Wearables: Screenless Tracker Competition Intensifies (Fitbit Air, Oura Ring, OpenAI/Jony Ive device, Samsung Galaxy Watch 9, Garmin Cirqa)
Key Questions
What is the Garmin Cirqa Smart Band?
The Garmin Cirqa is Garmin's first screenless fitness tracker, designed as a lightweight fabric band offering 24/7 health monitoring and activity tracking. It weighs about 21g and uses continuous optical sensors along with Garmin's training features.
How much does the Garmin Cirqa cost and when was it launched?
The Cirqa Smart Band launched at a price of $199.99 with no subscription required. It became available on July 24 and directly competes with devices like the Fitbit Air and Whoop.
What makes the Garmin Cirqa different from traditional fitness trackers?
It features a distraction-free, screenless design focused on comprehensive health data without needing a display. The device emphasizes continuous monitoring and pairs with a companion app for insights.
How does Garmin Cirqa compete with Fitbit Air and Whoop?
The Cirqa is positioned as a direct rival by offering similar screen-free tracking at a competitive price without subscriptions. It challenges both devices in the growing market for minimalist health bands and rings.
What updates has Fitbit Air received recently?
Fitbit Air received its first major update that improves auto-tracking accuracy. Users must also complete a forced migration to Google Health by July 15.
What is the status of the Oura Ring 5?
A review of the Oura Ring 5 confirms it as an incremental update over previous models. It continues to build on the smart ring's mainstream retail traction.
When will the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 be unveiled?
The FCC has confirmed the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 for Samsung's July Unpacked event on July 22. Benchmark leaks show significant CPU and GPU performance gains of 56% and 47% respectively.
Are OpenAI and Jony Ive developing a screenless device?
OpenAI and Jony Ive are collaborating on a new screenless wearable device. This adds to the intensifying competition in the screenless health tracker space alongside Garmin, Fitbit, and others.
Screenless health tracker competition heats up. Garmin CIRQA Smart Band officially launched at $199.99, no subscription, July 24 — directly competes with Fitbit Air and Whoop. Fitbit Air gets first major update fixing auto-tracking accuracy, forced Google Health migration by July 15. Oura Ring 5 review confirms incremental update. FCC confirms Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 for July Unpacked (July 22). New benchmark leak shows Galaxy Watch9 56% CPU and 47% GPU gains. OpenAI and Jony Ive collaborating on a screenless device. EU adds exemptions to removable battery rule. Smart rings gain mainstream retail traction. Numerous buying guides, deals, and practical tips continue to emerge. Opinion piece argues Apple should make a fitness band or ring.