Amazfit has launched the WatchFM app, which adds internet radio listening capability to smartwatches. At first glance, it appears to be another step toward device independence from phones. In practice, however, it's quite the opposite: without a smartphone nearby, the feature simply won't work. This is reported by Notebookcheck.
For WatchFM to work, the Zepp app must be running in the background and an active Bluetooth connection is required. Even if the watch has its own Wi-Fi module and theoretically could connect to the internet independently, developers did not implement this capability. The watch essentially functions as a remote control for the phone, which does all the work of receiving audio streams.
This reveals a practical problem with smartwatches in general: even with standalone connectivity, most features are tied to a smartphone nearby. The watch has a Wi-Fi chip, but it's only used for data synchronization rather than independent internet access for media content.
The station selection is currently modest — Australian SBS PopAsia and American KIIS FM. However, background playback is implemented correctly: you can switch tracks, monitor listening statistics, and control battery level directly from the watch screen without taking out your phone.
Currently, only models with round displays are supported — the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro passed testing, where the app works without issues. Owners of rectangular models will have to wait for an update, the date of which has not yet been announced.
What this means for users
If you were hoping that WatchFM would allow you to run without your phone and listen to radio — that won't happen: your smartphone must be nearby and within Bluetooth range. The feature is more of a convenience for those who carry their phone in their pocket anyway, rather than a step toward true smartwatch autonomy.
- Recently, Amazfit allowed users to reply to messages from iPhone directly from their smartwatch.
- Amazfit also presented the Balance 3 and Balance Ultra with battery life of up to 30 days.
- Some Amazfit gadgets will receive the latest updates in 2026.
