Huawei’s latest smartwatch is about to launch in Malaysia on May 13, 2024. The recently unveiled HUAWEI Watch Fit 3 wearable merges cutting-edge technology with a unique square design.
Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, the Huawei Watch Fit 3 offers a variety of strap options including fluoroelastomer, nylon, and leather. This allows users to personalize their look for any occasion. Available in a spectrum of colours including Black, White, Green, Pink, Grey, and White Leather, the Watch Fit 3 seamlessly complements diverse wardrobes.
The Huawei Watch Fit 3 supports over 100 workout modes, and it caters to a wide range of fitness routines, from yoga enthusiasts to high-intensity interval training athletes. Huawei’s next-generation health monitoring technology ensures accurate heart rate tracking, SpO2 monitoring, and comprehensive sleep analysis. It also has menstrual cycle tracking, stress management monitoring, and sleep quality assessments.
The Huawei Watch Fit 3 is touted to deliver an impressive 10 days of battery life on a single charge. This, coupled with its fast-charging technology, ensures the watch remains operational throughout your day, providing uninterrupted health tracking and connectivity no matter your schedule.
Malaysians can now pre-order the new Watch Fit 3. When you do, you will receive an RM30 discount coupon to apply to your final purchase. All you have to do is place your order on the official Huawei website, the Huawei Official Store on Shopee, or the HUAWEI Flagship Store on Lazada between May 8th, 2024 and May 17th, 2024, to secure the discount. This offer is valid for a limited time only. Keep in mind that this is a blind pre-order and the official price of the device has not been announced.
It looks like Google Fit is unfit for usage… or at least that’s what happening with Google retiring the APIs. The Google Fit APIs were introduced to the Android ecosystem back in 2017 as the platform’s answer to Apple’s HealthKit. However, it seems like Google isn’t going to develop or support the Google Fit APIs anymore.
In a blog post on the Android Developers Blog, Google indicates that it will not be accepting new sign ups for the Google Fit APIs any longer. The move apparently comes as Google begins to transition to Android Health. Currently, Android Health points to Health Connect, another of Google’s health APIs that was introduced in Android 13 and natively integrated in Android 14. The platform seems to remove any form of off device storage of the collected data but instead opts for an on-device model. Google is giving developers until June 30, 2025 to migrate to Android Health.
The move comes after Google’s purchase of fitness tracking company, Fitbit, in 2021. Just recently, Google has begun shutting down and consolidating a number of Google and Fitbit’s apps and APIs. Fitbit users will have realised that Google has been pushing them to migrate over to a Google account. In fact, some features like sleep tracking have been limited until the migration is done. More recently, Google announced to Fitibit users that Fitbit Pay will be replaced by Google Wallet. More jarringly, Google’s own Pixel Watch lacked the Google Fit app and favoured the Fitbit app instead.
The retirement of Google Fit’s APIs in favour of Android Health/Health Connect may also be a result of the Fitbit purchase as it was stipulated that Google could not access any data collected by Fitbit as a part of the purchase. However, little information has been shared about how Google is using the data since the acquistion was completed.
The larger question remains how will apps and devices that leverage the Google Fit APIs fair after the migration. Keep in mind that a number of Wear OS devices use these APIs for fitness tracking and use the Google Fit App as their main interface. With companies like FOSSIL pulling out of the Wearables market with no comitment to maintain the software on the current devices, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see issues pop up with the fitness tracking on these devices.
What’s more, other Wear OS devices will also need to be updated to migrate to Health Connect. With newer devices like the OPPO Watch X, companies have already created their own apps like OHealth for OPPO and Samsung Wear for Samsung. It’s unclear if these apps will need to migrate over to Android Health or if they are already using the new APIs. However, Google has also highlighted that apps like Lifesum (previously NOOM), Peloton and Oura have already migrated to Android Health. This would mean that apps like Strava and Nike run will also need to be upgraded to support Android Health or lose functionality.
A new vaccine called Vaxneuvance™, developed by MSD, has arrived in Malaysia. This next-generation vaccine offers broader protection against this serious illness compared to previous options.
How does it work? Vaxneuvance™ is a 15-valent conjugate vaccine. This means it contains components (polysaccharides) from 15 different strains of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumooniae attached to a protein carrier. When your body encounters the vaccine, your immune system learns to recognize these polysaccharides and create antibodies. These antibodies can then fight off actual infections caused by these specific strains of the bacteria in the future.
What strains does it protect against? Vaxneuvance™ specifically targets the following 15 pneumococcal serotypes: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F. These strains are also responsible for a significant portion of pneumococcal disease cases in Malaysia.
Who can get vaccinated? The good news is that Vaxneuvance™ is approved for children (as young as 6 weeks old) and adults.
Doctors are optimistic. Medical professionals are excited about the broader protection offered by Vaxneuvance™. Prof Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, a consultant paediatrician, says the new vaccine “addresses the evolving landscape of pneumococcal disease in Malaysia.” This means it can potentially combat strains that may be becoming more prevalent. In addition, he notes that the vaccine provides “a strong immune response to serotypes that pose substantial risk to infants and children.”.
Further, Assoc. Professor Petrick Periyamsamy, an Infectious Disease Specialist, highlights that the new vaccine addresses the adult population by addressing serotype 3 of Streptococcus pnuemoniae. This serotype is most common in the adult population and poses a serious health risk among adults.
When and where can I get vaccinated? Vaxneuvance™ is now available at clinics and hospitals across Malaysia. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you or your child.
Key points to remember:
Vaxneuvance™ is a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
It protects against 15 specific strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials.
Talk to your doctor to see if Vaxneuvance™ is right for you or your child.
This new vaccine represents a significant step forward in protecting Malaysians from pneumococcal disease. By offering broader coverage, Vaxneuvance™ has the potential to significantly reduce the disease burden and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Streetwear meets fitness come December 22, 2023 with the release of the Amazfit Active Edge. Announced earlier in October, the smartwatch is finally ready for its Malaysian debut. With the Active Edge, it’s all about robust health and the loud, gritty style of the streets.
Doubling Down on Street Grit Style
The Amazfit Active Edge is not your average smartwatch; it’s a hardcore companion for the street. Crafted to withstand the challenges of extreme activities, from skateboard tricks to BMX stunts, this watch embraces the bumps and scrapes that come with the territory. Professional skateboarder Haziq Ilham applauds the inclusion of a dedicated skateboarding sports mode, allowing users to track essential data during practice for performance improvement.
It has a 1.32” HD AMOLED anti-fingerprint coated glass touchscreen balancing the size and style. The Amazfit Active Edge boasts a typical Amazfit 16-day battery life. It also has all the bells and whistles we have grown to expect from the brand. The Active Edge also has a Multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (Multi-GNSS) and route navigation for precise mapping of the cityscape, catering to the adventurous spirit of urban explorers.
Top Notch Health Monitoring
The Zepp Coach, Amazfit’s AI-driven fitness companion helps you track your health metrics while maximising your fitness. The watch can help you leverage aggregated data such as 24-hour heart rate, SpO2, and stress monitoring. The Zepp Coach can even create personalized training plans with the data. It has over a staggering 130 sports modes, including 7 auto-detected activities. What’s more, users can sync their data seamlessly with popular fitness platforms like Adidas Running, Strava, komoot, Relive, Google Fit, and Apple Health. This is possible thanks to Zepp OS 2.0.
The Amazfit Active Edge embraces dual-colour aesthetics, with Lava Black, Midnight Pulse, and Mint Green options, each complemented by a translucent strap, making a bold style statement. Its 10 ATM water resistance opens doors for water enthusiasts, ensuring reliability in activities including surfing, wakeboarding, or even cliff diving. Urbanites can confidently face rain, with the watch providing ample water resistance for everyday puddle adventures.
For parkour enthusiasts, the watch’s durability shines through even in the most dynamic movements. Heart rate and blood oxygen tracking persist, ensuring comprehensive health insights. The Amazfit Active Edge doesn’t compromise on notifications, games, and the Peak Beats performance summary, keeping users connected and entertained on the move.
Pricing & Availability
The Amazfit Active Edge will officially be launching on December 22, 2023, the Amazfit Active Edge is available on Shopee and Lazada for RM599.00. Early birds will receive free earbuds with their purchase, but act fast – stock is limited.
Black Shark, a known gaming and tech brand, has recently launched its flagship smartwatch in Malaysia, the Black Shark S1 Pro. Packed with impressive features and a rugged design, this smartwatch aims to cater to the needs of tech-savvy Malaysians.
The Black Shark S1 Pro boasts a rugged design, making it suitable for outdoor activities. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixels resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and up to 600 nits peak brightness. The watch is also rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, making it a wonderful wearable for any adventure and still holds up, whether water or dust.
Besides that, the smartwatch offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities. It includes heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement, sleep tracking, and gaming health monitoring. With over 150 watch faces and more than 100 fitness modes, users can personalise their experience and track their activities effectively.
But that is not the best part. The most interesting feature of this smartwatch is that it is equipped with a built-in voice assistant powered by Chat GPT. The Chat GPT integration allows this voice assistant to answer various questions that the user can think from serious to mere random. These nifty features can be used for quick information and assistance, no matter when and where.
Furthermore, the Black Shark S1 Pro offers Bluetooth-based calling and notifications, allowing users to stay connected without reaching for their smartphones. It also supports NFC for convenient contactless payments. Regarding battery life, the smartwatch can last up to 15 days of regular use and up to 30 days on extended standby, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The Black Shark S1 Pro is available in Malaysia in two colour options: Black and Blue. It is priced at RM399 and can be bought from their official stores on Lazada and Shopee
Hot off its international announcement, the Amazfit Active is making its way to Malaysia! But the smartwatch isn’t coming with its sibling the Amazfit Active Edge. Instead, the smartwatch is making a solo debut with the Edge hopefully coming soon.
The Smartwatch caters to the 21st-century woman who wants to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The Amazfit Active is a versatile companion, whether you’re at work, hitting the gym, or enjoying some leisure time.
Source: Amazfit
What sets the Amazfit Active apart is its ability to blend the best features of the Amazfit GTS and Mini series into one stunning package. Users will undoubtedly appreciate the fusion of the high-end aesthetics from the Amazfit GTS with the ultra-lightweight and cost-effective design found in the Mini series. The result is a best-of-all-worlds smartwatch that’s not only fashionable but also dedicated to enhancing your overall wellness.
Key features of the Amazfit Active include its ultra-lightweight aluminium alloy and plastic design, a vibrant 1.75-inch HD AMOLED display, convenient Bluetooth calling, and music playback. For fitness enthusiasts and adventurers, it comes with Multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (Multi-GNSS) support, offering precise route navigation for activities like jogging, hiking, or any outdoor adventure. The smartwatch also features AI-powered Training Guidance by Zepp Coach, which leverages data such as 24-hour heart rate, SpO2 levels, and stress monitoring to create personalized exercise plans. One of the standout features of the Amazfit Active is its impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days of typical use on a single charge.
Source: Amazfit
In addition to its impressive array of features, the smartwatch also boasts over 100 customizable watch faces, 5ATM water resistance, music storage, PAI Health Assessment System, downloadable apps and games, and compatibility with the Zepp App, among others. This smartwatch is designed to bring organization to the chaos of modern life, helping you stay active and healthy.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Amazfit Active offers a remarkable 130+ sports modes, with the introduction of the Track Running feature that helps you maintain your pace and splits during your runs. With Zepp Coach, you’ll have a dedicated workout monitoring and analysis tool on your wrist, providing voice prompts during workouts and utilizing data to optimize future exercises for improved fitness.
Pricing & Availability
The Amazfit Active is available in two stylish colour options, Midnight Black and Petal Pink, priced at RM599.00.
Starting from November 3, 2023, the Amazfit Active is available for purchase on popular e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and the TikTok Shop. Early adopters can also score a free Cross-body bag and a Celebrity Fitness 7-day Trial Pass, but act fast as these bonuses are available while stocks last.
Apple is pushing the boundaries with their new lineup of Apple Watches with the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The latest additions bring along with them several new features including a new processor – the S9 SiP, enhanced Siri capabilities, Precision Finding for iPhone with UWB and a brand new double tap gesture.
Source: Apple
At the heart of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 lies the custom Apple silicon in the S9 SiP, representing Apple’s most advanced watch chip to date. This chip not only boosts overall performance but introduces novel features like the double tap gesture and on-device Siri with secure health data access. The Series 9 also incorporates a 4-core Neural Engine, capable of processing machine learning tasks twice as fast as its predecessor while maintaining an 18-hour battery life.
Source: Apple
Navigating the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 has become even more intuitive with the introduction of the double tap gesture. By tapping the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice, users can perform a range of actions with ease. This includes stopping timers, controlling music playback, answering phone calls, and even capturing photos using the Camera Remote. The gesture, enabled by the faster Neural Engine, will be available in a forthcoming software update.
Source: Apple
Apple has pushed the display capabilities further, increasing the maximum brightness of the Series 9 to 2000nits, double that of its predecessor. The Ultra 2, on the other hand, has a higher 3000 nits brightness. This should mean that the two watch models should be legible even in bright sunlight, and the display can dim to just one nit in low-light environments.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces the Modular Ultra watch face that takes full advantage of the larger display. It provides real-time data, including seconds, altitude, or depth, and offers an unprecedented level of customization for outdoor activities, sports, and water adventures.
Siri can now process requests directly on the device, eliminating the need for internet connectivity for certain tasks. This not only results in faster and more reliable responses but also maintains privacy. Siri can also access and log health data from the Health app, offering users more control over their health and fitness inquiries.
Both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 come with a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that enables Precision Finding for the iPhone 15 family which comes with the same chip. Your Apple Watch can literally guide you to your iPhone 15 with its visual, haptic and audio guidance.
Source: Apple
The Ultra 2 continues to be the more rugged Apple Watch. Complete with an app ecosystem to support it, the Ultra 2 will be able to handle high altitudes and deep waters.
100% Carbon Neutral – If you choose correctly
Of course, as Apple progresses towards its 2030 environmental goal, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 now come with carbon-neutral options for straps. In fact, with these two models, the right pairing of the Watch and strap will mean that your Apple Watch is 100% Carbon Neutral.
This is thanks to a 78% reduction in emissions when it comes to transport and production as well as a sleeker, more compact box that allows for more Apple Watches to be transported. Apple has also empowered its partners to work towards being carbon neutral. As such, certain bands, like the new sports band are made completely of Carbon neutral and eco-friendly materials.
Apple Watch SE
Source: Apple
Also along for the ride is the new Apple Watch SE which continues to offer core Apple Watch features at an affordable price. This year, the Apple Watch SE is being updated with support for low heart rate notifications, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, Crash Detection, and watchOS 10.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE are available on the official website and Apple Store app. The Series 9 starts at USD$399 or MYR1,899, and the SE begins at USD$249 or RM1,199.
The Apple Watch will be priced at USD$799 RM3,799. It is available in a sleek 49mm size and becomes carbon neutral when paired with the new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop bands. These bands are available in various colours, offering both style and sustainability.
Withings ups the ante with hybrid wearables with the release of the ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light. These two hybrid smartwatches build upon Withings’ legacy of delivering cutting-edge health monitoring in sleek, fashion-forward designs.
The ScanWatch 2
The ScanWatch 2 inherits the beloved features of its predecessor, including an impressive 30-day battery life, ECG capabilities, blood oxygen measurements, and seamless integration with Apple Health.
In addition, it introduces several new features that elevate its health-tracking prowess. The ScanWatch 2 comes with continuous body temperature tracking which allows users to keep tabs on their body temperature. Together with body temperature tracking, female users of the ScanWatch 2 can now effortlessly track their menstrual cycles, including symptoms and emotions, empowering them with valuable insights.
Together with his, the new ScanWatch also comes with the ability to track Heart Rate Variability allowing users to track the response of their heart to different stimuli and events. This plays very well with the Improved Auto Activity Tracking which can now recognize over 40 different activities. You will also be able to track Respiratory Rate Readings which gives a new dimension to insights from the watch.
Withings has also upgraded the software aspect of the ScanWatch 2. HealthSense OS now features PowerSense Pro, optimizing battery life and data accuracy.
The ScanWatch Light
For those seeking affordability without compromising on essential health monitoring, Withings is introducing the new ScanWatch Light. While it may not boast all the advanced features of its counterpart, it provides key health-tracking capabilities.
The ScanWatch Light will be able to track heart rate, sleep and activities. It also places particular emphasis on menstrual cycle tracking, allowing women to log cycle stages and align their routines accordingly.
Both models cater to diverse health needs, and Withings’ unwavering focus on extended battery life and comprehensive health tracking makes these smartwatches compelling choices for individuals seeking seamless health monitoring. Pre-orders are already open, with retail availability scheduled for October 2023.
With the ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light, Withings continues its tradition of combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design, setting new standards for health monitoring and style. These timepieces empower users to seamlessly integrate better health into their daily lives, marking a significant stride in the evolution of health-centric wearables.
Pricing & Availability
The ScanWatch 2 comes in various finishes and sizes to ensure both style and comfort, with additional options planned for the future. It is set for release in October. It is priced at $349.95.
The ScanWatch Light, on the other hand, is priced at $249.95.
Garmin has once again upped the ante in the world of smartwatches with the announcement of the Venu 3 and Venu 3S. These new additions to the Venu series bring an array of advanced features designed to support your health and fitness goals, all wrapped in a stylish package.
Source: Garmin
The Venu 3 series comes in two sizes: the Venu 3 with a 45mm case and the Venu 3S with a 41mm case. While they may vary in size, both models offer exceptional features to cater to your individual needs.
One standout feature of the Venu 3 series is its battery life. In smartwatch mode, the Venu 3 boasts an impressive 14 days of battery life, allowing you to wear it day and night without the hassle of nightly charging. The Venu 3S, although slightly smaller, still offers a substantial 10 days of battery life.
Both models include Garmin’s advanced sleep-tracking features. The Sleep Coach feature provides you with a personalized sleep score and coaching recommendations based on your sleep patterns, exercise routines, and recovery data. Additionally, these smartwatches can automatically detect and track your naps, ensuring you get a comprehensive view of your sleep quality.
One of the most noteworthy additions is the Wheelchair mode, a feature tailored for users in wheelchairs. This mode tracks daily pushes and offers insights into weight shifting, providing valuable data for those with mobility challenges. Animated on-wrist workouts specifically designed for wheelchair users are also included.
The Venu 3 series is loaded with fitness insights, allowing you to better understand your body’s needs. You’ll receive a detailed overview of sleep, recovery, heart rate variability (HRV) status, and more through the morning report. These insights help you make informed decisions about your daily activities and exercise routines.
Customizing your workouts is made easy with the ability to create custom interval workouts for running and cycling directly on the watch. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, these features cater to all levels of fitness enthusiasts.
Source: Garmin
Garmin understands the importance of staying connected, even when you’re on the move. The Venu 3 series comes equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing you to make and take calls directly from your wrist when paired with a compatible smartphone. You can also respond to text messages using your smartphone’s voice assistant.
Pricing & Availability
The Venu 3 and Venu 3S offer a variety of colours and straps. The Venu 3 comes in whitestone/silver and black/slate with an etched bezel, while the Venu 3S offers a range of colourways, including pebble gray/slate, sage gray/silver, French gray/ soft gold, dust rose/soft gold, and ivory/soft gold.
On the 5th of May 2023, the WHO announced that COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a global emergency. According to the release from United Nations, WHO has acknowledged that the COVID-19 is ‘here to stay’. They also acknowledged that the virus is still evolving and killing. Still, the world understands the virus plenty more now and the death toll has dwindled down to a handful these days.
Sure, you still hear cases of infection, but it was not like the beginning of 2020, where the pandemic took the world over and killed plenty. In the past 12 months as well, WHO has observed a downward trend the pandemic and infection rate thanks to the development of the vaccines, their improvements, and the rate at which they are being distributed. The immense pressure put on the medical industry and healthcare workers has now declined nearly to normal levels before the pandemic and so has life outside the hospital. That is why WHO has declared the global emergency that we know as the COVID-19 pandemic has now officially ended.
Considering COVID-19, the entire internet is swarmed with information for COVID-19. The overwhelming flood of information on COVID-19 was a mixed bag too, you get plenty of speculations from ‘experts’, and actual reports from various accredited sources on the virus spread, behaviour, and even development. Public panic is a real threat and issue in times like these and platforms like Meta and even Google had to step in to curb the threat. To do that, they had to establish a misinformation policy that pertains specifically to COVID-19. For Meta especially, they had to block information that does not come from verified accredited sources to ensure that the public information you receive regarding COVID-19 are correct.
Since the global emergency has been retracted, Meta is now considering rolling back and scale down the restrictions regarding information pertaining to COVID-19. As a matter of fact, they technically have rolled back their policy on COVID-19 information. They have convened with the Oversight Board and updated their policy in accordance to the guidelines that has been set by the board.
In light of WHO’s announcement to end the global state of emergency for COVID-19, Meta will be taking a more lenient approach to misinformation against COVID-19. That does not mean that they are completely removing the policy though. There will still be guidelines in place to protect the public from physical harm and risks, which also means that if Meta’s algorithm thinks that your Facebook posting will potentially cause panic, physical, or mental harm, it will still be taken down and blocked. They also say that they are only scaling down on their policy in regions that followed WHO’s guidelines in ending the state of emergency. There are still regions that are still in a state of emergency and Meta will still apply their misinformation policy for users in those regions. For updates on Meta’s latest efforts on their COVID-19 misinformation policies, you can head out to their blog.
