| Cult of Mac

Has Google given up on Android Wear?

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Android Wear
You can no longer buy Android Wear devices from Google.
Photo: Google

Apple Watch could be about to lose one of its biggest rivals.

The future of the Android Wear platform looks bleak today after Google removed all traces of wearable devices from its online store. Its focus on the platform seems to have fizzled out since it became clear that only Apple could sell smartwatches in large numbers.

Samsung’s next stab at Apple Watch lands Wednesday

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Samsung Gear S3
Samsung's fight against Apple Watch won't end.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung will take a new stab at Apple Watch on Wednesday.

The South Korean company has scheduled an event in Berlin on August 30, where it will unwrap a brand new wearable. A teaser animation posted on Twitter backs up recent rumors that have claimed health and fitness will be its primary focus.

Apple Watch shipments will reach new highs in 2017

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Nyloon's Elysee Nylon Band for Apple Watch in navy, white and red has a comfortable, fabric-like feel.
Available in a wide range of styles and colors.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch shipments may have slowed in recent months, but with Series 3 right around the corner, the device is expected to enjoy a strong end to 2017.

According to sources in its supply chain, Apple is likely to ship a total of 15 million Apple Watches for the year. That figure could rise even higher in 2018.

Budget smartwatches, smart nightlights and more [Crowdfund Roundup]

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Edge case for iPhone
Edge case adds light to your iPhone alerts.
Photo: Edge

Crowdfund Roundup bugiPhone cases don’t have to be boring and unpractical. With Edge, you get cool LEDs that notify you of incoming alerts for any app, let you keep an eye on battery levels at a glance, and more.

It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We also have an ultra-affordable Android Wear smartwatch, the world’s smartest nightlight, the coolest e-bike ever, and a high-quality and affordable 3D printer.

Why Apple Watch should be worried about its latest rival

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Express Time
The new Ticwatch starts at just $99 if you act fast.
Photo: Mobvoi

Apple Watch has a new rival, and it’s one that Apple should be worried about. That’s not because the new Ticwatch is better, but because it’s ultra-affordable at under $100.

For that, you get a simple and colorful design, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and Android Wear 2.0.

Armani is latest designer brand to take on Apple Watch

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Armani Connected Watch
One of Armani's upcoming Connected watches.
Photo: Emporio Armani

Emorio Armani is the latest designer fashion brand that fancies its chances against the Apple Watch.

The Italian company unveiled its first smartwatch collection, powered by Google’s Android Wear platform, at Milan Fashion Week over the weekend — but neglected to mention any prices.

This fitness tracker looks stylish enough for date night [Deals]

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Withings Activité Steel Activity Tracker Watch-1
This is no ordinary watch, it's also a feature-rich fitness tracker.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Fitness trackers are great for anyone looking to get in shape and see their progress in more than just the mirror. Unfortunately though a hot pink bracelet isn’t the most stylish accessory. Unless that’s your thing of course, in which case more power to you.

Leaked Fitbit smartwatch looks too ugly to beat Apple Watch

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Fitbit's first true watch looks boring.
Fitbit's first true watch looks boring.
Photo: Yahoo

Photos of the first real smartwatch by Fitbit leaked to the internet today and based on the teaser images, Apple doesn’t have much to worry about.

Fitbit is supposedly planning to launch its proper smartwatch this fall along with a pair of Bluetooth earbuds. The company originally planned to unveil the products this spring to get a head start on Apple, but it looks like they could use some more development.

Take a closer look: