions without having to explain the whole situation to an AI first. The answers also include confidence ratings, and the full source material is still available in the companion app.

Meeting Flow can spot off-topic conversations, alert you to ambiguous decisions before they become the default, identify commitments missing an owner or due date, and maintain a running checklist of open items so they don’t disappear once everyone says goodbye. When the meeting is over, the companion app will generate a structured summary of the meeting, including confirmed decisions, assigned tasks, open items, and transcripts.

The hardware is just as workplace-oriented. The previous generation’s display has been replaced by binocular waveguide optics powered by dual micro-LED projectors capable of up to 1,600 nits of brightness and 600 x 300 resolution per eye in the Halliday G2. The four-microphone array can pick up voice from a distance of up to two meters, while Halliday is aiming for more than 12 hours of typical battery life and a weight of less than 50 grams.

Importantly, there is no camera, which could make the glasses more acceptable in meetings, secure workplaces, and other privacy-sensitive environments, while also helping reduce weight and extend battery life.

Outside the office, the glasses also let you get notifications, take phone calls, control music, see dashboard cards, translate in real time in over 45 languages, deploy a built-in AI assistant, and access a teleprompter-style Cheatsheet mode for notes and reminders.

Halliday says future updates to Meeting Flow through 2026 will add deeper contextual awareness, enabling AI to better understand ongoing projects, people, and previous conversations.

What you need to know

• Google Health app is rolling out v5.04, which focuses on Nutrition Logging.
• Users are introduced to "custom foods," which brings a more seamless and personalized touch to logging what you've eaten, alongside more freedom with entries.
• The Health app is also adding Quick Logging for food, refining Cycle trends, and more.

We've just gotten comfortable with Google Health's last update, and now the company is rolling out another. This time, your daily food intake is taking center stage.

Late this week, Google announced v5.04 of its Health app is rolling out on Android and iOS. This update "builds on improvements" it's made in recent history, but the main highlight is its Nutrition Update. Google is introducing "custom foods" with v5.04. The goal is to make logging seamless and personalized. With custom foods, users can "create, edit, and delete" their entries with more freedom.

A search function for custom foods is included, making it easier to log what you've eaten throughout the day. Joining this are Quick Logging "calories and macro estimates." This is an alternative route to logging what you've eaten. Google says users don't have to "search or add" the specific name of what they've eaten. Users can "log an entry by just adding calories and macronutrients." Rounding out the Nutrition Update is a fix for macronutrient percentages.

Cycle Health is getting refined this week. Google is making it easier for users to view trends in chronological order (designed for long-term viewing).

Naps head to the Today tab, while Google rolls out a fix for "incomplete heart rate charts and maps that did not represent the full duration of the exercise." This final fix concerns iOS users. Google states users with an iPhone can now properly invite friends.

Continuing the trend

Since introducing Google Health, the company's been fairly consistent in fixing problems and introducing new features. The last update, v5.03 of the Health app, only rolled out a week ago. Health metrics were where Google placed its focus. A huge selection of metrics via tiles was added to the app. Tiles for "heart rate variability, breathing rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), resting heart rate, skin temperature variation, blood glucose, mindful days, mindful minutes, resilience, protein intake, fat intake, carbohydrate intake, and your friend leaderboard" were added.

On the other hand, what we're seeing for naps in this week's version builds on what we received last week. The Google Health app will include any naps you've taken (20 mins or more) in your main sleep session stats.

Android Central's Take

Nutrition is a huge part of our everyday lives. They always say "breakfast is the most important meal of the day," yet many of us skip it. For multiple reasons, I'm sure. What we eat matters. Getting enough calories, protein, carbs, what-have-you. Keeping track of that, if you're working out or managing your diet, is also important. I like that the Health app is taking this seriously since it matters to so many of us.

What you need to know

• Google says AI glasses will only succeed if people feel comfortable wearing them, making privacy its top priority.
• Its Intelligent Eyewear will use a reliable recording LED, plus hardware that detects any attempt at tampering.
• Google admits the original Glass was ahead of its time, but says Android XR and Gemini finally fill those gaps.
• Audio-only Android XR glasses launch later this year with Samsung, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster as partners.

Google believes its Android XR-powered AI glasses won't take off until they earn users' trust, which is why the company says it's putting privacy ahead of everything else.

Samsung has already confirmed that its first Android XR-powered smart glasses are arriving later this year, and ahead of their launch, Google has shared more about its vision for "Intelligent Eyewear" and what it believes will ultimately determine whether AI glasses succeed or fail.

In an exclusive interview with Tom's Guide, Google's XR product management lead, Juston Payne, said the biggest hurdle isn't the technology itself, but convincing people they'll actually feel comfortable wearing smart glasses in public.

Payne put it plainly, saying that if people don't feel comfortable wearing the glasses, and privacy is a big part of that, they simply won't wear them at all.

We all recently saw how Meta had to push out a mandatory software update to make sure the camera on its Ray-Ban Meta and first-party AI glasses gets disabled the moment someone tampers with it or covers the LED. It seems Google wants to avoid making that mistake from the outset with Android XR.

Google has revealed that its Intelligent Eyewear will signal to people nearby when they're being recorded, and that the LED indicator will be reliable. Payne added that the company is also investing in hardware that can detect if someone attempts to tamper with the device, though he stopped short of explaining exactly how those protections work.

The company also plans to lean on Android's existing permission framework alongside additional security measures already found on Android phones.

Payne also shared how Google learned several lessons from the original Google Glass, admitting the product was simply ahead of its time.

According to him, the hardware wasn't ready, and AI wasn't capable enough to deliver the experience Google had envisioned. This time, with Android XR and Gemini, Google believes those missing pieces are finally in place, giving its latest attempt at smart glasses a much stronger foundation.

The executive also revealed that Google is putting design front and center. He said the company wants its smart glasses to look and feel like regular eyewear rather than a gadget, believing people are far more likely to wear them if they don't stand out.

The first set of audio-only Android XR glasses is set to launch later this year in partnership with Samsung, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster. Display glasses haven't been revealed yet, though Payne did confirm that Google will kick off a trusted tester program for display-based Android XR glasses later this year.

What you need to know

• Samsung teased what consumers can expect from the Galaxy Watch 8 a week before Galaxy Unpacked.
• The device is positioned as a health-first, always-on gateway for users, delivering heart insights, "all-new internal components, and enhanced battery."
• Samsung confirmed its Galaxy Unpacked will take place on July 22 in London, U.K., at 9 am ET/6 am PT.

Galaxy Unpacked is a little over a week away, and Samsung is starting to step up its teasers. The company's come forward with what consumers can expect from the Galaxy Watch 9.

In a blog post, Samsung neatly packaged what we can find from its next-gen "AI-powered health companion." Again, the company is trying to nail home how AI can become "meaningfully integrated into everyday life." Samsung wants to offer true support with the Galaxy Watch 9's AI, turning it into a health-first, always-on gateway. Such a gateway would open up new insights into your heart health.

Samsung's first teaser video opens with an electrocardiogram, beginning at a resting heart rate before quickening. The post highlights aspects of the watch we're familiar with: constant background activity and detailed insights. However, Samsung adds that the Galaxy Watch 9 has received "all-new internal components and enhanced battery life," as well as "increased accuracy" for its metrics.

While this will likely benefit its heart analytics, Samsung teases its Activity stats, too. The Galaxy Watch 9 will continue to track the user's rest, movement, and sleep with enhanced "AI-driven insights" for better real-time understanding. The final teaser is a tiny font blurb about the Galaxy Watch 9 before a magnifying glass slides into place over "All-new inside."

The folks at 9to5Google enhanced the image and found a couple of worthy highlights: a titanium build, a "personal health coach," and Gemini raise-to-talk, likely along the same lines as the Pixel Watch.

All will be revealed soon

We've known that Samsung had a few updates up its sleeve for the Galaxy Watch 9 after its Health app updated. The company announced that the Galaxy Watch 9 will come equipped with Vitals, a feature that combines five key metrics: heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen. Vitals is also going to improve the daily energy score users receive by comparing it to their baseline to highlight changes.

Heart Health Score is another emerging feature for the Health app. This will observe a user's sleep, stress, activity, and body composition data to identify negative impacts.

All we have left to do is wait another week for Galaxy Unpacked. Samsung confirmed that its event will take place on July 22 in London, U.K., at 9 am ET/6 am PT. Reservations have also begun for the company's next wave of watches and foldables.

Android Central's Take

Focusing on health has been Samsung's M.O. with its smartwatches for a while now. I remember one of my colleagues' reviews of the Galaxy Watch 8, and he enjoyed it for the most part. One area that he felt could've been better was its battery life, and I'd have to agree with him. The good news is Samsung teased that the Watch 9 has better battery life. The thing is: how much better?