A study covered by The Conversation had 58 adults cycle while wearing devices from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit alongside a metabolic analyzer that measures actual gas exchange to determine calorie burn. Comparing the watches' estimates to that gold-standard measurement, researchers found substantial inaccuracies, with errors reaching 100% or more in some cases, particularly among people with higher body fat percentages.
An Android Authority writer tested the new Apple Health app included in the iOS 27.2 developer beta, which adds an AI-powered 'Insights' tab and reworks how the app surfaces raw health data. The rebuilt app will only run on iPhones capable of Apple Intelligence, meaning iPhone 15 Pro or newer, while Google's competing Health app supports a much wider range of older devices. The writer, who previously switched from Apple to Google's Fitbit-based Health platform, says the new design has him reconsidering that move ahead of its planned public release later this year.
Garmin CIRQA owners report that workouts started directly from the wearable disappear when they tap 'End' from the Activity in Progress prompt in the Garmin Connect app. Garmin has confirmed the bug, is investigating, and is contacting affected users for more details.
The 41mm LTE version of Google's Pixel Watch 4 is now selling for $329.99, a $120 discount from its usual price and the lowest price recorded since launch. The smartwatch runs Wear OS with Fitbit health tracking and supports cellular connectivity for calls without a paired phone nearby.
Florida International University researchers tested the Apple Watch Series 8, Fitbit Sense 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Garmin Forerunner 955 against a Cosmed K5 metabolic device and ECG chest strap during controlled workouts with 58 participants. All four smartwatches overstated calorie burn, with margins of error ranging from 15% to 25%, meaning a reported 200-calorie burn could really be closer to 160-174 calories. Apple Watch was the most accurate, while Samsung and Garmin overestimated more, and Fitbit had enough tracking glitches that some of its data had to be excluded.
Garmin has launched the Cirqa, a $200 screenless health and fitness band that markets 24/7 monitoring without a subscription fee. A reviewer found the device technically solid but questioned its value, noting Garmin's software lags behind rivals in turning raw data into actionable coaching insights.
Luffu, a health app built for families and caregivers, has introduced a new wearable device created by Fitbit's founders. The device aims to reimagine wearable tech by focusing on caregiving and family health monitoring rather than individual fitness tracking, drawing inspiration from older concepts like Life Alert's emergency pendant.
A wave of screen-free fitness trackers—including the Garmin Cirqa, Google Fitbit Air, Polar Loop, Amazfit Helio Strap, and Whoop—are gaining traction by design: they collect health data continuously but require almost no daily interaction. Bloomberg reports Apple is reportedly exploring its own take on the format, signaling the trend could expand into mainstream smartwatch territory.
Some Fitbit Air users are removing the tracker from its wristband and taping it directly to their skin, with placements reported on the bicep or inside a sock on the ankle. Users say this unofficial method still tracks activity normally despite the device being designed for wrist wear. The trend emerged from posts shared on Reddit and was later compiled by 9to5Google.
Google unveiled a special-edition Fitbit Air designed to integrate with the Pokémon Sleep app, timed to Pokémon's 30th anniversary. The device tracks daytime activity metrics like heart rate and movement alongside nighttime sleep data, syncing with both Google Health and Pokémon Sleep. It's priced at $129 and available for preorder now, shipping September 15 through Google Store and Target.
Google has expanded its screenless Fitbit Air fitness band with a new special edition inspired by the Pokémon Sleep app, featuring a Sleepy Blue strap and a silk-print label showing a sleeping Pikachu. Pre-orders begin today through the Google Store and Target, with shipping starting September 15.
Google and the Pokemon Company are releasing a limited Fitbit Air variant priced at $129, featuring a deep blue woven band with a Pikachu etching and Pokemon-themed packaging. The device pairs with Pokemon Sleep, the mobile game that turns bedtime into a collectible-monster experience, and shares the lightweight, swappable-band design of the standard Fitbit Air launched earlier this year. Google confirmed the exclusive band will not be sold separately from the tracker.
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