Smartwatches aren't as popular as I might hope, but there are still some solid options on the market. Obviously, Wear OS isn't quite the powerhouse that Google would like it to be, but it has its strengths. One of the better options in that category, Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro, is currently on sale for $199.99, a respectable $50 off retail pricing.
Read MoreTicWatch E2 and S2 are now available for $159.99 and $179.99
Smartwatches aren't quite the product category that some thought (or hoped) they would be, but that hasn't stopped some companies from continuing to expand and improve their offerings. Take Mobvoi, the makers of the TicWatch line, for example, which has just announced pricing and immediate availability for its new TicWatch E2 and TicWatch S2.
Read MoreMobvoi unveils two updated Wear OS smartwatches: Ticwatch E2 and S2
Chinese AI firm Mobvoi has been a shining light in the generally underwhelming Android Wear/Wear OS space, and today it's announcing two new products. The TicWatch E2 and S2 (standing for Express and Sport) are follow-ups to the company's most affordable smartwatches, with updated designs, bigger batteries, and Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 chips (but not the new 3100).
Read MoreTicWatch users can now set Google Fit as their default left swipe app
The TicWatch Pro is a pretty good smartwatch, as much as any SD Wear 2100 watch running Wear OS can be, anyway. One complaint about it was that you were forced to use Mobvoi's own health app as the default swipe left screen in Wear 2.0 (to the right of your watchface), but that's thankfully no longer the case.
Read More[Update: C2 sales get started with 10% discount] Mobvoi announces TicWatch C2 at London event, plus TicPods Free earbuds are now on sale
Chinese AI company Mobvoi hosted an event in London today, in part to raise awareness for digital wellbeing, but mainly to make two announcements. The TicPods Free true wireless earbuds that we first heard about in April are now on general sale, but the main attraction is the brand new TicWatch C2.
Read MoreTicwatch E2 teaser leaks on Mobvoi's website
A teaser for the Ticwatch E2 is now live on Mobvoi’s website. The company's Ticwatch line has proven popular in the wearable marketplace and it just recently launched the Ticwatch Pro, which we reviewed. The E and S models were first released in July 2017 after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Read MoreTicWatch Pro review: A good Wear watch at a bad time [Update: 28-day battery life]
Chinese firm Mobvoi — founded by ex-Googlers — has a history of making connected watches that stretches back to its original TicWatch and TicWatch 2 running the proprietary TicWear OS. Around this time last year, the TicWatch S and E were launched with Wear OS (then Android Wear) on board, and they were praised for their quality and excellent value proposition.
Now, Mobvoi is back with a premium Wear OS smartwatch, the TicWatch Pro. It offers better build quality and adds NFC, but the real star of the show is a transparent second display for more efficient always-on functionality with the promise of excellent battery life.
Read MoreArmani announces next generation Connected Wear OS smartwatch
If you don't entirely keep track of all the designer labels and their various smartwatch releases (like me), you may not have been aware of the Emporio Armani Connected Wear OS device. Well, now we know, and just in time to learn about the latest watch from the Italian fashion house.
The new generation Connected watch features a 1.19" AMOLED display and the same aging Snapdragon 2100 chip as the TicWatch Pro I recently reviewed. Like that device, the new Armani watch will use the Tic Health app and Mobvoi's app store in China, although it's made by Fossil Group.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
TicWatch Pro now available - offers 5-30 days battery life, Wear OS, 'Layered Display' technology
It's been a while since there's been any excitement surrounding Wear OS, the artist formally known as Android Wear, with no notable recent hardware releases outside of expensive fashion products. The OS itself is feeling dated and has arguably never really been fit for purpose; the platform really needs some attention from Google if it's to escape a slow, boring death.
Peering through all the doom and gloom, however, Google-backed Mobvoi is launching a follow up to its well-received, affordable S and E smartwatches. Both the Sport and Express were sub-$200 models made from plastic and rubber, but the TicWatch Pro we first heard about in May is a different proposition.
Read MoreMobvoi's Ticwatch S and E are available in the UK from today
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Google-backed Mobvoi launched the Ticwatch S and E in the US last year, following on from the impressive TicHome Mini Google Assistant speaker. The stylish Ticwatches now run Wear OS 2.9 out of the box (Android Wear 2.0 at time of initial release) and are making their way across the Atlantic to the UK. They're both available to purchase from today.
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