Apple just announced its fifth-generation Apple Watch, and no surprise, it puts Google's Wear OS ecosystem to shame. Even with a headstart on wearables, Google has made such slow progress that Apple easily dominates the market. With the Series 5, Apple has adopted one of the last features that set Wear OS apart. We've waited years for Wear OS to click, and it's simply not happening. It's time for Google to rethink its approach to Wear OS before it slides completely into irrelevance.
Read MorePuma, Michael Kors, Armani, and Diesel all introduced Snapdragon Wear 3100 smartwatches at IFA
IFA is all about consumer electronics, so of course, the trade show also features the release of new Wear OS hardware. In particular, Fossil sub-brands Puma, Michael Kors, Armani, and Diesel will be offering new wearables in the coming weeks. Other than the welcome addition of the Snapdragon Wear 3100, you won't find revolutionary technology in them, but if you enjoy smartwatches as fashion accessories and basic fitness trackers, you could find a device to your liking among them.
Read MoreGarmin announces Fēnix 6-series smartwatches with optional solar power display
Most smartwatch makers that arent' Apple are shooting for the $200-300 price bracket, but Garmin occupies a very specific niche. Its Fēnix smartwatches are more expensive and aimed squarely at outdoor enthusiasts. The company just announced a new generation of the sport-oriented watches: the Fēnix 6-series. They have larger 1.3-1.4-inch displays, enhanced run tracking, and even an optional solar panel.
Read MoreNorth American smartwatch shipments up 38% this year, and Samsung's market share is growing
Smartwatches didn't exactly explode out of the gate like smartphones, but sales are growing steadily. A new report from Canalys shows a sizeable 38% increase in year-over-year North American shipments last quarter. Almost everyone is moving more wearables, but Samsung is seeing the largest proportional improvement.
Read MoreThe Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is coming your way in September with rotating touch bezel and optional LTE
It's only been a few months since Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch Active, but it's time for a new and improved version of that wearable. The predictably named Galaxy Watch Active2 is now official, but you won't be able to pre-order for another month. It's got the compact form factor of the Watch Active, but there's a new rotating touch bezel and a few different body style options.
Read MoreGalaxy Note10 headphone dongle leaks, looks exactly as you'd imagine
The Galaxy Note10 is almost certain to be the first generation in the series to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack. We've been told by our sources that Samsung will include a pair of AKG USB-C earbuds with every purchase to make up for the loss. It's also been said that dongles could also be in play here and, thanks to a leak, we're able to eye out what that dongle looks like.
Read MoreFitbit Versa 2 smartwatch leaks with Alexa functionality and OLED screen
Fitbit was huge in fitness trackers before the smartwatch fad, so it was a natural evolution for the company to add a few more features and launch a smartwatch. It started with the Ionic and then released the Versa, which was a better watch. Our friend Evan "evleaks" Blass has images of the upcoming Versa 2, and it has at least one major surprise: a real voice assistant.
Read MoreGet Google Assistant on your Samsung Galaxy smartwatch with GAssist
It can easily be argued that Samsung's Tizen smartwatches are better than Wear OS competitors in a number of ways, but the voice assistant is not one of them. Bixby will never be able to compete with Google Assistant in this space, so it's always been a bit of a blow for Samsung watch owners. Until now, that is, as a new app is bringing the Assistant to the Galaxy Watch and others Tizen running 4.0 and above.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Nest kills its Wear OS app in latest update
Developers have shown general disinterest in creating apps for Wear OS, but you'd expect Google to at least make an effort. Well, the Nest division is dropping all pretense of caring about wearables. The Wear OS (and Apple Watch) components are dead in the latest version of the Nest app.
Read MoreThe best smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables for Android (Summer 2019)
Not everyone needs or wants a screen on their wrist, but for those of us who like tracking workouts and responding to notifications without reaching for a phone, smartwatches and fitness trackers can be fantastic tools. They can give us enhanced insight into our health, or simply give us easier access to tools and controls without pulling a phone out.
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