Amazfit Adds Internet Radio Support to Smartwatches, But There’s a Catch

Amazfit, the popular wearable technology brand owned by Chinese company Zepp Health, has announced a significant software update that brings internet radio functionality to its lineup of smartwatches. The new feature promises to enhance the audio entertainment options available to users directly on their wrists. However, the implementation comes with an important limitation that may disappoint some users hoping for a fully independent listening experience.

The internet radio feature requires a constant connection to a paired smartphone to function properly. This means that users cannot simply leave their phones at home and stream radio stations directly through their watch’s cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Instead, the smartwatch acts as a remote control and audio output device, with the actual streaming being handled by the connected smartphone. This dependency significantly reduces the practical utility of the feature for users who were hoping to use it during activities like running or gym workouts without carrying their phones.

Understanding the Technical Limitations

The decision to require smartphone connectivity likely stems from several technical and business considerations. Smartwatches, despite their impressive technological advancement in recent years, still face significant constraints in terms of battery life, processing power, and data connectivity. Streaming audio content directly requires substantial bandwidth and places considerable demands on the device’s battery. By offloading the streaming process to the smartphone, Amazfit can preserve the watch’s battery life while still offering the feature to users who want convenient access to radio content on their wrist.

Additionally, licensing agreements for music and radio content often come with geographic and device-specific restrictions. Major streaming platforms and radio services typically have complex arrangements that specify exactly how and where their content can be accessed. By routing the stream through the smartphone, Amazfit may be working within the constraints of existing licensing agreements rather than negotiating entirely new deals for direct watch streaming.

Amazfit’s Position in the Wearables Market

Amazfit has established itself as a formidable competitor in the smartwatch and fitness tracker market, particularly in the mid-range segment where it competes against devices from Samsung, Apple, and Garmin. The brand has gained popularity by offering feature-rich devices at competitive price points, often delivering capabilities that rival more expensive alternatives. The company’s product lineup includes various series targeting different user demographics, from budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts to users seeking premium smartwatch experiences.

The addition of internet radio support represents part of Amazfit’s broader strategy to expand the multimedia capabilities of its devices. In recent years, the company has steadily added features such as music storage, Bluetooth audio support, and integration with popular streaming services. These enhancements reflect the evolving expectations of smartwatch users, who increasingly view their wearable devices as comprehensive lifestyle companions rather than simple fitness trackers.

The Future of Standalone Smartwatch Features

The wearables industry continues to push toward greater independence from smartphones, with leading manufacturers investing heavily in cellular connectivity and standalone applications. Apple Watch users with cellular models can already stream Apple Music independently, while Garmin offers offline Spotify playback on select devices. The trend toward autonomous smartwatch functionality reflects consumer demand for devices that can truly replace smartphones in certain scenarios.

For Amazfit, the current implementation of internet radio may represent a stepping stone toward more independent features in future software updates or hardware releases. As battery technology improves and data plans become more affordable, the barriers to standalone streaming will continue to diminish. Until then, users will need to keep their smartphones nearby to take advantage of the new radio functionality, somewhat limiting its appeal for those seeking a truly phone-free experience during their daily activities.