Tag: Smartwatch

  • Apple Watch import ban goes into effect in US patent clash

    Apple Watch import ban goes into effect in US patent clash

    A US import ban on certain Apple smartwatch models came into effect Tuesday, after the Biden administration opted not to veto a ruling on patent infringements.

    The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) decided in October to ban Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels.

    Apple contends that the ITC finding was in error and should be reversed, but last week paused its US sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

    The order stemmed from a complaint made to the commission in mid-2021 accusing Apple of infringing on medical device maker company Masimo Corp’s “light-based oximetry functionality.”

    “After careful consultations, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai decided not to reverse the… determination and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the president’s executive office said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Apple has been steadily ramping up fitness and health features with each generation of its Apple Watch, which dominates the smartwatch category.

    In September, Apple released its Apple Watch Series 9, touting increased performance along with features such as the ability to access and log health data.

    “Our teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features,” Apple said when the ITC ban was issued.

    “Masimo has wrongly attempted to use the ITC to keep a potentially lifesaving product from millions of US consumers while making way for their own watch that copies Apple.”

    In May, a trial of Masimo’s allegations ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

    Late last year, Apple filed two patent infringement lawsuits accusing Masimo of copying Apple Watch technology.

  • Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    The Apple iPhone 15 series now faces fresh competition as Google introduced its latest smartphone, the Pixel 8, on Wednesday, alongside a new smartwatch that seamlessly integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its core consumer devices.

    The enhancements made to the Pixel phones, which are particularly popular among photography enthusiasts and those who prefer a pure Android experience, have the potential to make them more appealing to shoppers as they plan their holiday season purchases.

    Google has upgraded the Pixel lineup by equipping it with the Tensor G3 mobile processor, which includes native machine learning and generative AI models. These AI features can assist users in various ways, such as improving photography, summarising web content, and blocking unwanted spam calls. This announcement was made during the Made by Google event held in New York.

    Additionally, the higher-end Pixel 8 Pro now features a temperature sensor, and Google has applied for approval from the Food and Drug Administration to enable a thermometer app for measuring body temperature.

    The Pixel 8 is priced starting at $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999, making it $100 more expensive than the previous generation models. Both models will be available for purchase starting on October 12th.

    At the event, Google emphasized its commitment to mobile AI, a direction that IDC analyst Ryan Reith noted could have a significant impact on the industry, especially in the US, if accompanied by strong marketing efforts.

    Notably, in the previous month, Apple launched a new series of iPhones that included improvements in design and performance but did not increase prices, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the global smartphone market.

    According to IDC, Google’s Pixel ranks 12th globally in terms of smartphone shipments, holding a 0.9 per cent market share. The largest market for Pixel devices is the United States, accounting for approximately 39 per cent of global shipments, followed by Japan at 29 per cent and the UK at 9 per cent.

    In addition to the smartphone and smartwatch announcements, Google also revealed plans to integrate generative AI capabilities into its virtual assistant, enabling it to assist users with tasks like trip planning and email management while also asking follow-up questions.

    Furthermore, Google introduced the Google Watch 2, an upgraded version of its first smartwatch released in October of the previous year. It is priced at $349 and comes with a digital crown and advanced health tracking features powered by AI.

  • Next-generation Apple Watch may feature a built-in camera

    Next-generation Apple Watch may feature a built-in camera

    Recently, information about Apple’s plans for its smartwatches has emerged from a leaked patent application. The patent reveals that Apple has given significant thought to incorporating a camera into its Apple Watch.

    The company has been granted a patent (US-11571048-B1) for a strap release mechanism for the Apple Watch, which could be used in conjunction with a built-in camera. This discovery, made by Patently Apple, describes a strap comprised of two segments and a “nest” section that facilitates the removal of the watch from the strap. This mechanism opens up new possibilities for the utilization of the Apple Watch, including the ability to capture photos with a built-in camera.

    The patent filing includes visual depictions of utilizing the camera feature on the strap-less Apple Watch, as well as a cross-section of the device that showcases a bottom-facing camera and its field of view. The user can take a picture by simply removing the watch, holding the camera section, and capturing the photo.

    Apple has a history of exploring camera-related patent designs for its Apple Watch. In the past, the company was granted a patent for a camera located within the digital crown and another patent from 2019 for a rotatable camera integrated into the end of a strap.

    Apple’s recent patent application is consistent with the company’s ongoing investigation into camera capabilities for the Apple Watch. There is already a similar product, known as the Wristcam, which can be utilized as a third-party accessory for the device.

    It is important to note that the filing of a patent by Apple does not necessarily imply the eventual release of an Apple Watch equipped with a camera. Rather, it serves as evidence of the company’s examination of various conceptual possibilities.

  • Believe it or not, this fitness band costs less than Rs900

    Believe it or not, this fitness band costs less than Rs900

    These days, smart watches and smart bands are incredibly popular, and every manufacturer is continuously pushing to release a new product to draw in customers.

    Naturally, well-known brands place a greater emphasis on quality and durability and strive to provide the finest in order to uphold their brand’s integrity and reputation.

    While other producers copy the original design and release a product that is more likely to be bought by consumers who cannot afford showy bands or watches from companies like Fitbit, Amazfit, Mi, and the premium Apple and Samsung watches.

    Cheapest smart fitness sport band

    The most affordable fitness tracker available right now in Pakistan is this M6 Sport Smart Band. According to the seller, this band is for sale on Daraz.pk and includes many features often found in more expensive smart bands.

    Similar to this one, M6 bands are Mi Band 6 clones. Currently, this band is available on Daraz for just Rs840.

    Here are all the features of the M6 Sports Smart Band, according to the seller:

    • Alarm
    • Remote camera
    • Raise to wake
    • Music controls
    • Find band feature
    • Weather
    • Notification reminder: Call reminder, information push, sedentary reminder
    • Message reminder: Twitter, Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, SMS
    • Health monitoring modes: Heart rate, Blood Pressure
    • Sleep monitoring: sleep time, sleep quality
    • Sport modes: Running, Sit-up, Skipping rope

    It is important to note that this is one of the least expensive watches that is offered in Pakistan.

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    On online marketplaces like Daraz and OLX, cheap fitness bands are incredibly popular. Some of these watches come in both good quality and an inexpensive price range, while others are less feature- and quality-rich yet have incredibly low asking prices.

  • This Apple Watch Series 7 clone costs less than Rs2,000

    This Apple Watch Series 7 clone costs less than Rs2,000

    On Pakistani online marketplaces, there are a number of replicas that are so similar to the original product that a layperson would have a hard time telling the difference.

    Apple Watch clone smartwatches, which are significantly less expensive than the original Apple Watch, are one of the most popular products in online marketplaces like OLX and Daraz.

    Here is the cheapest Apple Watch Series 7 copy version currently available on Daraz with a price tag of just Rs1,899:

    The seller claims that the ‘I7Pro Max IWO13 PRO’ is an IP67-resistant watch with a heart-rate monitoring system and 1.8-inch ‘HD’ screen. It is currently one of the cheapest Apple Series 7 clone smartwatch available in Pakistan.

    These smartwatches come in a variety of model numbers and brand names, and most of them are made in China.

    Lower grade replicas are more affordable ones. Smartwatches costing more than Rs5,000 can be thought of as slightly superior to ones costing less than Rs4,000.

    Read more: Cheapest new cars to buy in Pakistan

    The most intriguing thing is that despite many online shoppers knowing that these affordable watches don’t offer good quality or features, they continue to purchase them since the original Apple Watch Series 7 has a starting price of Rs90,000, which is significantly higher than what an average consumer can afford.