Fitness & Wearable Tech — 2026-08-21
The wearable tech landscape is shifting toward screenless form factors and AI-integrated health monitoring, with Google's Pixel Watch 5 leading the charge in advanced biometrics. Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 is facing mixed reviews on its training features, and Apple is reportedly exploring a radical screenless redesign for its future lineup.
Fitness & Wearable Tech — 2026-08-21
Wearable Hardware
Google Pixel Watch 5
- Brand: Google
- What's new: Launched at the "Made by Google" event, the $399 Pixel Watch 5 features a smarter Gemini AI experience and advanced health monitoring capabilities, specifically the ability to track blood pressure patterns.
- Why it matters: This launch marks a significant step in integrating large language models directly into wearable health data, moving beyond simple tracking to actionable AI-driven insights.
Google Pixel Watch 5 displayed on a stand
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
- Brand: Samsung
- What's new: A one-month training review published on August 21 highlights three specific features the user likes and three they dislike regarding the watch's performance during workouts.
- Why it matters: As the primary competitor to Apple and Google in the Android smartwatch space, long-term user feedback on training accuracy and usability is critical for market positioning.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 being used for fitness training
Screenless Fitness Tracker Trend
- Brand: Various (Garmin, Oura, Google Fitbit)
- What's new: TechRadar reports that screenless fitness trackers are the biggest wearable trend of 2026, highlighting eight top devices including the Garmin Cirqa and Google Fitbit Air.
- Why it matters: This trend signals a consumer preference for minimalist, subscription-free (in some cases) health monitoring over feature-heavy smartwatches.
Collection of screenless fitness trackers including bands and rings
Apps & Platforms
Strava
- Update: Strava's help center recently updated documentation on how to sync activities from various devices, including specific guides for the Apple Watch app and Peloton integration.
- Who benefits: Multi-device users and cyclists/runners who rely on third-party hardware to log workouts on Strava.
Strava app interface showing activity tracking options
Free Strava Alternatives
- Update: BikeRadar published a guide listing five free alternatives to Strava, noting that while Strava has attractive features, these competitors offer similar functionality without the subscription cost.
- Who benefits: Budget-conscious athletes and cyclists looking to reduce monthly expenses while maintaining social and tracking features.
Comparison of fitness apps and cycling routes
General Fitness Apps
- Update: PCMag updated its list of the best workout apps for 2026, emphasizing the evolution of these platforms into comprehensive digital wellness ecosystems that combine AI, personalized coaching, and community features.
- Who benefits: General fitness enthusiasts seeking integrated platforms for strength, cardio, and mental wellness.
Screenshot of a workout app interface with exercise tracking
Health Sensing & Research
- Blood Pressure Monitoring via Pixel Watch 5: A report from Android Police details how Whoop's stance on FDA regulations helped pave the way for the Pixel Watch 5's blood pressure feature, allowing wrist-worn wearables to output biomarkers like blood pressure for wellness purposes.
Pixel Watch 4 pocket edition, predecessor to the new blood pressure capable model
Weekly Analysis
The competitive landscape is currently being reshaped by Google's aggressive push into AI-driven health monitoring with the Pixel Watch 5, which directly challenges Apple and Samsung by offering advanced biometrics like blood pressure tracking at a competitive $399 price point. Simultaneously, the market is bifurcating: while flagship smartwatches become more complex, a strong trend toward screenless, subscription-free trackers like the Garmin Cirqa is gaining traction among users who prioritize simplicity. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 faces a critical period where long-term user reviews may determine if its training features can compete with the new AI capabilities of its rivals.
What to Watch Next Week
- Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Launch: Apple is expected to release iterative models of the Apple Watch this fall, featuring new CPUs and improved fitness features, following reports of a potential radical redesign for future generations.
- Screenless Tracker Adoption: Continued market expansion of screenless devices like the Garmin Cirqa and Google Fitbit Air, which are currently being highlighted as the top trends of 2026.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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