AirPods Pro 3 to Include Health Features Such as Heart Rate Monitoring, Says Mark Gurman

The upcoming AirPods Pro 3 are expected to serve as the successor to the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which were released in 2022. The previous generation saw a notable upgrade in September 2024, when Apple introduced hearing aid capabilities through a software update. Now, attention is turning to the third generation of AirPods Pro, with reports suggesting that Apple plans to incorporate several health-tracking features. According to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple is currently in the early stages of developing the AirPods Pro 3, which could come equipped with a range of health monitoring sensors.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman outlined some of the anticipated health features for the AirPods Pro 3. These include a temperature sensor, a heart-rate monitor, and “technology that tracks a slew of physiological measures.” If true, this would mark a significant expansion of the AirPods Pro’s capabilities, turning them into a more comprehensive health monitoring device in addition to their current audio functionality. Apple’s push into health-tracking features aligns with the growing trend of wearables offering more advanced health metrics, similar to what we see with the Apple Watch.

However, while the AirPods Pro 3 may offer health features like heart-rate monitoring, Gurman notes that initial internal testing has shown the heart-rate data from these earphones is not as accurate as the measurements taken by the Apple Watch. While the heart-rate readings from the AirPods Pro 3 are close to those of the Apple Watch, they are still slightly off. This suggests that Apple is still refining the technology, with the goal of improving the accuracy of these measurements as development progresses.

Despite the current limitations, the inclusion of health-tracking features in the AirPods Pro 3 signals Apple’s continued commitment to expanding its health ecosystem. With the company already leading the way with the Apple Watch’s health and fitness features, the addition of these sensors to the AirPods Pro 3 could offer users even more ways to monitor their well-being seamlessly throughout the day. As Apple moves forward with this development, it will be interesting to see how these features evolve and whether they will be integrated into other products in the future.

Samsung Galaxy Ring Expected to Debut in Two Size Variants

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, which launched in India in October, has garnered attention as the company’s first-ever smart ring, available in a variety of sizes. The wearable, which currently offers nine size options, may soon expand its range, according to recent leaks and certification listings. Although Samsung has not officially confirmed these developments, it’s suggested that two additional sizes could be added to the existing lineup. Additionally, there have been hints at a possible successor to the Galaxy Ring, set for release in 2025 with upgraded features.

The new variants of the Galaxy Ring are expected to come in sizes 14 and 15, based on the leaked model numbers SM-Q514 and SM-Q515, which recently appeared in the Samsung Galaxy Ring user guide. This suggests that the company is working on providing more options to cater to a wider range of users. Presently, the smart ring is available in sizes ranging from five to 13, and these additions would offer an even broader fit.

Further corroborating the expected size updates, these new model numbers have been spotted in various certification listings. One such listing was found on Nemko (Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll), a renowned certification body, indicating that the new sizes are nearing an official release. Additionally, the SM-Q514 model number also appeared on the TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) website, further supporting the notion of a quick launch.

As these new size options make their way into the market, they could potentially help Samsung cater to a larger audience, ensuring that more people can find the perfect fit for the Galaxy Ring. The anticipated launch could be a step toward refining and expanding Samsung’s smart wearables lineup, especially as rumors circulate about an updated version of the Galaxy Ring in the near future.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Introduce AI-Powered Live Translation and Enhanced Features

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Introduce AI-Powered Live Features

Meta has unveiled two groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) features for its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The first, known as Live AI, equips the glasses with real-time video processing capabilities. This allows Meta AI to continuously interpret the user’s surroundings through the built-in cameras and provide instant feedback or answers about what it observes. The second feature, live translation, enables real-time speech translation in supported languages. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased this feature during Connect 2024, demonstrating its potential for breaking language barriers. These updates are initially available to members of Meta’s Early Access Program in Canada and the United States.

Enhancements with the v11 Software Update

The new AI capabilities are part of the v11 software update for the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, now being rolled out to eligible devices. This update reflects Meta’s commitment to integrating advanced AI technologies into wearable devices. By embedding these innovative features directly into the glasses, users can experience a seamless blend of hardware and software, transforming the way they interact with their surroundings.

Live AI: Context-Aware Intelligence

The Live AI feature leverages the glasses’ cameras to provide continuous, real-time video processing. By enabling the AI to “see” what the user sees, it creates a more intuitive and dynamic interaction. For example, users can point the glasses at an object, landmark, or text, and receive instant explanations or translations. This functionality mirrors OpenAI’s recently introduced Advanced Voice with Vision feature, highlighting the growing trend of vision-based AI capabilities in consumer devices.

Real-Time Translation for Global Communication

Live translation, another key addition, addresses the challenge of cross-language communication. The feature allows users to engage in real-time conversations, with speech automatically translated within supported languages. This innovation has significant implications for travel, business, and social interactions, making communication across cultures more accessible. With these updates, Meta continues to position its smart glasses as a versatile and indispensable tool in the expanding landscape of AI-powered wearables.