Motorola smartwatch passes through the FCC, new Moto 360 on the way?
If you haven’t had your fill of new Motorola devices following yesterday’s announcements, a Motorola branded smartwatch has just been spotted passing through the FCC in the US.
The FCC listing clearly states that this new product is a smartwatch, but unfortunately doesn’t give us many details about the hardware and there aren’t any pictures either. Although we can spot that the watch features Bluetooth 3.0 and LE 4.0 technologies, along with WiFi b/g/n support, which is rather standard stuff.
Our first thoughts immediately jump to a potential successor to Motorola’s Moto 360 smartwatch, but it seems that yesterday would have been the ideal time to launch such a product.
A listing at the FCC suggests that a release is not too far away, not to mention leaks earlier this year and all of the Moto 360 price drops lately. Perhaps we will hear something about Motorola’s new smartwatch at the IFA conference in September?
What is on your wishlist for Motorola’s next smartwatch? A new design, the same circular display, better hardware, or some other features?
Pebble Time gets new settings and app features
If you have jumped on the Pebble Time bandwagon, you’ll be glad to know that the company has today issued a firmware update that brings the smartwatch to version number 3.2 and add a range of new features while the companion Android app has also been updated with new options and tweaks.
The new firmware update for the smartwatch brings a range of new settings (for the backlight, font size and vibration settings) as well as support for additional music players and the more. The changelog full changelog is:
- New Backlight settings: Adjust intensity and time-out duration.
- New Font Size settings: Adjust the displayed font size in notifications, layouts, and other areas of the system.
- New Vibration settings: Adjust the vibration strength for notifications, incoming calls, alerts, etc. Default vibration setting is less strong than the previous default.
- Music (Android): Added support for most music players (e.g. Pandora, Spotify, Songza), improved display of track metadata, play/pause detection (app now displays separate pause and play icons to match current playback status).
- Notifications: A collection of improvements and fixes to enhance the notifications experience, including a new Dismiss All action.
- Bug fixes and stability improvement
The Android companion app has also been updated, bringing a couple of new UI features and a tweak to notification replies. The release notes include:
- NEW: Search bar to find saved apps and watchfaces in your My Pebble menu.
- NEW: Notification preferences are now preserved after updating the Android app to a new version.
- IMPROVED: Support for setting up long canned replies to notifications.
To update your smartwatch, head to Menu > Support > Update your Pebble within the Pebble Time App for Android and the latest version of Pebble’s app can be found on the Google Play Store here. If you’re not considering the Pebble Time but haven’t quite decided if it’s the right smartwatch for you, don’t forget to check our Pebble Time review.
Have you got the Pebble Time firmware update? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Pebble Time update helps you see your watch outdoors
Wish your Pebble Time smartwatch was easier to read in bright sunlight, or didn’t shake so violently that everyone can tell when you have new messages? Your wishes have been answered. Pebble is trotting out a firmware update for the Time (and Time Steel, when it ships) that lets you tweak the intensities of both the backlight and the vibration motor, so you won’t have to squint outdoors or apologize for noises. You can also go for a larger font size, in case your vision isn’t what it used to be.
Oh, and don’t fret if you’re a classic Pebble owner — the company hasn’t forgotten about you. It’s promising to give both the original Pebble and the Pebble Steel an update to the timeline-based interface sometime later this year. The lack of a firm schedule isn’t much consolation if your Time-toting friends are bragging about their software experience, but you won’t be stuck with that old code.
Filed under: Wearables, Mobile
Source: Pebble
Apple already took 75 percent of the smartwatch market
The official numbers for Apple Watch sales are still a mystery. But, according to a report by research firm Strategy Analytics, the Cupertino company shipped an estimated 4 million units during the second quarter of 2015. As a result, Apple’s already captured 75 percent of the smartwatch marketshare across the world, despite only being available since late April. Strategy Analytics also points out that, thanks mostly to the Watch, global smartwatch shipments saw a remarkable 457 percent growth year-over-year. Meanwhile, Samsung was the big loser in Q2 2015, as it fell to second place and is said to have shipped a mere 0.4 million devices during that timeframe.
While Apple hasn’t been clear-cut about how its Watch business is doing, Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri did reveal yesterday that the product was responsible for around a billion dollars in quarterly sales. A billion dollars doesn’t sound half-bad, sure, but wouldn’t it be much better if Apple just told us how many wrist wearables it has sold so far?
Filed under: Misc, Peripherals, Wearables, Apple
Source: Strategy Analytics
ZTE’s latest smartwatch packs style and gesture control
ZTE isn’t just counting on a high-end smartphone to convince you that it means business. The company has taken the wraps off of the Axon Watch, a smartwatch that’s miles above last year’s clunky BlueWatch in both design and features. Besides looking like a conventional watch that you might actually enjoy putting on your wrist, it’s packing a wearable version of Tencent OS (nope, no Android Wear here) with both perks like gesture control as well as basics like phone calls, messaging and fitness tracking.
If only the hardware were more exciting. While the 1.4-inch sapphire-coated display and Bluetooth 4.1 are noteworthy, you’re otherwise looking at a very pedestrian 512MB of RAM, 4GB of built-in storage and a 300mAh battery. Don’t expect epic battery life or performance, then. As it stands, you may have to go out of your way to get one. The Axon Watch is launching in China, and there’s no indications that it’s heading elsewhere any time soon.
Filed under: Wearables
You can now buy the Pebble Time from Pebble and Best Buy, Target coming soon
Starting today, the Pebble Time smartwatch is available to everyone.
This morning, Pebble announced that you can now purchase the Pebble Time smartwatch through the company’s site and Best Buy. The electronics retailer is selling the device both online and in stores. On August 17, Target will begin selling the Pebble Time, too.
Click here to view the embedded video.
There are no reported shipping delays as of this post. So if you order today, or right now, expect it to be at your door step within the standard 3-5 business days shipping estimate.
Source: Pebble
Come comment on this article: You can now buy the Pebble Time from Pebble and Best Buy, Target coming soon
Pebble Time smartwatch arrives at Best Buy and Target stores
If you passed on Pebble Time’s crowdfunding campaign because you wanted to wait for reviews (or just wanted the safety net of a retail purchase), you now have an easy way to pick one up. The color smartwatch is now available at Best Buy and Target stores in the US for the same $199 that you’d pay online. You won’t get any special rewards for waiting for the brick-and-mortar release (it’s the same black, white or red wristwear that backers received), but you can at least buy one on impulse when you’re coming home from work. With that in mind, you might want to wait for the Pebble Time Steel’s retail debut if you’re not in a rush — a little comparison shopping wouldn’t hurt.
Swatch will launch its first smartwatch later this summer
As smartwatches are finally beginning to make their way to the mainstream, we’re seeing a steady rise in the number of manufacturers jumping on board the wearable train. But so far, since the launch of Android Wear, we’ve really only seen technology-focused companies produce wearables. Obvious contenders like Motorola, LG and Samsung were quick to get their first smartwatches onto consumers’ wrists, but that’s definitely not the case for actual watchmakers.
Smartwatches in video
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
TAG Heuer recently announced that its first Android Wear-powered device would be the Carrera Wearable 01, though it looks like that’s not going to be the only Swiss-made connected wearable on the market in the next few months. According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Swiss watchmaker Swatch plans to release its first Internet-connected watch sometime this summer.
Now, this “smartwatch” might not be anything close to what you’re thinking. The watch will come with NFC on board, mainly to be used for mobile payments and hotel room access. The report didn’t mention anything about an OS, so we’re not sure if this new device will come with Android Wear or any in-house built operating system from the watchmaker. The report states that the watch won’t require daily recharging thanks to NFC’s low power consumption, but details beyond that are scarce at the moment.
The Swatch NFC watch will launch in the U.S., China and Switzerland in H2 2015
Swatch CEO Nick Hayek said earlier today that the “Swatch NFC watch” will be announced later this summer and will go on sale in the U.S., China and Switzerland sometime in H2 2015. Hayek also says that this product is in response to the Apple Watch and similar devices from manufacturers like Samsung. The report didn’t shed any light on cross-platform compatibility, but since the Swatch watch was built in response to Apple’s and Samsung’s offerings, this new wearable will likely be compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
As of now, details are scarce. We know the watch will be unveiled sometime this summer and will have NFC on board, but that’s about it. As more details trickle in over the next few weeks, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Huawei Watch lands at FCC ahead of launch
One of my personal highlights of Mobile World Congress in February was Huawei’s first Android Wear smartwatch, the Huawei Watch, which was announced as a last minute decision at the event. We’ve already heard that it wasn’t likely to be released until September or October but the Huawei Watch paid a trip to the FCC this past weekend, which suggests the smartwatch may finally be ready for release.
In its FCC filing, Huawei isn’t even attempting to hide which product has been certified and the Huawei Watch has FCC ID QISMERCURY and hardware version EB1MERCURYM. I guess it’s safe to say that the Huawei Watch used the codename “MERCURY” at some point.
The FCC listing also confirms the specs of the Huawei Watch, which haven’t changed since it was announced in March. The front has a 1.4inch AMOLED display with 400 x 400 pixels resolution (and 286 pixels per inch density) that is protected by a sapphire crystal display; the protection makes it one of the few smartwatches in the world to use sapphire crystal, which is almost impossible to scratch.
Other than the impressive display, the rest of the specs are very similar to other Android Wear devices as a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage and 300 mAh battery have all been used in other devices. The display sets the Huawei Watch apart from the competition and with a 42mm diameter (and 11.3mm thickness), it’s certainly impressive and stylish to boot.
Like other devices, the Huawei Watch comes with an array of sensors and connectivity options – including a Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Heart Rate Monitor and Bluetooth 4.1 – and will be available in two flavours, one with a leather strap and the other with a stainless steel strap.
Top Picks of 2015:
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
The FCC filing doesn’t reveal any more details about a release date for the Huawei Watch but its likely that we’re just a few short weeks away from a launch – although a launch in China could still be delayed until 2016 – and Huawei may release it to market at its planned IFA 2015 press conference. What do you think about the Huawei Watch? Let us know your views in the comments below guys!
Deal: Refurbished Samsung Gear 2 smartwatch for just $120 after coupon code
Android Wear, Apple Watch and Pebble all seem to be the big players in the smartwatch space lately, though there is one other notable option that we tend to forget about when it comes to choosing our next smartphone companion. Samsung’s Tizen-powered Gear 2, which was unveiled early 2014, is still a decent option for those looking for an inexpensive, capable smartwatch. Normally the watch’s price point is too high for us to recommend, but right now there’s a decent promotion going on that may be worth your while.
For a limited time, or while supplies last, you can pick up a refurbished Samsung Gear 2 smartwatch from A4C for just $119.95. The list price reads $169.95, but it will drop down to the sale price once you apply coupon code CHEAP50 at checkout. The watch is available in both Black and Gold Brown color options.
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (min-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
width: 100% !important;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos
width: 100%;
float: none !important;
overflow-x: auto;
overflow-y: hidden;
body #page .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
overflow: auto;
max-height: none;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: left !important;
clear: none !important;
If you’re looking for a brand new Gear 2, that will cost you around $299 from most online retailers, which is why this $120 price point is such a steal. It may not boast the best specs on the market, but this is still a great option for those looking to try out their first smartwatch.
If you’re interested in grabbing one for yourself, head to the deal link below. And remember, the Gear 2 only works with Samsung devices, so be sure to take that into consideration before buying.
AIVAnet 