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Lenovo's 'Magic View' smartwatch concept hides a private display

 

Smartwatches, you already know the drill: a touchscreen show, and it feeds you notifications and stuff. Pretty uninteresting, proper? Lenovo agrees, so has cooked up a "Magic View" concept to reveal matters don't need to be this manner. The problem Magic View solves is simple: the small presentations inherent in watches. The answer? A small, 2d screen within the strap that initially seems cosmetic, till you maintain it for your eye. Once you do, you will see an picture the enterprise claims is 20 instances large than the watch's primary show. Lenovo says it's the use of "optical reflection" to reap this, and that the second show can be used for viewing maps, looking "round" pix (using the accelerometer inside the watch we gather) or even viewing movies -- ought to you be ok with preserving. 

The prototype was on display at Lenovo's Tech World show in Beijing, and bares more than a passing resemblance to a Moto 360 -- hardly unexpected. Android Central say that the demo tool become running an Android-based totally OS that became exclusive to both Wear and Google's important cellular running device. The 2d show may seem a little goofy before everything, but Lenovo is probably pitching it as a safety function, too. Given that simplest you could see what is on the second display screen, it is ideal for personal viewing, or displaying notifications you do not need the individual subsequent to you catching. Given that Lenovo also confirmed some clever shoes, that show your mood on a display, the Magic Eye would not appear so loopy in the end?Google can also have taken years to deliver the primary Pixel Watch, however it might not take nearly so long to introduce a sequel. A 9to5Google source claims the agency will release the Pixel Watch 2 q4 along the Pixel 8 cellphone own family this autumn. Details are scarce, however Google has traditionally brought new flagship Pixels in October. It teased the primary smartwatch at I/O ultimate 12 months, and we would not be greatly surprised if there has been a repeat at this 12 months's occasion.

There's masses of room for improvement, at least. The present day Pixel Watch is primarily based on a 2018-era Exynos 9110 gadget-on-chip that leaves it lagging in efficiency in comparison to the Apple Watch and severa Wear OS watches. A more moderen SoC may want to wring extra battery life out of the layout, not to say extra performance. Google may want to borrow fitness sensors from more moderen Fitbit devices like the Sense 2. There's additionally just one 41mm case, so it won't be sudden if there's a larger model for folks who opt for massive timepieces.

Software may also play an critical role as well. Pre-launch Android 14 code tips Wear OS may additionally use the adaptable Material You color theming visible considering Android 12. Google also has yet to allow key fitness metrics like oxygen saturation (SpO2) and overnight skin temperature for the prevailing Pixel Watch, although the ones may not require new hardware.

Whether or now not the rumor is correct, expectations are high if and whilst the Pixel Watch 2 arrives. Google's wristwear is supposed to be a showcase that raises hobby in Wear OS as an entire. A successful observe-up couldn't only restore the Pixel Watch's flaws, however push different smartwatch makers to step up their efforts.This is a extremely good opportunity to shop for an low-cost smartwatch in your springtime runs and bike rides. Amazon is selling the Fitbit Versa four at a near-report low price of $160, or $40 off. The good deal applies no matter coloration, too. And in case you want Fitbit's maximum advanced model, the Sense 2 is right down to $250, or $50 off.The Versa four is a refinement of Fitbit's middle-of-the-road smartwatch, however it is now not always a awful aspect. You still get strong fitness and fitness tracking, with forty exercising modes, sleep tracking and even a strain management rating. It additionally offers support for Google Maps (on Android for now, iOS later inside the spring) and Google Wallet — you could use  of the most common navigation and tap-to-pay services for your wrist with out giving up some of Fitbit's benefits, together with the six-day claimed battery lifestyles.

There are a few caveats. You'll need to pay for a Premium subscription (after the primary six months, this is) if you need perks like guided programs and personalized insights. And while you may get some center smartwatch capabilities, you'll want to keep in mind the Pixel Watch if you're willing to trade battery life for a miles more robust app atmosphere that still preserves Fitbit's functionality. At $160, however, the Versa four is a ways simpler to rationalize if you simplest want the necessities.