Smartwatches | Popular Science https://www.popsci.com/category/smartwatches/ Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 145 years strong. Wed, 31 May 2023 16:55:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/04/28/cropped-PSC3.png?auto=webp&width=32&height=32 Smartwatches | Popular Science https://www.popsci.com/category/smartwatches/ 32 32 Garmin’s newest smartwatches are even more adventure-ready https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-epix-pro-fenix-7-pro-news/ Wed, 31 May 2023 16:55:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=544842
Garmin fēnix 7 Pro on a wrist with the flashlight illuminated
Garmin

The new epix Pro and fēnix 7 Pro high-performance GPS adventure watches offer more advanced features for serious endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Garmin fēnix 7 Pro on a wrist with the flashlight illuminated
Garmin

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Garmin is well known for its expansive list of rugged fitness watches, with multiple lines specifically tailored to different activity types. And now, the options for adventurers and serious endurance athletes are even more extensive with the announcement of updated Pro versions of the epix and fēnix 7 watches. 

Most of the updates to these premium next-gen. multisport watches are incremental software changes, such as more activity types and new fitness measurement tools. But there are also a few notable hardware and build upgrades, including a new size option and AMOLED display for the epix Pro and an LED flashlight in all three sizes of both the epix Pro and fēnix 7 Pro. Both watches will also benefit from trickle-down features from the new Forerunners.

Garmin epix Pro details

Garmin just debuted its epix 2 line of watches last year. Despite how new the series is, the company is rolling out some worthwhile updates to make it even better in a new Pro version. With vibrant metrics-rich watch faces and extensive sensors/navigation features in a sleek body, the epix Pro remains a great choice for boardroom-to-backcountry adventures and weekend warriors, from climbers and mountaineers to ultra-marathon trail runners. 

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epix Pro and build changes

The epix came in two sizes—42mm and 47mm—while the Pro version adds a 52mm option for those who really want a statement piece on their wrist. The larger size offers more than just a dramatic look, however. Garmin packed extra battery into the 52mm version, which promises up to 31 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. The 42mm and 47mm both should provide 10 and 16 days of battery life, respectively. 

Like the epix Gen. 2, the Garmin epix Pro will be available in Standard Edition, which features Corning Gorilla Glass and stainless steel case, or the Sapphire Edition, which uses a more durable Sapphire lens and titanium case. And all three sizes get an even brighter upgraded AMOLED display for a colorful, detail-packed watch face. 

All three sizes will offer an LED flashlight, which can vary in intensity and features a strobe mode. We were glad to see the flashlight included even on the smallest watch since it is a potentially game-changing feature. It can illuminate your path while trail running or hiking in the dark and help others see you, which is invaluable if exercising near a road. 

The epix Pro also gets an updated and optimized heart rate sensor. Garmin didn’t provide any information on what exactly that means, but it says these changes will provide “enhanced multisport performance tracking.”

Fitness tracking features

Garmin watches are already robust in their fitness tracking abilities, but the company is not one to just let things be. The epix Pro will offer new activities, which include team sports such as soccer, basketball, and racquet sports, as well as horseback riding and more.

Beyond new tracking modes, Garmin also created new training features. Hill Score gives you a better idea of how your training impacts your ability to run uphill. Uphill segments are automatically detected and analyzed, and that information is combined with other physiological metrics to provide a score from one to 100. It even breaks the score down into Hill Endurance and Hill Strength, which reflect short, fast efforts versus long, sustained climbs. And it offers feedback to improve your training over time. 

The second new feature—Endurance score—looks beyond your VO2 Max, giving a more personalized look at your fitness. It analyzes both short-term and long-term endurance training and takes into account all types of activity, not just running or cycling. And, like Hill Score, it provides training feedback to help you understand your score.

Three new display types on the Garmin epix Pro smartwatch
The epix Pro will offer new terrain maps, a Red Shift Mode for night use, and weather overlays. Garmin

Additional new features

The Garmin epix Pro will provide a unique Red Shift Mode, which changes the display to shares of red. This lessens the impact on your vision when looking at your watch in the dark and reduces any sleep cycle disturbance you might get from the standard display. You can manually turn on this display mode or schedule it to automatically turn on and off based on sunset and sunrise time. And you can even select certain activities that automatically use Red Shift Mode.

Up Ahead mode will allow you to view running points of interest, such as checkpoints and aid stations, right on the map. This allows you to better understand what’s in front of you and plan accordingly on your race or activity. 

The last feature those navigating the backcountry will especially appreciate is the new weather map overlays and relief shading on topographic maps. The weather overlays can display temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover, to help you make more informed decisions on the go. And relief shading will assist in navigation. You can also opt into Outdoor Maps+ for even more map content, including satellite imagery and more detailed maps.  

Garmin epix Pro pricing & availability

The epix Pro is available for purchase as of today, starting at $899.99.

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Garmin fēnix 7 Pro details

Like the epix Pro, most changes to the fēnix 7 Pro are smaller software additions. The fēnix 7 Pro still comes in 42mm, 47mm, or 51mm sizes, though you no longer have the option of a version without solar charging. You can, however, choose between Standard Solar or Sapphire Solar, depending on how robust you want your watch face. 

Like many of Garmin’s new watches lately, including the Instinct 2X, the fēnix 7 Pro will feature an LED flashlight in all sizes. It offers a broad pattern, variable intensities, red safety light, and strobe mode. 

New training features

The fēnix 7 Pro also gets a new heart rate sensor. Garmin says this next-gen sensor utilizes “more spatially diverse optical sensors and sport-specific algorithms.” It should provide even better performance tracking for more activities, giving you even more accurate insight into your training. 

Like the epix Pro, the fēnix 7 Pro will also get the new Endurance Score and Hill Score for better endurance training insight. It also gets its share of new activities, including white water rafting, motocross, overlanding, and dozens more. And the watch will provide access to the weather map overlays, new relief shading, and Up Ahead mode.

Garmin fēnix 7 Pro pricing and availability

All versions of the fēnix 7 Pro are available for purchase at a starting price of $799.99.

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The best Memorial Day fitness deals let you jump into summer activities and save https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-memorial-day-amazon-fitness-deals-2023/ Fri, 26 May 2023 12:19:03 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=543181
Save big on gear with these Memorial Day fitness deals.

Break a sweat without breaking the bank with these deals, like 20% on an inflatable kayak.

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Save big on gear with these Memorial Day fitness deals.

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The unofficial kickoff to summer is a great time to get active, indoors or out. The warmer weather invites barbecues and relaxation. So whether you’re training for a race, looking to get out on the water for the first time, or improving your putt, these Memorial Day fitness deals will help you prepare, have fun, and save money while you’re doing it.

Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak $543.89 (was $679.99)

Inflatable kayaks are appealing because they’re generally much easier to transport than traditional models. But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice performance for portability. Aquaglide’s Deschutes Inflatable Kayak provides a solution: It’s both a cinch to toss into your car and includes features that paddlers are looking for. Plus, it’s currently available at its lowest price in months—just in time for the weather and waters to warm up.

This single-person kayak weighs just 18 pounds and fits into an included duffle bag. You’ll need a 12-volt air pump to inflate the three chambers of this open cockpit model, which is not included. Once inflated, this 11-foot kayak is designed with handles for carrying, a cushioned, quick-release seat, and adjustable footrests for a comfortable ride. The package also includes a quick-release fin, cockpit drain, and repair kit should you encounter rough waters. 

More outdoor fitness deals

Best home gym equipment deals

Best smartwatch and wearable deals

Best fitness accessories

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Grab a near-mint Apple Watch Series 7 for only $330 https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/refurbished-apple-watch-deal/ Mon, 22 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=542713
A red Apple Watch 7 on a white background
Stack Commerce

This smartwatch is packed full of health and productivity apps, and boasts a Grade A refurbished rating.

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A red Apple Watch 7 on a white background
Stack Commerce

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This near-mint 2021 Apple Watch Series 7 brings notifications, health information, and more right to your wrist for only $327.99—that’s 36 percent off its original price. 

From workouts to busy work days to running errands, an Apple Watch may make your life a little bit easier. These smartwatches go several steps beyond telling time to deliver notifications, collect health information, and so much more.

Avoid the hefty price tag by grabbing a high-quality, refurbished watch. Get a near-mint Apple Watch Series 7 (2021) for only $327.99 (reg. $529).

Revolutionize your watch experience

Apple describes the Series 7 as the most durable Apple Watch built to its creation date. The redesigned watch has extra watch face options, faster charging, and an improved WatchOS. Use new features like additional fitness tracking, a mindfulness app, and more.

The Series 7 also has a larger, always-on Retina display to make it easier to see the time, notifications, or any of your apps. Here are just some of the things you could do with your watch:

  • Track workouts and get data like your heart rate, step count, measured distance, and even personalized reminders to stay active.
  • Monitor other health information like your blood oxygen level, take an ECG, use sleep-tracking apps, and get reminders to take medications or wash your hands.
  • Receive and respond to notifications, messages, or answer phone calls right from your wrist.
  • Access reminders and calendar events without having to pull out your phone.
  • Listen to music during your workouts by syncing your earbuds right to your watch. Leave your iPhone behind and control songs from your wrist.
  • Make purchases with Apple Pay by tapping your watch for payment.

This specific watch is powered by either WiFi or cellular connections. Enjoy the full functionality of your watch anywhere you can get cell service or WiFi.

Excellent quality and price

You may be a little skeptical about purchasing a refurbished device, but this watch boasts an impressive Grade ‘A’ rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition with minimal or zero scuffing on its exterior. Essentially, you get a high-quality device while saving nearly 40 percent of its retail cost.

Take it from one verified buyer, who raved, “I love everything about this watch. I had a first-generation Apple Watch for many years and finally decided to upgrade. I’m very happy I did.”

Meet your new companion: an Apple Watch Series 7 (2021) with Silicone Band, Grade A Refurbished for only $327.99 (reg. $529).

Prices subject to change.

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Get an Apple Watch SE for less than $250 on Amazon https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-watch-se-amazon-sale/ Tue, 09 May 2023 17:55:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=540014
An Apple Watch SE 2 on a teal and periwinkle background
Amanda Reed

Watch this space ... for a great deal on an Apple Watch SE.

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An Apple Watch SE 2 on a teal and periwinkle background
Amanda Reed

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Smartwatches are a handy way to keep weather notifications, health tracking, texts, and music accessible without taking your phone out of your pocket. If you have an iPhone, there’s no better choice than the Apple Watch, which easily syncs to your phone and other Apple devices. Our favorite starter Apple Watch—the Apple Watch SE—is on sale today, warranting you some savings.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] $219 (Was $249)

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If you don’t need a blood oxygen sensor like in the Apple Watch 8 or the ultra-long battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra, the Watch SE is the best choice. The 2nd-gen. SE comes in two varieties, appropriately: a GPS and cellular variety (also on sale for $299) and one that just comes with GPS, on sale for $219. As an Apple Watch makes a great fitness tracker, we also like pairing one with our favorite headphones for working out—luckily, the Apple Beats Fit Pro earbuds are also on sale.

Like we say in our Apple Watch comparison explainer, “If you just want an Apple Watch that works, and you don’t necessarily care about getting every kind of data, the SE 2 is probably the move.”

You know what’s also the move? Snagging this deal before it ends.

Here are more Apple, smartwatch, and electronics deals that are the apple of our eyes:

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You can save $60 on the best Android smartwatch at Amazon https://www.popsci.com/gear/samsung-galaxy-watch-5-amazon-sale/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:55:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=537216
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 40mm
Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

Take advantage of limited-time savings on Samsung's svelte Galaxy Watch 5 and collect more metrics for less money.

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SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 40mm
Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

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There aren’t many smartwatches that can stand toe-to-toe with the Apple Watch, but Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 is one of those exceptions. The sleek-looking digital timepiece can also display notifications and continuously record key health metrics without intervention, bringing the kind of integration that iOS users are used to over to the Android ecosystem. The best part is that you can snag this smartwatch for $219—its lowest price ever—if you shop at Amazon right now.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm), $219 (Was $279.99)

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One of the Galaxy Watch 5’s greatest strengths is that it doesn’t look like a piece of tech at first glance. Watches are fashion accessories regardless of functionality, and subtlety works in Samsung’s favor. This smartwatch’s 1.2-inch color display is large enough that you should be able to easily read text without feeling like you’re carrying a boat on your wrist. The screen is made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, so it shouldn’t chip if you accidentally bump your wrist against a desk or dumbbell. You can change its watch faces and bands to suit your mood or the occasion, too.

Aesthetics are important, but the Galaxy Watch 5’s tech features help it stand out the most. Samsung says its sensors can analyze your sleep and recommend changes to help you get more rest. Additional sensors can track your heart rate, BMI, body water level, basal metabolic rate, blood pressure, and more. If you’re exercising, the Galaxy Watch 5 can automatically assess how you’re working out and accurately track how many calories you’ve burned based on the activity.

If you’re trying to improve your health or want to know what time it is without pulling out your phone, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 is an excellent option at this price. Just be mindful that it can only be paired with Android devices, which means it’s incompatible with the iPhone.

If you’re already happy with what’s on your wrist, here are some more deals to accessorize your home:

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Apple Watch comparison: Which one is right for you? https://www.popsci.com/reviews/apple-watch-comparison/ Fri, 16 Sep 2022 21:45:01 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=366601
Apple Watch Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 7 (left) and Series 8 (right), side by side. Mike Epstein

When you’re choosing an Apple Watch, comparison shopping is your friend to get the style and generation that’s right for you.

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Apple Watch Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 7 (left) and Series 8 (right), side by side. Mike Epstein

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The Apple Watch is still far and away the most popular line of wearable devices in the world. According to analyst Counterpoint Research, it accounted for more than 30 percent of all smartwatches sold in 2021. The wider range of Apple Watches also contains the best overall smartwatches you can get right now if you’re looking for a “lifestyle” watch that blends fitness tracking, health features, and a secondary interface for notifications, texts, and calls from your phone. In 2022, however, Apple completely overhauled the Apple Watch line with a wave of three new models: the standard Apple Watch Series 8, the budget-friendly second-generation Apple Watch SE, and a new high-end sports watch, the Apple Watch Ultra. Between those three and all of the past models, which you can still find at Amazon and other retailers, you have many options if you’re considering your first Apple Watch or upgrading from an older design. Before you commit to putting a new computer on your wrist, we’ve put together this Apple Watch comparison to help you figure out how to pick the right one for you.

Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Series 8 vs. Ultra

For the most part, we think it’s prudent to focus on Apple’s current set of Watches. They have the latest and greatest tech inside—perfect to pair with that new iPhone 14 Pro Max. All three 2022 watches—even the relatively affordable SE—feature the same processor and motion sensors that enable car crash detection. The 2022 models will also get more watchOS software updates down the road, which means you can hold onto one (or more) longer before your Watch needs replacing. From cheapest to most expensive, here are the three current options and why you may or may not want them:

Apple Watch SE 2

Apple

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The newly remodeled Apple Watch SE is the budget-conscious choice. Starting at $249 for GPS or $299 for a cellular model, it offers much of the core functionality of the standard Apple Watch line, but it’s slightly smaller than the other recent Apple Watches. Its 40mm and 44mm face options match the Apple Watch 6. It also lacks some of the line’s more advanced sensors and features, including a blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensors, or an “always-on” display that keeps the screen partially lit even when it isn’t in use. It also cuts corners in other small ways compared to the standard Apple Watch, like ditching fast-charging.

At the same time, the second-generation SE comes closer to parity with the standard Apple Watch than the last generation. It features the same chipset inside and offers the same battery life. It offers the power and features to work effectively as a fitness tracker, sleep tracker, and iPhone companion device for most people. And it costs substantially less. If you just want an Apple Watch that works, and you don’t necessarily care about getting every kind of data, the SE 2 is probably the move.

Apple Watch Series 8

Mike Epstein

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In my mind, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the best smartwatch for most people. It offers a wide array of features, including nuanced tracking features for fitness and your overall health. Its upgraded sensor array allows it to track ECG-based heart rate readings, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature as a means to monitor ovulation and provide enhanced menstrual cycle tracking. It also features a constellation of quality-of-life advantages over the SE 2, like a bigger case size—41mm and 45mm—with a larger, always-on display, which makes it easier to type on and check at a glance.

Starting at $399 for GPS or $499 for Cellular, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the definitive Apple Watch experience. If you plan to use the Apple Watch to monitor your health, the advanced sensors will make a notable difference in what you can track. Even on its most basic level, though, the improved screen, fast-charging, and other small improvements over the SE makes the Watch Series 8 more effective as a half-step for monitoring activity on your phone without actually stopping to pull it out.

Apple Watch Ultra

Apple

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The Apple Watch Ultra is the most powerful Apple Watch and, frankly, will be overkill for most people. The $799 Apple Watch Ultra is an outdoor-focused “sport” watch, similar to many of Garmin’s high-end wearables. Unlike the other Apple Watches, it’s only in one size—a huge 49mm case—with cellular support and dual-frequency GPS built in. It features a thicker, more durable build with a redesigned digital crown and an extra “Action” button to quickly start workouts and toggle other functions. 

The Ultra gets double the battery life of the other 2022 Apple Watches—36 hours versus 18 hours on the Series 8 and SE—which is great for everyone, but many of its features are designed for athletes and outdoorsy folk dealing with harsh conditions. Its powerful built-in speakers enable a loud SOS siren if you get lost in the woods. Improved waterproofing, certifications, and a dedicated app qualify it as a diving computer. The three-microphone array is burlier than normal to improve call clarity in situations with power interference from blizzards and powerful winds. It even has specialty bands for specific activities like diving and endurance training.

Given the difference in price and specificity of its feature set, you should only consider getting the Apple Watch Ultra if you are either a serious athlete or a fan of outdoor activities that require specialized equipment like climbing, off-trail hiking, and diving. If that sounds like your speed, you’re better off comparing the Apple Watch Ultra to the best Garmin smartwatches, as well as top picks from other brands like Suunto.

What about the older Apple Watches?

Though Apple’s lineup is limited to those three watches, there are still plenty of ways to get your hands on an older-model Apple Watch. If you aren’t concerned with getting a handful of new features in the Series 8, such as low-power mode, Car Crash Detection, and temperature sensors for ovulation tracking, the Apple Watch Series 7 is still a very appealing, very viable option. Likewise, the Apple Watch Series 6 gives you most of the same functionality as the Series 7 and Series 8, though you’ll be stuck with a smaller display, which makes a bigger difference than you think.

I would not recommend going further back than the Series 6 at this point. Independent of the features you’ll lose access to model by model, the older Apple Watches inevitably offer shorter lifespans. With every new version of watchOS, the Apple Watch’s operating system, the company will inevitably shut off support for each older watch, leaving you without access to new software-enabled features and security updates. It may be cheaper, but we can’t recommend you buy an Apple Watch Series 4, knowing that it will likely become obsolete in less than 12 months. And suppose you’re using an Apple Watch Series 3, which Apple sold until earlier this year but stopped supporting with watchOS 9. In that case, you should consider upgrading soon to ensure your watch remains secure, especially if you use it for Apple Pay.

What size watch face should you get?

The new Apple Watch SE offers two case sizes, 40mm and 44mm. Series 8 features a larger size range at 41mm and 45mm. The Apple Watch Ultra comes in a single, extra-large 49mm size. Though it sounds small, even a 1mm difference can feel quite striking on your wrist and looks substantially larger.

If you’re unsure what size would feel right, we recommend going to an Apple store or other retailer and trying all sizes on to see what feels right. If one Watch feels noticeably better than the others, go with it. A bigger screen is an upgrade, but it won’t matter if the Watch feels bulky or uncomfortable on your wrist. 

Which Apple smartwatch is the best fitness tracker?

Apple Watch Series 8 Review
The new Heart zones feature in watchOS 9 enhances runs on any Apple Watch. Mike Epstein

The Apple Watch Ultra has special features that make it the best fitness tracker for certain kinds of athletes and workouts. The action button on the side of the watch makes it easier to switch between legs of a race or training if you’re in the middle of a multi-phase workout, for example. It also offers superior GPS for more accurate tracking while using the Apple Watch’s “Race Route” feature to create and follow a work routine.

That said, in terms of heart tracking and data collection, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra feature the same sensors for tracking your heart rate and movement. If you’re looking for a watch to bring to the gym or track your outdoor runs, the Series 8 is probably the right call.

Is the stainless steel Apple Watch upgrade worth it?

In addition to the standard recycled aluminum body, you can pay extra for an Apple Watch Series 8 made from stainless steel. The Apple Watch Ultra features a highly durable titanium body. Both metals are tougher than aluminum and won’t scratch or dent as easily. Perhaps more importantly, the stainless steel Series 8 and the Ultra come with an extra-hard sapphire crystal over the display. Having worn both models extensively, I can say that the sapphire crystal upgrade clearly resists scratches and damage better than the Ion-X glass used in the standard Series 8 and SE 2 displays. We haven’t had any problems with scratches or breakage with the Ion-X glass, though, so it isn’t a huge concern if you’re not putting it in harm’s way regularly. 

Of course, that extra durability—and the additional colorways—will cost you. The stainless steel case models start at $699, and the Apple Watch Ultra costs $799. If you plan to keep one watch for a long time, the additional durability may be worth it. That said, you shouldn’t worry about your watch being highly fragile if you don’t.

Do you need cellular data on the Apple Watch?

When making your own Apple Watch comparison, whether or not you need cellular data is a major feature difference between models. The Watch itself costs more with cellular built-in: it’s a $50 premium for the SE and an extra $100 on the Series 8. Then you’ll have to factor in the cost of the data itself. Most carriers will charge you about $10 per month extra to add basic data to your Watch. Check with your carrier for compatibility before making a purchase. 

That extra expense may be worth it for some people because it allows them to use many Apple Watch features without lugging around an iPhone. So, if you run without a phone, you can still make calls and listen to music from streaming services. 

So, which Apple Watch should you buy?

I can think of many specific reasons to pick each of the newer Apple Watches. The Apple Watch SE 2 is cost-effective and does most of the things you really need. The Apple Watch Series 8 is the best complement to everyday life and offers all kinds of sensors for advanced health and fitness tracking. For the right kind of hiker/athlete/diver/outdoorsman who wants the very best Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra delivers incredible utility and best-in-class versions of core functions like GPS and battery life.

Without any information about you, dear reader, we think the Apple Watch Series 8 offers the best balance between price and functionality. If that doesn’t ring true, if there are things you really want (or don’t want) that steer you to another watch, we totally get it. That’s why we made this Apple Watch comparison. The important thing is finding the Apple Watch that fits your life.

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The best waterproof smartwatches of 2023 https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-waterproof-smartwatch/ Wed, 09 Jun 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=370944
Hit the pool, rivers, and lakes with the best warerproof smartwatches.

Waterproof smartwatches can look splashy and they’ll never leave you high and dry.

The post The best waterproof smartwatches of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Hit the pool, rivers, and lakes with the best warerproof smartwatches.

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Best overall The Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 8
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Take calls, reply to texts, monitor your workouts, health, and more.

Best fitness tracker The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches that's also a fitness tracker. Fitbit Sense 2
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Sensors track vitals to help guide your daily fitness and wellness goals.

Best tactical The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar is one of the best tactical smartwatches. Garmin fenix 7X Pro Solar
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Get all the best tactical features with solar-charging technology.

The best technology grants us the freedom to work and play whenever and wherever we want. Smartwatches embody this idea. They allow us to keep track of our activities and alerts pretty much anywhere—sometimes even underwater. Waterproofing technology allows top smartwatches to function through all types of weather, whether we’re caught in an unexpected downpour or jumping into the shower, swimming pool, or even the ocean. The best waterproof smartwatch operates safely and helps keep you connected no matter where the day takes you.

How we picked the best waterproof smartwatches

Waterproof smartwatches are a topic we really enjoy, well, diving into. With avid swimmers, cyclists, runners, hikers, and just general outdoors enthusiasts on the staff, we have a lot of experience with watches that can handle the elements. We combined these first-hand perspectives with peer recommendations and other real-world impressions, plus scoured critical reviews and specs sheets, to come up with the best waterproof smartwatches you can buy today.

The best waterproof smartwatches: Reviews & Recommendations

A great waterproof smartwatch will withstand the pressures of water and your level of activity. It won’t be daunted by rain, sleet, or snow, or by a spontaneous trip to splash in the ocean. On top of how much water it will resist, the best waterproof smartwatch can also help you track your own hydration and other levels that will keep you in optimal physical and mental health while out adventuring. The right timepiece for you will always keep pace. Here are some suggestions.

Best overall: Apple Watch Series 8

Apple

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Why it made the cut: The latest in the Apple Watch Series features crash detection, always-on display, sophisticated health tracking and more.

Specs

  • Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
  • Battery life: Up to 18 hours
  • Swimproof? Yes

Pros

  • Alerts first responders in case of emergency
  • Provides ECG testing and blood oxygen level testing
  • Water-, dust-, and crack-resistant

Cons

  • Expensive

Whether you jump into a project or a pool, the Apple Watch Series 8 can handle it. This waterproof smartwatch can sync seamlessly to your iPhone, use apps to measure your vitals, and keep you moving. This new model also helps keep you healthy: It comes with new crash and fall detection features that will alert emergency services in the case of an accident. It will also keep tabs on your blood oxygen level, and alert you to irregular heart rhythms. It also comes with built-in gyroscope and compass and up to 18 hours of battery life. If you’re spending extended periods in liquid, however, it’s best to opt for the sports band that is made from a soft, silicone rubber because it has a little stretch, making it comfortable to wear during activity. Or if you’re serious about endurance sports or off-the-grid adventures, take it up a notch with the Apple Watch Ultraread more here.

Best tactical: Garmin fenix 7X Pro Solar

Garmin

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Why it made the cut: The Garmin fenix 7X Pro is designed with sophisticated map features, comes with GPS and a built-in LED flashlight and tracks health metrics, and is solar-powered.

Specs

  • Sizes: 42,mm, 47mm, 51mm
  • Battery life: Up to 122 hours in direct sunlight
  • Swimproof? No

Pros

  • Compass, altimeter, and sophisticated mapping built in
  • Water-resistant
  • Long-lasting solar charging power
  • Comes with features to optimize performance in a range of sports

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Rugged looking for everyday use

This fully-loaded Garmin tactical smartwatch is rated at 10ATM, meaning you could take it just about anywhere but diving (there are even surfing-specific features). It can survive drops and submersion, offers advanced health monitoring features to keep tabs on your blood oxygen saturation levels, altitude, sleep, and pace planning. Features to note include Multi-GNSS tracking, plus maps for at-a-glance navigation. While expensive, this solar tactical smartwatch extends the already long battery life by recharging while on your wrist for weeks of life (or days if GPS is constantly running). Garmin has numerous waterproof sports watches to choose from (including the Instinct 2 Solar we reviewed). However, if you covet the Apple Watch’s AMOLED screen and are willing to put up with “only” about two weeks of battery life at a time, the perfect choice is the epix Gen. 2, which puts all the features of the fenix 7 behind a vivid always-on display shielded by sapphire glass.

Best for kids: Garmin vivofit jr. 3

Garmin

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Why it made the cut: Kids are excited to wear this fun series of watches that helps them learn how to create healthy habits.  

Specs

  • Sizes: One, with adjustable band
  • Battery life: Up to a year before requires replacement
  • Swimproof? Yes

Pros

  • Models feature Marvel’’s Spider Man and Disney princesses 
  • Comes with built-in adventures for kids 
  • Tracks soccer games and provides step competitions

Cons

  • Kids may quickly outgrow

Get your kid excited about swimming with the Garmin vivofit jr. 3. This smartwatch comes with a bright display with multiple faces and a range of fun designs, including Marvel and Disney characters to make the tracking more fun. These smartwatches are waterproof and will help your kids learn healthy habits, and will also let you keep tabs on their steps and sleep.

Best for Android: SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: This Android watch comes with pace coaching, monitors your heart rate, tracks your sleep, and you can choose from a range of bands and faces.

Specs

  • Sizes: 40mm, 44mm
  • Battery life: Days on a single charge
  • Swimproof? Yes

Pros

  • Also compatible with Apple
  • Comes with voice assistant, Bixby
  • Sleek design
  • Tracks workouts, heart health, and sleep

Cons

  • Not super rugged
  • Yes

This stylish smartwatch is also resilient, rated at 5ATM and IP68 (meaning it can withstand dust, dirt, and sand, and is resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m underwater for up to 30 minutes). So, whether you accidentally drop it in the pool or intentionally wear it while doing a pike and tuck, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active2 can survive and thrive. And its digital dial makes it easy to navigate menus full of options for activity tracking and smart assistants, as this smartwatch can connect to almost any phone and extend its connectivity and controls (though, it should be noted, iPhone users will have access to fewer features than Android users).

Best fitness tracker: Fitbit Sense 2

Fitbit

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Why it made the cut: Fitbit’s most advanced smartwatch goes deep on sleep and other health metrics and comes with stress management features.

Specs

  • Sizes: Adjustable wristband
  • Battery life: Up to 6 days on a single charge
  • Swimproof? Yes

Pros

  • Works with Apple and Android
  • Built-in GPS
  • Sophisticated sleep and stress tracking

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with the fitness activities other smartwatches do

Swimproof to 50 meters, so you can track laps or just splash around with your kid wearing the similarly equipped Fitbit Ace 3, this fully loaded watch takes fitness and wellness tracking to the next level—monitoring heart rate, skin temperature, oxygen saturation, workout intensity, and more to help you meet your goals. From electrodermal activity to an ECG app, it’s tracking your body’s rhythms and stress—useful information to help you and your doctor tweak your lifestyle. It’s packed with advice and enhancements, good on and off dry land.

What to consider when looking for the best waterproof smartwatches

With the unpredictability of life, everyone can benefit from the added protections found in waterproof smartwatches. While it’s easy to imagine the benefit for hiking and outdoor sports, waterproofing is a smart choice for added protection from far more typical activities like handwashing or gardening. Popular brands—including Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin—all offer waterproofing features to boost their overall durability for their customers. Sport models offer even higher levels for outdoor lifestyle customers. LTE-enabled options can make calls and keep you connected without a phone, giving you even more freedom to dive headfirst into adventure. Consider your activities and choose your watch’s level of protection to match.

Travel plans

Whether your plans involve day-tripping into national parks or navigating much longer trips into the backcountry, there’s a level of preparedness that can match. If you’re only worried about getting caught in the rain, or maybe navigating a tricky creek crossing, you should look for a watch with a water rating of 5ATM (5 atmospheres), meaning it can withstand underwater pressures at a depth up to 50 meters. Accordingly, 10ATM and 20ATM correspond with 100 meters and 200 meters—appropriate if you plan to go from just hiking and fishing to sailing, surfing, or snorkeling. This waterproofing protects the full suite of sensors—including GPS, altimeters, barometers, and compasses—that can make a properly specced tactical smartwatch an integral part of an expedition.

Options for kids

If your electronics ended up near a pool, chances are you’d be conscious of whether to leave them safely in a car or locker. Your kid, however, just wants to jump right in. And if you tell them to take something off but look after it, chances are that something isn’t making it home. So a kid’s smartwatch needs to be inexpensive and durable. Luckily, brands have taken this into consideration and made their children’s smartwatches lower in price than their adult versions, but with some surprisingly handy features—like waterproofing. The best kids’ smartwatches are fun and encourage your child to keep moving. And they’re resilient enough to keep up with the child while tracking their health and whereabouts.

Need a watch to go from the workday to weekend?

If your work life is already deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, it makes sense to opt for an Apple Watch to maintain and even increase your productivity. As with most Apple products, they are designed to seamlessly work together, intuitively handing off apps, alerts, and data. On top of that, they’re water-resistant and look as much at home with a sports jacket as they do sportswear…as good with a three-piece suit as a swimsuit. The point is, an Apple Watch balances functionality and finesse.

Android v. Apple

Android smartwatches are offered by a variety of different brands, including TicWatch, Samsung, Fossil, Fitbit, Misfit, and more. Unlike the Apple Watch, Android smartwatch technology is conveniently compatible with both Android smartphones and Apple iPhones. The price point for Android’s best smartwatches varies depending on the number of features you are looking for, but is typically between $150 and $300. Due to the variety of manufacturers, you have a wider range of styles and looks than you do when purchasing the Apple Watch, including plenty designed to withstand the rigors of the office and the outdoors. 

Fitness tracking

When you look at the ratings of waterproof watches, you’re usually considering extreme circumstances. But if your main focus is fitness, considering the water-resistance of a best smartwatch makes sense because of one simple factor: sweat. You want a watch that can stand up to the most intense workout, rain or shine, while also obtaining vital readings such as skin temperature, oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and heart rate. Beyond protecting those sensors, you want the watch to keep running so it can play the music and podcast you need to keep motivated. 

FAQs

Q: Which Samsung smartwatch is waterproof?

Samsung models Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Fit2, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch Active, and Galaxy Watch Active2 offer protection from water. Waterproof Samsung smartwatches can survive for up to 30 minutes in water 5 feet deep or shallower. Luckily, that will keep your watch safe during most common uses, including casual swimming. Samsung smartwatches, like most smartwatches, are not completely waterproof. Many smartwatches are marketed as waterproof, even though there are limitations to this waterproofing. According to Samsung’s website, if used in saltwater, you should rinse your watch off afterward with fresh water. Also, note that Samsung watches are not designed for scuba diving.

Q: Which smartwatch is best for swimming?

Water ratings let you know the amount of water resistance or waterproofing your watch has, therefore helping you select the appropriate watch for your lifestyle. Swimmers should look for a minimum 5ATM-rated watch, which can withstand pressures of up to 50 meters deep. A 10ATM watch can handle up to 100 meters of pressure, and is a great choice if your swimming also includes diving and high-speed water sports. Garmin makes a nice selection of top smartwatches for swimming with 5ATM and higher levels of water protection. Some watches, such as the Apple Watch also have swim-specific tracking modes if you typically work out in the pool. The highest level of protection will be found on Dive watches, which can be found for as little as $200, though the best are typically closer to $1,000 or more.

Q: Are waterproof smartwatches worth it?

Waterproof smartwatches are worth it for most people because their improved durability will likely extend the lifespan of your device. While top smartwatches are great for a host of features, like playing music, using apps, and checking email, most consumers enjoy some of the great fitness and active lifestyle features included with these devices. Having waterproofing allows you to keep your smartwatch on for swimming, showers, handwashing, rainstorms, or any other unexpected water encounters. 

The final word on choosing the best waterproof smartwatches

Smartwatches can feel empowering, adding technology that allows wearers to track their vitals, fitness goals, sleep, and stress. Rugged smartwatches can be taken off the grid and offer users trackback maps and GPS-aided navigation, while simpler models help keep us all connected and motivated for a healthier active lifestyle. And the best waterproof smartwatches make sure that this motivation doesn’t end at the shoreline or when it rains. 

The post The best waterproof smartwatches of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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The best Garmin smartwatches for 2023, tested and reviewed https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-garmin-smartwatch/ Sat, 29 May 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=368581
Best Garmin smartwatches sliced header
Tony Ware

Garmin smartwatches include sleep tracking, GPS, wellness monitoring, step trackers, and so much more. Here's how to pick the best features and fashions for you.

The post The best Garmin smartwatches for 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall The Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 8
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Take calls, reply to texts, monitor your workouts, health, and more.

Best fitness tracker The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches that's also a fitness tracker. Fitbit Sense 2
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Sensors track vitals to help guide your daily fitness and wellness goals.

Best tactical The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar is one of the best tactical smartwatches. Garmin fenix 7X Pro Solar
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Get all the best tactical features with solar-charging technology.

Garmin is one of the most popular smartwatch makers in the world, largely due to the multinational GPS-enabled technology company’s focus on hyper-accurate fitness tracking. While Apple still holds 30% of the global market (and over 50% of its revenue), according to a February 2023 Counterpoint Research report, Garmin has achieved a position of prominence on people’s wrists from the boardroom to the backcountry. When it comes to premium multisport wearables, Garmin is the endurance athlete’s top choice because of the depth of activities supported and battery life that can outlast almost any adventure. We’ve pulled together several of the company’s most popular products to help you find the best Garmin smartwatch to fit your lifestyle, sense of style, and budget.   

How we chose the best Garmin smartwatches

All Garmin smartwatches provide a degree of wellness metering; they measure steps, monitor your heart rate, and generally check to make sure you’re still alive. But if you take your training seriously, the best smartwatches feature activity tracking, pulse oximeters to measure the oxygen in your blood, stress metering, energy-level monitoring, sleep trackers, customizable training regiments, and challenges designed to help you improve in your favorite sports. The Garmin Connect app syncs to your iOS and Android phones, providing access to customizable coaching and a community of athletes to compete with. If you’re serious about training, durability should also trump style. You don’t want it falling apart the first time you bang the watch against a machine at the gym, or you take a hit on the playing field. And if you’re a swimmer, your watch has to be waterproof, too. We took all these factors, and more, into consideration.

The best Garmin smartwatches for 2023: Reviews & Recommendations

Once you’ve considered your specific needs, it’s time to dig into the Garmin lineup. With multiple models in different lines—including sports & fitness, outdoor recreation, swimming, fashion, luxury, and more—there are plenty of options. Here are our top picks from several categories:

Best overall: Garmin fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar

Tony Ware

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Why it made the cut: If you want metrics that tell you if you’re in the weeds and guidance that helps you get out of the woods, the fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar can keep up with whatever you’re up to.

Specs

  • Display: 1.3-inch sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Battery life with GPS: Up to 57 hours/73 hours with solar (GPS only mode)
  • Weight: 2.68 ounces

Pros

  • The battery life, which can stretch from many days to several months depending on usage and solar energy conditions
  • Touchscreen and button navigation/controls
  • The visibility in sunlight
  • The durability of the titanium body and sapphire crystal

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Bulky

The Garmin fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar is perfect for gym rats, anyone who plays a wide variety of sports, and especially people who believe new terrain equals new gains. It tracks more activities than other watches and includes advanced training features like PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout an activity. Plus, the heart monitor works underwater. Adventurous athletes will appreciate the preloaded TopoActive maps (updateable via Wi-Fi), ski maps for more than 2,000 ski resorts, and a multiband global navigation satellite system. Whether it’s jet lag or running laps, the sensor-packed smartwatch gives you insight into your body’s battery (tracking everything from heart rate and blood oxygen to respiration and sleep to stress and hydration). The downside: It’s predictably expensive and chunky. The upsides, though …

Watches need to be charged. Most of Garmin’s smartwatches plug into a wall via a proprietary multi-pin USB cable (don’t lose it!) that attaches to the back of the case. At the higher end of the product line, these watches run for about 26 hours under a constantly tracking GPS load or 173 days in battery-saver mode. However, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors—whether hiking, gardening, or running, for instance—Garmin’s solar watches can extend that time, well, almost indefinitely. Garmin uses what the company calls “Power Glass,” which is integrated behind tough Corning Gorilla Glass 3 in the standard Solar edition or Power Sapphire in the upgraded flagship (shown catching sunlight on a crisp January hike above), to turn a few hours of direct light into days of use. As a bonus, the Power Glass doesn’t take up real estate on the watch’s face, leaving ample room for all the other information Garmin’s watches provide. 

As its name suggests, the Garmin Solar watches can be powered by the sun; three hours of direct light is enough to keep one running. It’s a boon for outdoor enthusiasts, especially athletic ones who will appreciate the robust set of activity trackers, personal coaching, and other wellness features. It’s a great fitness watch, but the fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar isn’t the prettiest of Garmin’s premium products because it lacks the advanced AMOLED touchscreen found on the Garmin epix (Gen. 2)—though that vivid display (shown below on the same winter day in a bit of shade for comparison) means the epix can’t match the fēnix 7 in battery life even though it’s otherwise as full-featured. Though a week or two, depending on mode, ain’t bad and more than enough if most of your training and traveling centers around convenient recharging stations.  

Garmin epix (Gen. 2) on a wrist while hiking in the shade
Tony Ware

Best running watch: Forerunner 955 Solar

Abby Ferguson

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Why it made the cut: The Forerunner 955 Solar offers excellent battery life with a seemingly endless list of features and capabilities, from training and safety tools to full smartwatch abilities and countless customization options. 

Specs

  • Display: 1.3-inch transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Battery life with GPS: Up to 42 hours/49 hours with solar (GPS only mode)
  • Weight: 1.86 ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting battery life
  • A plethora of sensors for lots of data
  • Full smartwatch capabilities
  • Touchscreen

Cons

  • Solar charging doesn’t add much to battery life

If you are serious about improvising your fitness and performance, a watch with many sensors is a must. There’s no such thing as too much data for such athletes. That’s where the Forerunner 955 Solar comes in. It’s jam-packed with just about every sensor you could imagine so that you can measure everything from heart rate to stride length and even REM sleep.

Garmin then uses all that data to provide training suggestions and status updates via the watch and the Garmin Connect app. It helps prevent overtraining, offers a rough guide for improving your performance, and suggests workout ideas to keep your training fresh (as we found out in our full review). Your Forerunner 955 can even give predictions on race times for different distances. It’s essentially like having a coach right there on your wrist (or in your pocket).

Beyond fitness tracking, the watch also pairs with your phone for full smartwatch capabilities. It will give you notifications for calls, texts, and all your apps and even let you send some preformatted responses right from the watch. And you’ll have access to important safety features for runners so that they can track your progress on an activity (LiveTrack), and you can quickly request help (Assistance).

Best for hiking: Instinct 2 Solar and Instinct 2S Solar

Abby Ferguson

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Why it made the cut: The Instinct 2 Solar provides truly impressive battery life and rugged design for those who seek out long adventures.

Specs

  • Display: 0.79 x 0.79-inch or 0.9 x 0.9-inch monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
  • Touchscreen: No
  • Battery life with GPS: Up to 30 hours/48 hours with solar
  • Weight: 1.52 ounces or 1.86 ounces

Pros

  • Ridiculous battery life
  • Available in two sizes
  • Robust fitness tracking and health features
  • Garmin Pay compatible

Cons

  • Black and white display 
  • Detailed maps and graphs don’t show up well

Hiking—especially long hikes and backpacking—requires more from a watch than many other activities. Battery life, in particular, is critical. Recording with GPS for long periods can eat through battery life, and having your hike recording disappear because of a dead battery is extremely frustrating. The Instinct 2 Solar attempts to solve this with its absurdly long battery life. For example, in Expedition mode, you can get up to 105 days of battery with the right solar conditions.

Part of the long battery life is thanks to the rather simple monochrome display. It’s not a fancy color touchscreen like some of the more premium Garmin watches, but it’s easily visible even in bright sunlight and fits the rugged design of the watch. Additionally, the Instinct Solar 2 comes in two case sizes: 40mm or 45mm. That’s especially ideal for those with tiny wrists who don’t want a giant watch (like me, for instance). And a newer Instinct 2X Solar has been released with a larger bezel for those who prefer a larger display and longer battery life, so now there are three size options within the family.

The watch comes with more basic sensors, including heart rate, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, thermometer, pulse ox monitor, compass, and a few GPS modes. Even though it doesn’t have as many sensors as the more expensive watches, it still provides training details, statuses, and suggestions to improve your fitness without thinking much about it. 

Best for diving: Garmin Descent G1 Solar

Abby Ferguson

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Why it made the cut: The solar capabilities of the Descent G1 Solar prolong the battery life, allowing you to stay out longer while recording your dives. Plus, it offers a full suite of freediver-friendly features to keep you safe and help you improve your apnea performance. 

Specs

  • Display: 0.9 x 0.9-inch monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
  • Touchscreen: No
  • Battery life with GPS: Up to 26 hours/39 hours with solar
  • Weight: 2.32 ounes

Pros

  • Excellent battery life and fast charging
  • Dive features are intuitive and easy to use
  • Very customizable
  • Pairs with other Garmin fitness devices like heart rate monitors and power meters

Cons

  • Monochrome screen
  • Not as sleek as the more premium Garmin dive watch

While most forms of exercise overlap with what you would want from a watch, diving presents a unique situation. Environmental conditions such as tide and weather are even more critical when diving, and different data types are useful to stay safe. The Garmin Descent G1 Solar is a robust and rugged dive computer and exercise watch that is water-rated to 100 meters. It’s the ideal tool for those who dive but don’t want a separate device for exercise on land.

This watch can keep you updated on the current tide, surf, and weather conditions, provides GPS coordinates of your surface entry and exit points, and can pair with the Garmin InReach communication device. All these features will help keep you safe even if you are in a remote location. Plus, you’ll get up to 25 hours of battery life in dive mode, so you won’t have to worry about your watch dying mid-dive session.

The Descent G1 Solar comes loaded with multiple types of diving, including single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox and trimix), gauge, apnea, apnea hunt, and closed-circuit rebreather. But it’s also ready for just about any other type of activity, from running to cycling and even hunting and yoga. My husband has been using this watch for six months and said it is a fantastic partner to have with you in the field (or in the water) on long days.

Best fashion wearable: Garmin Venu 2 

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Specs

  • Display: 1.3-inch AMOLED optional always-on mode
  • Touchscreen: No
  • Battery life with GPS: Up to 22 hours (GPS without music); 11 days as just a smartwatch
  • Weight: 1.73 ounces

Sometimes you want a smartwatch that is less focused on your workouts but can keep you up on work while you’re out. While keeping track of your steps, etc., is valuable, sometimes you want to control your watch and control your life. The Garmin Connect app allows the company’s watches to sync to iOS and Android phones via a robust Bluetooth connection. This opens up advanced wellness features and biometric tracking, as well as a way to further customize the watch’s features. But what I really love is how syncing the two lets me subtly check my messages and calendar alerts by simply glancing at my wrist. I can also control my music, navigate through a new city, and many other things I’d normally use my phone for—all while keeping my hands free. Now, reaching into my back pocket for anything other than answering a call seems like a waste, even when not working out.

The Venu 2 features a colorful, touch-sensitive AMOLED display that’s as easy to read as it is to navigate. This is great because the smartwatch is loaded with features, including activity tracking, a powerful GPS, onboard storage for up to 650 songs, and seamless integration with your smartphone via the Garmin Connect app. This is a watch you can wear all day, in any setting, and it’ll never look out of place (and you can read more about the experience in our full review).

Best budget watch for beginners: Garmin Vivoactive 4

Garmin

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Specs

  • Display: 1.3-inch sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
  • Touchscreen: No
  • Battery life with GPS: Up to 18 hours (GPS without music)
  • Weight: 1.78 ounces

Pay attention to your budget when choosing a smartwatch. If you don’t need advanced features, like solar power, and AMOLED screens, then don’t pay extra for them. If you’re looking for a basic fitness tracker and something that syncs with your phone, many of Garmin’s entry-level watches will suit you just fine. 

They still offer basic sports apps, GPS, and access to apps and widgets from the Garmin Connect store, and they’ll integrate with iOS and Android phones. While future-proofing yourself might seem smart, smartwatch technology develops quickly and by the time you’re ready for more advanced features, watches featuring them might drop in price. Only pay for what you’ll use. 

Garmin’s Vivoactive 3 GPS smartwatch features built-in sports apps, a contactless payment system, and the ability to sync with compatible smartphones. It comes housed in a classy package that looks great in the gym and out and about, and the watch face can be personalized by visiting Garmin’s Connect IQ store.

What to consider when choosing a Garmin smartwatch

After holding the pandemic at bay with packaged cookies and streaming TV, people have been reintroducing regular exercise and movement into their lives in living rooms, gyms, trails, and beyond. And achieving goals is easier if you can accurately track them. However, if you’re not a hardcore athlete, you don’t need the same features someone training to hit specific benchmarks would. When choosing the best Garmin watch, focus on finding the health monitoring features you want without paying extra money for those you’ll never use. Here are some things to think about when choosing the best Garmin activity tracker:

Features

Are you looking for a simple workout tracker, or do you need advanced metrics? Will it be closely monitoring your health? How important is the sleep tracker function? Do you prefer a fitness watch that allows you to organize your life by providing access to your phone’s messages and calendars? Will you pay for things by tapping your watch? Download and play music, or control the music player on your phone? How important are GPS features? Different watches offer different combinations of these features and more. There’s a big difference between something like the $199 Garmin Forerunner 55 (reviewed here) or the $169 Garmin Forerunner 35, which are dedicated Garmin running watches, and something like the $399 Garmin Venu 2, which is more of a well-rounded smartwatch you’ll wear all the time.

Style

Many of Garmin’s best sports watches aren’t exactly elegant to look at. Think about when and where you plan on wearing your watch. Do you like the bulky aesthetic of classic sports watches, like the Garmin Instinct Solar, or do you want a watch you can wear all day—maybe even going straight to work from the gym? Don’t forget to look at the different color options available to each watch model, and keep in mind that watch bands are often customizable.  

Battery life

Do you spend a lot of time camping? Do you go weeks without seeing an outlet? Or are you home each night with access to a charging station? Make sure the watch you purchase won’t let you down by running out of juice. This doesn’t necessarily mean larger batteries—Garmin makes solar versions of most watch series that can last for weeks if exposed to enough direct sunlight. For other watches, battery life can come down to usage. The Venu 2, for instance, can last up to 11 days in battery-saver mode, but it will die in just 7 hours if you’re playing music and using GPS. 

FAQs

Q: Is Garmin better than Apple Watch?

Everyone’s definition of “better” will differ. In the end, choosing the best smartwatch comes down to the features you want, your budget, and whether you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem. While Apple far and away controls the largest market share for smartwatches, Garmin has a solid chunk by offering a variety of GPS and sports watches geared toward different users’ needs. There is undoubtedly no easier experience than pairing an Apple Watch with an iPhone for seamless connectivity and maximum productivity. And the Apple Watch Ultra has ratcheted up the brand’s durability for endurance athletes. But if you’re looking for a serious training tool, however, something like the Garmin epix (Gen. 2) could offer some handy training features that the Apple Watch can’t.

Q: What is the best value Garmin watch?

Again, it comes down to what you want your watch to do and how much you can afford to spend. The Venu SQ 2 starts at just $249. While it lacks some of the high-end bells and whistles found on the $399 Venu 2, the Venu SQ 2 still offers an impressive set of features for the price, including a blood oxygen monitor and sleep tracking. If you don’t need full smartwatch capabilities and you specifically want to track your runs, then Forerunner 45 is only $150 and gets you tons of fitness tracking muscle without the stuff you may not use. 

If you want a full feature set without such a bulky frame, the Garmin Vivoactive 4S is a solid balance of value and performance. At $349, it’s cheaper than the flagship models but more expensive than the entry-level offerings.

Q: Are Garmin watches worth it?

If you’re looking for a convenient way to track your activities and monitor your health, and you like the idea of a more subtle way to control your phone and receive messages and alerts, then I absolutely think Garmin watches are worth it. The best Garmin smartwatches offer top-tier tools for training and fitness, sleep trackers are the like, and the Garmin Connect app for iOS and Android opens up a host of features that push the watch in powerful directions. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, an Apple watch is definitely worth investigating; Apple products have a way of seamlessly integrating that makes them a delight to use. However, even if you’ve got an iPhone, and especially if you’re using an Android phone, Garmins are strong contenders in the smartwatch field. 

Final thoughts on the best Garmin smartwatches

It’s no mystery why Garmin has become a top smartwatch company. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to watch design, Garmin has offered up options focusing on health and fitness, all-day wear, and high-tech gadgetry designed to fit individual users’ lifestyles. Sometimes the differences aren’t obvious, and shopping for a Garmin watch can feel daunting. But by identifying your needs first and consulting this guide, you’ll be able to zero in on the smartwatch that’s best for you. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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Amazfit Band 7 fitness & health tracker review: Back to basics https://www.popsci.com/gear/amazfit-band-7-fitness-health-tracker-review/ Mon, 17 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=534514
The Amazfit Band 7 is a minimal yet capable fitness watch.
The running stats displayed on the Band 7 help keep me and my pup, Athena, on target for our workouts. Abby Ferguson

The Amazfit Band 7 is a simple and budget-friendly fitness tracker that still offers plenty of health insights.

The post Amazfit Band 7 fitness & health tracker review: Back to basics appeared first on Popular Science.

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The Amazfit Band 7 is a minimal yet capable fitness watch.
The running stats displayed on the Band 7 help keep me and my pup, Athena, on target for our workouts. Abby Ferguson

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The rise of smartwatches has made health and fitness tracking seem inherently more expensive. Even fairly straightforward watches containing only the most basic sensors tend to be pricey. There used to be many budget options when “Fitbit” was synonymous with fitness tracker, but many seem to have disappeared as convergence devices have increased. Enter Amazfit. The company is relatively new (established in 2015) but already has a robust lineup of budget-friendly activity accessories. And with the Amazfit Band 7, the brand has a bracelet-style tracker that takes a step back from pricier smartwatches so you can track your steps (and other performance metrics) as you move toward your fitness goals. Let’s take a close look at the conveniences and compromises that accompany a $50 fitness watch.

Abby Ferguson

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The Amazfit Band 7’s design

While all of Amazfit’s watches are more affordable than most options, the Band 7 falls in Amazfit’s Essential Series lineup, which, as you might guess, is its lowest tier. The Band 7 follows in the footsteps of the Band 5 (there was no Band 6) but presents a larger, more rectangular display, better battery life, and some general software upgrades. There’s no built-in GPS, and there are minor usability issues, but the compromises are minimal and, for most, insignificant. The watch is surprisingly capable for such a low price, with a good amount of health data and tracking opportunities. What it is not, however, is flashy.

Minimal is the best word to use when describing the design of the Amazfit Band 7. It is a simple rectangular shape with no buttons or design flourishes whatsoever. The band is one seamless piece that secures the watch face, with no special design or color inserts. The stock models are available in beige, pink, or black (the color I received to review). Should you want something else, you can also buy $10 replacement straps in green, blue, pink, or orange. 

The watch strap connects with a snap button-type design. That makes it easier to put on, but I also had issues with the edge catching on things resulting in the band unsnapping and the watch coming loose on my wrist. The band is also fairly large. I have small wrists, yes, but I used the second to last hole. Amazfit lists the minimum wrist size as 6.5 inches. So if you have smaller wrists than that, you’ll likely want to stay away from the Band 7 unless you don’t mind wearing it higher on your arm. 

Although the band may be a bit long, the watch itself is really slim. It only measures 1.7 x 1 x 0.5 inches, so it looks great, even on my miniature wrists. And it’s low-profile enough that the watch face doesn’t get caught on long sleeves. 

The lack of buttons is either really great or really annoying, depending on your preferences. It was a bit of both for me. I like the sleek look of a button-free design. But there were definitely times when having a button would have been nice. For example, if the watch turns off—either because I turn it off or it goes to sleep after not being worn for a few days—you have to connect the watch to a charger to turn it back on because there’s no power button. I found this very annoying, especially if I wanted to pop out for a run or walk. 

Amazfit Band 7 smartwach
The snap-style band closure tends to catch on things and come undone.

Display

Despite the budget price, the watch features a rather nice display. It’s a 1.47-inch HD ​​AMOLED display with a resolution of 198×368, 282ppi, and very minimal bezels. I really like the narrow rectangular design, as it provides enough screen real estate to see things easily but doesn’t take up my entire wrist to do so. It just looks really nice to me. 

It’s a colorful display and is easy to see in most situations. You have to adjust brightness manually, though, which is tricky if the brightness is turned down and you are out in the sun. You can adjust that setting in the app, but that’s a bit of a pain if you are on a run, for example. The screen is topped with tempered glass and an anti-fingerprint coating. Tempered glass isn’t as durable as other options, such as Gorilla Glass. Yet I haven’t managed to scratch the Band 7 display despite scratching my more expensive, Gorilla Glass-topped Garmin Forerunner 955

As you may expect, since there are no buttons, the display is a touchscreen, so you can swipe and tap through menus and settings. It is plenty responsive; in fact, I had issues with it being too responsive. When I crossed my arms, there was enough pressure to activate the touchscreen and enter the menu to change the watch face. It got quite irritating. 

Sensors

Amazfit fitted the Band 7 with its ​​BioTracker 3.0 PPG biometric sensor. Put simply, PPG sensors use low infrared light to measure how much light is absorbed by blood vessels. This provides a constant measurement of heart rate and blood oxygen levels (SpO2). It can also use that data to calculate and track VO2 Max, stress levels, and sleep. You will have to turn on settings to automatically track SpO2, as it defaults to only manual measurement.

The watch also utilizes a geomagnetic sensor and a three-axis acceleration sensor. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2 BLE, and that’s the extent of its sensors and connectivity. 

One of the aforementioned compromises due to the budget price is the lack of GPS connectivity in the watch itself. Instead, it relies on tethered GPS, meaning you’ll need your phone for all GPS data. That leads to some accuracy issues compared to watches with built-in GPS, especially multi-band GPS like the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar. If you want your route tracked or need distance data, you must have your phone along. And even with your phone, distance and route information won’t be as accurate as watches with GPS. 

Setting up the Amazfit Band 7

Setting up the Amazfit Band 7 is mostly straightforward, albeit a bit tedious. Most of the setup process is done on your phone in the Zepp app (Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health’s health management platform). The initial pairing process with my Samsung Galaxy S22 was very easy, with a simple scan of a QR code on the watch using the app. 

From there, however, things get a little bit complicated and a lot annoying. You have to grant a lot of permissions, more than any other watch platform I’ve used before. It seemed to go on forever. I also had a really hard time finding some of the menus for permissions that the Zepp app specified. It mentioned menus that simply do not exist on my phone, even though it says it’s specific to the phone manufacturer. Then, if you want to get notifications on your watch, you have to go through each individual app that you want notifications from. Which, again, was a bit tedious. 

The Amazfit Band 7’s features

As a budget device, you’d expect the Band 7 to be extremely limited in functionality and abilities. And while it certainly doesn’t have as robust a feature set as a $500 watch, the watch is surprisingly feature-rich for $50. It won’t be a replacement for serious athletes that need highly accurate information and robust tools, but it’s more than capable for most people. 

Battery life

The battery life on the Band 7 is quite surprising, given the low price of the watch. The watch offers a 232 mAh rated capacity, and Amazfit promises up to 18 days of battery life with typical usage. It says heavy usage will result in up to 12 days of battery life. Of course, all this depends on your watch settings as well, as the always-on display and certain settings like stress measuring will eat away at battery life. 

In my testing, I got an average of 16 days of battery life. I typically do one dedicated workout (either a run or strength training session) a day with anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour of duration. And I generally track a few short walks per day on top of that because of my dog. I did not have the always-on display running because I wanted to save the battery more, which greatly affected how much battery life I could get.

When the battery did run out, I was able to charge the watch quickly. Amazfit claims that the theoretical charging duration is two hours, and I found that to be accurate. If I needed a quick top-off before a workout, 15 minutes of charging would give me enough juice to record an hour-long session. The charger uses a magnetic design. In line with the watch’s design, it’s a tiny charger, making it easier to bring along on trips than other watches I’ve used. 

Amazfit Band 7
The Band 7 is capable of tracking plenty of different workout types. Abby Ferguson

Activity tracking

The Amazfit Band 7 can track 120 different types of activities. That includes the basics like outdoor and indoor running, hiking, and cycling. But it also can track badminton, belly and square dancing, jumping rope, jiu-jitsu, and even kite-flying or swinging. Essentially, if there’s an activity you want to do, chances are there’s a unique profile for it on the Amazfit Band 7. 

Tracking is easy, though, by default, the workout widget (where all the activities are) is quite low in the list, so you’ll need to scroll a bit. I thought that was an odd default placement since that’s one of the main reasons to get a watch like this. But you can customize that placement in the Zepp app. Then, you simply tap on Workout and choose the type of workout you want. 

Before you start tracking, you can also adjust settings by tapping the ellipses above the “Go” button. For example, for outdoor running, you can set a workout goal (miles, time, or calories). You can set workout alerts for different metrics like high heart rate or minimum pace. And you can even set the watch up for interval training, which is a nice feature. 

Data collection and insights

The Band 7 is fairly limited in sensors, but it offers the most important ones for basic insights: a  PPG biometric sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and a three-axis acceleration sensor. It uses these three sensors to collect and calculate heart rate, SpO2, VO2 Max, and stress levels. 

The watch can also track your sleep, breaking it down to give you insights into how long you slept, REM sleep, and how often you were awake during the night. While it doesn’t apply this information to your training, and it isn’t highly accurate, it can at least give you a rough idea of your sleep.

Your training information and data provide a few key insights: PAI and Training Status. PAI, or Personal Activity Intelligence, uses a simple 100-point scale to reflect how active you are, with the goal of keeping it at or above 100 to reduce your risk of disease. It is based on an algorithm that assesses your age, gender, resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and accumulated heart rate over seven days. Because an algorithm powers it, it’s dynamic and based on you as an individual instead of using generalizations.

While Training Status and PAI are enough for most users, The Band 7 and Zepp app won’t provide the in-depth data and insights serious athletes want or need. For example, Garmin (what I’m most familiar with) provides training stats such as the training effect of each individual workout, power curves, race predictions, training readiness, and heart rate variability (HRV) information. Most of that isn’t relevant to those simply trying to stay active and healthy, but if you want focused training for performance reasons, the Amazfit Band 7 and companion app likely won’t cut it. 

Smartwatch features

On top of all the fitness tracking, the Band 7 provides some smartwatch functionality. It doesn’t provide cellular connectivity, and there is no microphone, which limits its capabilities, though that’s to be expected at this price point. But you can get notifications on the watch from your smartphone from just about any app you use. You can’t interact with those notifications in any way, but you can at least see them to know if it’s something important enough to pick up your phone.

Beyond notifications, the watch also provides access to weather information. And if you are playing music on your phone, you can control it from the watch. I really liked that feature while in the gym working out. If a song started in my UE Fits earbuds that I didn’t want, I could just hit next right on my wrist instead of needing to pick up my phone and sweatily navigate to Spotify. 

Zepp app

The Zepp app is clean and clutter-free, with three primary tabs containing settings and data that you may need. The Homepage of the app features data cards to give you snapshots of what you most want to keep track of. For example, it can show steps, sleep, workout history, exercise status, and more. You can customize this, both in terms of which cards are shown and their order, which is nice. 

The Health tab is also customizable, though with far fewer options. It primarily shows you a breakdown of your workouts and your target goals (which you can edit). Since all of this can be found on the Homepage, it’s a bit confusing that a separate tab is needed.

The third tab is your Profile, which gives you access to settings, goals, connected accounts, and more. It’s also where you access your devices to change device-specific settings.

The app runs very smoothly on my Samsung Galaxy, and it’s quick to sync the watch when I make changes via the app as well. It doesn’t provide as in-depth insights as the Garmin app and doesn’t offer the social component Garmin does, but Zepp works well and provides basic and necessary information. 

Garmin Forerunner 955 and Amazfit Band 7 watches
The distance data from the Band 7 isn’t very accurate since it relies on a connected phone’s GPS. Here you can see it compared to the Garmin Forerunner 955, which has multi-band GPS. Abby Ferguson

The Amazfit Band 7’s usability and accuracy 

Overall, the Amazfit Band 7 is straightforward to use. It has its quirks—such as a lack of buttons for input—that make getting used to it a little tricky at first. But most of the controls are intuitive and easy to figure out. The sensitive touchscreen can be a bit annoying but is small in the grand scheme of things. 

One aspect that I really love about the Amazfit Band 7 is that it provides help text on the watch itself for certain data sets and features. For example, under Workout Status, if you tap the “i” at the bottom of the screen, a rather thorough explanation of EPOC pops up. Since the budget-friendly watch is largely geared toward those who aren’t exercise experts, these terms may be completely new. Explaining what they mean and why they are important right on the watch is extremely helpful and valuable. 

I found the watch’s heart rate monitor to be very accurate, even compared to a dedicated heart rate monitor, which is typically more precise. Likewise, the calculated VO2 Max was in the range it should be for me, though I plan on getting a lab test done for a truly accurate comparison. 

I rarely find sleep tracking very accurate, and that was the case with the Amazfit Band 7. There were nights it seemed spot on, but most of the time, it seemed at least slightly off, and nights it was completely incorrect as well. It also tends to think I’m taking a nap if I take the watch off for more than a few minutes.

How the Amazfit Band 7 stacks up against the competition

There’s no shortage of fitness watches available, with even Amazfit’s own line of devices quite lengthy. I’ve also been using Amazfit’s T-Rex 2. At $200, the T-Rex 2 is still quite a bargain compared to the likes of a Garmin, though it’s four times more expensive than the Band 7. And in most ways, the price difference is noticeable. The T-Rex 2 is decidedly more aggressive looking and significantly larger. It’s much more rugged, having passed 15 Military-Standards Tests (MIL-STD-810G) to withstand harsh conditions. And it comes with more health data and built-in dual-band positioning. You get a lot more watch in the T-Rex 2, albeit in a very different style that isn’t for everyone.

Garmin’s fitness watches tend to be one of the gold standard options for athletes, and the prices certainly match that. The company has done a fantastic job of managing health and fitness data to provide useful and accurate information for training purposes. Amazfit does a nice job of providing useful insights, but it isn’t as thorough as Garmin, especially in the minimal Band 7 watch. Garmin’s watches offer more robust feature sets and data tracking than the Band 7, yet still offer battery life that’s nearly as much as the simpler Band 7.

Amazfit Band 7 and Amazfit T-Rex 2 watches on a wrist
The Band 7 is much more minimal than Amazfit’s dual-band positioning higher-end T-Rex 2. Abby Ferguson

So, who should buy the Amazfit Band 7?

I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the Amazfit Band 7. After exclusively using fairly expensive fitness watches for the past 10 years, I assumed that such a budget-level watch would be lacking and less impressive. But that was not the case. 

The Band 7 has some big wins, no matter what price point you are looking at. It sports a sleek design, lengthy battery life, accurate heart rate measurement, music controls, plenty of fitness-focused features, and a wide array of activity types. Of course, with the low price comes some disadvantages: No built-in GPS, a finicky touchscreen, and a cheap band enclosure design. It also doesn’t provide as in-depth training insights or data compared to more expensive watches. As a result, it isn’t great for serious, focused athletes looking for specific performance improvements. But it offers much more than the $50 price would lead you to believe. 

So who’s the Band 7 ideal for? It’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a simple device that can help encourage them to be more active. Not everyone needs access to race predictions and hyper-accurate pace and stride information. But the Amazfit Band 7 can help you learn more about exercise terms and support you in keeping tabs on your activity levels to work toward a healthier, more active lifestyle. And it can do this while functioning as a general smartwatch, making it even more well-rounded. 

The post Amazfit Band 7 fitness & health tracker review: Back to basics appeared first on Popular Science.

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The best hybrid smartwatches of 2023 https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hybrid-smartwatches/ Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=461226
best hybrid smartwatches sliced header
Tony Ware

Get the best of both worlds with these timepieces.

The post The best hybrid smartwatches of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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best hybrid smartwatches sliced header
Tony Ware

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Best overall The Withings ScanWatch is stylish, and comes with a full range of health-focused features. Withings ScanWatch
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The Withings ScanWatch is stylish and comes with a full range of health-focused features.

Best for iPhone Skagen Jorn 38MM Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR
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The Skagen Jorn Hybrid is one of the most visually appealing in the space, and its e-ink display is a one-of-a-kind feature.

Best with heart rate monitor Garmin Vivomove hybrid smartwatch Garmin Vivomove HR
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The Garmin Vivomove HR is a sporty hybrid smartwatch with a nice array of features for fitness junkies.

Smartwatches are one of the most useful pieces of wearable tech out there. However, the chunky bodies and digital faces of the sensor-packed Apple Watches and Fitbits of the world don’t appeal to everyone’s sensibilities. So while the biggest tech companies build watches that emphasize the tech, many brands have integrated some of the simplest, most useful smartwatch features into conventional timepieces. The average hybrid smartwatch features analog hour and minute arms, with a small screen or screens underneath to show stats like heart rate and tracked steps. For many people, the best hybrid smartwatches provide a good balance between a watch that will give you the fitness tracking and heart rate monitor you desire without looking out of place in a professional workplace.

How we chose the best hybrid smartwatches

I’ve been writing about tech for nearly a decade for publications such as PC Gamer and Input, among others, so I know how to discern between the next big thing and the next big bust. I’m also a watch enthusiast who has owned more than my fair share of smart and traditional timepieces over the years. To determine these recommendations, I consulted technical specs and tests conducted by experts, as well as consumer reviews to find the best hybrid smartwatches for all kinds of people.

The best hybrid smartwatches: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you know what to look for in a hybrid smartwatch, you’re ready to pick one for yourself. If you’d like a little help jumpstarting your search, we’ve selected the best hybrid smartwatches for all kinds of users. Whether you want to shell out a bundle for a high-end watch with all the bells and whistles or buy a cheaper model with just the essentials, we have you covered.

Best overall: Withings ScanWatch

Withings

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Withings ScanWatch offers everything you can hope for in a hybrid smartwatch.

Specs

  • Size: 38mm or 42mm
  • Heart monitor: Yes, with oxygen levels
  • Sleep tracking: Yes
  • Activity tracking: Yes, with altimeter
  • Water resistance: 50m
  • Battery life: 30 days
  • Other features: Sapphire glass

Pros

  • Great feature set
  • Water resistance
  • Comes in multiple sizes

Cons

  • A little expensive

French health tech manufacturer Withings specializes in devices that monitor your body, including smart scales, thermometers, and blood pressure monitors. Their flagship watch, the ScanWatch, integrates deep health-tracking functionality into a simple, elegant hybrid timepiece. Going beyond basic step and heart rate tracking, it features an altimeter to track vertical movements, such as climbing stairs, and a pulse oximeter for blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking. Its 30-day battery life makes it one of the longest-lasting watches. It’s also waterproof and certified for up to 50 meters (or 5 atmospheres) of water pressure. 

It also provides lots of room for you to pick a watch that fits your style. It comes in two sizes and Withings offers more colors and styles than many of its competitors. In plain black with metal hardware, it’s a simple and elegant everyday accessory.

All of that function pushes the ScanWatch’s price up higher than many of our other picks, but it offers a strong blend of style and tech substance.

Best for iPhone: Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR

Skagen

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Skagen Jorn is an elegant hybrid smartwatch with a unique e-ink display, and it has great app integration for your phone.

Specs

  • Size: 38mm or 42mm
  • Heart monitor: Yes
  • Sleep tracking: Yes
  • Activity tracking: Yes
  • Water resistance: “Water Resistant”
  • Battery life: 14 days+
  • Other features: E-ink display

Pros

  • Multiple size options
  • Stylish design
  • Decent features

Cons

  • E-ink display may not appeal to everyone
  • Interface can be confusing

Skagen is known for their fashion watches, and the Jorn brings a very appealing “Bauhaus”-like sensibility—a cleanly geometric German retro-modern aesthetic—to the hybrid smartwatch market. Its signature feature is a sharp e-ink display, akin to what you’d find in an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite or the classic Pebble Watch. It shows your steps, heart rate, and other stats with chronograph-like icons that perfectly match the watch’s look. The unique design and controls aren’t as intuitive as other watches, but it’s a small price to pay for such attention to detail.

If you’re a fan of buttons, the Jorn has three for you to play with rather than the traditional “hold/tap” design of the Apple Watch, and its app integration and customizability have received high marks from reviewers. 

As a whole, the Skagen Jorn is a strong hybrid smartwatch for those who care more about the watch and its aesthetics than smart features. However, it works very well for what it is.

Best heart rate monitor: Garmin Vivomove HR

Garmin

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Garmin Vivomove HR offers excellent fitness tracking and an appealing design.

Specs

  • Size: 40mm, 43mm
  • Heart monitor: Yes, with oxygen levels
  • Sleep tracking: Yes
  • Activity tracking: Yes
  • Water resistance: 50m
  • Battery life: 5 days (smart mode), 14+ days (watch only)
  • Other features: Stress tracking

Pros

  • Good fitness features
  • Many color options
  • Easy to read

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Short battery life for smart mode

Though it is not specifically a “fitness watch,” the Garmin Vivomove HR delivers more fitness-driven features than most hybrid smartwatches, making it a notable choice for people who specifically want one to discreetly monitor their heart. It has dedicated stress tracking and relaxation timers so you can track your vitals in any situation, as well as SpO2 tracking. It falters a bit on battery life compared to other hybrids, especially when you use the smart features, though.

The design of its face is a bit simple compared to our other picks, and it’s less customizable than most, but it does have that true “Bauhaus” look. While it comes in multiple sizes and many colors, we found that many styles and colors are much harder to come by in the 40mm “small/medium” size.

If you’re a fitness enthusiast, the Vivomove has the edge over competitors thanks to its stress monitor and relaxation timers. But its high price limits its appeal compared to other watches in the space.

Best for small wrists: Fossil Women’s Monroe Hybrid

Fossil

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Fossil Women’s Monroe packs a lot of punch into a watch that looks good on any wrist.

Specs

  • Size: 38mm
  • Heart monitor: Yes
  • Sleep tracking: Yes
  • Activity tracking: Yes
  • Water resistance: 30m
  • Battery life: 14+ days
  • Other features: None

Pros

  • Fits any wrist
  • The feminine silhouette isn’t common among smartwatches
  • Competitive feature-set

Cons

  • No signature feature

Look, there’s no delicate way to put this: The overwhelming majority of smartwatches out there feature masculine (or at least masculine-leaning) designs. Hybrid watches, in particular, are often based on larger “men’s” watches. If you’re looking for something feminine, rather than simply picking a smaller case size, Fossil’s Monroe is definitely the way to go. The mid-sized 38mm case will fit almost any wrist, unlike the 42mm (or even bigger) smartwatches out there.

It doesn’t skimp on the features either, with notification support, activity tracking, a heart rate monitor, and more. The only real downside to this hybrid smartwatch is that it lacks a unique tech-driven feature. The Monroe is purely a style play but, since feminine hybrid watches are fairly rare, that is a signature feature unto itself.

Best budget: Withings Steel HR

Withings

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Withings Steel HR is a fully featured hybrid smartwatch that offers 50m of water resistance for a cheap price tag.

Specs

  • Size: 36mm, 40mm
  • Heart monitor: Yes
  • Sleep tracking: Yes
  • Activity tracking: Yes, with multi-sport support
  • Water resistance: 50m
  • Battery life: 25 days
  • Other features: None

Pros

  • Competitive price
  • Visually appealing
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • Some may prefer a larger case size
  • Older model

The Withings Steel HR is an older, simpler hybrid smartwatch, but one that still holds up. For less than $200, the Steel HR offers only slightly less functionality than our top pick for $100 less. More importantly, the Steel is rated for 50m of water resistance, which means you can take it in the pool or the ocean without worrying about it. It offers great battery life—25 days—and features multi-sport tracking to record more accurate activity-specific health data.

Though many of the watches on this list feature a minimalist style, the Steel features what may be the simplest look. I quite like its two-dial configuration. However, with a 40mm case, it’s smaller than most of the picks on our list and may not be a great fit for people with very large wrists.

Things to consider before buying a hybrid smartwatch

Picking a hybrid smartwatch over a conventional smartwatch or fitness tracker is, more often than not, rooted in taste. You want some smart features, but not at the expense of how a classic wristwatch looks and feels on your wrist. In keeping with that, most hybrid smartwatches have a relatively standardized set of smart features, including step tracking, sleep tracking, and more. Some features, like surfacing notifications from your phone, aren’t on every model, though, so it does pay to think about how “smart” you want your watch to be.

It’s all about the features

Though hybrid smartwatches don’t vary as much in feature set and price range as other tech, you should keep in mind that they aren’t all identical. Most hybrid smartwatches offer some degree of fitness tracking, sleep tracking, and water resistance. Certain features—like GPS integration, altimeters, blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, and 100-meter water resistance—tend to be reserved for more expensive models. 

High-end hybrids also tend to have better battery life, though even the least expensive of the bunch last longer than more tech-forward smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch4. The average battery life of a hybrid smartwatch is around two weeks, though some go as high as 25 to 30 days without a charge.

Aesthetics are everything

There are two main reasons to buy a hybrid smartwatch: less frequent charging and sheer aesthetics. As a watch enthusiast, I strongly prefer the round face and analog movement of a hybrid over the blocky silhouette of a Fitbit. As such, you should really consider the look and feel of the hybrid you want before you buy it. 

You should also measure your wrist before making any purchase. Most hybrid watches have a case diameter of 42mm, which is quite large on those of us with smaller wrists. If you have a wrist size of 6.5 inches or less, you will probably want to invest in a smaller 38mm model instead.

FAQs

Q: Can you buy refurbished smartwatches?

Absolutely, many of our recommended hybrid smartwatches can be purchased refurbished from Amazon, eBay, or other resellers for a reduced price. For example, you can buy a refurbished Garmin Vivomove for less than $100 right now. We’ve added a link to at least one used purchasing option for each watch on this list.

Q: Can you use a hybrid smartwatch without a phone?

Hybrid smartwatches can tell time perfectly fine without syncing to a smartphone, as they are watches first and foremost. Their smart features—heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and so on—require one, though.

Q: How do you charge a hybrid watch?

Most hybrid smartwatches charge via magnetic USB cables that you plug into a wall, similar to traditional smartwatch chargers.

Q: Can you text on a hybrid smartwatch?

Many hybrid smartwatches either display your texts or at least show you a notification when you receive one on your phone. Most, however, do not allow you to respond. If texting via your watch is a priority, you should consider buying an Apple or Android Wear watch.

Final thoughts on the best hybrid smartwatches

As with many products out there, these hybrid smartwatches ultimately have quite a lot in common with each other. Still, the devil is in the details. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line features, you may decide to go for a more traditional smartwatch instead. However, if aesthetics are what you’re looking for, all of these watches will have you well-covered. Besides, who wants to charge their watch every day, anyway?

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best hybrid smartwatches of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin announces an even more rugged Instinct smartwatch https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-instinct-2x-solar-news/ Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=533494
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar family
The new Instinct 2X Solar is available in four colors. Garmin

The newest Garmin fitness watch is built for extended adventures.

The post Garmin announces an even more rugged Instinct smartwatch appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar family
The new Instinct 2X Solar is available in four colors. Garmin

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Garmin is keeping the ball rolling, and you running, this year with exciting releases. The company released two vibrant new watches in its Forerunner series in March. And now, Garmin has announced the newest product in its rugged, adventure-focused Instinct line: the Instinct 2X Solar and the Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition (shown below). The new smartwatches get many improvements and exciting editions compared to the Instinct 2 Solar, including even better solar charging and a more rugged, durable design. It’s also the first Instinct to feature a built-in flashlight and the Obstacle Course Racing activity type. We really enjoyed the Instinct 2 Solar, and this adventure watch looks even better. 

Garmin

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Garmin Instinct training features

In keeping with Garmin’s wearables, the 2X series has robust training features and tools. It offers 24/7 health and wellness tracking, including wrist-based heart rate, sleep monitoring, respiration tracking, heart rate variability, Pulse Ox, and more. 

There’s a vast range of sports and activity types, so you can track whatever you like to do to stay active. New in the Instinct line is the Obstacle Course Racing activity. This new activity mode lets you manually record obstacle splits and automatically track them after your first lap. The data from the activity will include the number of runs on a course, times, the number of obstacles, time spent on each obstacle, basic run metrics, and more. If you’re a fan of Tough Mudders, Spartan Race, or the new military-inspired obstacle competitions, this watch will be a big help. 

You’ll also have access to Garmin’s Training Readiness and Morning Report features. These help you plan and maximize your training and maximize to ensure healthy, well-balanced progress. And the multi-band GNSS provides highly accurate positioning to give you price route information and even navigation tools.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar details

The Instinct 2X Solar gets some very exciting upgrades from the Instinct 2 Solar. It is even more rugged and built to U.S. military standards (MIL-STD-810). The 50mm polymer case—10mm larger than the Instinct 2 Solar—will withstand just about anything you throw at it.

One of my complaints with the Instinct 2 Solar was that the solar charging didn’t give all that much of a benefit. But Garmin says that the Power Glass lens on the Instinct 2X Solar (both the standard and Tactical Edition) will produce 50% more energy than the Instinct 2 Solar. It requires three hours of direct sunlight, but that’s a significant improvement and should mean that solar charging actually results in a real addition to battery life.

This watch’s other exciting new feature is the built-in LED flashlight (shown below). It even offers variable intensities and strobe modes. It could be a significant asset for hiking or any sort of activity in the backcountry, especially in emergency situations. 

Instinct 2X Solar flashlight shining into a backpack—Garmin lifestyle photography cropped
Garmin

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition details

The Tactical Edition of the Instinct 2X Solar gets the same training features, sensors, and build qualities as the standard edition. But on top of that, Garmin says it is also “packed with features specific to tactical operations, including Jumpmaster and tactical preloaded activities.” It features a Stealth Mode, which prevents GPS location sharing and disables wireless communication. And the built-in multi-LED flashlight can be set to either white or dedicated green, resulting in natural vision at night.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar pricing & availability

The Instinct 2X Solar is available in four colors: Flame Red, Graphite, Moss, and Whitestone. It’s available for purchase now for $449.99. The Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition is also available now for $499.99 in two colors: Black or Coyote Tan. 

The post Garmin announces an even more rugged Instinct smartwatch appeared first on Popular Science.

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The best Apple Watch alternatives in 2023 https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-apple-watch-alternatives/ Fri, 24 Dec 2021 01:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=382954
Best Apple Watch alternatives sliced header
Tony Ware

These fitness trackers and smartwatches offer sharp looks and deep sensor integration for Android users and anyone else interested in premium wearables outside Apple's ecosystem.

The post The best Apple Watch alternatives in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Tony Ware

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Best overall Galaxy Watch 5 smartwatch Galaxy Watch 5
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Slick styling, optional cellphone connectivity, and lots of health tracking features put this watch on top.

Best dedicated fitness tracker The Fitbit Sense 2 is a dedicated fitness tracker and smartwatch. Fitbit Sense 2
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The Fitbit Sense 2 is lightweight and slim but still offers lots of sensors and good battery life.

Best stylish smartwatch The Skagen Jorn is a stylish hybrid smartwatch Skagen Jorn Gen 6 Smartwatch
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The Skagen Jorn is a unique hybrid watch, featuring traditional watch hands with full smartwatch capabilities.

The Apple Watch was not the first connected watch. Thanks to Dick Tracy, people have been dreaming of wrist-worn communicators since the 1940s, and companies have actually produced usable companion devices since the early 2000s. But since “Apple’s most personal device ever” launched in 2015, it’s come to dominate the smartwatch market by sheer volume. However, the best wearable for everyone, especially Android users, isn’t necessarily Apple’s. Many Apple Watch alternatives provide various tech that can match and even top the Series 8 experience. Really, the phrase “Apple Watch alternative” sometimes does these gadgets a disservice. Apple’s offering is great, but other top smartwatches and fitness trackers deserve recognition for their own forms and features. The best Apple Watch alternatives satisfy all kinds of purposes: collecting health metrics, delivering notifications, tracking outdoor adventures, and much more fantastic functionality without committing to watchOS/iOS. 

How we chose the best Apple Watch alternatives

When selecting the recommendations included in this list, we evaluated a range of features, specs, and tools that make smartwatches useful and desirable. To function as an Apple Watch alternative, phone connectivity in some capacity was an absolute must. The selected watches also needed a robust array of sensors to capture important health and activity data. We aimed to choose watches with different styles since style is such a subjective topic. And lastly, we assessed important specs such as battery life, display quality, and durability. Combining this research with peer recommendations, critical reviews, and plenty of hands-on experience, we narrowed down our selection to the best Apple Watch alternatives.

The best Apple Watch alternatives: Reviews & Recommendations

The best Apple Watch alternatives are delightfully varied, and you’re sure to find one that strikes your fancy. So let’s look at the non-Apple products that can keep your phone in your pocket but your life connected.

Best overall: Galaxy Watch 5

Samsung

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Specs

  • Weight: 1.2 ounces (44mm), 1 ounce (40mm)
  • Case size: 1.7 x 1.74 x 0.38 inches (44mm), 1.54 x 1.59 x 0.38 inches (40mm)
  • Display resolution: 450×450 pixels (44mm), 396×396 pixels (40mm) 
  • Battery life: Up to 50 hours
  • Waterproof rating: IP68
  • Connectivity: BT 5.2, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz & 5GHz, NFC, LTE
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light, compass, GPS, BioActive sensor (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis sensor, Electrical Heart sensor (ECG), and Optical Heart Rate sensor), mic/speaker
  • App support: Android

Pros

  • Attractive design, with swappable straps
  • Optional 4G LTE version
  • Available in two sizes
  • Plenty of health-tracking features
  • Excellent third-party app support

Cons

  • Battery life is lacking
  • Some features only work with Samsung phones

The Galaxy Watch is one of the most direct competitors to the Apple Watch. That’s partly because it is one of the few watches that offer an eSIM for cellular connectivity. The eSim and built-in mic and speakers mean you can take calls and receive and respond to text messages via the watch. You don’t need your phone on you all the time to take advantage of the smart features, which is a nice option to have. The combination of Wear OS and an Android 8.0 or above phone, however, allows for Google Maps navigation, interaction with Google Assistant, and more.

The Galaxy Watch5 has a sleek, minimal design. It’s available in two sizes—40mm and 44mm—and comes in four colors. At only 1.2 ounces for the larger watch (44mm), it’s lightweight, making it more comfortable to wear. It is packed with useful sensors, including Samsung’s BioActive sensor array, responsible for sleep tracking, heart rate, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and body composition analysis. It will provide lots of health and fitness insights. It even automatically detects exercise, which is helpful if you tend to forget to start tracking as I do.

The downside of this watch is the battery life. The 40mm watch utilizes a 284mAh battery, while the 44mm features a 410mAh battery. If you use the device for any exercise tracking at all, you’ll need to charge it daily. Nighttime is the most logical time to charge it for most, but that means you’ll miss out on sleep tracking, which is a selling point of the watch. (A titanium-cased Galaxy Watch5 Pro version increases the durability, wellness sensors, and battery life.)

Best dedicated fitness tracker: Fitbit Sense 2

Fitbit

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Specs

  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Case size: 1.5 by 1.5 by 0.45 inches
  • Display resolution: 336 x 336 pixels
  • Battery life: Up to 6 days
  • Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 164 feet
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC
  • Sensors: GPS/GLONASS, heart rate, altimeter, skin temperature, gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light, SpO2, cEDA, mic/speaker
  • App support: Android and iOS

Pros

  • Very slim and lightweight
  • Lots of sensors
  • Good battery life
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • No music support
  • Subscription required to take full advantage of its features

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the company’s best and brightest smartwatch. It packs plenty of sensors, including onboard GPS to track your runs and bike rides. It also features a skin temperature sensor and Fitbit’s cEDA (continuous ElectroDermal Activity) sensor to help track stress. And it promises a six-day battery life (depending on usage), which is very strong.

At less than an ounce, this is one of the lightest smartwatches available, especially for one with such a robust set of sensors. It’s sleek and minimal, fitting nicely even on small wrists. And you can choose between three colorways. In addition, the Sense 2 gets an added physical button compared to the first version, making navigation easier.

Unfortunately, Fitbit removed third-party app support from the Sense 2. That means it isn’t as much of a smartwatch as other options. For example, there’s no Spotify app or music support, so you’ll have to rely on your phone. But there is a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can take calls on your wrist, as long as your phone is nearby. 

Best smartwatch for Android users: Ticwatch Pro 3

Ticwatch

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Specs

  • Weight: 1.5 ounces
  • Case size: 1.8 x 1.9 x 0.5 inches
  • Display resolution: 454 x 454 pixels
  • Battery life: Up to 72 hours (Smart Mode) or 45 days (Essential Mode)
  • Water rating: IP68
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi
  • Sensors: GPS/Beidou/Glonass/Galileo/QZSS, accelerometer, gyroscope, PPG heart rate, ambient light, barometer, mic/speaker
  • App support: Android and iOS

Pros

  • Good battery life
  • Dual display helps save battery life
  • Fast and responsive
  • IP68 waterproof rating

Cons

  • Somewhat pricey
  • A bit bulky

With a Snapdragon 4100 processor, the TicWatch Pro 3 is among the fastest Apple Watch alternatives on the market. It has all the usual high-end smartwatch features, including onboard GPS and NFC for payments. There’s a whole host of sensors and data tracking features, including a heart rate monitor, barometer, sleep tracking, and SpO2 monitoring.

It also has one very clever feature: a lower-power LCD screen right on top of its regular AMOLED display. That allows you to switch over for up to 45 days of battery life in “essential mode.” And there is an ambient light sensor in the watch, so it can automatically adjust the brightness of the AMOLED display.

The Ticwatch features a rugged design that will hold up to whatever activities you participate in. It’s a waterproof smartwatch with an IP68 rating, so you can even swim in it. That said, even though it is 28 percent lighter than the previous version of this watch, it is still fairly large and chunky. It may not be best for the small of wrist.

Best smartwatch for the triathlete in training: Garmin Forerunner 955

Abby Ferguson

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Specs

  • Weight: 1.8 ounces
  • Case size: 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.5 inches
  • Display resolution: 260 x 260 pixels
  • Battery life: Up to 15 days (smartwatch mode)
  • Water rating: 5 ATM water resistance
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
  • Sensors: Heart rate, GPS/Glonass/Galileo, thermometer, pulse oximeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, barometric altimeter
  • App support: Android and iOS

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Highly customizable
  • Collects loads of data
  • Useful training assistance

Cons

  • Pricey

Garmin specializes in super-advanced fitness and outdoor tech gear, making its gear one of the best Apple Watch alternatives for serious athletes. The Forerunner 955 is specifically focused on running, though it can track about any kind of workout you can think of, including ones specific to triathlon training. It includes a dizzying array of sensors to ensure you improve. It calculates elevation changes, measures your pace against an average for your fitness level, calculates VO2 Max, and can even measure stuff like ground contact time and stride length. In addition, the watch provides plenty of training help, such as suggested workouts and training load insights, to help you maximize your fitness. 

Despite all the data it collects, the battery life is fantastic. And You can easily customize battery consumption to get what you need out of the watch in a given situation. In smartwatch mode, Garmin promises 15 days of battery life. And when using the All Systems GNSS plus Multi-Band mode (the most accurate location tracking), Garmin specifies up to 20 hours. Should you want a little extra juice, Garmin also makes a solar version of this watch. Of course, battery life depends on your usage, but I was easily able to get the promised numbers when using the Solar version of this watch, even without getting the minimum sun exposure. 

There is no microphone on the watch or optional cellphone connectivity, so you will need your phone to take advantage of the notifications and safety features (unless you opt for the older Forerunner 945 LTE). But you can send pre-formatted responses to calls and texts and interact with notifications from certain apps. And it is surprisingly sleek for all the sensors that are onboard, even on small wrists. Of course, if you’re more of a weekend warrior and don’t mind charging more often in exchange for the most vivid visual experience, the Garmin epix 2 has an AMOLED touchscreen display that brings it near parity with an Apple Watch presentation.

Best stylish smartwatch: Skagen Jorn 38MM Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch

Skagen

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Specs

  • Weight: Not provided
  • Case size: 1.5-inch diameter, 0.5 inches thick
  • Display resolution: 240 x 240 pixels
  • Battery life: Up to 14 days
  • Water rating: 3 ATM water resistance
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 LE
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, microphone, PPG heart rate
  • App support: Android and iOS

Pros

  • Sleek, attractive styling
  • Unique hybrid design
  • Good app support
  • Built-in microphone

Cons

  • Fitness tracking isn’t great
  • Lacks a speaker

Skagen, the Danish-design-inspired imprint of Fossil, has a line of hybrid smartwatches called Jorn, which have uniformly been extremely good-looking watches. The hybrid design may not be for everyone, but it is a unique combination of classic watch looks with smartwatch features. The watch hands cleverly move out of the way so that you can easily read the E Ink display, and it still offers plenty of customization options. And it comes in 38mm or 42mm sizes with different color and band options. 

The Jorn features a built-in microphone as well as Amazon Alexa support. You can use voice control to set timers, reminders, and ask questions. Unfortunately, it lacks a speaker, so responses are displayed on the watch instead of spoken back to you, and you can’t take calls. But it does add a layer of functionality that some may appreciate. And it’s Android and iPhone compatible, so you can use it’s companion app with just about any phone.

The sensors in the Jorn watch are somewhat minimal but include an accelerometer and PPG heart rate monitor for basic exercise and health stats. These will track your steps, sleep, heart rate, and SpO2. Unfortunately, there’s no built-in GPS, so the watch relies on tethered GPS, which requires your phone. If you are looking for a serious fitness watch, this isn’t the best option, but we think it’s the most stylish Apple Watch alternative available. 

Best for health data: Polar Ignite 3

Abby Ferguson

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Specs

  • Weight: 1.2 ounces
  • Case size: 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.4 inches
  • Display resolution: 416 × 416 pixels
  • Battery life: Up to 30 hours (training mode)
  • Water rating: Water resistant to 98 feet
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
  • Sensors: GPS/Beidou/Glonass/Galileo/QZSS, accelerometer, heart rate 
  • App support: Android and iOS

Pros

  • Attractive styling 
  • Really slim on the wrist
  • Lots of smart health and training features
  • Vibrant display

Cons

  • GPS is inaccurate 

Polar has long been a staple in the fitness and health world, investing heavily in research and offering a range of watches and sensors. The third iteration of the Ignite is the sleekest yet, with attractive yet minimal design features. It’s available in four colorways, some of which (such as the Greige Sand) hardly look like fitness watches. It features an extremely slim profile, barely sticking up from my wrist.

The watch offers fairly minimal sensors, but it still collects plenty of data for excellent health and fitness insights. It provides the Polar Precision Prime sensor for highly accurate heart rate data. Unfortunately, despite the multi-band GPS, the location data is disappointing and inaccurate. This won’t matter for some, but if precise location tracking is essential to you, this watch won’t be your best choice. 

Where the Ignite 3 does shine is the health data it collects and the insights it provides. It provides accurate sleep-tracking information and uses that to help guide daily workout suggestions. It even provides secondary workout suggestions, such as stretching activities to keep you healthy. And Polar’s FitSpark suggests different types of exercise to keep your training well-rounded. It can provide a lot of information to help you stay on top of your training and health in general.

Best battery life: Garmin Instinct 2S Solar

Abby Ferguson

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Specs

  • Weight: 1.8 ounces (45mm), 1.5 ounces (40mm)
  • Case size: 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches (45mm), 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.5 inches (40mm)
  • Display resolution: 176 x 176 pixels (45mm) 156 x 156 pixels (40mm)
  • Battery life: Up to 28 days, unlimited with solar (smartwatch mode)
  • Water rating: Waterproof to 328 feet
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+
  • Sensors: Heart rate, GPS/Glonass/Galileo, thermometer, pulse oximeter, accelerometer, compass, barometric altimeter
  • App support: Android and iOS

Pros

  • Outstanding battery life
  • Two sizes available
  • Lots of training tools
  • Highly accurate data collection

Cons

  • Rugged, old-school design isn’t for everyone

Garmin’s Instinct 2S Solar has a lot going for it, but its battery life is certainly the main highlight. In smartwatch mode, Garmin says it offers unlimited battery life if you get three hours of 50,000 lux sunlight conditions a day. Of course, when you use the various GPS modes and tracking exercises, that goes down. But I got about a week of life from my 40mm version while doing some activity once a day, even without getting the required sun exposure per day for the solar benefits.

The watch also gets a robust set of sensors and tracking features, in line with most of Garmin’s products. It can suggest workouts and keep track of your training status to ensure you are getting the most out of your activities and advancing your fitness. You can even use it to navigate should you need help getting back to your starting point. Overall it’s a fantastic training partner.

The Instinct 2 Solar is a vastly different Apple Watch alternative in its styling. It has a rather rugged, old-school watch styling, which some may not like. The display is also a simple monochrome transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, so don’t expect fancy color graphics or touchscreen functionality. But it connects to your phone and provides notifications on the watch. There is no microphone or speaker, so you can’t take calls on the watch, but you can use it to reject or accept a call that you then take on your phone. And like the Forerunner 955, you can send prewritten responses to texts or calls directly from the watch, which is handy if you are in the middle of something. 

Best budget smartwatch: Amazfit GTS 4

Amazfit

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Specs

  • Weight: 1 ounce
  • Case size: 1.7 x 1.4 x 0.4 inches (without heart rate base)
  • Display resolution: 390 x 450 pixels
  • Battery life: Up to 8 days (typical use)
  • Water rating: 5 ATM water resistance
  • Connectivity: WLAN 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, and BLE
  • Sensors: Geomagnetic, accelerometer, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, dual-band & 6 satellite positioning systems, BioTracker™ 4.0 PPG biometric sensor, mic/speaker
  • App support: Android 7.0 and above, iOS 12.0 and above

Pros

  • Sleek and comfortable design
  • Lots of sport modes
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • Data collection isn’t the most accurate

Amazfit is a well-established maker of budget smartwatches, and the GTS 4 is a great one. It provides an eight-day battery life (depending on usage), which is surprising for a watch of this price. That can even be extended to 16 days in battery saver mode. It also has lots of sensors to measure your heart rate, steps, blood oxygen levels, stress, sleep, location, and more. 

As a smartwatch, the GTS 4 pairs with your phone and delivers notifications right to your wrist. And it can sync with apps like Strava and Google Fit. It features a built-in mic and speaker, so you can receive and make calls from the watch if your phone is near. It has a strikingly Apple Watch-like design, which is sleek and minimal.

Of course, as a somewhat inexpensive watch, there are some downsides. The companion app (called Zepp) is a bit clunky, with some settings difficult to find. And the data collection tends to be a bit inaccurate, especially the sleep data and the automatic stand suggestions. And you’ll lose some features like third-party app compatibility. But it still has a lot to offer as long as you aren’t relying on the data for precise training.

What to consider when looking for the best Apple Watch alternatives

Non-Apple Watch smartwatches are available running all kinds of different software platforms. And many of them will work with both Android and iOS, in case you ever switch phones. Apple Watch alternatives come in a few different flavors. There’s the direct competition, which would be Google’s Wear platform and the Samsung Galaxy Watch. And there are also more fitness-centric offerings, both for casual workouts and intense outdoors lovers, plus a whole crop of budget-friendly smartwatches that provide health tracking and notifications.

What’s the difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker?

In general, the phrase “fitness tracker” is used to differentiate these models from a smartwatch in a few ways. Fitness trackers are typically smaller. They often look more like a bracelet with a small screen than a big, fancy watch. They are, as their name suggests, focused on fitness: a good fitness tracker should have not just a step tracker, but also a heart rate monitor and sleep tracking tech. Many high-end fitness watches can also integrate with more robust devices like chest strap heart rate monitors. 

That said, the line between fitness tracker and smartwatch has blurred. Modern fitness trackers have some features we’re more likely to associate with smartwatches They may have the ability to deliver notifications of texts and emails from your phone, might have a speaker so you can activate Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some even sport similar faces and design elements.

But if you plan on wearing your wristpiece all the time, it’s fair to want something less like a fitness tracker and more like a full-featured smartwatch: you want it to have a bigger screen, because you’ll be looking at it more, and to have non-fitness-focused features too.

What watch features and sensors do I need?

A brief comparison of smartwatches will reveal a wide array of features and sensors. Of course, many companies have their proprietary names for traditional sensors, making matters more complicated. What sensors and features you need in a watch depends on how you intend to use it. 

If you mainly want a smartwatch for notification and call purposes, make sure you prioritize a watch with a microphone, speaker, and potentially cellular connectivity as well. Suppose you are more interested in highly accurate fitness information. In that case, you’ll want a multisport watch with a whole suite of features such as multi-band GPS, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, and more. 

Do I have to spend hundreds of dollars on a smartwatch?

The current generation of Apple Watch, the Series 8, starts at a whopping $399 (and goes up to $799 if you decide the Apple Watch Ultra is the right one for you). If you don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles, just something that’ll track your health metrics and stick that data into a fitness app, plus maybe deliver some alerts, you don’t need to spend that much. In fact, you can spend barely a tenth of that price and get something surprisingly great.

The biggest use cases for smartwatches, according to Statista, are notifications and fitness tracking—and you can snag a budget smartwatch or fitness bracelet that can do that for you, acting as your everyday connected wearable at a fraction of the price of full-featured smartwatches.

What’s the most stylish smartwatch?

Smartwatches and fitness trackers aren’t known for being the most stylish accessories. They have some fundamental requirements that make being stylish difficult. For example, they have to be big enough to contain a touchscreen, a heart rate monitor, and a battery, which means that even the smallest tend to be on the bulky side.

For those who take wristwatches seriously, even the Apple Watch can be underwhelming from an aesthetic perspective. It’s a basic square made of glass and aluminum. Most Apple Watch alternatives are the same way: either a slim bracelet-style fitness tracker or a square or circular smartwatch. These tend to look just fine at the gym or when out for a run, but in more formal settings can look out of place.

Luckily, a few companies are getting on board with different designs. For example, the Amazfit T-Rex 2 leans into retro-style chunkiness, while hybrid smartwatches like the Skagen Jorn or Garmin vivomove 3 offer traditional analog watch hands with smartwatch features.

FAQs

Q: What are the disadvantages of the Apple Watch?

Apple’s smartwatch may be popular, but it definitely has disadvantages. Most importantly, it’s not compatible with Android phones. That means that 73% of the global smartphone market is out of luck. It’s also only available in the one square style, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

Q: What is the best and cheapest smartwatch?

While “the best” is absolutely subjective, if you’re looking for the best combination of features at the cheapest price, we like fitness trackers. They’ll include the most popular uses for smartwatches (fitness tracking and notifications) without all the other stuff so that you can save money. Amazfit has various options for a super low price, while Fitbit has some of the best software combinations and cheaper options.

Q: Is there a smartwatch as good as the Apple Watch?

We think the best non-Apple smartwatch will vary depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re just wanting to track your fitness and exercise, we like the Fitbit Sense 2; if you have a Samsung phone and want a full smartwatch experience, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a great option; and if you want something to help on your running journey, look at Garmin’s offerings.

Final thoughts on the best Apple Watch alternatives

There’s truly no shortage of wearables these days, with most smartphone makers offering watch choices and fitness trackers increasingly becoming more like smartwatches. Thus, choosing the best Apple Watch alternative can be overwhelming. The good news is that whether you are looking for a hyper-focused fitness watch, a stylish smartwatch, or a simple blend between the two, there is an efficiency-boosting accessory for you among the choices we’ve compiled so you can complement your look and lifestyle.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Apple Watch alternatives in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Get an Apple Watch 8 on Amazon today for the lowest price we’ve seen https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-watch-cheap-amazon-deal/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:59:07 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=519720
iPhone 14 News
Apple announced three new watches in 2022, including the Apple Watch Series 8, and a revised Apple Watch SE. Apple

Time is running out on this massive Apple Watch Series 8 deal—take advantage of it before they spring forward to their regular prices.

The post Get an Apple Watch 8 on Amazon today for the lowest price we’ve seen appeared first on Popular Science.

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iPhone 14 News
Apple announced three new watches in 2022, including the Apple Watch Series 8, and a revised Apple Watch SE. Apple

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Since its release in 2022, the Apple Watch Series 8 has been the model to get when it comes to wearables. You, too, can get crash detection, better heart monitoring, and even ovulation tracking thanks to this massive Apple Watch 8 deal on Amazon, which knocks down the price to $329 —that’s the lowest we’ve seen it go for, ever.

Apple Watch Series 8 $329 (Was $399)

Apple

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Don’t let the outside—which doesn’t feature any noticeable design changes compared to the Series 7—fool you. Inside, the Apple Watch 8 features improved sensors for more accurate health readings and safety detection. An Always On Retina display shows medication reminders and text messages in stunning clarity, and a crack-resistant, IP6X dust-resistant, and swimproof face and body mean you don’t have to worry about breaking it during everyday wear or while you’re taking laps at the pool. It works across the Apple ecosystem, meaning you can unlock your Mac, locate other devices, and pay for a coffee with a swipe, tap, or touch. An 18-hour battery life means you can take advantage of all of these features without worrying about a dying device.

If you can go without dust resistance, an Always On Display, and blood oxygen and ECG readings, consider the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), which is also at its lowest price today. You can get sleep tracking, crash detection, water resistance, and some of the same features as the Apple Watch 8 for $219. If you’ve been considering testing the Apple Watch waters for a low price, we can’t recommend the Apple Watch SE enough.

Time is running out on this deal—take advantage of it before they spring forward and fall back to their regular prices.

The post Get an Apple Watch 8 on Amazon today for the lowest price we’ve seen appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin’s latest running watches pair vivid visuals with your vitals https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-forerunner-265-965-news/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=516638
Garmin new Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 models
Garmin's two newest Forerunners are comprehensively colorful thanks to the AMOLED displays and the fun case and band combinations. Garmin

The AMOLED displays will offer brighter and richer colors and better visibility in different lighting conditions.

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Garmin new Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 models
Garmin's two newest Forerunners are comprehensively colorful thanks to the AMOLED displays and the fun case and band combinations. Garmin

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Garmin already has an extensive lineup of advanced running watches in its Forerunner series, but it just got even larger. The wearable tech company has announced two new smartwatches: the Forerunner 265 and 965. The highlight of the release is their vibrant AMOLED displays, a first for Garmin GPS running smartwatches. Each will offer an optional always-on, full-color touchscreen (though you can lock the display during activity and rely on Garmin’s classic five-button navigation system). We loved the Garmin Forerunner 955, and its fundamentals form the basis of the new models, so we have high expectations for these new additions to the Forerunner family.

Training features of the Garmin Forerunner 265 and 965

Garmin’s watches traditionally offer an impressive suite of sensors and performance tracking/analyzing features. As a result, they make great Apple Watch alternatives, especially for athletes. And this all holds even more true with the two new offerings. Like existing Forerunners (and other Garmin watches), they will calculate VO2 max, performance condition, training effect, and more. And all of that data is used to calculate a training readiness score to help you plan your rest better.

Sleep is a key component of performance, which Garmin clearly understands. Its watches can track your sleep, in part by evaluating heart rate variability, providing a more complete wellness and training picture. And, provided you sleep wearing the watch, a Morning Report summarizes your sleep, your day’s training outlook, and the environmental conditions you can expect. 

These watches will also offer daily suggested workouts, which adapt after every run to help you improve your running performance and prevent overtraining. The race widget, along with Garmin Coach and PacePro, will provide training tips and predictions for race performance based on specific course details, weather, and performance. They can even measure running power and running dynamics without any additional accessories. Now, however, shall of these metrics will be more visible and vivid indoors and out, thanks to the upgrade from memory-in-pixel displays.

Forerunner 965 AMOLED display lit up on a wrist at dusk
The fancy new Forerunner AMOLED display is a beacon of metrics and motivation. Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 265 details

The Forerunner 265, priced at $449.99, sits right between the Forerunner 255 Music and 955. It gets the full set of sensors found in Garmin’s advanced fitness smartwatches, including the wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor. The 265 also offers Garmin’s safety features, such as incident detection and LiveTrack.

As a smartwatch, it easily connects to your phone for smart notifications and allows you to download music from Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music to the watch for phone-free Bluetooth listening. And you can use Garmin Pay for contactless payments. 

The Forerunner 265 will be available in two sizes, each offering different battery life. The 42mm Forerunner 265S promises 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 15 days in smartwatch mode. The larger Forerunner 265, with a 46mm case, should provide up to 20 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 13 days in smartwatch mode. 

Garmin Forerunner 965 details

Garmin designed the Forerunner 965 for seriously dedicated athletes. It’s at the top of the Forerunner lineup, priced at $599.99. As a result, it will feature all the same things mentioned above and more. Garmin says it adds “additional performance metrics, built-in mapping, and the ability to store more songs right on the watch” compared to the 265. 

The 965 also offers a new feature, called load ratio, to “track short-term to mid-term load ratio” to stay healthy while training. Stamina insights will also help track exertion levels for a well-rounded picture of your training. And ClimbPro shows real-time information on climbs during a run, including gradient, distance, and elevation gain. There are also full-color built-in maps for route planning and navigation.

The 965 will feature a 47mm case with a lightweight titanium bezel. The AMOLED display is Garmin’s largest yet at 1.4 inches (the epix Gen. 2), Garmin’s first AMOLED-equipped watch, has a 1.3-inch screen). Garmin says it will provide up to 31 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 23 days in smartwatch mode.

Pricing & availability

The Garmin Forerunner 265 will cost you $449.99 for either the 42mm or 46mm versions. It is available for purchase now. The Garmin Forerunner 965 will run you $599.99 and won’t ship until late March/early April, but can be pre-ordered now.

The post Garmin’s latest running watches pair vivid visuals with your vitals appeared first on Popular Science.

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The best MagSafe accessories of 2023 https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-magsafe-accessories/ Thu, 30 Jun 2022 19:30:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=453602
Best MagSafe accessories sliced header
Stan Horaczek

There is a massive ecosystem of iPhone accessories, and MagSafe is the one ring that wants to rule them all.

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Best MagSafe accessories sliced header
Stan Horaczek

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Best overall Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 charging pad is the best overall MagSafe accessory. Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 Charging Pad
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An Apple enthusiast’s simplest solution for charging all the essentials.

Best charger Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger is the best charger for MagSafe accessory. Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger
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Classy as it is convenient, this compact charger helps simplify packing.

Best battery OtterBox wireless 5K mAh power bank is the best battery. OtterBox wireless 5K mAh Power Bank
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Two-sided MagSafe compatibility adds versatility to this potent pint-sized battery backup.

If you’ve ever woken up and, groggily lumbering toward the bathroom, started the day by tripping over an iPhone charging cable, you know you felt no shame audibly cheering the first time you used a MagSafe accessory. MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic connector for electronic devices, started as an improvement for MacBook power cords in 2006. But it was with the introduction of the iPhone 12 in 2020 that the MagSafe name became synonymous with the much wider world of wireless power transfer and magnetic attachment products. Having a phone and a MagSafe-compatible charger saves you the problem of having the right cord with the right connector that’s the right length to be lined up just right; when that green circle lights up the iPhone screen, one less worry fills your mind. Not every MagSafe accessory involves power but they do all involve that feeling of security. Here’s our selection of the best MagSafe accessories to make sure your iPhone is fully charged and fastened when and where you need it to be.

How we chose the best MagSafe accessories

As gadget geeks and serial upgraders, many of us have a recent iPhone. And considering how many devices we regularly test, requiring us to keep track of yet another interconnect, being able to wrangle one less tangle is a godsend. This is why we are both fans and intimate friends with many MagSafe accessories. Combining this firsthand experience with peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions, we put together a list of potential inclusions from top manufacturers—including Belkin, Mophie, OtterBox, and more—then narrowed down the dozens of options to these picks.

The best MagSafe accessories: Reviews & Recommendations

MagSafe is a quality-of-life improvement you didn’t know you needed, but once you have it, you don’t understand why you didn’t this whole time. Here are our top picks for some of the best MagSafe accessories, focusing on accessories that offer charging.

Best overall: Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO 3-in-1 charging pad

Belkin

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Why it made the cut: This unassuming silicone-clad slab packs a sweet suite of Apple device chargers into a low-profile accessory.

Specs

  • Dimensions: 9.8 x 5 x 3.66 inches
  • Weight: 1.74 pounds
  • Power: Up to 15W MagSafe

Pros

  • Charges iPhone, Apple Watch, and wireless earbuds simultaneously
  • Full 15W MagSafe charging capability
  • Apple Watch Series 7 fast charge supported
  • Apple Watch can be charged flat or in Nightstand mode

Cons

  • Not the cheapest charging pad

Fans of maximized minimalism will love this Belkin 3-in-1 charging stand. It’s an Apple enthusiast’s simplest solution for charging all the essentials, with dedicated spots for a MagSafe-compatible iPhone, an Apple Watch, and wireless-compatible AirPods

Despite being a three-device dream, it’s an unassuming silicone-clad slab—available in Black or White with a soft-matte finish and subtle chrome accents—and it’s a lay-flat design that can be easily packed for on-the-go use. The MagSafe iPhone platform offers full 15W charging, with or without an official MagSafe case on your device (an included 40W adapter ensures the full output). While the Watch puck is adjustable, allowing any size Watch to be oriented as an alarm clock in Nightstand mode—and enabling fast charge for compatible Apple Watch Series 8 models. And the AirPods panel includes an LED indicator, so you know the wireless charging is active. 

Stable without being too hefty, the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE PRO is the top third-party MagSafe charger and fills an important gap in Apple’s own offerings.

Best charging dock: Nomad Base One Max charger

Nomad

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Why it made the cut: Nomad’s Base One Max is a sturdy 2-in-1 Made for iPhone-certified charger made of metal, glass, and soft-touch rubber.

Specs

  • Dimensions: 7.44 x 3.54 x 1.8 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Power: Up to 15W MagSafe, Requires 30W charging brick

Pros

  • Beautiful design
  • Weight keeps it anchored
  • Apple Watch charges in Nightstand Mode

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Doesn’t support Apple Watch 7 fast charge
  • Doesn’t come with a charging brick

Nomad’s Base One Max is a hefty 2-in-1 charger that emphasizes design and utility. Available in Carbide or Silver, it features a solid metal and glass design along with subtle soft-touch accents to keep your devices protected, and it looks and feels more like a centerpiece rather than just another accessory.

The integrated Apple Watch charger props up the wearable in Nightstand Mode, while the 15W MFi MagSafe pad provides a satisfying thunk every time you place your iPhone down to charge. The charging pad is also compatible with other Qi-enabled devices so that you can charge your AirPods in between Zoom meetings.

Although the Base One Max is heavy at 2 pounds, its weight allows it to stay anchored when you reach for your device, and the rubber base ensures it won’t move around. The Base One Max comes with a 6-foot braided USB-C cable, but you’ll have to supply your own charging brick. It also doesn’t support fast charge on the Apple Watch.

While the Base One Max is pricey and not as transportable as our best overall pick, its thoughtful, high-quality design makes it one of the most elegant MagSafe options for a designated iPhone charging station.

Best charger: Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger

ZAGG

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Why it made the cut: Simplify your packing without sacrificing anything with this elegant wireless charging solution.

Specs

  • Dimensions: 0.4 x 12.3 x 3.2 inches
  • Weight: 9.92 ounces
  • Power: 7.5W, 15W MagSafe

Pros

  • Compact yet complete charging suite
  • Sophisticated aesthetics
  • Apple Watch can be oriented in Nightstand mode

Cons

  • As pricy as a permanent pad, but not as solid

Classy as it is convenient, the Mophie 3-in-1 travel charger with MagSafe is an easily packable trifold charger that comes with all the accessories needed, all tucked within an elegant felt organizer. Inside this backpack, briefcase, or maybe even belt bag-friendly case, you’ll find three pockets for the charger, a 30W USB-C PD wall adapter, and an included 1m USB-C to USB-C cable.

Unfurl the heathered grey fabric-wrapped hub and three pads will be revealed, ​​with a dedicated cradle for AirPods, a magnetized disc for iPhone, and a magnetized puck for Apple Watch. This charger powers all three simultaneously from a single cable plugged into the Watch platform. Perfect for pleasurable jaunts and business trips alike, this stylish set-up starts your devices charging on contact, so you’ll be ready to touch base with all your contacts in the morning.    

Best car mount: Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE Magnetic Wireless Car Charger

Belkin

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Why it made the cut: This vent-mounted charger helps you steer without your iPhone sliding around and driving you crazy. 

Specs

  • Dimensions: 1.68 x 3.98 x 5.43 inches
  • Weight: 3.35 ounces
  • Power: Up to 10W

Pros

  • Easily mounted/removed on a vehicle air vent
  • Keeps phone secure, accessible, and charged during navigation

Cons

  • Requires you to run a cable from the console to charge
  • Placement might require some adjusting, based on vent blades

It may not quite be the jetpacks that the future promised, but having a MagSafe mount in the car definitely changed how I travel for the better. Securing my iPhone conveniently as fast, if not faster, than I fasten my own seatbelt, not having to fish out a charging cable, then detaching the phone just as expediently when I get to my destination is perhaps the greatest expression of MagSafe’s life-changing properties. 

Easily clamped to an air vent, the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE magnetic wireless charging mount holds an iPhone firmly within sight even when traffic patterns shift abruptly. If you must keep an eye on a screen for navigation purposes (I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt you won’t play videos or other distractions while driving), it’s far better to situate your phone in an optimal place to the side of the steering column rather than have you fumbling for it with only one hand on the wheel. 

In addition to firmly holding the phone in place (in either vertical or horizontal orientation), the Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE can be plugged into (what was once) the cigarette lighter with the included 20W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 car power supply and charge your iPhone while driving. This helps compensate for energy-intensive programs like Waze and Google Maps keeping your display and GPS continually active. The road may be full of bumps, but at least your phone won’t flip or its battery dip with this convenient accessory.  

Best phone case: Otterbox OtterGrip Symmetry Series

Amanda Reed

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Why it made the cut: Enter the world of MagSafe without having to get rid of a phone grip.

Specs

  • Dimensions: 6.02 x 3.11 x .53 inches
  • Weight: 1.76 ounces
  • Power: N/A

Pros

  • Combines MagSafe compliance with easy grip
  • Durable
  • Doesn’t interfere with phone buttons

Cons

  • OtterGrip not a complete replacement for the PopSocket
  • More of a phone grip than a phone stand

Thanks to increasingly more content and the pixels needed to display it, smartphones have gotten bigger and bigger over the last decade. For people with the small, dainty hands of a 19th-century child working in a watch factory, phone grips like PopSockets provided a handle to prevent some accidental drops and smartphone pinky. However, these add-ons meant that anyone using one could never fully experience the convenience of MagSafe—an iPhone‘s back cover has to be easily accessible so that compatible accessories can sit flush and align their magnetic array. Sure, you can buy a PopSocket that attaches using MagSafe, but then you’re taking it on and off and potentially losing it. That changes with the Otterbox OtterGrip Symmetry Series case, originally announced in January 2023 at CES and now available. The OtterGrip gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to have an integrated phone grip and use any of the MagSafe chargers, mounts, batteries, etc., you see on this page. Simply pull the grip away from the case to use it, and snap it back in place when you decide to place it on a wireless charger or car mount. The grip also rotates 360 degrees for ergonomics.

The OtterGrip is also incredibly durable without the chonk. Some may think “big, bulky case” when they hear the name OtterBox, but that’s no longer the, well, case. There’s a better “click” on the volume and lock buttons compared to my old Speck Gemshell case, which has a slim profile, all things considered. The OtterGrip is actually slimmer than the Speck Gemshell using a separate phone grip, with higher drop protection.

If you use a PopSocket-like grip for a phone stand, however, you might want to pass on the OtterGrip case—it’s hard to balance the phone and get it to stay in place without the grip snapping back into place. The OtterGrip isn’t a one-to-one replacement for the PopSocket in terms of feeling, and there is some getting used to the experience. But being able to use MagSafe and feel more secure when you’re holding your expensive pocket computer is worth the learning curve.

Best battery: OtterBox wireless 5K mAh power bank

OtterBox

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Why it made the cut: Two-sided MagSafe compatibility adds versatility to this potent pint-sized battery backup.

Specs

  • Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.25 x 0.39 inches
  • Weight: 6.5 ounces
  • Power: 5W Qi, 7.5W MagSafe

Pros

  • Magnets on both sides allow connections to a phone and mount simultaneously
  • Wireless input and wireless output
  • LED indicators for charge status/battery life

Cons

  • No magnetic stabilizing strip leaves the opportunity for the power bank to rotate 
  • Not the biggest capacity available in a wireless power bank

The Otterbox wireless 5K mAh power bank tops the battery category not only because of what it can hold and also how you can hold it. It doesn’t have the capacity of, say, Belkin’s equally recommendable BOOST↑CHARGE Wireless Charger 10K, but only holding half the charge means it also takes up less space—a huge plus for pocketability (though the battery has the potential to rotate/become unaligned if you’re power-walking with purpose). And 5K is enough to fully recharge any iPhone 13 once (or the iPhone 13 mini twice).

What really stands out with this power bank is that it has MagSafe on both sides, meaning you can attach it to a MagSafe charger with your iPhone simultaneously attached, topping off both in the process. I actually store one on a Satechi 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand so it’s primed and ready to easily peel off in case I’m leaving the house without my iPhone at 100%. And if I was without that convenient perch and succumbed to a cable, I could use the bidirectional USB-C port to charge the power bank, as well as to charge my phone.  

Things to consider before buying the best MagSafe accessories

If you have an iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or iPhone 14 of any size/sort, you can access MagSafe. And if you have a debit or credit card, you can access the MagSafe accessories presented here. But before you invest in new accouterments, you might have some questions. And that’s why we’re here.

So, how exactly does MagSafe work?

MagSafe uses a series of internal magnets ringing an iPhone’s charging coil to snap securely to compatible accessories. This assures that any attachments are properly lined up, which is particularly valuable for optimized wireless charging. As for how magnets work in general, that is a tale of electrons spinning and atoms aligning and a miraculous mystery for another time. But when magnetized objects of opposite poles enter each other’s magnetic fields, they are as strongly attracted to each other as a long-time Apple fan is to hearing “… and one more thing.”

Do I need MagSafe accessories?

No. If you are a connoisseur of cables—each one personally, painstakingly labeled as to what it is for—then keep enjoying those curled-up keepsakes and a Jenga-like set of power bricks. USB-A to Lightning, USB-C to Lightning … you do you. Being hardwired to the wall will continue to work … for now (we have no insight into Apple’s plans to discontinue ports on iPhones). And if you always have or prefer to secure your phone in a dashboard-mounted vice while driving, don’t switch up what works for you. So, no, you don’t need MagSafe accessories. But if you’ve gotten tired of trying to find a convenient place to plug in a somehow always slightly too short cable, or finding out that the cable you desperately need to save you from an imminent power-down has a short in it, you definitely may want MagSafe accessories. And don’t even get me started as to how convenient a MagSafe car mount is … (OK, get me started but wait till we get to our top pick in that category, please.)

Do I need a MagSafe case for my iPhone?

To charge wirelessly, no, you don’t need a MagSafe case. But to attach additional accessories to your iPhone while it’s in the case, yes, you need a MagSafe case. Plus the MagSafe system in the case helps alleviate any concerns that it might fall off.

If I buy a MagSafe accessory, does it need to be “Made for MagSafe” to work?

No, though it can’t hurt. There are plenty of “MagSafe compatible” options with the magnetic ring that lets your iPhone snap to them with the precision needed to stay and/or charge properly. We even recommend some. But the “Made for MagSafe” badge does bring some benefits. It means that the device can support 15W charging (12W for iPhone mini models), rather than the 7.5W charging of “MagSafe compatible” alternatives (and more watts=faster charging). To get maximum output, however, be sure you have at least a 20W USB-C PD adapter for the charging pad. In addition, the near-field communication between “Made for MagSafe” charging devices means you get the undeniable satisfaction of seeing your iPhone’s screen light up with the curling green MagSafe animation that guarantees authenticity and efficiency. 

Can I charge anything other than my iPhone with a MagSafe pad?

Sure, you can place anything with Qi-enabled wireless charging on a MagSafe pad and the battery will fill. However, the device won’t snap into place so you won’t know if it’s set down correctly and there’s nothing to stop it from getting knocked off the pad accidentally. There are Android devices, and optional cases, that do have magnetic rings in them, which solves that problem, but Android devices don’t replicate the alert an official MagSafe charger gives when it comes into contact with an iPhone.

FAQs

Q: How much do MagSafe accessories cost?

MagSafe accessories can range from a $20 case to $150 charging pads, and they occupy all price points in between.

Q: Which iPhones have MagSafe?

Currently, the iPhones 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max/12 mini, the iPhone 13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max/13 mini, and the iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max all feature MagSafe accessory compatibility. The iPhone SE, meanwhile, supports wireless charging but doesn’t have the MagSafe system, specifically.

Q: Does MagSafe weaken?

All magnets weaken, but not at a pace that will be measurable within the lifetime of your device.

Q: Is MagSafe magnetic?

The MagSafe array is very thin but is definitely strongly magnetic, though made in a way that means other magnets won’t stick to your phone. However, MagSafe accessories should be used with some caution by people with medical devices like pacemakers, as sensors in such devices might react to both magnets and the radio transmitter inherent in all smartphones. Avoid placing anything MagSafe directly on the skin and charge at a distance of at least six inches away, just to be sure. 

Final thoughts on the best MagSafe accessories

If you’re wired to go wireless and you’re an iPhone owner, MagSafe accessories are the best way to get your fill of features and battery capacity. Matching convenience with efficiency, the best MagSafe accessories are as attached to your pocket computer as you are and can help empower your adventures together.

The post The best MagSafe accessories of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Take time to get more steps in with discounted Fitbits on Amazon https://www.popsci.com/gear/fitbit-fitness-watch-amazon-deal/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:55:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=512575
Two smartwatches on a periwinkle background
Amanda Reed

Log more miles and save more cash with 20% off Fitbits plus other wearables that come in handy when you're talking a beautiful spring stroll.

The post Take time to get more steps in with discounted Fitbits on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Two smartwatches on a periwinkle background
Amanda Reed

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Spring is drawing nearer with each passing day, and the promise of warmer weather gives you the chance to break out those new running shoes and take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. No offense to your treadmill, but there’s something especially lovely about feeling the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair. Track how many steps you take—along with distance walked—with Fitbits on sale for up to 20% off on Amazon.

Fitbit Luxe $98.95 (Was $129.95)

Fitbit

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The Fitbit Luxe (which is just one of our favorite Fitbits) has a slimmer face compared to other touchscreen fitness watches. This watch, however, has a stainless steel case for added durability. 24/7 heart rate tracking gives you more accurate numbers, and a gentle, affirming buzz lets you know when you’ve reached your target heart rate while exercising. Five days’ worth of battery on a single charge means you can spend more time using the watch’s stress management tools and less time hooking it up to a charger. And, get real-time pace and distance tracking when you connect it to your phone’s GPS. It’s perfect for someone who is looking for a smartwatch that blends fashion with function.

If you’re looking for something that looks and feels like an analog watch with health features, the Garmin vivomove Sport is on sale for $149.99, down from its original $179.99 pricing. It has a traditional watch face and real hands with a touchscreen display that shows your daily step count, smartphone notifications, and more.

And if a smartwatch isn’t your jam at all, we love plenty of timeless timepieces under $500 including this Timex Unisex Weekender Chronograph watch, which comes with a leather and nylon strap to match practically any outfit in your closet.

These deals will fly away like a bird after it drops below 30 degrees, so take advantage of them before it’s too late.

Here are some other fitness watches we want to get our hands on:

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The Apple Watch Ultra is $50 off right now at Amazon https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-watch-ultra-deal/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:40:23 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=511673
Apple Watch Ultra with a red nighttime face against a black background
The Apple Watch Ultra is $50 off right now. Stan Horaczek

This surprise deal knocks the smartwatch down to its lowest price since Black Friday.

The post The Apple Watch Ultra is $50 off right now at Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apple Watch Ultra with a red nighttime face against a black background
The Apple Watch Ultra is $50 off right now. Stan Horaczek

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Smartwatch enthusiasts should take note of this surprise deal on the Apple Watch Ultra, which brings its price down to $750 at multiple retailers. The $50 discount is just $10 shy of the Watch Ultra’s lowest price ever and the best price we’ve seen for this accomplished multisport wearable in months. Best Buy, which is honoring this deal, is also offering an open box model in excellent condition for $704, which is nearly $100 off the Ultra’s list price.

Apple

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The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s most premium smartwatch yet. The durable titanium watch body features a bigger screen (49mm), a brighter display (up to 2,000 nits), longer battery life (up to 36 hours during typical use and 60 hours in low power mode), and a physical function button that can be customized to a specific action. For instance, you can set the button press to start a workout or a timer, so you don’t have to swipe on its screen.

In addition to IP6X dust protection, the smartwatch is swim-proof to 40 meters and water-resistant down to 100 meters. A depth gauge and water temperature sensor can give you vital stats about your dive at a glance while you’re underwater. These advanced features are exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, but this model also supports Apple’s improvements to its entire smartwatch line.

The Watch Ultra’s High-g accelerometer and gyroscope enable crash detection, which sends a distress signal to the police and specified contact if it believes you’re in a car crash. The Emergency SOS feature allows the smartwatch to connect to satellites in rural regions in case something goes wrong and you can’t get voice service but need to send an alert. You can also use the watch to drop points on your hike and follow them back to civilization using a map on the Apple Watch if you get lost.

There’s also the standard assortment of health features, like heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, taking an EKG, and alerts if an Apple Watch detects an irregular heartbeat. Apple brought menstrual cycle tracking and temperature tracking to the Apple Watch this year, and that data will be encrypted and stored in Apple’s health app.

Apple doesn’t discount its hardware, and this is the best Apple Watch Ultra deal we’ve seen in months—especially if you pick up a refurbished model. If you’re been curious about the Watch Ultra or want to upgrade from an older model to the most luxe edition yet, this is a great time. If you’re not sure about which Apple Watch suits you best, check out our Apple Watch comparison.

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A watch is a timeless gift—snag one from Garmin for up to $400 off https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-valentines-day-sale/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:45:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=511079
A lineup of garmin watches on a pink heart background
Amanda Reed

Give your special someone a timely gift (in more ways than one) during Garmin's Valentine's Day fitness watch sale.

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A lineup of garmin watches on a pink heart background
Amanda Reed

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Nowadays, watches today don’t just tell time—they can track your steps, play music, and even tell you your pulse. If you’re shopping for someone who raises your heart rate, Garmin has you covered with its fitness watches on sale just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Garmin fenix 6 Pro Solar $399.99 (Was $499.99)

Garmin

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The biggest deal we saw in this sweet Garmin deal was on the fenix 6 Pro Solar Edition, which is $400 off from its OG $799.99 price.

Don’t discount it for being “last year’s model”—this watch still holds up to its adventure watch competition, thanks to its 16-day battery life and support for multiple global navigation systems like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Combined with preloaded TOPO maps, barometric altimeter, and dedicated activity profiles for different sports, you have a watch made for adventure with your favorite buddy, platonic or romantic.

If you’re looking to gift something that blends into everyday life, consider the Lily or vívomove models. The Lily—on sale for $149.99, down from $199.99—complements your look with stylish leather or silicon bands. However, this watch isn’t just a pretty face, thanks to a built-in pulse oximeter, hydration tracker, and connected sports apps. The vívomove—also on sale for $149.99—is for those who want a less pronounced face like the Lily, but are looking for something with a wider band. It also features an analog look with smart features, like sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and activity profiles.

These are Valentine’s-exclusive deals, meaning they’ll disappear once Cupid has packed his bags and goes back to the heart-shaped arrow factory to prep for next year, so act fast.

Here are other Garmin fitness watch deals that move us:

The post A watch is a timeless gift—snag one from Garmin for up to $400 off appeared first on Popular Science.

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The best coin batteries of 2023 https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-coin-batteries/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=508566
Keep your watches, remotes, and cameras ready to go with the best coin batteries.

Keep your cameras, watches, remotes, and more powered up.

The post The best coin batteries of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Keep your watches, remotes, and cameras ready to go with the best coin batteries.

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Best overall The Panasonic 2016 is the best coin battery overall. Panasonic CR2016
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Power key fobs, calculators, and other small electronics with the CR2016 battery.

Best for watches The LICB LR1130 is the best coin battery for watches. LiCB LR1130
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Keep watches, children’s toys, and more powered up with this affordable 15-pack of alkaline batteries.

Best budget The AmVolt LR44 is the best coin battery at a budget-friendly price. AmVolt LR44
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The LR44 batteries in this budget-friendly value pack are ideal for clocks, toys, watches, and more.

Coin batteries are tiny energy sources that power mobile devices, computers, remotes, toys, key fobs, calculators, electronic thermometers, flashlights, watches, and more. These batteries come in a wide range of different sizes and voltages. But while there are many different types of coin batteries, it’s important to note that even if two different batteries have the same voltage, only the type of battery specified by the device will work properly. In addition, some coin batteries also have safety features, such as a bitter-tasting coating, to discourage kids and pets from swallowing them. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best coin batteries for your devices.

How we picked the best coin batteries

Coin batteries are known by this name because of their shape and because people often had to put a coin into a slot to twist open the compartments to change the batteries. Key factors that helped to select the top products included the battery type, battery shelf life, safety features, and the overall value of the product.

While coin batteries can be used in many different electronic devices, not every device uses the same type of coin battery, and the different types are not interchangeable. With this in mind, the top products are each a different type of coin battery. In addition, we considered the value and battery shelf life together because while it may seem like a great bargain to invest in a 30-pack, you may risk not being able to use all of them before the end of their useful life.

Finally, safety features aren’t something most people consider when purchasing batteries, but some coin batteries can cause death within two hours of being swallowed, so products that attempted to prevent accidental ingestion were considered superior to similar products.

The best coin batteries: Reviews & Recommendations

Our extensive research into more than 40 different coin batteries is backed by years of firsthand experience dealing with a wide variety of different devices that required specific types of batteries to operate.

Best overall: Panasonic CR2016

Panasonic

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Why it made the cut: These CR2016 coin batteries are excellent for key fobs, alarm sensors, clocks, watches, and many other electronic devices.

Specs

  • Type: CR2016
  • Quantity: Two batteries
  • Voltage: 3 volts

Pros

  • Child-resistant packaging
  • Shelf life of up to eight years
  • Advanced sealing technology reduces the chance of chemical leaks
  • Temperature resistant from 14 to 140 degrees F

Cons

  • Only two batteries in a pack

Ensure that your wall clock and alarm clock tell the correct time by replacing dead batteries with a Panasonic CR2016 coin battery. This pack includes four lithium coin batteries that have a nominal voltage of 3 volts and can last for up to eight years. Just keep in mind that this is the batteries’ shelf life, so a battery installed in a device will likely need to be replaced within that eight-year window.

These coin batteries should be used only in devices that require CR2016 batteries to ensure that the device receives the appropriate amount of power without any ill-fitting connections that may cause internal damage to the battery compartment. The batteries come in a child-resistant package that must be opened carefully with scissors. This attempts to prevent the batteries from being swallowed by kids and pets. Additionally, the batteries are resistant to extreme cold and hot temperatures, ranging from 14 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, though exposure to these temperatures will still degrade the batteries’ life.

Best for cameras: Duracell 2032

Duracell

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Why it made the cut: Designed for various electronic devices, such as cameras and medical devices, these CR2032 batteries are one of the most frequently used coin batteries.

Specs

  • Type: CR2032
  • Quantity: Four batteries
  • Voltage: 3 volts

Pros

  • Bitter coating to deter ingestion by children and pets
  • 10-year shelf life
  • Child-resistant packaging
  • Popular battery type suitable for many devices

Cons

  • Only four batteries in a pack

One of the main benefits of using a coin battery instead of a standard cylinder battery is that coin batteries are lightweight, making them ideal for portable devices such as flashlights and watches. Used in cameras, computer motherboards, key fobs, watches, garage-door openers, toys, doorbells, medical devices, fitness trackers, and more, these CR0232 batteries are one of the most popular types of coin battery available, and this small package of four will likely be put to good use quickly.

The Duracell CR2032 3 Volt coin batteries are an excellent option for homes with kids and mischievous pets because not only do they come in a child-resistant package, but they also have a bitter-tasting coating to deter kids and their furry friends from putting them in their mouths. Each 3-volt battery can last for up to 10 years; however, it should be mentioned that some users found that they received an old, dated package with batteries that were already dead. This situation should be able to be resolved by the company with a replacement package, but always make sure to check the date of manufacture to ensure that the products are indeed new.

Best for remote controls: Energizer 2450

Energizer

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Why it made the cut: Store these lithium batteries for up to 10 years or use them immediately in various electronic devices for reliable, long-lasting power.

Specs

  • Type: CR2450
  • Quantity: Two batteries
  • Voltage: 3 volts

Pros

  • Child-resistant packaging
  • 10-year shelf life
  • Leak-resistant casing

Cons

  • Only two batteries

In contrast to the short shelf life and battery life of alkaline coin batteries, these Energizer 2450 3 Volt lithium coin batteries can last for up to 10 years before the stored energy is fully discharged, which should be more than enough time to put these two batteries to good use instead of worrying about throwing them out unused. Additionally, each battery is individually sealed and cannot be accessed without scissors. While the packaging may frustrate some adults, it was intentionally made difficult to open to protect kids and pets from accidentally swallowing the batteries.

These coin batteries have leak-resistant casings to prevent the battery wall from rupturing and leaking chemicals into the package or within a device. This product only comes with two batteries, so users with more than two devices that operate on CR2450 batteries will need to purchase more than one of these two-packs.

Best for watches: LiCB LR1130

LICB

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Why it made the cut: Keep track of the time, stand out during a presentation, and double-check calculations with these LR1130 alkaline batteries for watches, laser pointers, calculators, and more.

Specs

  • Type: LR1130
  • Quantity: 20 batteries
  • Voltage: 1.5 volts

Pros

  • Affordable 20-battery pack
  • Leak-resistant casing
  • Individually sealed compartments for each battery in the package

Cons

  • Short shelf life could lead to wasted batteries

While alkaline batteries are known to have a shorter shelf life than most lithium batteries, they are still a popular choice for powering a variety of electronic devices because they cost less than lithium batteries, and the short shelf life isn’t a concern if the batteries are going to be used immediately. This 20-pack of LiCB LR1130 coin batteries can last up to three years, giving users a decent amount of time to use them in small electronics such as watches, calculators, children’s toys, laser pointers, electronic thermometers, and more.

These alkaline coin batteries are made with a leak-resistant casing to help prevent the batteries from rupturing and damaging the devices. To help protect the batteries that are not currently being used, the package has individually sealed compartments for each battery. 

Best budget: AmVolt LR44

AmVolt

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Why it made the cut: The three-year shelf life and leak-resistant construction help preserve the batteries both when in use and when stored for later use.

Specs

  • Type: LR44
  • Quantity: 15 batteries
  • Voltage: 1.5 volts

Pros

  • Leak-resistant casing
  • 15-battery value pack
  • Compatible with a wide variety of devices

Cons

  • Packaging is not child-resistant

The AmVolt LR44 1.5 Volt coin battery is an affordable option that can be used on numerous electronic devices, including laser pointers, watches, clocks, calculators, cameras, remote controls, toys, flashlights, cholesterol-testing meters, blood glucose testers, and digital voice recorders. This impressive range of uses makes the 15-battery value pack with a three-year shelf life an ideal option for most homes. 

Additionally, these LR44 1.5V coin batteries are made with a leak-resistant casing intended to prevent the battery from rupturing. However, if these batteries are exposed to extremely high temperatures, even this resistant casing may bulge and break. Also, it should be noted that the packaging of these batteries is not child-resistant, so the package needs to be kept out of reach of kids and pets.

Things to consider before buying coin batteries

Before grabbing the first coin batteries that look like they might work, take some time to learn about the various factors that are important to think about before your purchase, such as the battery type, the battery life, and any safety features that can help prevent accidental ingestion.

Coin battery types

 It’s necessary to differentiate between the various coin batteries because even if two coin battery types have equal voltages, the different types are not interchangeable. With this in mind, it’s necessary to check each electronic device to determine the specific type of coin battery the device needs to operate.

Some of the most common types of coin batteries include CR2032, CR2016, CR450, LR44, and LR1130, but there are many more. They also typically come in alkaline or lithium options and may differ in voltage, though 1.5V and 3V are standard voltages for coin batteries.

Battery life

The life of a coin battery is difficult to determine because the rate at which the stored energy is absorbed and used depends on the amount of energy used by the particular device, the frequency with which the device is used, and the number of batteries in the device. For this reason, manufacturers do not often provide this detail; instead, they advertise the shelf life of the battery, which refers to the amount of time the battery can remain effective while not being used.

Alkaline batteries are an affordable option for low-power devices like watches, and they can last up to three years, but they have a short shelf life compared to lithium batteries, which can last up to 10 years in some cases. If you are looking for a battery value pack, remember that even when batteries are not in use, they can still lose the stored energy and become useless.

Safety features

Coin batteries certainly don’t seem as dangerous as poison or power tools. Still, if these little batteries are accidentally eaten they can cause serious harm to the body’s interior. They may even lead to death if the powerful chemicals inside the batteries leak out. Due to this inherent danger, many coin battery manufacturers have improved the battery packaging in an attempt to prevent kids and pets from opening the packages and swallowing the batteries.

Additionally, some companies have added a bitter flavoring to the exterior of each battery so that if a child or pet puts the battery in their mouth, the bitter taste will make them want to spit the battery out and avoid ingesting batteries in the future.

FAQs

Q. What is the most common coin battery?

The most frequently used type of coin battery is the CR2032 battery. It’s a non-rechargeable lithium coin battery regularly used in calculators, watches, fitness trackers, and other small electronic devices.

Q. How long do coin batteries last?

On average, coin batteries will have a shelf life of about two to three years; however, some lithium coin batteries have longer shelf lives and have been known to last up to 10 years without needing to be replaced. It should be noted that the battery life can be diminished by extremely cold or hot temperatures, so the batteries must be stored at room temperature and sheltered from wind, rain, and snow.

Q. Are all 3V coin batteries the same?

The voltage of two or more coin batteries can be equal, but they cannot be used interchangeably. For instance, the CR2016 and CR2032 are both 3-volt batteries. Still, they have different dimensions—the CR2016 is thinner than the CR2032, so a CR2032 battery would not physically fit in a battery compartment made for a CR2016 battery.

Q. Are coin batteries dangerous?

One of the problems with coin batteries is that their small size makes them easy for children and pets to swallow. Once ingested, the child or pet may experience internal harm from electrical currents, physical pressure on sensitive tissues, and leaking chemicals from the battery. To help prevent this, some manufacturers have given the batteries a bitter flavor that discourages children and pets from putting the batteries in their mouths. However, it’s advised to keep coin batteries out of reach of small kids and pets to avoid a trip to the hospital or vet clinic. 

Final thoughts on the best coin batteries

The child-resistant packaging and convenient four-pack make the Panasonic CR2016 coin batteries an excellent option for a home with kids or pets. Still, if you need LR44 batteries, the 15-pack of AmVolt LR44 coin batteries is an affordable option for watches, clocks, remotes, and even game controllers.

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Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar running watch review: The power to persevere https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-forerunner-955-solar-running-watch-review/ Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=504951
Garmin Forerunner 955 running watch morning message on a dog walk
The Forerunner 955 Solar is a motivating accountability partner when used to its full potential. Abby Ferguson

With loads of activity-specific features, Garmin’s flagship running watch can aid performance and productivity with deeper data, tailored training, and bigger battery life.

The post Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar running watch review: The power to persevere appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin Forerunner 955 running watch morning message on a dog walk
The Forerunner 955 Solar is a motivating accountability partner when used to its full potential. Abby Ferguson

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There is no shortage of general fitness and multisport smartwatches these days, but fewer catering hyper-specifically to runners, particularly the way the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar does. This wearable sits at the top of Garmin’s Forerunner line and is jam-packed with helpful training tools, no shortage of smartwatch features, and impressive battery life. Garmin, a multinational specializing in GPS-enabled technology, designed it with endurance athletes in mind, though it still provides many benefits for casual enthusiasts. Following in the footsteps—or is that stride—of the Forerunner 945 (released in 2019), the Forerunner 955 offers several incremental, not necessarily essential updates, as well as a couple of marquee additions. I’ve tested the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar for six months, giving me plenty of time to learn about the watch and whether it’s a worthy upgrade for most people.

Abby Ferguson

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The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar’s design

The changes between the Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 955 are subtle, carrying over most of the design language from the previous iteration. This may explain why the launch price of $599.99 is the same between both models. But there are a few things that stand out on the newer iteration. For starters, the transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display has been upgraded. The 955 uses a 1.3-inch display with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels, while the older 945 is 1.2 inches with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. It’s not a huge difference, but you will get a slightly larger display with the 955, which is nice for quick glances at your numbers while working out. 

The most notable change is that the 955 now features touchscreen capabilities, which the 945 did not. I appreciated the touchscreen functionality, which is one of the main reasons I have stuck with the 955 over my Forerunner 745 or the Instinct 2S Solar. I’ve found that it makes scrolling through widgets and (sub-sub-sub)menu items much easier than repeatedly pushing buttons. And I enjoy tapping the screen to enter a menu or view a notification more. If you are prone to accidentally swiping, you can turn touch off completely or choose which specific activities have touch functionality turned on (it defaults to off for all activities).

Garmin Forerunner 955 running watch widgets on screen
Nearly everything on the watch is customizable, but I like a widget with a summary of my notifications near the top of the widget list. Abby Ferguson

As with the 945, the newest Forerunner features a full-color display. You may expect that it would be more difficult to read in sunny conditions compared to traditional exercise watches’ high-contrast, monochrome display. But that is not the case. I found it as easy to see and read, even at a glance when in direct sun, as my Instinct 2S Solar. And, with the customization options, you can even choose color schemes that are easier to read for you.

Unfortunately, the case and included band are only available in white (technically named “Whitestone,” the version I’ve used) and black instead of a range of colors like other Garmin watches. I was a bit worried about the white staying white. I have been pleasantly surprised by its resilience, however, even while working on a car engine and getting quite greasy. 

The band and large watch case tend to trap water, though, so if you shower or swim in the watch, you will want to take it off to dry things off more thoroughly. I wore my Forerunner 955 for a handful of weeks nonstop and ended up with a bit of a reaction where the sensors are. It was minor and cleared up with some time sans watch, but it’s something to be aware of. 

While the Forerunner is still decidedly a fitness watch in design, it still has rather sleek looks. And considering all the tech that is packed inside, it’s impressively thin (14.4mm). The 46.5 x 46.5mm watch face still looks giant on my wrist, but that’s the trade-off when you want to take advantage of a large screen size on child-sized wrists. 

Materials

The bezel of the watch is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, which seems to be incredibly durable. I have hit this thing on hard surfaces far too many times, and the perimeter doesn’t have a scratch. One of the benefits of the all-plastic design is that it helps cut down on weight. The all-polymer, 46.5mm Forerunner 955 only weighs 1.86 ounces. For comparison, the 47mm fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar features a titanium bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer with a titanium rear cover, weighing 2.57 ounces. That may seem like a tiny amount, but for serious endurance athletes, every fraction of an ounce adds up, making the Forerunner the better choice for those individuals.

Topping the display is rugged Corning Gorilla Glass DX. I managed to scratch mine somehow, so it isn’t impenetrable, but I haven’t exactly babied it either. It would have been nice to get the more durable Power Sapphire glass that tops the fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar or the Sapphire edition of the Garmin epix (Gen 2).

Garmin Forerunner 955 running watch catching the light on its crystal
You can see two scratches on the left side of the watch face, despite the scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass DX. Abby Ferguson

Lastly, the band of the watch is made of silicone. The silicone is a bit thick and, as mentioned, tends to trap moisture, so may not be for everyone. Luckily, it is Garmin QuickFit compatible in the 22mm size so you can purchase bands made of nylon, leather, metal, or titanium instead, should you wish. 

Setting up the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar

Garmin consistently does a fantastic job of making its products easy to set up and use and remains consistent with the Forerunner 955. This is especially true if you are already a Garmin user. The watch comes with a partial charge so that you can get started right away. You’ll need to download the Garmin Connect app, but the watch walks you through all the necessary steps, making setup clear and confusion-free. It’s a fast process if you do the bare minimum for setup.

Where things get a bit more complicated is all of the personalization available on the watch. While you certainly don’t need to mess with most settings just to get started, there are seemingly endless options—with more added semi-regularly. I appreciate Garmin’s Auto Update—it saves me from having to remember to check for OS updates, which I usually forget—and I feel like I am regularly discovering new things in menus or in the post-workout display, which is always fun. 

The watch face can be fully adjusted, as can any of the visible widgets when you scroll down and the layout of each workout screen. You can even adjust things as nitty-gritty as accent and background colors. If you want to really fine-tune your watch, it could take a while. In fact, I’ve had this watch for around six months and I’m still tweaking things.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar’s features

The Forerunner 955 Solar is so packed with features that I could easily write an entire book describing everything. It seems that the capabilities of this watch are nearly endless. As such, I’ll be focusing on the items that I used most frequently and those that are the most widely helpful. 

Garmin Forerunner 955 side view on wrist
Though they are tiny and a little hard to see, the icons on the Garmin Forerunner 955 buttons can help with navigation. Abby Ferguson

Usability 

Navigating the watch is pretty straightforward, especially if you’ve used a Garmin watch. There are tiny (and hard to see) labels on the bezel and the buttons themselves to point you in the right direction for the most common things you’ll need to access. But, for specific menu items, you’ll likely need to spend some time digging around or reading the manual.

My biggest complaint about the Forerunner 955 is how you turn it off and on. My other Garmin watches have simply involved going to the Power Off menu item, and that was that. But the Forerunner 955 asks you to take the extra step of confirming that you want to turn it off. Given that you have to go into a menu within a menu to get to this, it seems unlikely that you would accidentally turn it off. The extra step is subtle but annoying. 

Additionally, startup time is much slower. Sure, more tech is involved in the Forerunner 955, but it takes just over 20 seconds to turn on fully. It’s nit-picky, sure, but if I’m powering up to get going on a run, it’s a bit annoying to wait for that, especially when that hasn’t been the case on other watches I’ve used.

Data collection and insights

Being at the top of Garmin’s running watch line, the Forerunner 955 comes with just about every possible sensor packed inside. It features the Garmin Elevate Gen4 optical heart rate sensor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, and pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor. Those sensors are, of course, used when recording an activity, but many are constantly recording data. For example, you can always check your heart rate and steps. And you can take a pulse ox reading on-demand or while sleeping.

All of those sensor readings are used to provide insights such as Training Status, Training Readiness, stress level, sleep data, and Body Battery. It also provides hyper-specific stats such as run cadence, stride length, vertical ratio, ground contact time, and more. The information is there to help guide your training to maximize your fitness and potentially even assess form issues.

Garmin Forerunner 955 suggesting you take a breath
When the watch detects abnormally high stress levels, it suggests a guided breathing exercise to calm down.  Abby Ferguson

The data collected also helps manage general health with features such as Abnormal Heart Rate alerts. For example, if your heart rate is abnormally high, the watch will suggest breathing exercises to reduce stress and help you calm down. I’ve found this to be a helpful tool in high-stress situations, as it reminds me to reset and mentally take a step back from the thing causing the stress.

GPS

For location tracking and mapping, the Forerunner 955 provides access to three Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)—GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. There are four settings to choose from—GPS only, All Systems, All Systems + Multi-Band, and Ultratrac—which differ in accuracy and impact on battery life. Ultratrac is the mode for multiday excursions as it provides the best battery life but the worst accuracy. The watch defaults to All + Multi-Band GPS for the most accurate results.

The watch also comes equipped with Garmin’s SatIQ, which determines the optimal GPS mode based on your environment. And new to the 955 is the dual-frequency GPS. This combines the All Systems option but then also connects to two satellites at once for exceptional accuracy, even when in canyons or a city. It does use much more battery, however. 

I only used the watch in pretty wide open spaces but found it to be very accurate with no issues. I compared it to data from a simultaneously worn Instinct 2S Solar (a watch I’ve written extensively about), and they were the same as far as my naked eye could tell. 

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar and Instinct 2S Solar side by side on a wrist
The Forerunner 955 Solar (left) provides a much more vibrant, easier-to-see-at-a-glance display compared to the Instinct 2S Solar. And it can pack more metrics in one place thanks to the larger screen size. Abby Ferguson

Smartwatch features

Beyond that obvious fitness tracking, the Forerunner 955 is also a robust productivity partner. It can connect to your phone, allowing you to receive messages and notifications. You can even select pre-formatted quick replies to text messages to respond right from your watch. 

The watch lacks a cellular connection and a microphone, however, so you cannot take calls like on an Apple Watch 8, etc. But you can at least see who is calling to determine if you want to bother getting your phone out. And you can reject and respond to calls with pre-formatted messages as well. 

Beyond the basics, you’ll also get access to Garmin Pay, which allows you to save cards to your account and pay with your watch. This is great, in theory, but my bank (USAA) isn’t participating in Garmin Pay, so I have been unable to use the watch for payment. Additionally, you can connect music providers, such as Spotify, to save music or podcasts directly to your device when you don’t want to have your phone on you. Again, this is great in theory, but I ran into nothing but issues when trying to set up music and never was able to get more than a handful of songs to sync. So I haven’t really been able to test that feature successfully.

Safety features

As someone who mostly runs alone, the safety features of the Forerunner 955 are extremely appreciated. And, in line with the rest of the watch, there’s no shortage of them, either. It’s important to note right off the bat that you will need to have your connected phone with service on you to take advantage of these features. And all of these features need to be set up within the app in order to be used. 

The most basic feature enables the basic safety tenet of outdoor recreation: Make sure people know where you are and when you expect to be done. When you begin an activity with GPS (weightlifting, for example, is not included), the watch connects to LiveTrack. This emails a real-time view of your location to your preselected contacts. Or you can share a link (accessed via the app on your phone) with anyone you’d like so they can follow along and ensure you are progressing as anticipated.

Additionally, there are some bigger safety features for even more peace of mind. One enables you to quickly call for assistance directly from the watch with the press of a few buttons. By entering the menu accessed with the top left button, you can navigate to “Assistance.” Once there, there are three options: “It’s an emergency. Please get help,” “Not an emergency, but please pick me up,” and “I need help. Follow my location to find me.” 

Garmin Forerunner 955 running watch safety alerts screenshot
These messages were sent to my husband when I tested the Assistance feature. [The blurred-out sections are my GPS coordinates.] Abby Ferguson

I tested the “Not an emergency” option with my husband to see what would happen, and Garmin sent him a message with the pre-formatted text along with my coordinates. It sent him multiple messages until I selected that I no longer needed assistance, which triggered a follow-up message to him to let him know I was okay. While you do need your phone to take advantage of this feature, it makes it much faster and easier to get help than getting out your phone and texting or calling someone. 

The last safety feature you’ll have access to is incident detection. If your Forerunner 955 detects an incident, it will display a notification on the watch. If that isn’t dismissed promptly, it automatically sends a message with your name and location to your emergency contacts. Unfortunately, Garmin doesn’t provide any information on what this exactly means or how it detects an incident, but in theory, this is an excellent feature to have. It’s worth noting that, unlike the Apple Watch Ultra, the Forerunner 955 cannot notify emergency services for you since it doesn’t include a cellular connection like the Apple Watch. 

Garmin app

When you set up the watch, you must pair it to the Garmin Connect app. The app allows you to see your data in more detail. Of course, you can access most of your insights on the watch itself, but it is a bit easier to digest and sift through via the app, especially if you really want to dive into the data.

Where the app really comes in especially handy is with customization. Just about every setting can also be changed within the app once you select “Forerunner 955” from the Connected Devices list. Changing settings and customizing things via the app is a bit easier to do than on the watch. That’s especially true of the message and workout data screen settings. And some things, such as Garmin Pay, can only be set up in the app.

Battery life

The battery life of this watch is certainly one area where the Forerunner 955 shines. As with anything, the extent of the battery life depends on how you are using the watch but, no matter what, it is impressive. Of course, it’s worth pointing out that any solar battery life estimates mentioned by Garmin are based on “all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions.” For someone like me, who works inside and is lucky to get outside for an hour or two, that means I’m not really getting any advantage from solar charging on an average day.

Garmin Forerunner 955 solar intensity screen
You can easily see how much solar intensity your watch is getting. Most of my day was spent inside and, thus, not getting the sun required for solar battery charging.  Abby Ferguson

Garmin promises 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or 20 days with solar. During those times that I wasn’t able to exercise much and was using the watch as, well, a watch, I was absolutely getting the promised battery life. As mentioned, I’m not meeting the full required conditions for solar charging, but I did get some boosts that resulted in a few extra days. 

With the watch set to All Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band and without music, Garmin says you’ll get up to 20 hours, or 22 hours with solar. Since I didn’t complete any lengthy (more than a few hours) events while testing this watch, I didn’t fully push this to the limits. But, even with using the most accurate GPS setting, I was able to get a 30-minute to an hour-or-so-long workout in daily and still have my watch battery last a full week.

The thing that drained the battery most was fiddling with the settings and downloading music to the watch. I went from 80% battery to just 1% while trying to get a single small playlist to sync fully over the course of a few hours. So, if you aren’t in a situation where you can charge your watch, it’s best to save the settings adjustments and music syncing for another time. 

While the long battery life is certainly appreciated, the thing I most love about my Forerunner 955 is how quickly it charges. I’m guilty of forgetting to charge it up when needed on a far too regular basis. But I can plug it in as I get ready for a run and have it at 50% battery (depending on how low it was to begin with) in just 10 minutes or so. It’s crazy speedy.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar’s activity & fitness tracking experience

As expected, since this is a running watch, the activity tracking options are robust. The 955 comes preloaded with the basic types of workouts—such as running, swimming, and cycling—but you can quickly add just about anything you can think of, including Ultra Run, eMTB, Backcountry Ski, and more. You can even create custom workouts or import workouts from third parties like TrainingPeaks.

Garmin Forerunner 955 running watch recording strength training
Though it’s a running watch, the Forerunner 955 can track just about any type of activity. It even automatically detects sets and reps during strength training workouts. Abby Ferguson

Recording workouts is incredibly easy. It’s done by simply pressing the top right button, selecting the type of workout, and then pushing start. Where things can get complicated, as mentioned, is all the customization you can do. You can choose to adjust what fields are displayed on the watch during your workout, customize notifications and audio cues, along with many different options specific to different types of workouts.

Training status and readiness

As you complete activities and wear your watch throughout the day (and night), Garmin collects data to offer insights into your training. The Training Status feature shows whether you are actively getting fitter (productive), holding steady, or even detraining (the worst). It can even tell you what types of activities you should add more of to maximize your training. For example, mine frequently tells me that I have a low aerobic shortage and need to work in easier runs.

Training Readiness is another helpful tool. As the name implies, it helps you assess how ready you are for your training. It may suggest that you back off and give yourself more time to recover or that you are prepared to dive right into a serious workout. It simply helps to keep you from overtraining and gives you a more clear picture of your training load. 

Both are very nice, but you can’t take full advantage of them if you aren’t wearing your watch 24/7. For example, to collect heart rate variability (HRV) data, you’ll need to wear the watch while you sleep. I’m not a fan of sleeping in a watch, so I don’t get highly accurate data for some of these fields as a result.

Garmin Forerunner 955 suggested workout screen
Your first activity of the day will show a suggested workout based on data the watch has collected recently. Abby Ferguson

Suggested workouts

One feature I love about Garmin watches is the “Suggested Workouts” for running or cycling. These can be accessed in the Morning Report or when you start a workout. When providing these suggestions, Garmin factors in the above items, plus your Training Load & Load Focus, VO2 Max, and more. The result is that they are customized to you. It then suggests a workout to improve your fitness based on all that data. It’s great for days when you don’t want to think about what you should do or if you want something different but don’t want to pay for a coach.

Of course, these features should be taken with a grain of salt. Garmin doesn’t know if you are getting over an illness, dealing with stress at work, or managing an injury. It can infer some things based on the data it collects, but it won’t be perfect. There have been many times that my watch suggested a sprint, VO2 Max, or long run when my body could not handle that at the time. Your best bet is to use it all as a guide, listen to your body, and, if you really want results, hire a coach.

So, who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar?

As the watch’s name suggests, the Forerunner is truly a running watch. Sure, it offers all the basic—and not-so-basic—watch functions to make it suitable for anyone wanting a smartwatch. But if you aren’t an exercise enthusiast, you’ll be paying for many features and tech that you won’t actually be using.

And the extensive list of training features makes the watch more suitable for avid, focused runners looking to improve performance. It’s especially useful for runners competing in races. That said, as someone who is currently more of a casual runner than anything else, I found it rather motivational and aspirational. I’m not currently training for any races or even pushing the limits hard (thanks to some nagging injuries), so while I don’t necessarily care about things like the Race Prediction widget, it is fun to see those numbers changing when I’m consistent with my working out. At the same time, the Forerunner 255 can provide many of the same training and health features for an average of $258 less.

And, in terms of the Solar capabilities, which come at a $100 surcharge, they don’t seem to provide a substantial enough boost over the basic battery version for most. But if you’re one of the runners who can benefit from the lengthy list of features packed into this watch, particularly the touchscreen, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar will be a fantastic training partner.

The post Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar running watch review: The power to persevere appeared first on Popular Science.

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Gear to help us (and you) keep those New Year’s resolutions https://www.popsci.com/gear/new-years-resolutions-ideas/ Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=502404
New Year's Resolution Gear
Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

These are the gadgets we're picking up to help keep us accountable in 2023.

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New Year's Resolution Gear
Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

We’ve made it to 2023, which means the PopSci commerce and gear team has decided what our resolutions will be and what we’ll need to achieve them. It’s okay to be a New Year’s resolution skeptic—there are plenty of potential pitfalls in trying to make literal life-changing decisions overnight—but we’re taking a different approach. Our goals can be accomplished little by little over the course of the year, the gear we’re using won’t take up too much space, and we’re not afraid of facing some setbacks every little while. After all, it’s only self-care if it doesn’t cost you mental health. If you’re scrambling to figure out how to make your New Year’s resolutions happen, we hope our gear suggestions can provide a little clarity (and encouragement).

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

Jen McCaffery

SEE IT

An estimated 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in the United States is wasted, according to the USDA. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of food waste you send to the landfill in 2023, Vitamix’s FoodCycler FC-50 can help. Just toss your vegetable peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, and even chicken bones into the 2-liter container and press the on button. About four hours later, your scraps are turned into nutrient-rich soil you can use for your houseplants or in your garden. — Jen McCaffery, Director of Commerce

Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon

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Too many times in 2022, I found myself laying in bed at 2 a.m., basking in the hypnotizing glow of TikTok. The lure of people arguing with belligerent neighbors or endless strings of air fryer chicken thigh recipes is just too strong. This year, I’m determined to replace those hours spent mindlessly swiping with reading, and I’m counting on Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite to help me pull it off. The 6.8-inch touchscreen offers soft, warm light that won’t mess with my sleep after a marathon session spent reading Brandon Sanderson. Plus, the latest version charges via USB-C, so it’ll help my other resolution of getting rid of all the MicroUSB cables hanging around my house. — Stanley Horaczek, Executive Editor

Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee machine

Mr. Coffee

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The iced coffee I like at a well-known chain has recently risen to nearly $6. Not even a raging caffeine addiction can justify that cost. This super-simple machine doesn’t rely on wasteful coffee pods and comes with an insulated cup, even though it works with pretty much any other cold up. It simply brews hot coffee over iced cubes, which is sure to make your coffee snob pals bristle, but it’s still better (and even cheaper) than the gas station swill I’ve been known to drink in the past. Plus, all that saved money leaves room in the coffee budget for fancy syrups to spruce up the wallet-friendly brew. — Stanley Horaczek, Executive Editor

Kindle Scribe

Amazon

SEE IT

I’m trying to (finally) complete The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron’s crash course in kickstarting your creativity after about two years of stopping halfway. Part of the journey includes journaling three pages every morning—simply called “morning pages.” If you do the math, that’s a lot of pages and trees. I’m hoping the Kindle Scribe—with its paperwhite display and pen that won’t leave ink marks on my hands first thing in the morning—will help protect the environment and be the fancy, shiny, neat thing that gives me enough dopamine to organize my morning pages and complete the separate chapter prompts in one convenient, digital place. Spiritual and creative clarity, here I come. — Amanda Reed, Commerce Updates Writer

Garmin Forerunner 955

Garmin

SEE IT

Setting a fitness goal is one thing, but having a way to track your progress and keep you motivated is another beast entirely. Garmin’s Forerunner 955 is sleek and attractive, so you won’t mind wearing it all day, but it has a nearly endless list of features and tricks. Though it’s geared toward runners, it can track a long list of activities. It also connects to your phone for full smartwatch capabilities and provides workout suggestions when you are stumped on how to move on a given day. Plus, it makes it easy to see how your training is going and how you are progressing toward your goals, giving you specific insight on how you can improve when needed. — Abigail Ferguson, Associate Editor PopPhoto

Nest Hub Max Smart Display

Nest

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Eating out (and ordering in) has always been pricier than cooking at home, but that is more true than ever right now. It’s hard fighting the temptation just to tap a few buttons and have food magically show up ready to eat at your door but, for me, having an easy way to follow recipes helps. I’m a recent Nest Hub enthusiast but have loved the larger screen that always stays on as I work through the steps of a recipe. And it makes it easy to store recipes I like in one place. But the biggest bonus is the ability to play music on something other than my phone, so I can jam out while I cook. It does wonders for making me not mind being in the kitchen even after a long day of work. — Abigail Ferguson, Associate Editor PopPhoto

Ring Fit Adventure

Nintendo

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I will be making a concerted effort to be more active after years of COVID-inflicted lethargy, but my tool of choice may seem a little strange: a video game. Ring Fit Adventure is a game for the Nintendo Switch that comes with a Pilates ring and leg strap with slots for the system’s Joy-Con controllers. Accelerometers and gyroscopes in the Joy-Con can track your movement, which correlates to actions happening in the game. Instead of passively choosing an attack, you defeat enemies by doing squats, curls, and other exercises. As an avid gamer, I hope Ring Fit Adventure can slot into my lifestyle more easily than a set of barbells. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit

iFixit

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Repairing technology can feel daunting, especially when many companies make documentation and spare parts difficult (if not impossible) to get, but that will not deter me next year. I have a great deal of respect for iFixit, a site that offers step-by-step instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble gadgets along with links to parts when possible. The site offers a tool kit with bits, spudgers, tweezers, and everything else you’ll need to get into your gear safely and easily. This kit is notable for featuring pentalobe screws, which are proprietary and designed by Apple. If you plan on joining the DIY movement next year, this kit deserves a spot in your workspace. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins

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I’m ashamed to say I have a huge music backlog, but I plan to listen to one new (to me) album from front to back every day in 2023. I reserve the right to listen to one disc of a two-CD (or LP) record because I make the rules. While I love speakers, my tool of choice this time will be Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2s, which are infinitely more portable. These Bluetooth headphones are the closest I’ve come to taking my at-home audio system—which consists of wired headphones, a tube amp, and a DAC—with me everywhere I go. Music sounds superb, the headphones are very comfortable, and their active noise cancellation is always top-notch. This is the resolution I’m most excited about, if for no other reason than spending dozens of hours with the Px7 S2s on my head. Maybe, if I’m feeling extra committed, I’ll even upgrade to the B&W Px8, the brand’s flagship wireless headphones that further refine the physical build and sonic profile. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

Brava Oven Starter Set

Brava

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Cooking at home more often is my final resolution of 2023, and the Brava Oven is the key to making it happen. The 10-in-1 oven supports multi-zone heating and makes a whole dinner faster than a conventional oven or stovetop. The oven can be operated using an app or its built-in touch screen, and Brava is continually updating its recipe library with new dishes to fit any dietary restrictions. Yes, it’s luxe, but cutting out one takeout order per week using the Brava will allow the machine to pay for itself. — Brandt Ranj, Commerce Reporter

OTOTO Gracula Garlic Crusher

OTOTO

SEE IT

I love garlic and plan on cooking more. This Gracula garlic crusher takes knife work out of the equation when presentation isn’t important and helps you get close to a minced consistency in a fraction of the time. On top of saving prep time, a way to work more fresh garlic into meals has the benefits of being a natural antibacterial/detoxifier, aiding blood circulation/lowered blood pressure, while also repelling vampires. Plus, it just tastes good. — Billy Cadden, Director of Commerce

AQUAFIT One Gallon Water Bottle

AQUAFIT

SEE IT

I wish this fit into my Aarke seltzer maker, but I guess good old-fashioned flat water will do. While attempting to cook more garlic-rich meals and use my Tempo daily, I decided to snag a gallon water bottle to keep me hydrated. Or at least try to convince me to stay hydrated. I bet you $10 it sits on my bedside table with the same water for weeks. — Billy Cadden, Director of Commerce

Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Hoodie and Pearl iZUMi Prospect Barrier Jacket

Arc’Teryx/Pearl iZUMi

SEE IT

In 2023, I want to get outdoors more. Hiking. Biking. Though I love reporting on tech, I need to get away from it more, even if for only a few hours. Just because I’m coming out of my virtual (and real) shell doesn’t mean I won’t need a protective layer or two, however. The Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Hoodie is a multisport midlayer that’s far from middle of the road. A worthwhile investment, it’s light, soft, stretchy, and, most importantly, surprisingly warm when traveling on the trail. Did I say I’m coming out of my shell? That doesn’t mean I won’t need some wind and water resistance if I’m in the saddle in the city, so I’m also hanging the Pearl iZUMi Prospect Barrier Jacket in my closet when I need something to cut a brisk breeze and absorb a bit of light rain and road spray. — Tony Ware, Associate Managing Editor, Commerce

Vasque Men’s Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boots

Tony Ware

SEE IT

If I’m going to maintain my getting-outdoors-more resolution throughout 2023, I need accessories that can also go the distance. And one of the most important is trusty mid-range footwear. Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to … boot … the Vasque Breeze immediately impressed me by requiring zero break-in, then continued to impress me with its stability and traction. While I haven’t submerged my feet to test the proprietary VasqueDry waterproofing fully, I’ve had no complaints following some light but sustained drizzles. And, with each component of the boot’s construction being made from 25%, 60%, and sometimes 100% recycled materials, I can feel better for the Earth as I explore it. — Tony Ware, Associate Managing Editor, Commerce

The post Gear to help us (and you) keep those New Year’s resolutions appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE review: A fitness watch that won’t leave you stranded https://www.popsci.com/reviews/garmin-forerunner-945-lte-review/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=378989
Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE on a table
The screen has plenty of room for information. Brian Stillman

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE doesn’t require a phone to keep you on track, or to help if things go sideways.

The post Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE review: A fitness watch that won’t leave you stranded appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE on a table
The screen has plenty of room for information. Brian Stillman

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Smartphones are annoying to tote along on a run, but they can come in very handy. A friend of mine once had a medical emergency while jogging and was able to call 911. My wife sometimes receives uncomfortable attention from strangers while training for races, so she likes the reassurance that comes from being able to call me or a friend if she ever feels unsafe. But both have told me that, all things being equal, they don’t enjoy strapping a phone to an arm or finding a way to secure one in small pockets. That’s where the new Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE sports watch comes in. As its name suggests, the company built LTE technology into one of its popular fitness tracker watches, the Forerunner 945 first released in 2019, so that it now provides powerful safety alerts in addition to advanced athletics tracking in a sophisticated wearable. 

However, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE can’t break fully from a connected device. You’ll still need your smartphone if you want to stream music from Spotify, get and respond to text messages, make calls, or receive Twitter updates or photos, etc. Replacing your phone isn’t Garmin’s goal. Instead, the company has packed an already feature-rich running watch with a number of reassuring wireless tools. So read on to find out if the latest iteration of the Forerunner 945—and the added cost of its LTE—are right for you. 

Brian Stillman

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The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE’s design

This Forerunner is a surprisingly classy athletic watch. It’s not as chunky as the company’s Instinct Solar [check out our hands-on review]. And, while nowhere near as sleek as the Venu 2 [see our thoughts on that model], the understated design looked good when I met some coworkers for dinner. At 44.4 mm in diameter, 13.9 mm thick, and only 49 grams, it’s comfortable, too. Like many of Garmin’s sports watches, the Forerunner dons a familiar array of five control buttons, which I had no problem finding by touch while working out. 

The watch’s lens is made from strong Corning Gorilla Glass DX (similar to the material used on various smartphones) and it’s set into a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel. This watch can take some abuse. The included silicone watchband feels fine, but it traps sweat and I’d prefer something that breathes more. Thankfully, Garmin and third-party providers offer dozens of replacement bands. Finding the right look and feel requires only a quick Internet search. 

The bright, color display provides ample information at a glance, and it’s easy to read in full sunlight. Backlighting helps when it gets darker. Garmin preloaded the Forerunner 945 LTE with a number of watch face options. You can download more from the GarminConnect store or third parties. From there, it’s easy to tweak what information is displayed and how it’s laid out. You can also adjust the colors. Personally, I prefer a simple watch face with the time and date. I included message alerts for a while, but I get so many during the day that I can’t keep up, and seeing an icon with the number 75 next to it was just embarrassing. Three clicks of a button and, unlike all those unanswered message alerts, it was gone.

Setting up the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE

Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE on a wrist
It’s a chunky bit of gear, but it’s packed full of features. Brian Stillman

My watch arrived 92-percent charged out of the box. I still topped it off by plugging it into a USB power source (you’ll need to supply your own adapter). In typical Garmin fashion, it charges via a proprietary multipin cable. Some companies, like Apple, have opted for wireless magnetic charging, but using a cable is definitely faster. 

Garmin reports that the battery lasts up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to seven hours in GPS mode with music and LTE LiveTrack activated. In my tests, I was able to go a little more than 13 days before the watch died on me. However, in GPS mode, it did last the reported seven hours, though not much more. 

Once charged, the watch guided me through its setup using helpful prompts that started by linking to my phone through Bluetooth to take advantage of the downloadable Garmin Connect app (available for both iOS and Android). From there, I established my baseline for health tracking, including weight, height, and sleep patterns, as well as other biometrics. I was also able to link the watch’s Spotify app to my account in order to stream music through my device or play music I downloaded to the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE itself. The app then provided a quick-start guide to the watch’s top-level navigation and functions. You can also activate some of the community features, like challenges.

This is also where you set up your LTE plan. I was thrilled to discover I didn’t need to contact my cellphone service provider to activate a second line. In fact, you don’t need to sign up for a plan with any of the phone providers. The watch uses Garmin’s own cellular service. You’ll have to pay $5.99 per month with an annual subscription ($6.99 a month without). You’ll have to decide for yourself whether that fits your budget, but I found the price more than reasonable for what this watch provides. 

LTE connectivity

I was excited by the prospect of the Forerunner’s new LTE connectivity. I dreamed of owning Dick Tracy’s communicator watch when I was a kid, so the lure of having a wearable that wasn’t tethered to my iPhone was impossible to ignore. But that’s not exactly what Garmin had in mind when they designed this sports watch. 

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE, which costs $50 more than the base model, uses its over-the-air functionality to add helpful tracking features for both performance metrics and well-being, such as real-time progress sharing, crash detection, and emergency response team assistance request.

The Assistance tool is the one you hope you never have to use. It sends a message to your emergency contacts if you’re feeling unsafe or you’re lost, and it includes location data so they can find you. Assistance Plus takes this a step further by sending your name and location to the Garmin IERCC, which is a professional emergency response coordination center that then contacts emergency services to get you out of trouble. This is the same technology Garmin uses on its navigation tools to help rescue people at sea, when mountain climbing, and in other extreme situations. For extreme runners, backcountry skiers, wilderness hikers, people who like to swim in the open ocean, this safety tool is a no-brainer.

Taking it for a test run

Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE fitness mode
Big, clear graphics make it easy to see during a workout. Brian Stillman

I tested out LiveTrack, a tool that lets friends and family follow your location in real-time, on a jog through my new neighborhood. My friend, back in his apartment, followed my route without any trouble through an invite-only web portal. Of course, it also showed him how long I chilled out in the park halfway through my run. The tool was accurate enough that he could even figure out which bench I sat on. Busted!  

Spectator Messaging is a fun tool that lets friends, family, coaches, or teammates add some extra motivation during a race by delivering audio and text messages.

Finally, Live Event Sharing automatically sends race updates to your friends so they can stay up-to-date on your pace, location, and time. No need to press a button or do anything else that might break your concentration or interrupt your stride.

The rest of the specs

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE puts a lot of information on your wrist, but the lack of touchscreen technology means navigating what to me often felt like a maze of submenus. Expect a learning curve.

That said, hot-buttons take you to convenient widgets that provide snapshots of such biometric data as heart rate, step count, run details, and pulse ox. Some widgets report the weather, provide calendar alerts, notifications, and similar information. This is just surface-level information; dive deeper via the watch or the Garmin Connect app.

Thankfully, dedicated buttons access the music player and stopwatch, two features that I hate hunting for in the middle of a workout.

While navigating the watch is sometimes trickier than I’d like, Garmin does an excellent job of conveying information clearly and concisely through the smart use of icons, colors, and easy-to-read text. I only needed to glance at my wrist to read my lap time and heart rate.

Keep track of your movement and activities

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE tracks all sorts of preloaded activities—like biking, paddling, hiking, walking, snowboarding, and rafting. You can easily add new ones. With its focus on running, it’s no surprise this GPS fitness watch provides different running options, including outdoor, indoor track, and trail. You can also get real-time feedback on your form, including cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, and more by pairing it with a running dynamics accessory. 

The watch suggests times for heat and altitude acclimation, lactate threshold, predicted race times, and training load and focus. It even provides daily suggested workouts. It tracks sleep data and then combines it with other information to help compute body battery, a measurement of energy levels. This, in turn, cycles back into the data set that helps the watch set up workout plans. 

Garmin has a long history of making excellent navigation tools, and the Forerunner 945 LTE includes full-color mapping of streets and trails, plus you can create your own courses in the Garmin Connect app. ClimbPro ascent planner displays real-time information including gradient, distance, and elevation gain. The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE also includes turn-by-turn navigation and round-trip routing. 

Pay as you play

I like to keep my wallet secured in my locker when working out at the gym. The Garmin Pay feature lets me use my watch to pay for things like juice or a light snack in the same way that I might use my phone and Apple Pay. Just add a credit or debit card to the Garmin Pay wallet and you’re all set. It’s also handy for anyone who worries about losing their credit cards when running, or who spends a lot of time in the water. No one likes a wad of soggy cash.

So, who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE?

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE is an upgrade to the original Forerunner 945, but it’s not an upgrade everyone needs. It provides peace of mind and fun features for fitness trackers, especially racers, but if you spend most of your workout time in the gym or running on a local track or in a safe neighborhood, you could save some money by considering running watches like the original Forerunner 945 or the Instinct line. They cost less but have nearly the same tracking, measurement, and training capabilities. 

Related: Apple Watch comparison

The post Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE review: A fitness watch that won’t leave you stranded appeared first on Popular Science.

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Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch review: A kids’ device that brings its game face https://www.popsci.com/reviews/tobi-2-kids-smartwatch/ Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=392640
Tobi 2 Robot smartwatch smiling watch face
Tobi the Robot is engaging and energetic, inspiring your kids to move. Andrew Waite

The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch’s portable personality motivates movement and promotes learning for children.

The post Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch review: A kids’ device that brings its game face appeared first on Popular Science.

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Tobi 2 Robot smartwatch smiling watch face
Tobi the Robot is engaging and energetic, inspiring your kids to move. Andrew Waite

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

When it comes to my kids and technology, I often feel at a loss. Technology can engage and stimulate kids in ways our parents never imagined (and probably wish they could have plunked in front of us). And yet, watching my daughter zoned out in front of a “CoComelon” cartoon makes me want to swear off screens entirely. So when I tested out the Little Tikes Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch, I didn’t entirely know how I would feel.

On the one hand, it is yet another screen-based device reaching for—and often clutching tightly—my preschool-age daughter’s attention. On the other hand, many of the smartwatch’s apps and activities are designed to either test her mind, get her on her feet—or both. The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch, complete with its lively robot who laughs and cries and demands to be played with—literally chiming in with activity and game ideas—accomplishes all of this. And while I did find the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch, like many of the best kids’ smartwatches, to be more in line with kids’ toys than school supplies, I couldn’t completely overlook some notable benefits.

Andrew Waite

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What is the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch?

The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch truly lives up to both parts of its name. It’s a kids’ smartwatch that can track steps, encourage you to run around, take photos, and send messages. It also has most of the usual functions you’d have on a smartwatch, including a timer, alarm, calculator, and calendar. But its personality—and, oh boy, does it have personality—comes from the Tobi robot face. The Tobi robot can cycle through more than 100 expressions, and frequently speaks gibberish, demanding to be cared for and played with through gestures like shivering and clickable thought bubbles that lead to a menu of activities. It reminded me of the digital pets that were popular when I was a kid (Tamagotchi anyone?). 

A follow-up to last year’s Tobi Smartwatch, the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch offers many of the same games and activities as the original, while adding to the connectivity between Tobi Robot smartwatches. In addition to sharing voice messages and emoji, the Tobi 2 lets kids send and receive images and videos, and play games head-to-head when two Tobi 2 watches communicate via an ad-hoc Wi-Fi connection. (Plus, kids can use the Tobi 2 as a remote with the separately available Tobi 2 Interactive Karaoke Machine or Tobi 2 Director’s Camera, if you decide to invest more in the Little Tikes ecosystem.)

The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch’s design 

Like a lot of kid-friendly tech, the Tobi Robot 2 is purposefully oversized. At about 1.5 inches by 1.75 inches, the LED touchscreen face itself isn’t actually much bigger than a regular smartwatch’s face, but the housing around it extends to accommodate metal flippers that the Tobi robot shows off when seeking attention (it reminded me of a pinball machine). My 3.5-year-old daughter, still a bit too young to use the watch completely on her own, loved it whenever those fins popped out. The silicone band, which is available in bright colors like red and purple, is 1 inch wide and dotted with 10 rows of holes that allow for tighter and looser fits. It expanded to fit my wrist and tightened enough for my 3.5-year-old daughter’s wrist. The back of the face is transparent, letting kids see into the smartwatch’s inner workings.  

There are two onboard cameras, both capable of shooting 640- by 480-pixels photos or 320- by 240-pixels video. The first camera, on the face, is motion-activated and primarily for selfies. The second, along the top edge, is an outward-facing P.O.V. camera better for taking footage of the rest of the world.

A physical button below the face lets kids toggle between screens—from Tobi’s face to a clock to a menu of available functions. Below that home button is the micro-USB charging port. Also included is a color-coordinated case that features a clip built into the back that lets the watch attach to a belt or stand on a bedside table.

Setting up the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch       

The Tobi 2 has an intuitive setup process that puts parents in control. Hold the menu button for five seconds to wake Tobi up. Select your language, and then set the date and time using scrollable menus on the touchscreen. Then name your device by cycling through the alphabet, numbers, and set of symbols to change each unit. Parents can set a passcode, choose whether they want to turn on Wi-Fi to let it talk to other Tobi 2 watches, and limit their kid’s screentime. I opted for an hour. When my daughter hit the limit, the watch locked its games and stopped showing Tobi’s face unless the passcode was entered.

Once set up, it was playtime. If you’re on the clock screen, you can swipe to select from more than 50 watch faces—a kind of game in its own right. My daughter, of course, went with a rainbow face, but the options range from simple analog clocks to a desertscape to themes with dogs and cats.  Meanwhile, on the application menu, four options are displayed at once, and you can swipe between four screens. This lets you do everything from take photos to test your memory to track your steps.

On the Tobi screen, you can interact with the gibberish-speaking robot. Tobi will show icons with activity ideas, and if you’re on that screen the robot won’t stop bugging you unless you’re still for 25 seconds. For many kids, that means Tobi simply won’t stop until the kid—or, let’s face it, the parent—decides it’s time to turn the watch off completely.  

Features of the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch 

Here are some of the characteristics of a watch brimming with character…

Meet Tobi

Tobi the Robot is literally the face of the watch. The digital friend is certainly fun and spunky, but I’d be lying if I said that little robot never got under my skin. When the watch is set to the Tobi face, the robot makes more than 100 expressions—from a sly smile and plucky grin to a wistful wink and a pensive pursing of the lips. Tobi behaves like a digital pet. Icons pop up with Tobi’s needs—Tobi can be hot, cold, hungry, in need of teeth brushing. Much like my daughter, come to think of it. And if you don’t oblige Tobi’s needs, you’ll be informed. For instance, before realizing that Tobi was cold and wanted a hot water bottle or a scarf, I offered to play soccer. That produced an “uh-uh” and a head shake. Tobi also suggests dance parties and displays the step tracker, encouraging the wearer to walk or run. The gamified approach to fitness is definitely effective. But as with any helpful yet slightly irksome friend, it’s best to hang out only in small doses.  

Mind games and mindless fun 

The Tobi 2 comes with four educational “brain games” and four “arcade games.” The brain games include “Smash Math,” in which players touch the correct solution to the equation, and “Match Match,” which tests memory. Arcade games include “A-Maze-Ing Balance,” in which players guide colored balls into holes, and “Drivin’ Time,” in which players collect tokens and try to avoid crashes. The games can be controlled using the touchscreen as well as motion controls via a built-in gyroscope. The games are fun and run smoothly…most of the time. 

Movement motivation 

Like any good fitness tracker, the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch is designed to get you moving.  It features a built-in pedometer that logs your steps and rewards progress with unlockable “Tobi World” room decorations, letting you decorate different rooms that Tobi will come to check out. (Playing games and interacting with Tobi also earns you decorations.) All in all, unlocking the decorations is fun and motivating, but the games themselves are fun enough on their own to get you off the couch. For instance, “Freeze Dance” gives you points when you groove to the beat and successfully hold still when the music stops, and Robot-o-Box lets you earn coins as you raise your arm to spar with a robot. Contrast that to a smartwatch that simply buzzes when you reach a set step total, and it really doesn’t compare. 

Also important for your health, the watch can encourage you to take a deep breath. While it won’t monitor your oxygen levels like Dad’s Amazfit Bip U Pro, it promotes slow and steady breathing by having wearers mimic Tobi. 

Well, shoot

Like many of the best smartwatches for kids options, the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch can shoot videos and photos. The watch can store up to 3,000 photos and up to 30 minutes of video. It all looks grainy compared to what you’d shoot on a phone, but it’s more than functional for an elementary school-aged kid. Plus, you can spruce up photos with digital borders and stickers, like an outer space frame and an ice cream cone sticker. 

Do you see what I see? 

The wireless connection you can establish between two Tobi 2 watches only works if the devices are nearby. I was provided two watches to test these features out but when I brought one watch out to the backyard and left the other in the front of the house, the two devices couldn’t communicate. When close enough, however, there were lots of things they could do. I could beam photos, videos, voice memos (via an onboard microphone), and emoji—which Little Tikes bills as messages—directly to my daughter’s watch. We could also play a couple of games, Tic-tac-toe and a basketball game, though these options felt thin, especially when the activity games, like freeze tag, seem like a great fit for two-player or group multiplayer. 

Power up the robot

Little Tikes says the rechargeable LiPo battery can last anywhere from five days to a few hours, depending on usage. By comparison, the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX can last anywhere from two weeks to a single day, depending on usage. You can check Tobi’s charge on the quick menu view, and a yellow light lets you when it’s time to plug in.  

Tobi 2 Robot smartwatch on wrist
With the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch, it’s always time for fun. Andrew Waite

So, who should buy the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch?

If you’re hoping to draw your elementary schooler’s attention away from the TV toward a screen that promotes more engagement and active participation, the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch can be an effective distraction. Tobi the Robot is certainly a captivating and engaging character, and many of the built-in activities will work your kid’s brain or get your kid to work out in a fun, innovative way. 

​​My honest assessment of this smartwatch for kids is that when children want to play with Tobi the Robot rather than just play the games, parents may want to flee the room after a few minutes. The robot’s clicks and coos and laughter are just too much. But, then again, my daughter is always telling me to “Go away, Daddy,” when I’m trying to brush her hair or put on her shoes. So perhaps with the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch on her wrist, she won’t have to bother verbally banishing me. And at least when I leave the room I can feel good that the smartwatch asking for her attention seems to have her health and well-being in mind. “CoComelon” on the other hand…

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Black Friday fitness deals: 40+ wearables, cardio machines, and more https://www.popsci.com/gear/black-friday-fitness-deals-2022/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 11:25:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=490983
Save on smartwatches, home gym equipment and more during Black Friday fitness deals in 2022.

Short on cash but not motivation? No sweat with these great deals on smartwatches, home gym equipment, and more.

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Save on smartwatches, home gym equipment and more during Black Friday fitness deals in 2022.

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Fitness equipment can be an expensive investment if you’re looking for a tricked-out treadmill or the latest smartwatch. Fortunately, some of the best equipment around is steeply discounted for Black Friday. You can save more than $1,000 on a treadmill, or hundreds on a seriously rugged smartwatch. At these prices, this inventory is sure to go fast, so check out a few highlights alongside our curated selection of the best Black Friday fitness deals below and make sure to take advantage of them while you can.

The best Black Friday smartwatch and wearables deals

Garmin fenix 6S Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch $339.47 (was $599.99)

If you’ve got a serious skier or a mountain climber on your list, the Garmin fenix 6S Pro is an excellent choice. This rugged smartwatch comes with maps for more than 2,000 ski resorts around the world, plus sophisticated GPS, global satellite tracking, a gyroscope, and barometric altimeter. The watch will also keep tabs on critical health metrics at high altitudes, such as heart rate and oxygen levels. The battery lasts anywhere from 9 to 34 days, and its display is always-on in the sun and comes in stainless steel, titanium, or with a carbon coating that’s as hard as a diamond.

The best Black Friday fitness equipment & home gym deals

Bowflex Treadmill 22 $2,499.00 (was $3,599.00)

Putting in some serious miles on the treadmill is a lot more pleasant when you have something fun to watch. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 lets you stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more from its HD touchscreen. You can also virtually globetrot on 50 routes around the world. A Bluetooth wireless armband and speakers complete the experience. And you can crank up the resistance up to 20 percent or run up to 12 mph.

The best Black Friday fitness accessory deals

Bose Sport Wireless Earbuds $129.00 (was $149.00)

Listening to music or a riveting podcast can help the miles pass by easier—unless you’re constantly fumbling with your headphones. Bose’s Sport Wireless Earbuds solve this problem with three sizes of earbuds for a custom fit. With an IXP4 rating, they’re also water- and sweat-resistant. These earbuds are designed with Bose’s signature high-quality audio and touch controls that make answering calls or adjusting volume a cinch. Plus, these earbuds have a long battery life of up to 5 hours if you’re up for the challenge. 

More of the best Black Friday deals

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Apple Black Friday deals: 30+ iPads, AirPods, MacBooks and more https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-black-friday-deals-2022/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=489946
The Best Apple Deals
Apple hasn't discounted its hardware for Black Friday, but you can get great deals by looking elsewhere. Apple

Deep discounts on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads (oh my).

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The Best Apple Deals
Apple hasn't discounted its hardware for Black Friday, but you can get great deals by looking elsewhere. Apple

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If you’re looking for a Black Friday deal on AirPods, MacBooks, an Apple Watch, or an iPad, you’re going not going to find them directly from Apple. The company is offering free Apple Store gift cards when you purchase hardware at its stores, but no discounts. Don’t worry, retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have you covered and have heavily discounted Apple’s latest hardware to their lowest prices of the year. We’ve pulled out some highlights alongside a curated list of the best Apple Black Friday deals.

You can save hundreds of dollars by shopping right now, which is great whether you’re looking for a gift or want to treat yourself. All of the current deals ship well before the holidays, too. It’s important to remember that these deals will only be available while the items are in stock. A lot of Apple gear sells out—especially when it’s available at a great price—so act fast!

The best MacBook & accessories deals

The best Black Friday AirPods & accessories deals

AirPods Pro 2, $199.99 (was $249.99)

The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple’s top-of-the-line earbuds, and they’re down to their lowest price ever during Black Friday. The earbuds have longer battery life, clearer sound, better active noise cancellation, and more sophisticated Spatial Audio (surround sound) performance. These earbuds were only released a couple of months ago, so this Black Friday deal is especially surprising.

The best Black Friday iPad & accessories deals

M1 iPad Pro (12.9-Inch), $799.99 (was $1,099.99)

The 12.9-Inch M1 has a faster chip than most Windows laptops and weighs just over one-and-a-half pounds. This is the ultimate tablet for creative professionals who want to use a tablet to edit high-resolution photos, videos, or multitrack audio recordings in addition to kicking back to stream video and read eBooks. Apple just released a new generation iPad Pro, but the differences are so minor that most people aren’t going to notice, so we recommend snagging this deal while you can.

The best Black Friday Apple Watch & accessories deals

The best Black Friday AirTag & accessories deals

The best HomePod & Apple TV 4K deals

More of the best Black Friday deals

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The best 60 Walmart Black Friday deals https://www.popsci.com/gear/walmart-black-friday-deals/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=490324
Walmart Black Friday deals
Stan Horaczek

Get a jump on the savings without having to jump through hoops thanks to early online discounts.

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Walmart Black Friday deals
Stan Horaczek

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Black Friday is here and you can start saving on hundreds of items for your household and your loved ones with Walmart’s Black Friday deals. You can maximize your savings by getting a free 30-day trial to Walmart+ early access. That will get you free delivery from your local Walmart, free shipping, discounts on prescriptions and gas, access to stream more than 40,000 videos from Paramount, and more. We’ve highlighted some standout discounts, then listed dozens more, and we’ll keep updating this guide with new deals through Cyber Monday and beyond.

Black Friday laptop and computer deals

SAMSUNG 34″ Class Flat LED Ultra WQHD Monitor, $229.00 (was $399.99)

If you don’t want to shell out a lot for a monitor but still want an ultra-wide option with a high-quality picture, Samsung’s LED Ultra WQHD monitor is a great pick. At 34 inches across, the screen has a resolution of 3440×1440 pixels that delivers a sharp picture. A  respectable 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology cut down on tearing and stutter for better gaming. And the VESA-compatible mount works with both HDMI and Display Port.

Black Friday sports & outdoors deals

Hyper E-Ride Electric Bike, $398.00 (was $698.00)

Electric bikes can be pricey, but this option features quality craftsmanship at an affordable price. This eye-catching blue bike comes with an aluminum frame and premium Shimano grip shifter and rear derailleur gear system. It’s got front and rear brakes for extra safety, plus a 36-volt battery that allows for a ride time of about 20 miles—great for commuting or short rides around town.

Black Friday fitness deals

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, $149.00 (was $349.99)

Do you like the idea of smartwatches but still prefer a more classic-looking timepiece for everyday wear? The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic BT ticks both boxes. It’s got the traditional clock face with hands and stainless steel casing. Yet it will track your vital health metrics, from your oxygen levels to ECG monitoring to sleep tracking,  let you participate in group workouts, and get live coaching. Of course, you can also listen to music, take calls, and text. But hurry, at almost $200 off, this deal won’t last long.

The best Walmart Black Friday deals in 2022

Black Friday TV deals

Black Friday home theater deals

Black Friday audio deals

Black Friday gaming deals

Black Friday home deals

Black Friday kitchen deals

Black Friday deals on tools

More of the best Black Friday deals

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Best fitness trackers of 2023 https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-fitness-tracker/ Sun, 18 Jul 2021 20:59:00 +0000 https://stg.popsci.com/uncategorized/best-fitness-tracker/
woman running on top of rocks with sun setting behind her
Cameron Venti via Unsplash

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro athlete, up your game with today’s best fitness trackers. Here’s our advice on how to find the right one for you.

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woman running on top of rocks with sun setting behind her
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Best battery life Garmin Vivofit 4 Garmin Vivofit 4
SEE IT

Forget the charger—this option has a battery life of one year and offers the basic functions of measuring steps, calories burned, and sleep monitoring.

Best sleep tracker Fitbit Versa 3 Fitbit Versa 3
SEE IT

Equipped with ample fitness features, a detailed sleep tracker, and Google Assistant or Alexa compatibility, this Smartwatch can seamlessly track and monitor all your health metrics.

Best screen display The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active2 is the best Android smartwatch on our guide to the best waterproof smartwatches. Galaxy Watch Active 2
SEE IT

This lightweight pick has a full-screen display that automatically detects six exercises while tracking up to 39 more.

The very first fitness trackers were rudimentary step-counters, but technology has advanced since then. Now, whether you want to hit that 10,000 daily step goal, monitor your sleep, or train in a specific heart rate zone, there’s a wrist-mounted wearable for you. The best fitness trackers don’t just log and display info, they link with your smartphone, usually via Bluetooth, and use sophisticated apps to show where you are in relation to your goals and how you’re doing compared to historical data.

But in a world that already bombards us with information, do we really need more data in our lives? The quick answer, if you’re serious about getting fit, is “yes.” Research shows that setting goals, benchmarking progress, and getting feedback make us more likely to improve our fitness, health, and wellness. Add in accountability—yes, many of these trackers can post directly to your social media—which is another proven way of sticking to your healthy lifestyle, and you can see why so many people are devotees.

Yet with so many options, how do you know which is the best fitness tracker for you? From product design to functionality and battery life, we’ve tracked down everything you need to know to make the best decision.

Best fitness trackers: Our picks

Best for monitoring heart rate: Apple Watch Series 6

Amazon

SEE IT

Various academic papers have found that Apple Watches appear to measure heart rate most accurately. The most recent iterations, like the Apple Watch Series 6, can generate an ECG reading similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram and can even notify the wearer of heart rate irregularities. Admittedly the Series 6 is pretty pricey—although earlier models are less expensive and still packed with features. If you’re already an iPhone user, it’s a no-brainer—needless to say, it syncs seamlessly.

Best sleep tracker: Fitbit Versa 3

Amazon

SEE IT

The Fitbit Versa 3 automatically tracks your sleep and not only shows how long you were in each sleep cycle but how your sleep compares to others of the same age and sex. The app displays the data clearly, and lets you see historical data and a 30-day average, too. Sleep and sleep quality are clearly important to Fitbit—you can also set an alarm to wake you when you’re in a lighter sleep stage so you feel less drowsy. The Fitbit Versa 3 has more fitness tracker features that make it a worthy workout companion, too.

Best for battery life: Garmin Vivofit 4

Amazon

SEE IT

Extra-long battery life like that of the Garmin Vivofit 4 comes with a few compromises, but those who don’t want to be tied to a charger will appreciate this pared-back tracker. It will track steps, distance, activity, and calories burned, as well as monitor sleep and provide a personalized daily step goal. The color display is customizable, and the app adds functionality.

Best with GPS: Coros Apex

Amazon

SEE IT

Designed for serious athletes—hence knob control rather than touchscreen so you can get info when your hands are sweaty—the Coros Apex GPS-heavy watch allows navigation tracking on preloaded routes, keeps track of your elevation, lets you know if there’s bad weather ahead, and even reminds you to refuel.

Best screen displays: Galaxy Watch Active 2

Amazon

SEE IT

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 may offer fewer customization options and third-party apps than rival Apple Watch, but that provides you the opportunity for a cleaner, less cluttered customer experience. You can still track more than 40 exercises (and auto-detect six), monitor heart rate and sleep, and get notifications from your phone as well. Waterproof and with decent battery life, it plays best with an Android phone.

Best budget: What you get for under $50

You’re probably going to have to head over the $50 mark if you want to pick up any of the brands in our main feature, although Fitbit and Garmin have entry-level products around $70. But to get more bang for your buck, look to Chinese brand Xiaomi. The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 has a large screen display, tracks 11 different sports, as well as your sleep, steps, and heart rate. It can also show you notifications from your phone and can be used to control your phone’s music and camera, too.

Things to consider when shopping for the best fitness trackers

It’s easy to get bewildered by all the features and functions available. But the best fitness tracker for you is the one that will effectively and efficiently monitor exactly what you want it to—maybe your heart rate or the quality of your sleep—and deliver the info in a way that works for you. But it’s also smart to keep in mind that too many functions, such as GPS or an energy-sapping display can drain your tracker’s battery life.

1. Want to follow your heart?

There are few more accurate measurements of fitness than your heart rate at rest. Normally, the fitter you are, the lower your heart rate will be—generally a good thing as it indicates that your heart muscle doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain a steady beat.

Keeping an eye on your heart rate while working out can also be a good way of knowing you’re working as hard as you should be. Broadly speaking, if you want to work out at a moderate intensity, your heart rate should be somewhere between 50% and 70% of your maximum heart rate (this varies with age) and during high-intensity workouts, you should be in the 70-85% of maximum zone.

There’s been some dispute about how accurate the heart rate monitors on wrist-mounted wearables can be. Unlike chest straps which use electrodes to detect a heartbeat and are considered almost comparable to the devices that medics use, fitness trackers usually shine a light on the blood vessels in your wrist to measure the volume of blood flow, and calculate heart rate accordingly. However, when you’re moving, the sensor can slip, resulting in an inaccurate reading.

Manufacturers seem aware of this issue, and each new iteration of the tracker seems to improve on the last.

2. Want the best fitness tracker for counting zzz’s?

When it comes to fitness, we tend to neglect recovery—and that’s partly why sleep monitoring has become a key feature of fitness trackers. Some argue that you should know whether you’ve had a good night’s sleep just based on how you feel in the morning. Trying to beat a sleep score every night, they say, only adds stress and makes it less likely you’ll sleep well.

However, if you’re trying different approaches to improve your sleep—a relaxing pillow spray, avoiding screens before bed, or winding down with a warm shower—a tracking app can help you figure out what works best for you. While sleep trackers in labs use brain activity to measure the different stages of sleep—light, deep, and REM sleep—fitness trackers tend to use a combination of movement and heart rate tracking to estimate your sleep cycles.

You have to notify some trackers that you’re going to bed in order to initiate sleep monitoring, but others do it automatically as long as you are wearing your device to bed. If you want to wear your tracker to monitor your activity during the day and your sleep at night, make sure you’ve got a device that has a long battery life—see our pick for best battery life below—or a quick charging time so you never have to miss a moment, night or day.

3. How long will the battery last?

When it comes to electronics, particularly small yet powerful ones, battery life can be a major concern. Depending on how you want to use your fitness tracker, battery life might be key when choosing one.

Many of the most popular products blur the line between fitness trackers and smartwatches and come with a huge number of functions such as sending and receiving messages, storing music, and GPS tracking. But these bells and whistles can be a real drain on your battery. You might find yourself needing to fast charge your device while you’re in the shower or sacrificing sleep tracking so it can power up overnight.

That might be fine if you just want to keep track of the odd HIIT class. But if you hate being a slave to a charger—or want to take your tracker on a camping expedition, say, without access to power—it might be worth sacrificing some features for longer battery life.

Trackers with slightly fewer functions can go for up to seven days without a charge, and yet still allow you to receive notifications from your phone, prompt you to move when you’ve been sitting still too long, and track your heart rate. Bear in mind that the more interaction you have with the screen, the sooner you will likely need a recharge. If you want something that will last months or even years, there are options out there, but you’re going to have to compromise somewhere.

4. Want to know where you are—and where you’re going?

GPS—or Global Positioning System—is a series of satellites that circle the Earth. If you have a GPS receiver, it can use the relative positioning of these satellites to tell you exactly where you are. It’s this sort of geolocation technology that is used to help your car company or food delivery service locate you, and how the map app on your phone gives you directions.

When it comes to fitness trackers, GPS can be helpful in a number of ways. Using what it knows about your location and the time you were there, you can get an accurate idea of your pace when you’re running or hiking. It can also allow someone who’s not with you to track your progress or help you create a map of your route. Further, on some devices, with an additional app, GPS can be used to help direct you along a pre-programmed route.

Fitness trackers have various ways of capitalizing on GPS. Some may include their own built-in receivers, which means you don’t have to have your phone with you, while others use the GPS in your smartphone to help geolocate you.

The quality of GPS in fitness trackers varies, too. Sometimes it’s tricky to squeeze a high-quality receiver into a small band or watch, and if accurate GPS is really important to you—say you’re a competitive runner and need a highly accurate record of your distances and pace—a GPS running watch might be a better option for you.

5. Want a jam-packed screen—or a minimalist one?

How much information do you want to see on the screen of your fitness tracker? Ask three people and you’d probably get three different answers. Do you want all your info there? Or would you rather a single piece of data on screen—your step count, calories burned, or heart rate—knowing that you’ll have to scroll through to get the other data you want?

As with so many choices, it’s all about compromises. If you want a full color, fully customizable screen, you’re probably looking at a smartwatch rather than a band-style tracker, but that probably means a touch screen, rather than buttons, which can be tricky to interact with when you’re sweaty or wearing gloves.

Whatever you opt for, it’s worth spending a bit of time getting to know your tracker’s screen, working out how you can customize it so that the functions and information you want most are easily and quickly accessible. As with your phone, you may find some apps or functions installed that you don’t need. If you know you’re never going to record a ballet class, for example, delete that option if you can. The less information you have on screen, the easier it will be to zone in on what you want.

It might also be worth considering a screen protector if you’re going for a smartwatch-style tracker. These can be really thin and unobtrusive, and the best don’t interfere with functionality, just protect against scratches, scrapes, and damage.

Best fitness tracker brands

Fitness trackers have an interesting heritage—closely related to sports watches and mobile phones—as well as being their own stand-alone tech. The brands we’ve identified below as strong players in the industry encompass the entire spread of these technologies. From companies known originally for their computing genius to those established with the sole purpose of creating fitness wearables, here’s a slightly deeper dive into some of the brands included in this article.

Fitbit

Established in 2007 when two entrepreneurs realized that the technology behind sensors and wireless computing had reached a stage where the concept of a wearable device to improve fitness had real potential. Fitbit has come a long way since their early rudimentary clip-on trackers that used motion sensors to track movement, sleep, and calorie burn. In 2019, Google announced its acquisition of the brand for $2.1 billion.

Garmin

Garmin’s roots lie in GPS. Founded in 1989 by two engineers Gary Burrell (Gar) and Min Kao (min) who gave their names to the brand, the company’s first product was designed for automotive and marine purposes at a time when GPS was predominantly being used by the military. Their first wearable GPS didn’t launch until 2003 when they brought out the Forerunner 201, a pager-sized wrist-mounted device, and many feel they’ve led the way in wearable GPS ever since.

Apple

Born as a computer company in 1976, Apple has always been as much about product design, desirability, and user experience as about technology. The iPod, which launched in 2001, marked a turning point for the company, revolutionizing the way the world listens to music. The iPhone launched in 2007, followed by the Apple Watch in 2015. In 2019, it was reported that Apple had sold more watches than the entire Swiss watch industry.

FAQs

Q: What is the best cheap fitness tracker?

The Mi Band 5 is the cheapest fitness tracker on the market, but there are other affordable options that cost just slightly more than the Mi. You may sacrifice some features and quality when you choose a cheaper option, but they’ll still track the basics like steps, heart rate, and fitness metrics.

Q: Why use a fitness tracker?

Fitness watches can motivate users to stay on track with their fitness goals by providing real-time data and metrics that allow you to monitor progress and performance. As many of us are sedentary throughout the day, fitness trackers offer real-time alerts and reminders to keep you moving, even in small increments.

Q: Which fitness tracker is most accurate?

We all want a fitness watch that accurately measures our fitness data—after all, accurate metrics help us get a better grip on our health. The Garmin Vivofit 4 is among the most accurate trackers, offering precise measurements for both everyday and fitness wear.

A final word on the best fitness trackers

There’s no doubt that a fitness tracker can help you up your game when it comes to your workouts, and that there are a host of different features and functions out there that can keep you on track, whether you’re a busy parent squeezing in a quick yoga class or a professional athlete trying to shave every last second off your time. The huge leaps and bounds in technology also mean that your fitness tracker can do double duty as a smartwatch, notifying you about everything from news headlines to your next meeting. The type of tracker you opt for will depend on your life, lifestyle, and what you want from it. But the choices are out there like never before.

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How to make the most of the Apple Watch Ultra’s Action button https://www.popsci.com/diy/apple-watch-action-button/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=483008
close up of the action button on the apple watch ultra
Customize your extra button however you like. Apple

The Apple Watch has a brand new button on the Ultra edition.

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close up of the action button on the apple watch ultra
Customize your extra button however you like. Apple

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Back in September, Apple announced a new addition to the Apple Watch series: The Apple Watch Ultra. This new model is larger and more durable, and its battery life goes on for longer between charges. 

The Apple Watch Ultra is also different from the rest of Apple’s wearables because of its orange Action button, which users will find on the left-hand side of the device and gives quick access to a series of customizable shortcuts.

From a software perspective, the Apple Watch Ultra works the same as the rest of the newer models in the series, as they all run watchOS 9. But the Action button makes it easier to access and activate various features because when you’re out on the trail and in harsh weather conditions, pushing a physical button is simpler than having to look at the screen and tap on icons there.

How to use the Apple Watch Ultra’s Action button

The Action button is customizable, which means it’s up to you to decide what it does, but you’ll have to make your pick from a predetermined selection. Go to the Settings app on the Apple Watch Ultra, choose Action Button, and open the Action menu to see your options.

You can pick from Workout, Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive, Flashlight, Shortcut, or None (which disables the Action Button completely). These functions all work slightly differently, and you may get more functionalities with subsequent taps. 

[Related: Everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Ultra]

Pick Shortcut, for example, and a press of the Action button will launch one of the Shortcuts on your phone. You can design these automations to adapt specifically to your lifestyle, so that you can turn off all your smart lights and put your phone into Do Not Disturb mode with the push of a button, for example. Go back to the first Action Button screen after selecting Shortcut (via the blue arrow, top left) to choose a specific sequence.

Additional options also appear if you select Workout from the Action menu. Go back to the Action Button screen (via the blue arrow) and tap First Press: You’ll then be able to pick the workout that the Action Button launches, or just have it open the Workout app so you can select something different each time.

In the middle of a workout, you can tap the Action Button again to access different functionalities. How the Action Button works will depend on the specific workout you’re doing (during a run, for example, it will create a new segment) but once you’ve decided on your exercise, the device will walk you through everything you need to know in the Gestures section of the Action Button screen.

Sometimes you’ll get extra features when pressing the Action Button and the Side button at the same time. For example, during any kind of workout, you can press the Action Button and the side button together to pause the workout. Again, you’ll get all of this information in the Gestures section on-screen.

Other Action Button functions are simpler. With Dive, for example, you just press the button to start a diving session, or when you select Waypoint, a press will drop a compass waypoint at your current location. Apple is also letting third-party apps add their own shortcut options for the Action Button. It will take some time for developers to create them, but depending on the apps installed on your wearable and your phone, you might start seeing more functionalities on the list besides the built-in ones. 

There’s one more way in which you can use the Action Button: Press and hold it to bring up the emergency menu, which includes Siren, Medical ID, Compass Backtrack, and Emergency Call. If you hold the button for another five seconds, you’ll automatically activate the Siren, a continuous high-pitched sound someone can hear up to 600 feet away.

[Related: Apple Watch comparison: Which one is right for you?]

The siren will keep ringing until you turn it off again via the large red stop button in the Siren app, or until your Apple Watch Ultra runs out of battery. If you’re sure that you never want to trigger this feature automatically, from the Settings app on your Apple Watch Ultra choose Action Button and then deactivate Hold to Turn On under the Siren heading.

If you prefer to configure these Action Button shortcuts through the Watch app on your iPhone, you’ll see an Action Button heading on the My Watch tab in the app: Tap on it to get to all the same functions we’ve already covered, including the Action menu, the First Press menu, and the Gestures section that tells you what subsequent button presses do in your selected mode.

The post How to make the most of the Apple Watch Ultra’s Action button appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apple deals for Amazon Prime Early Access: AirPods, iPads, and Watch https://www.popsci.com/gear/amazon-prime-early-access-apple-deals/ Tue, 11 Oct 2022 11:20:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=476326
Best Apple deals for Amazon Prime Early Access
Get great deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks and more. Stan Horaczek

Save on some of Apple's most popular products during the Prime Early Access sale.

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Best Apple deals for Amazon Prime Early Access
Get great deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks and more. Stan Horaczek

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Apple just announced the second generation of its AirPods Pro noise-canceling headphones and they’re already getting a discount during Amazon’s Early Access sale. Right now, you can pay $225 instead of the regular $250. It’s not a huge discount, but it’s enough to buy a pizza that you can eat in peace thanks to the very excellent active noise cancellation. The Apple deals go beyond AirPods, however, so keep scrolling!

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with MagSafe Charging Case $223 (was $249)

Apple

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Apple Watch Series 8 $349 (was $399)

Apple

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The latest Apple Watch is currently $50 off in either of its sizes. The 41mm Watch checks in a $349, which is the lowest we have seen it since its recent release. The 45mm version is currently $379, which is a solid deal if you have a wrist large enough to support all that screen. While buying the new model gets you access to specific features like crash detection, it also guarantees that you’ll get the maximum number of new software updates, which allows you to keep your current device longer.

2022 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB, 5th Generation) $519 (was $599)

Apple

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If you’re looking for an iPad, Amazon’s Prime Early Access also has discounts on just about every model you can think of. I generally recommend the iPad Air as the best iPad for most people. It’s a solid mix of power, size, and price. It lacks Face ID, but rather uses Touch ID with a sensor on the power button to automatically log you in as you open the tablet. It’s powerful enough to run any app you can throw at it without the high price that comes with the iPad Pro.

More Apple deals for Amazon Prime Early Access:

More Amazon Prime Early Access deals:

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Ready, set, go get a great deal on Apple, Samsung, Fossil smartwatch during the Amazon Prime Early Access sale https://www.popsci.com/gear/amazon-prime-early-access-smartwatch-deals/ Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=476101
Take advantage of great deals on smartwatches during the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale.

With options for the whole family.

The post Ready, set, go get a great deal on Apple, Samsung, Fossil smartwatch during the Amazon Prime Early Access sale appeared first on Popular Science.

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Take advantage of great deals on smartwatches during the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

If you have yet to invest in a smartwatch, they offer a range of tools—all from your wrist. They range from sophisticated satellite tracking systems to real-time information on the health of your heat and lungs, to the ability to answer calls, texts, and get the news and weather in real time.

Fortunately, you can save hundreds on smartwatches as part of Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale. But today’s the last day of the shopping event, don’t wait on these deals. From the recently released Apple Watch Series 8 to tried-and-tried models, there are plenty of options for everyone in your family.

Apple Watch Series 8 $349 (was $399)

Apple

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If you have been eyeing the new Apple Watch Series 8, you can currently save $50 off the regular price for both the 41mm and 45mm versions in white or black. This is the first big discount we have seen on this new model and these typically sell out quickly so don’t hesitate if you’re looking to get one. The 41mm model will cost you $349 and the larger 45mm version checks in at $379.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4 Classic 42mm Smartwatch $269.99 (was $399.99)

Smartwatches generally track health metrics like heart rate, but if you’re one of those people who can’t get enough of the data and want to drill down into your metabolic health in real time, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is for you. In addition to your body mass index, this watch can measure your basal metabolic rate, and skeletal muscle, track your sleep, and monitor your heart for irregularities. You can also participate in group challenges in a variety of sports and use Google Pay and Maps right from your wrist.

Fossil Women’s Gen 5E 42mm Stainless Steel Touchscreen Smartwatch $169 (was $249)

If you’d prefer a smartwatch that resembles a traditional timepiece and will still track your steps every day, the Fossil Women’s Gen 5E Smartwatch is a solid choice. Made of stainless steel, the watch is customizable with thousands of different faces. Answer texts and calls, ask Alexa about the news and weather, and track your heart rate and other important health metrics all in one device. On sale as part of Amazon Prime Early Access Sale Smartwatch deals, this watch also charges fairly quickly, reaching 80 percent within 50 minutes.

More Amazon Prime Early Access Sale smartwatch deals:

Fitness tracker deals:

More Amazon Prime Early Access deals:

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Finish strong and save $220 on the Garmin Forerunner 735XT during Prime Early Access https://www.popsci.com/gear/amazon-prime-early-access-deal-garmin-forerunner-735xt/ Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=476254
Save more than $100 on the Garmin Forerunner 735XT during the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale.

Save more than $100 with this discount for a limited time.

The post Finish strong and save $220 on the Garmin Forerunner 735XT during Prime Early Access appeared first on Popular Science.

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Save more than $100 on the Garmin Forerunner 735XT during the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale.

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You probably won’t pull an Eliud Kipchoge and shatter your own world record in your next race. But that doesn’t mean you can’t aim for your best time ever by tracking your performance and health metrics over time. And today is the final day to take advantage of the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale Garmin Forerunner 735XT deal.

You’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member to enjoy all the savings of the virtual shopping event, but it’s easy to sign up for a free, 30-day trial. Start off your holiday shopping with discounts on smartwatches for the whole family.

Garmin Forerunner 735XT, Multisport GPS Running Watch With Heart Rate $129.99 (was $349.99)

Designed for running, cycling, and swimming, the Forerunner 735XT can help you drill down into metrics like stride length and vertical ratio to help you optimize your performance. It’s also compatible with tools that can provide an estimate of your VO2 max and lactate threshold, make race predictions, and help you recover. The Forerunner 735XT also comes with up to 14 hours of battery life in GPS mode, great for endurance runs. And you can get a hefty discount during the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale Garmin Forerunner 735XT deal.

More smartwatch deals:

Fitness tracker deals:

More Amazon Prime Early Access deals:

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How to make your Apple Watch battery last longer https://www.popsci.com/diy/apple-watch-battery-life/ Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=475589
wrist wearing apple watch
Get your Apple Watch running for longer. Sabina / Unsplash

Give your wearable a long lasting life.

The post How to make your Apple Watch battery last longer appeared first on Popular Science.

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wrist wearing apple watch
Get your Apple Watch running for longer. Sabina / Unsplash

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Like its predecessor, the Apple Watch 8 reportedly offers around 18 hours between charges, which means that if you’re a power user, you might have find an outlet before the day is out.

The newly released Apple Watch Ultra does twice as good, with 36-hour battery life, according to the manufacturer. But the gadget is designed for the great outdoors, so if you’re away from civilization for several days, you might still struggle to keep your watch powered up for the duration of your trip.

But whatever model you have, there are multiple ways you can extend the time between charges for your Apple Watch. Put some of these into action and you’ll find the smartwatch still has juice left when you need it the most.

Low power mode

A new feature added with watchOS 9, low power mode works in the same way as the lower power mode available for iPhones and iPads. It disables certain features to conserve energy, like the always on display, heart rate notifications, background heart rate and blood oxygen measurements, and workout reminders.

[Related: 4 tips to make your phone battery last longer]

In this mode, the Apple Watch will also turn off  Wi-Fi and cellular connections when there’s no iPhone nearby, as well as block incoming calls and notifications. As a result, Apple says making phone calls may take longer, background apps will refresh more sporadically, and complications (the widgets on your watch face) will update less frequently. In addition, Siri might be slower, and you’ll notice animations and scrolling can look less smooth.

To enable low power mode, touch and hold the bottom of the Apple Watch screen to bring up the Control Center, then swipe up. Tap the battery percentage icon and turn on the Low Power Mode toggle switch. You can also enable it from Settings on the watch, by tapping Battery. Whenever you turn it on, you can also choose to turn the mode on indefinitely, or for one, two, or three days. You’ll see a yellow circle appear at the top of the screen when low power mode is on.

Another option is to have low power mode enabled every time you start a workout. From the Settings app on the smartwatch, scroll down to the Workout option, then turn on the Low Power Mode toggle switch. And don’t worry: your device will still measure key metrics such as heart rate and pace.

Making manual tweaks

If low power mode is too much (or not enough) for you, you can use some manual tweaks to the settings on your Apple Watch, instead. For example, you can turn the always on display off yourself: From the Settings app on the watch, tap Display & Brightness, then turn off Always On. From the menu you can dim the screen via the slider, saving even more power.

Other ways of reducing the power draw of the display are to switch to a darker watch face and limit the number of complications you use. That doesn’t only mean there will be fewer pixels firing up, but also that the wearable will have less information to update in the background. Tap and hold on the current watch face to change it.

Disabling the wake on wrist raise feature can help with battery life, too. That way you’ll prevent the face from lighting up when you, say, scratch your ear, and will only do so when you actually need it. This feature is on the same Display & Brightness screen in Settings on the watch—just turn off the Wake on Wrist Raise option.

Stopping your Apple Watch from having to listen out for your “hey Siri” all the time can also ease some of the pressure on the battery. Head to Settings on your smartwatch, select Siri, and disable the Listen for “Hey Siri” option. You can also disable Raise to Speak to save more battery life.

Managing your apps

The way that you use your Apple Watch affects battery life, too. If you really want to maximize the time between charges, keep calls from your wrist and audio streaming to the watch down to a minimum, and don’t use the gadget for demanding tasks such as turn-by-turn navigation. The walkie-talkie feature is another one to avoid to save battery life, as it uses the speaker and microphone.

Cutting down on the number of notifications coming through to your phone can help as well. This reduces the number of background checks the watch has to do and how often it has to beep and vibrate. From the Watch app on your iPhone, tap Notifications—start by turning off alerts for any apps that you don’t absolutely have to hear from.

[Related: Make your laptop battery last all day]

You could also use a trick from managing battery life on smartphones, which is to enable Do Not Disturb on your watch for a while. This blocks all notifications, stops your watch from running constant checks for them and cuts down on the buzzes and pings your device has to power. Touch and hold the bottom of the Apple Watch screen, then when the Control Center appears, swipe up and tap Do Not Disturb.

Also on the subject of apps, you can tell your Apple Watch not to refresh them in the background—so they’ll only update when they’re actually open. From the Watch app on your iPhone, tap General: You can either turn off the Background App Refresh option completely or disable it for individual apps using the toggle switches.

The post How to make your Apple Watch battery last longer appeared first on Popular Science.

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Celebrate Garmin’s birthday with up to $400 in savings https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-birthday-gps-sale/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:25:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=470103
A lineup of garmin watches and other products on a blue and green gradient background
Amanda Reed

If you've been watch-ing for big savings, take part in Garmin's party with discounts on smartwatches, as well as GPS devices, fitness trackers, and more.

The post Celebrate Garmin’s birthday with up to $400 in savings appeared first on Popular Science.

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A lineup of garmin watches and other products on a blue and green gradient background
Amanda Reed

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Garmin turns 32 this year. Since you can’t buy a company a gift, treat yourself to a new watch with Garmin’s birthday sale—we’re partial to the fēnix 6S, which is up to $250 off, depending on the model you choose.

Garmin

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We’ve featured Garmin watches many times in our coverage, from our Instinct 2 Solar review to naming the Vivomove HR as the best hybrid smartwatch with heart rate monitor. The fēnix 6S lets you combine mapping, music, and pace planning on your workouts so you can make the most of your marathon prep. It features a built-in heart sensor and pulse oximeter, and plenty of built-in programs for practically every sport. The 42mm and 47mm standard watch is on sale for $449.99, $200 off its $649.99 retail price. The Sapphire model, equipped with scratch-free Sapphire sapphire glass, is $549.99, $200 of its $749.99 retail price. The Solar model with built-in solar charging, is $599.99, $200 off its $799.99 retail price. The 51mm case of the standard, Sapphire, and Solar models are on sale for $549.99, $599.99, and $699.99, respectively.

Take advantage of Garmin’s birthday sale fast—it ends Sept. 18, since no party can last forever. Here’s what else is on sale as part of the festivities:

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Apple Watch Series 8 review: Laying the groundwork https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-watch-series-8-review/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=469373
Apple Watch Series 8 Review
The Apple Watch Series 8 looks just like the Series 7, but has some interesting new features. Mike Epstein

Car crash detection and ovulation tracking define the subtly impressive new Apple Watch.

The post Apple Watch Series 8 review: Laying the groundwork appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apple Watch Series 8 Review
The Apple Watch Series 8 looks just like the Series 7, but has some interesting new features. Mike Epstein

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It may be hard for some of us to see the virtue of the Apple Watch Series 8. Some people will not be able to tell the difference between it and last year’s Apple Watch Series 7, no matter how long they wear it. At a glance, it offers the same day-to-day functionality, with a few key boosts. A couple of these, like a “low power mode,” are hardware-specific, but most of what you’ll see and appreciate comes from the new version of Apple’s watchOS 9 and will be available on older watches as well. 

And, yet, it would not be right or fair to say that the Series 8 fails to make large evolutionary strides. The Apple Watch Series 8 shows its true colors at the most important times, before birth and death. First, a new pair of temperature sensors allows the Series 8 to chart estimated ovulation cycles, helping people attempting to get pregnant. Second, a new motion sensor, in conjunction with existing components, enables the ability to detect car crashes and automatically call 911 and your emergency contacts. 

While you may not feel its changes every day, the Series 8 offers two niche functions that should make a big difference for people at very specific, important times in their lives. That doesn’t necessarily make for a compelling new upgrade when compared to the past couple of watch models, but it’s a huge “building” year that advances the case for the Apple Watch as a product for years to come.

Mike Epstein

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What’s new about the Apple Watch Series 8?

In its eighth iteration, the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t introduce many noticeable design changes. The larger 41mm and 45mm case sizes of the Apple Watch Series 7 return, offering the same excellent visibility, whether you’re engaging with the watch or merely glancing at a notification on its always-on display. I can confirm that all of the Apple Watch’s core competencies—tracking your heart, monitoring your sleep, showing notifications from your phone, and so on—all work just as well as last year … which is to say very well. As with past models, it’s backward-compatible with all previous Apple Watch bands (though Apple has some new styles they’d love to sell you, of course).

There are a handful of improvements and tweaks to those core competencies, along with some honest-to-god new features, but virtually all of them are enabled by watchOS 9, the newest version of the Apple Watch’s operating system, which is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 4 and up. I’ll talk about the details of some of those changes more in a bit but the important thing to note here is that the Apple Watch Series 3, a very popular model that was on sale for a long time, will no longer receive updates. That leaves the Apple Watch SE 2 as the most affordable model in the line. 

The Series 8 offers the same battery life as the Series 7, up to 18 hours on a single charge, but there’s a new wrinkle this time around. The Series 8 adds a low-power mode, which can keep the battery running for up to 36 hours on a full charge. Entering low-power mode disables some of the watch’s passive functions, such as the always-on display, automatic workout detection, and heart health notifications. As in the Series 7, the battery offers about enough energy to get you through a day and track your sleeping overnight but with very little wiggle room for charging afterward. Low-power mode can be that wiggle room if you can’t find a good time to take the watch off for a while.

Crash detection

Though I hope neither you nor I ever need it, Apple Watch’s crash detection feature is very impressive.  It uses the watch’s many sensors together to confirm a very serious situation very quickly. It’s exclusive to the new line of Apple Watches—Series 8, SE 2, and Ultra—because it requires a new, more powerful gyroscope and accelerometer, which can detect the high force of an impact and distinguish between a car stopping suddenly under control and a crash.

That said, the feature also uses a handful of existing sensors on the Series 8 to confirm a car crash: The microphone should register the sound of the crash. GPS should confirm that you’ve gone from moving at high speed to a complete stop. Our personal favorite is that the barometer should detect a change in pressure caused by the release of an airbag. All of these sensors work quickly in tandem to register the kind of car crash that might leave a person stunned or knocked out and unable to call for help.

When the Series 8 detects a crash, it should raise a screen that lets you know it’s going to call emergency services, giving you 10 seconds to cancel the call. If you don’t, it promises to send your GPS data to EMS, as well as any emergency contacts you’ve specified. It’s a very smart, streamlined process that seems very capable of calling for help faster than the average person would be able to on their own.

Apple Watch Series 8 Review
This year’s bands include this redesigned version of the Nike Sport Loop. Mike Epstein

I say “can” and “should” because I haven’t actually tested this feature, nor have I tested the ovulation tracking, which we’ll discuss in a minute. Based on Apple’s track record, we’re taking it on faith that these features work as intended—we simply do not have the facilities to test crash detection. (That said, we’ve seen that the predecessor to this feature, Apple Watch fall detection, works very well.) For ovulation tracking, it would take a few months of nightly use to test effectively—and a different reviewer, of course, but that we could’ve handled.

Skin temperature sensors

Apple Watch Series 8 also adds a two-sensor approach to temperature measurement, which enables a new ovulation tracking feature. One sensor, on the back crystal, reads your skin temperature. The second, under the display, reads air temperature. Like an active noise-canceling microphone array, the two sensors work together to get a precise read on your average temperature and note any substantial changes. It isn’t capable, however, of “taking your temperature,” as you would with a thermometer—the Series 8 specifically warns you not to use it to see if you have a fever.

How do we get from “takes your temperature” to charting your ovulation cycle? If you wear the Series 8 to bed every night, allowing the watch to regularly record your temperature, it can map out night-to-night (and, by extension, day-to-day) changes in your body temperature. For ovulation, specifically, measuring temperature changes and heart rate will allow the watch to retroactively map a user’s biphasic shift, indicating when they were most likely ovulating.

It’s worth noting that there are already other devices out there with this functionality. Some, like the Ava fertility tracker, have been doing it for some time. The latest Oura smart ring can track your skin temperature, though it doesn’t have dedicated ovulation-tracking support. That said, having it in a device like the Apple Watch, which we’d recommend for a wide array of uses before and after conception, beats spending $200-$300 on another wearable specifically because it has a temperature sensor.

And watchOS 9 makes some great improvements, too …

For those of you who either pre-ordered a new Apple Watch or plan to buy one in the near future, most of the changes you’ll notice will come from the jump to the Apple Watch’s new operating system, watchOS 9. As with every annual OS update, there are a ton of changes, big and small. Here are a few of this year’s highlights.

Afib history

Building on the existing heart rate tracking, Apple Watches with watchOS 9 can record data on Atrial Fibrillation, or a rapid irregular heartbeat, for those who have been diagnosed with the condition by a doctor. On the Health app, you’ll be able to review how often your heartbeat’s out of sync. The app can also provide information that can help you manage the condition.

Enhanced running metrics and Workout views

Apple Watch Series 8 Review
WatchOS 9’s new heart rate zones view puts your workout data in context. (My end table really needs to get to the gym.) Mike Epstein

The Workout app received a nice upgrade in watchOS 9, offering more data views and customization. During a high-impact workout, the Series 8 creates heart rate zones to help you gauge how hard you’re pushing yourself. You can also set multi-phase workouts on timers, so you know when to pick up the pace or slow down before the end of a workout.

Runners, in particular, will benefit from enhanced tracking that measures stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation, or how much you bounce when you run. If you’re an outdoor runner, the Apple Watch will automatically detect when you arrive at a track and prepare for a workout. Even if you aren’t at a track, “Outdoor Run” and “Outdoor Cycle” workouts are set to gain a feature that lets you record your route so you can track your time on a specific run or biking workout time after time.

New Compass app and “Backtrack”

Though Apple has primarily linked it to the Apple Watch Ultra in its marketing, the Series 8 will also get the reimagined Compass app, which gives you the ability to drop GPS waypoints for locations like your home or car, so you can always reorient yourself to find them.

WatchOS 9 also enables a feature that uses GPS to help you retrace your path if you ever get lost. Since it’s GPS-based, “Backtrack” works even if your phone and watch can’t connect to a cellular network, making it very useful for campers and anyone else who finds themselves “off-grid.”

Medications app

There’s an entirely new app, Medications, designed to remind you when to take your pills. Going beyond a simple reminder, the app keeps a list of every medication you take, tells you exactly when to take it, and can cross-check for possible drug interactions when you start on something new (based on U.S. pharmaceutical information).

So, who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8?

Apple Watch Series 8 Review
With the new Compass app, you can retrace your steps using GPS. Mike Epstein

As with a lot of Apple’s products, the general question—“Should I buy an Apple Watch or not?”—remains the same as before the Series 8 launched. The Apple Watch is, overall, the best lifestyle smartwatch you can buy. There are more intense fitness trackers, and dedicated sport watches for hikers and athletes, but the Apple Watch remains the indisputable champ for everyday life. (Of course, that is contingent on you already owning an iPhone.)

Despite the fact that many Apple Watch buyers are still hopping on the train for the first time, the real question becomes, “Should I upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 8 from whatever I have?” This will vary from person to person based on how they use the watch, so my best answer is that you should opt for the Series 8 if you decide to upgrade. The features it adds—particularly the car crash detection—are compelling background functions that are worth spending a little extra for if you’re already in the market for a new smartwatch. I don’t know that it’s enough to warrant running out and buying one, particularly if you just bought in, but it’s enough to endorse the idea that the Apple Watch, as an ongoing concern, continues to move forward.

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You can save up to $150 on the Apple Watch Series 7 right now on Amazon https://www.popsci.com/gear/amazon-apple-tech-sale/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:15:01 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=469101
A lineup of previous generation Apple products on a green and blue gradient background
Amanda Reed

A new generation of Apple products means you can save big on last year's Watch and AirPods Pro today.

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A lineup of previous generation Apple products on a green and blue gradient background
Amanda Reed

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Apple announced its latest generation of iPhone, Watch, and more Sept. 7. This means big savings on previous-generation products, like this Series 7 Watch, down $150 from its $799 retail price.

Apple

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This model features a silver stainless steel case with a silver Milanese loop wristband, GPS, and cellular capabilities. You can track your fitness goals, follow your blood oxygen levels, monitor your sleep, and take an ECG—just like the Series 8. It also includes safety measures like fall detection, irregular heartbeat notifications, and Emergency SOS call selection. There’s a reason Apple highlighted the Watch’s lifesaving capabilities at the beginning of its keynote event last week—a legacy the Watch Series 7 helped start and revolutionize.

If you’re using the watch to leave your phone at home during a workout, the Series 7 is swim-proof. And no workout is complete without a soundtrack, which means some reliable earbuds. Luckily, you can snag the first generation of AirPods Pro for $179.99, down from its $249 retail price. AirPods Pro earbuds have active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit and immersive, energetic response. They’re IPX4 rated, meaning sweat- and water-resistant, so you can do cardio without destroying your headphones and connect easily to music saved to your watch so you can spend less time fiddling with your settings and more time demolishing personal records in the weight room.

If you want to upgrade from the second generation of AirPods, you can preorder the AirPods Pro 2 (which will be released Sept. 23). If you’re a serious athlete looking to upgrade to a more durable Apple Watch, the new Apple Watch Ultra—with ruggedized features, a bigger, brighter display, improved GPS, and up to 36 hours of battery life—is also available to preorder.

Check out these other Apple deals on Amazon for big savings on iPad, MacBook Pro, and Apple TV 4K:

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Apple introduces iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Ultra, and more https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-iphone-14-far-out-news/ Wed, 07 Sep 2022 23:15:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=468422
iPhone 14 News
Apple

iPhones, and Watches, and AirPods, oh my!

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iPhone 14 News
Apple

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Apple’s end-of-summer events generally bring exciting announcements and this year’s “Far Out” presentation was filled with exciting new gear, including four new iPhone 14 devices, three new Apple Watches, and an updated take on the AirPods Pro. That includes an all-new version of the phone, the iPhone 14 Plus, which offers standard iPhone performance in a 6.7-inch “Pro Max” form factor, and the Apple Watch Ultra, a rugged and powerful flagship sport watch. We’ll walk through all the gadgets Apple announced Sept. 7 and let you know what’s new and exciting about Apple’s next wave of tech.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 News
The Apple iPhone 14 line features four phones, including the iPhone 14 (left) new iPhone 14 Plus (right). Apple

If you’re not interested in Apple’s more expensive iPhone Pro lineup, the company also introduced the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the latter of which is a new addition. These devices offer an excellent suite of features but are available at a more comfortable price for most people. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus come with the same A15 Bionic chipset that was in the iPhone 13 and will be available for $799 and $899, respectively. Pre-orders begin Sept. 9. The 6.1-inch iPhone 14 will be available in stores Sept. 16 and the 6.7-inch Plus arrives Oct. 7.

Like last year’s iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus features a dual-camera setup. The primary camera features a 12MP sensor and f/1.5 aperture with sensor-base stabilization. Apple claims the new camera system offers a 49 percent improvement in low-light performance over the prior model thanks to a “Photonic Engine,” so users should enjoy excellent pictures at night. There’s also a new 12MP front-facing TrueDepth camera with autofocus features, so, theoretically, you won’t encounter any out-of-focus selfies. The iPhone 14 also supports improved video stabilization features, including an “Action mode” for smooth-looking video with fewer shakes and vibrations.

While the outward appearance is unchanged, both devices feature an updated internal design for better thermal performance. This will allow users to watch movies and play games for longer. Speaking of marathon Netflix sessions, Apple said the iPhone 14 Plus model offers the best battery life of any iPhone in its lineup. If you’re the type of person who is frequently away from an outlet, the 14 Plus could be very appealing. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus also support the new Crash Detection feature, which utilizes a new dual-core accelerometer to detect if you’ve been in a severe car crash. They also support Emergency SOS via Satellite, allowing users to connect to emergency services even when off the grid.

iPhone 4 Pro and 14 Pro Max

iPhone 14 News
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are Apple’s new flagships. Apple

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max bring a conventional suite of upgrades, including improved performance, a more advanced camera system, and better battery life. What you’ll notice, though, is that the display now features a pill-shaped cutout for the selfie camera, rather than the infamous top-center notch, and the introduction of an always-on display, so you can quickly check the time and notifications without any tapping. Apple said the iPhone 14 Pro would start at $999 and the Pro Max starts at $1,099. They’ll be available to pre-order Sept. 9 and in stores Sept. 16.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will offer 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR displays, sizes unchanged from last year. Apple is cleverly embracing the new pill-shaped cutout with a feature known as “Dynamic Island.” Notifications, apps, and alerts will adapt and move around the pill-shaped cutout, so the pill feels like it’s a part of the screen … aesthetically, at least.

Like the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max display technology supports a 1Hz refresh rate, enabling the new always-on display feature. The always-on display will work with the lock screen widgets introduced with iOS 16, so users can quickly glance at information like calendar events, weather, and reminders without waking up the iPhone 14 Pro’s display. When the display does wake up, users can enjoy 120Hz ProMotion technology and a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, or 2000 nits outdoors.

On the inside, Apple’s new A16 Bionic chip improves the phone’s power efficiency, display performance, and the upgraded triple-camera system. It features a six-core CPU with two high-performance and four-efficiency cores, allowing photographers to capture 48MP images in ProRAW, which allows for greater editing possibilities. 

For most photos, however, the new quad-pixel sensor will capture 12MP pictures through a process called “pixel binning,” which lets Apple maximize detail and light capture. The flash can also adapt to the camera system’s different focal lengths. On the video side, Apple said its Cinematic Mode supports 4K at 30 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 24 fps. It also offers new stabilization features that make the footage look as though you were using a gimbal.

Other features available in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max include Crash Detection, which can assist when it detects you were in a crash, and Emergency SOS via Satellite, so you can communicate when out of the range of carrier coverage. While the design of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max isn’t a significant departure from what we’ve seen these last few years, the new pill-shaped cutout, always-on display, and improved camera system may prompt plenty of upgrades.

Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra

iPhone 14 News
Apple announced three new watches, including the Apple Watch Series 8 and a revised Apple Watch SE. Apple

Apple announced a whole wave of Apple Watches, including a new standard model, the Apple Watch Series 8; a redesigned version of its budget watch, Apple Watch SE; and an all-new high-end sport watch aimed at athletes and adventurers, the Apple Watch Ultra.

The Apple Watch Series 8 features a largely unchanged design but includes new sensors that will enable new health and safety features. First, a pair of sensors measuring skin temperature will allow for improved menstrual cycle tracking and automated retrospective ovulation estimates, which can be helpful for family planning. In watchOS 9, the Cycle Tracking features will alert users to any deviations, such as irregular, infrequent, or prolonged periods.

The Series 8 also supports Apple’s new Crash Detection feature. If you’re involved in a severe car crash, your device will check in with you and dial emergency services if you’re unresponsive. The Series 8 also supports a Low Power Mode, offering users up to 36 hours of battery life. This new mode will temporarily disable or limit select sensors and features, such as the always-on display and workout autostart.

The Apple Watch Series 8 will be available for $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the cellular model. You can pre-order the Series 8 today and it will launch in stores Sept. 16. The Apple Watch SE, which features the same dual-core processor found in the Series 8 but lacks the more advanced features like the always-on display, starts at $249 and can also be pre-ordered today and will launch Sept. 16.

Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is a bigger, more durable smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Apple

The Apple Watch Ultra, an all-new design, is built for intense fitness training and outdoor activities like climbing, hiking, and scuba diving. The more rugged model features an extra-large 49mm titanium case, a redesigned Digital Crown, and an “Action button,” which you can customize for various activities. The Watch Ultra’s display features sapphire crystal for durability and supports 2000 nits of brightness when outdoors. Notably, the Watch Ultra’s buttons have been designed to work with users who wear gloves.

The Watch Ultra has all the features of the Series 8 but also includes three built-in microphones and is twice as water resistant as other Apple Watch models. The more rugged wearable comes standard with cellular capabilities and can get up to 36 hours on a single charge—enough for any extreme athletes participating in grueling endurance sports. It also features an extended battery life of 60 hours when using Apple’s new Low Power Mode (which will be enabled in a software update later in the fall).

The Watch Ultra also supports L1 and L5 GPS frequencies, ensuring your coordinates are as precise as possible. This is necessary for a new trackback feature to help users retrace their steps if they get lost on a hiking trip. If you get lost and need assistance, the Watch Ultra has an 86-decibel siren so others nearby can better locate you. If you’re into water sports, the Watch Ultra is certified to EN 13319 for scuba divers, with a diving depth of up to 131 feet.

Three new bands are available for the Watch Ultra—Alpine, Trail, and Ocean—and they cater to the different environments they’re named after. The Watch Ultra will be available for $799 when it launches Sept. 23.

AirPods Pro 2

iPhone 14 news
The AirPods Pro 2 feature enhanced active noise-canceling, capacitive controls, and more. Apple

The AirPods Pro 2 sticks with a design introduced by the original model but can cancel twice as much noise. This is thanks to a new H2 chip, which also supports an improved Adaptive Transparency mode that will dynamically reduce heavy noise while walking around a loud city. The latest truly wireless earbuds include a new low-distortion audio driver and a custom amplifier for richer bass and crystal-clear sound.

The AirPods Pro 2 also supports new touch gestures, including the ability to adjust the volume with swipes on the stems. That will reduce the friction when using the earbuds because you will no longer have to take out your phone to turn up your favorite song. The AirPods Pro 2 features six hours of listening time on a single charge, a 33 percent increase over the original AirPods Pro. The charging case, which now has a built-in speaker (for Find My/status purposes) and a new loop on the side for a lanyard, allows for 30 hours of listening time, an increase of six hours.

The AirPods Pro 2 will be available to order for $249 Sept. 9 and launch Sept. 23.

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Everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Ultra https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-watch-ultra-features/ Wed, 07 Sep 2022 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=468347
Apple Watch Ultra

“Made for exploration, adventure, and endurance.”

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Apple Watch Ultra

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The new high-end Apple Watch is larger and more durable than the standard Apple Watch Series 8, which was also announced at the event, with features made for scuba divers, outdoor adventurers, and endurance athletes like marathon and triathlon runners. Unlike past Apple Watches, which have robust fitness features but are primarily “lifestyle” watches for all kinds of people, the Apple Watch Ultra is a more niche “outdoor” watch for people who want specialized support. And with a much higher price—$799, versus $399 for the GPS-enabled Series 8—it’s the kind of gear that you should learn a little more about before picking one up. We’ll eventually have a full review of the Apple Watch Ultra, but here’s an early look at the advanced tech inside.

Bigger and tougher

Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is bigger and more durable than the Apple Watch Series 8. Apple

Apple Watch Ultra is big. While the difference between the 45mm chassis of the Watch Series 8 and the 49mm Watch Ultra may not sound substantial, it should feel positively huge to standard Apple Watch users. Keep in mind: Apple expanded the case size by 1mm with the Watch Series 7, and that made a very noticeable difference. 

It’ll also have a much thicker chassis to incorporate new components, including a larger, louder speaker and a three-microphone array to improve voice clarity when making calls on the watch in less-than-ideal conditions. The Watch Ultra only comes in one hardware configuration, which includes cellular connectivity, so the expectation is that people will want to use the Watch Ultra to make calls at any time.

Presumably, the larger case also allowed Apple to give the Watch Ultra a bigger battery, which it estimates will last up to 36 hours on a single charge, or up to 60 hours with a low-power feature (available later in the fall).

Smartwatches photo
The Apple Watch Ultra has a new “Action” button and a redesigned Digital Crown. Apple

The redesigned watch will also feature some design tweaks for the sake of durability, and usability in extreme conditions. The titanium case extends up to cover the edges of the sapphire crystal display to minimize cracked edges. The Watch Ultra is rated to operate on-wrist at temperatures as low as minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, or as high as 131 F. It’s also IP6X and MIL-STD-810H certified—a military-grade durability rating used for many “rugged” tech products—indicating it’s prepared for some conditions, including rain, humidity, immersion in sand and dust, freezing, shock, and vibration, among others.

The buttons—yes, plural—are also getting an overhaul. The Digital Crown is larger and features grooved notches to make it easier to manipulate with a gloved hand. There’s also a second input: a large customizable “Action” button, that will allow you to start tracking workouts and perform other functions quickly. For example, triathletes can switch from running to cycling to swimming by simply pressing the button.

Last, but not least, Apple has created three new, activity-specific Apple Watch Ultra bands—the stitch-free hook-clasped Alpine Loop Band, the wetsuit-ready rubber Ocean Band, and the ultralight stretch Trail Loop band.

Built for survival

Apple Watch Ultra
The new compass app allows you to set waypoints to help you find your way back to your camp or car. Apple

The Apple Watch Ultra offers some specialized features, many of which seem designed with safety and survival for hikers and climbers in mind. It uses a more precise “dual-frequency” GPS tracking that allows the watch to maintain tracking when you’re surrounded by tall structures or mountains.

As part of watchOS 9, the Watch Ultra will feature a redesigned version of the compass app that allows you to set waypoints, like your home, your camp, or your car, and allow you to orient yourself in relation to those locations. It will also be able to use a feature called backtrack that can use GPS to create a path retracing your steps in real-time. If you find yourself fully lost or hurt, the larger speaker can now play an ultra-loud 86-decibel siren that sends a distinctive SOS alarm (audible up to 600 feet away).

During the day, the display is brighter, up to 2000 Nits, which should make it easier to see regardless of glare. It also features a night mode, which turns the whole interface red, making it easier to see without interfering with your own night-adjusted vision.

Diver’s delight

The Apple Watch Ultra also seems to be an especially useful tool for divers. It’s waterproof up to 100 meters (WR100) and has an EN13319 depth gauge certification for diving accessories. Using a new depth app, you’ll be able to see your depth, time underwater, and max depth. In conjunction with an upcoming app, Oceanic+, the Watch Ultra will reportedly work as an effective dive computer, letting you plan and share dive routes and providing safety stop guidance.

Plus the best of Apple Watch Series 8 and watchOS 9

In addition to all of its exclusive changes, the Apple Watch Ultra will feature all of the upgrades in the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8. Most notably, that means new motion sensors that can detect if you get in a car crash and automatically call for help. They include a gyroscope and a highly sensitive accelerometer. Even the Watch Ultra’s built-in barometer plays a role in detecting crashes by detecting pressure changes typically associated with airbag deployment. There is also a temperature sensor that improves menstrual cycle tracking and enables ovulation tracking through the Health app (information Apple stressed is encrypted on the watch and only accessible with a user’s passcode/Touch ID/Face ID).

Since the Watch Ultra is a sports watch, it’s also worth noting that watchOS 9 will offer improved tracking for runs, including stride length and vertical oscillation, as well as more advanced workout data views. (These were announced earlier this year, and will be coming to all watchOS 9 compatible watches.)

What does all this mean?

Apple Watch Ultra
Apple will sell three activity-focused bands for the Apple Watch Ultra: The Trail Loop, the Alpine Loop, and the Ocean Band. Apple

Apple Watch Ultra will have a lot of new features that the Apple Watch Series 8 won’t. Some of these features will be helpful for most people, like a bigger battery, brighter screen, and dual-frequency GPS. Many of them, though, are highly specific and are really made for people who are very devoted to intense fitness training and fairly advanced outdoor activities like off-trail hiking, scuba diving, and climbing. Will the Apple Watch Ultra be the best, most feature-rich Apple Watch? Quite possibly, yes. And, at double the price of a GPS-only Series 8, it may be too niche for the average person.

At a glance, the people who should get most excited are iPhone-using fans of multisports smartwatches from brands like Garmin and Suunto. Those brands already make watches with many of these features, but their flagship watches cost even more than the $799 Apple Watch Ultra and don’t offer the same level of connectivity and convenience as an Apple Watch and iPhone working in sync.

The question remains: Is the Apple Watch Ultra worth buying? We will hopefully get our hands on the Apple Watch Ultra in the coming weeks, so we’ll have a full review with our thoughts on whether or not it’s worth that higher price. In the meantime, the Apple Watch Ultra is available on Amazon for $799.

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Apple’s two big new safety features, explained https://www.popsci.com/technology/apple-announces-car-crash-detection-and-emergency-satellite-communication/ Wed, 07 Sep 2022 21:31:36 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=468348
Smartwatches photo
courtesy Apple

Car crash detection and a way to communicate via satellite in an emergency are part of the latest tech out of Cupertino.

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Smartwatches photo
courtesy Apple

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Apple held its annual iPhone extravaganza today, and among the debut of gadgets like the iPhone 14 and the chunky, extreme-sports-focused Apple Watch Ultra are two new services focused on safety. One of them, car crash detection, involves both gadgets, and the other, enabling emergency satellite communication, is iPhone-specific. 

Here’s a look at what to expect from the two new services. 

Car crash detection

Apple has previously rolled out two features tied to its wearable device that detect if you’ve taken a spill: a form of everyday fall-detection (in 2018) and then, last year, a workout-focused version of the same. 

A new service, announced today, aims to notice that you’ve been in a car accident and then call for help. 

Ron Huang, the company’s vice president for sensing and connectivity, said that the feature employs new sensors in the Apple Watch as well as machine learning. While the company’s watches already have gyroscopes and accelerometers in them, Huang said that new versions of these sensors help detect the forces present in a car accident. That new accelerometer, he said, can notice as much as 256 Gs of acceleration, “allowing it to detect the extreme impacts of a crash.” 

For context, one G—that stands for gravity—is what you feel pulling you straight down towards the Earth at any given moment, and fighter pilots endure as much as nine or more Gs while conducting maneuvers in which they bank hard or accelerate quickly. In a car accident, the Gs the watch are detecting likely stem from forces involved in actions like the rapid stop. 

[Related: A new AT&T update could make 911 calls more effective]

Huang also said that the onboard barometer, microphone, and GPS chip help with the detection process as well, and that machine learning helped tie everything together. The barometer is involved to measure pressure-related changes due to an airbag’s deployment, a promotional video during the event explained. 

The company’s latest phones also offer an identical service, said Kaiann Drance, the company’s vice president for iPhone product marketing, meaning that you do not need to buy the newest watch to get car crash detection. 

The announcement comes at a grim time for road safety in the United States, as almost 43,000 people died in car accidents in 2021, an increase of more than 10 percent over the year before. (Pedestrians are an especially vulnerable group.) But of course, difficult problems like national road safety are unlikely to be solved with something like a gadget. 

Satellite communications

The second safety feature the company announced is baked into the new iPhones specifically, and involves giving someone like an injured mountaineer a way to ask for help via satellite when they are out of cell service range. 

Apple is calling the new feature “Emergency SOS via Satellite,” and it works by instructing the lost hiker to point their phone at a far away, quick-moving communications satellite. To make this feature work, engineers had to tackle the bandwidth challenges that come with this form of communication. 

“To connect to these satellites, you need to be outside, with a clear view of the sky,” said Ashley Williams, the company’s manager for satellite modeling and simulation. “And the bandwidth is so limited that even sending a text message is a technical challenge.” (So, no Netflix via sat.) 

[Related: What it’s like to rescue someone at sea from a Coast Guard helicopter]

Other factors that allow this whole system to work are a “custom short text compression algorithm,” Williams said, as well as a specific screen interface for reporting what the problem is, like by hitting the “Lost or Trapped” option. Helping to handle any cries for help will be a ground network that also includes “relay centers staffed with highly trained emergency specialists ready to get your text and call an emergency service provider on your behalf,” she said, which are involved if the emergency center cannot deal with a text message exchange on its own. 

The satellite communication service will not come with any extra cost—for the first two years after you purchase an iPhone 14. After that, the sky’s the limit. The SOS service debuts in November, only in Canada and the United States. 

Watch the entire event, below.

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Garmin Instinct 2 Solar smartwatch review: A highly capable adventure watch https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-instinct-solar-review/ Fri, 28 May 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=367750
Neo Tropic Garmin Instinct 2S Solar on Abby's wrist on a sandy trail
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar proved itself an advanced, ready-for-anything fitness watch thanks to its ruggedized body and solar-charging technology. Abby Ferguson

With solar charging and nearly endless activity types, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar will be able to keep up no matter how you see, or stay, fit.

The post Garmin Instinct 2 Solar smartwatch review: A highly capable adventure watch appeared first on Popular Science.

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Neo Tropic Garmin Instinct 2S Solar on Abby's wrist on a sandy trail
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar proved itself an advanced, ready-for-anything fitness watch thanks to its ruggedized body and solar-charging technology. Abby Ferguson

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While many activity trackers strive for sleek, discreet designs, Garmin created the Instinct 2 Solar for those who like classic outdoor watch styling without sacrificing advanced features. Despite its rugged, rather old-school body and display, the second iteration of this Garmin solar watch is a robust smartwatch with highly accurate GPS, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and integrated solar charging. While there haven’t been many changes on the exterior, the watch’s software has some updates that many will appreciate, mostly related to activity tracking. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar promises to give you more accurate training information and keep you from charging as often and, in most respects, it delivers. 

Abby Ferguson

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The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar’s design

As already mentioned, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar doesn’t look very different from the original Instinct Solar. The case is made of the same fiber-reinforced polymer, the display is still Garmin’s transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, and both versions are topped with Corning Gorilla Glass for durability. The Power Glass tech allows the watch to charge by absorbing sunlight through both visible side panels and an invisible layer atop the display. The bezel has been ever so slightly redesigned, though it’s like a spot-the-difference game to see what changed since it’s so subtle. 

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar on Abby's wrist at the beach
The smaller 40mm size option is a nice choice for those with small wrists and hands. Abby Ferguson

The Instinct 2 Solar comes in the original 45mm, 53g case options and a new, smaller 40mm, 43g size (technically designated the 2S). The latter—in the color “Neo Tropic”—is the watch I have been eating, sleeping, and breathing in for the past month or so. Despite my child-sized wrists, it fits well and, thanks to the 13.3 mm thickness, it doesn’t look clunky like other sports watches I’ve used. The band that comes with the smaller size is quite short, however. So while it fits me (just barely), many will likely need to purchase a separate, longer band.

 

Underside/clasp of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar smartwatch on Abby's wrist
Though I could loosen the watch some, I’ve almost maxed out the tiny band on the 2S, even with my small wrists.  Abby Ferguson

It is a rugged watch, intended to be put through the wringer. It’s water-rated to 100 meters, so it can stand up to some deep free-dives, making a bit of sweat and rain a piece of cake. And it’s thermal and shock resistant, so if you climb with it on and take some hard falls, it should easily survive. I wore mine to the gym, knocking it on a fair share of weight racks and bushwhacked through some dense forest, and it still looks brand new without so much as a scratch anywhere. 

The display is a slightly higher resolution than the original Instinct Solar (156 x 156 pixels for the 2S vs. 128 x 128 pixels for the original) but, as mentioned, it is still the same old-school, monochrome look. This basic display contributes significantly to the Instinct’s 21-day battery life even when in smartwatch mode. It isn’t very fancy to look at, however.

The watch has a pretty large bezel, which eats up quite a bit of screen real estate. So while it collects tons of data and shows you graphs of certain things, such as sleep quality, I have found it a bit difficult to read and assess the graphs on the watch itself because of the small, monochrome screen. If I really want to see the information, it’s a much better experience to pull it up in the Garmin app instead. 

Setting up the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Garmin makes the setup process for any of its watches incredibly easy, especially if you already have a Garmin watch and account. The watch comes with a partial charge right out of the box, so you can get to set up right after opening it. You will need to download the Garmin Connect app (available for iPhone and Android), but the watch guides you through the process step-by-step and makes it very easy to pair with your phone/app using a Bluetooth connection. 

I was already a Garmin user, so the setup took only a few minutes on my Samsung Galaxy S10. But even if you are starting from scratch, it shouldn’t take much longer. Of course, if you want to take the time to customize things like notifications, tones, and watch faces right out the gate, you could spend quite a while in both Garmin Connect (the watch’s settings/metrics hub) and Garmin Connect IQ (the watch’s app, or “widget,” store, which did not work with the original Instinct). When in Connect, you’ll see steps that still need to be completed for full setup by tapping on the watch at the top. However, some, such as connecting to Garmin Pay, can wait or not be done at all, depending on what you want to use. 

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar’s features

The Instinct 2 Solar is a comparatively simple smartwatch despite costing $450, lacking some of the fancier features of higher-end, Garmin offerings like the multisport fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar and premium running Forerunner 955. Those watches offer color touchscreens, more advanced training suggestions, and more detailed navigation maps. But the Instinct 2 Solar is still plenty feature-rich and provides loads of insights and data.   

Battery life

I would be remiss if I didn’t start out with the feature advertised in the name since “Solar” is one of the main selling points of this watch. Because of the basic display and the solar charging, it can last a seriously long time, though that seems to be with some caveats. 

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar in the sand displaying solar intensity
You can track how much solar life your watch is taking advantage of (and how much sun you’re soaking up, too) in the Solar Intensity Glance. Abby Ferguson

According to Garmin, the Instinct 2 models improve slightly on the original and the 40mm Instinct 2S can last 21 days in smartwatch mode/51 days with solar and has potentially unlimited battery life when in battery saver mode (more in the standard-sized model). However, I have not been able to get that kind of battery life out of it, partially because it assumes the watch gets 3 hours of 50,000 lux sunlight conditions a day and partially because that number is based on general wear, with no or at least limited activity tracking. With a GPS-enabled activity nearly every day, and sometimes more than one, I have to charge it about once a week (running GPS nonstop, battery life is rated at 22 hours/28 with solar). Admittedly, I’m also not spending much time in the most intense sun right now, thanks to the summer heat, so I’ve not been able to take full advantage of the solar functionality—though I plan to gauge the battery life claims more as I evaluate other sports watches, so this section will be updated. Even without taking full advantage of solar, however, it still lasts longer than my much-loved Forerunner 745, and some time on the window sill or a sunbaked rock will keep it running for a day or two in a pinch.

You can change how often and what sensors pull from the battery, so you can customize it to get more battery life. And when the battery is running low, the watch prompts you to switch it to battery saver mode, which gives you a very pared-down display with no smartwatch functionality. And when you need to plug it in for a charge with the provided proprietary multi-pin USB cable (though no wall adapter), it bounces back quickly. I was able to fully charge the battery from 0% to 100% in about three-and-a-half hours, so it’s quick to top off the battery when you need to.

Activity tracker

If you’re buying a Garmin watch, it’s almost certainly for its acumen as a fitness tracker. The Instinct 2 Solar offers activity modes for just about every type of exercise, workout, and sport you could imagine, from treadmill and trail running and cycling (road, eBike, indoors, mountain, etc.) to climbing, swimming, and even breathwork and multi-day expeditions. HIIT timers are in the newer model, as well. Some you will need to add to the watch, but doing so hardly takes any time at all and can be done on the watch itself or the app.

Garmin also makes a few different editions of this watch, which have unique, hyper-specific modes. For example, the Surf Edition has specific tracking for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, along with tide data that you can’t access on the Standard Edition. There’s also a Tactical Edition, with Jumpmaster activity, waypoint projection, dual-position GPS format, preloaded tactical activity, and a stealth mode. Of course, the Standard Edition has just about everything other than some of those specialized activities so, for most, it will be the one to get.

No matter what type of activity you do, it is straightforward to track it. Different activities offer specific information on the watch face, though all of that is customizable, so you can choose what information is most important to see while tracking. For example, I like to have my heart rate and distance prominently displayed when on runs, while things like cadence and lap time aren’t important to me. 

You can also choose to silence tones and notifications during workouts. For example, if I’m out for a run, I don’t want to be notified that someone liked my Instagram post, so I can easily choose to block those during that activity. 

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar display on a wrist on a run
On suggested runs, the data displayed varies from normal runs. It shows you if your pace is falling within the recommended range.  Abby Ferguson

The watch can also give you suggested running workouts to help improve your fitness. When you click to start a run, a screen will pop up with “Today’s Suggestion” that provides a brief summary of the run and its training effect. It’s a nice way to mix up your workouts without paying for a coach or doing your own extensive research. 

Data collection and insights

The watch obviously collects quite a lot of data while recording activities, relying on the plethora of sensors built into it. It connects with three Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)—GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo—for better accuracy, has the newer Garmin Elevate Gen4 optical heart rate sensor, plus includes a barometric altimeter, compass, accelerometer, and thermometer. But it also collects lots of data when you aren’t explicitly recording an activity. For example, you can always see your heart rate and step count. 

Back/sensors of the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar
Garmin’s Elevate Gen4 optical heart rate sensor is one of several on the back of the watch. Abby Ferguson

If you wear the watch to bed, it will also track your sleep, giving you insight into your sleep stages throughout the night. I have found the sleep tracking to be hit and miss in terms of accuracy, with some nights showing as excellent sleep even though I most definitely was awake for chunks of time and do not feel rested in the morning. 

Though it’s not always accurate, wearing the watch during sleep allows Garmin to get a more complete picture of your fitness and recovery status, which is new on this Instinct 2 Solar. On this second version, you can now access Garmin’s Training Status, VO2 max, and Recovery time. If you are serious about your training, these are all very helpful. 

While the provided VO2 max value relies on an algorithm and heart rate data, the estimation yields similar results to a proper VO2 max test, which relies on indirect calorimetry and requires expensive lab equipment. And, if you click on the Training Status on either the watch or the app, it will tell you if you need to adjust your training in any particular way to improve your fitness. Of course, it is generalized, so if you are training for something specific, it may not be very accurate, but it does a great job for general fitness. 

Smartwatch features

Like most fitness trackers these days, the Instinct 2 Solar is a full smartwatch. That means it pairs with your phone to provide notifications on the watch’s display. Any notification you get on your phone can come through, though some allow more interaction than others. It’s handy when you are in a situation where you can’t or don’t want to pick up your phone but you want to know if any important calls or messages are coming through. When out and about, I typically leave my phone in my purse when out and about and only take it out if it’s something I care to deal with right then. 

The Instinct 2 Solar doesn’t have a cellular connection and it lacks a microphone, so you can’t take calls or use a voice assistant, etc. But, you can set up prewritten responses to texts or calls and respond from the watch, which is ideal for when you are in the middle of something. You can also like Instagram messages from the watch, should you care to do that. 

Safety features

One of the things that I love about the Instinct 2 Solar is the safety features. Garmin added Incident Detection to this second iteration, which uses the sensors in your watch to detect if a fall or crash may have occurred on a walk, run, or ride. If it does detect an event, it will text your emergency contact, which you can set up in the app.

There is also the ability to request assistance manually, though quickly, if needed. By simply holding the top left button for three seconds, the watch will send a text or email to your emergency contact with your exact location. It will continue to send your location until you end it and can even send an “I’m OK” text if things resolve themselves. You will need to have your phone on you and have service to use it, but it is very nice to know that feature is there if I ever find myself in a dicey situation. 

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar on a wrist on a colorful trail
The TracBack feature lets you easily navigate back to your starting point. Abby Ferguson

As a robust GPS watch, you’ll also be able to use Garmin’s TracBack. It is an extremely beneficial tool for any backcountry activities, as it allows you to follow your traveled path without needing to place waypoints as you go. Should you get lost, it makes it much easier to find your way back even if you don’t have expert-level navigation skills.

Lastly, you’ll also have access to Garmin’s LiveTrack. When you start a run, hike, or bike ride, you can send LiveTrack information to whomever. It’s an excellent feature for backcountry activities so that someone can know where you are and if your outing takes as long as expected. All these extra layers of protection make me feel safer when out alone on runs, bike rides, or hikes, and make my husband more comfortable with my solo trips as well. 

Garmin app

Though you can do a lot on the watch, the Garmin Connect app provides the best method for viewing and analyzing data collected by the device. As mentioned, it can be hard to decipher some data on the watch, so being able to see all that information in the app is very useful. The app also provides even more information and training data than the watch does, so you can really nerd out and get into the nitty-gritty. 

The app also lets you fully customize your watch, from downloading specialized faces to changing notification settings and enabling safety features. You can do much of that on the watch itself, but it may be easier for some to do on the app. 

For those who like the social aspects of staying active, Garmin also has its own platform for that within the app. You can connect with other Garmin users, with options to “like” or comment on their activities. There are even challenges that you can join to stay motivated. It’s not as feature-rich as apps like Strava, but connecting with others can be a big motivator. And you can also link your Garmin account to Strava, should you want your data to sync there. 

Usability and accuracy

Overall, the watch is easy and intuitive to use. The labels on the bezel help identify what key functions fall under each button (labeled Control, Menu, ABC, GPS, Set), but you will want to read through the manual or do a walkthrough to figure out where certain settings are hiding. I did find the menus slightly more confusing than on my Forerunner 745, but not overly so.

I had some lagging issues when pushing buttons for the first time in a while, resulting in me waiting for it to go to the right menu when wanting to start a workout or view certain stats. It isn’t terribly long, but it is enough to be a bit annoying and hasn’t been an issue on other Garmin watches I’ve used. 

Forerunner 955 Solar next to Garmin Instinct 2S Solar on Abby's wrist
The Instinct 2S Solar’s display looks very old school next to the Forerunner 955’s large, colorful screen, but the data gathered by both is consistent and insightful. Abby Ferguson

I wore both the Instinct Solar 2S and Forerunner 955 Solar (which I’m also reviewing) on a handful of runs—both on my left wrist, though I also had a chest-based heart rate monitor that I only had paired with the Instinct. Results did vary slightly across pretty much all fields when I examined them in Garmin Connect, but it was all well within the margin of error. So, I would fully trust the results from both watches. I anticipated any heart rate-related fields to be different since chest straps provide much more accurate and reliable data than wrist-based. 

Garmin will suggest workouts for you when starting a run, and interestingly those varied slightly between the two watches as well. The Forerunner 955’s recommendations seemed to align better with my current fitness level and pacing abilities, though that is strictly based on perceived effort type insight. The Instinct Solar 2S also didn’t have any motivational type messages pop up after a run as the Forerunner 955 did. Although small and perhaps somewhat silly, it made me prefer running with the Forerunner. 

So, who should buy the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar?

There are other fitness-tracking smartwatches that are sleeker and thus better suited for blending into everyday wear (such as the Apple Watch Series 7). The rugged styling of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar means that it doesn’t necessarily fit well with fancy attire, though I have to admit I am one of those who wear their Garmin no matter what the outfit, so this is a matter of personal preference.

Though the watch fully tracks activities and collects loads of data, it doesn’t present the information quite as elegantly or thoroughly as some of Garmin’s more specialized watches. As a result, it probably isn’t the best option if you are an intensely focused, multisport athlete (that’s where the fēnix 7 and even more expressive EPIX Gen. 2 series come in). And, as a runner, I much prefer the Forerunner 955, as it provides better workout suggestions and gives me more information about my preferred type of training. The higher-resolution color screen on the Forerunner also makes it easier to see data while running, which I appreciate. 

The durability and long battery life when outside, however, make the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar a truly fantastic smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a more casual but still comprehensive activity tracker. It also has navigation modes that are helpful for activities. I definitely see the advantages of this watch for longer hikes, climbs, or multi-day adventures and plan on using it for such trips in the future. You can trust that it will survive some serious trips and that the battery life, once settings are customized, will keep up with your lifestyle.

The post Garmin Instinct 2 Solar smartwatch review: A highly capable adventure watch appeared first on Popular Science.

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Get this Apple Watch alternative for less than $60 on Amazon https://www.popsci.com/gear/amazfit-smartwatch-amazon-deal/ Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:45:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=464477
Three smartwatches lined up on a blue gradient background
Amanda Reed

The clock is ticking on the chance to get fancy smartwatch capabilities sans the fancy smartwatch price.

The post Get this Apple Watch alternative for less than $60 on Amazon appeared first on Popular Science.

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Three smartwatches lined up on a blue gradient background
Amanda Reed

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Smartwatches are a great way to look at the time, send messages, and get health insights while keeping your phone in your pocket. The Amazfit Bip U Pro, a far more affordable alternative to the Apple Watch, is on sale for $56.99 on Amazon, down from $69.99. Soon the summer heat will break, but you won’t, and an Amazfit lets you track your continued fall training.

Amazfit

SEE IT

We’ve previously reviewed the Bip U Pro and praised it for its accurate fitness metrics recording. A voice assistant and GPS are built-in, meaning you can ask Alexa about the best running routes and promptly take them. More than 60 sports modes help you exercise at your athletic level—from running novice to marathon marvel—and health-tracking lets you collect heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress, sleep quality, and more. The watch is as light as a feather at 31 grams, but its intelligence stings like a bee—you can even control the camera of your smartphone from it. And, a 9-day battery life means it doesn’t stop to rest, just like you on a three-mile run.

If you’re not looking for a smartwatch but want a dedicated fitness tracker with long battery life, the Amazfit Band 7—which we are thoroughly reviewing, alongside the T-Rex 2, so check back in the coming month—lasts for 18 days on a single charge and includes double the amount of sports modes. It’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters, can simultaneously read heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress levels with one tap, and is currently $44.99 (with $5 off coupon clicked).

Don’t spend too much time debating on this deal—some of these smart watches will be back to their retail prices when the clock strikes midnight.

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Samsung announces new Galaxy Z folding phones, Galaxy Watch5 Pro, and more https://www.popsci.com/gear/samsung-unpacked-2022-galaxy-z-fold/ Wed, 10 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=461312
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 News
Samsung

Samsung “unpacked” the Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Watch5, Watch5 Pro, and Buds2 Pro on its latest livestream.

The post Samsung announces new Galaxy Z folding phones, Galaxy Watch5 Pro, and more appeared first on Popular Science.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 News
Samsung

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Samsung’s summer Unpacked event brings exciting announcements every August and this year’s presentation didn’t disappoint. The company unveiled new versions of its two high-end foldable phones—the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4—which have been fine-tuned with slimmer bezels, smaller hinges, and more seamless display creases. It also revealed two versions of its next smartwatch—the Galaxy Watch5 and the first-ever Galaxy Watch5 Pro, which features a tough titanium case and sapphire crystal display. Last, but not least, an upgraded version of Samsung’s earbuds, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, features some subtle design tweaks and support for high-fidelity audio.

Galaxy Z Fold4

Samsung Galaxy Fold4
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 has a wider screen and a much-improved set of cameras. Samsung

With each passing year, Samsung’s Z Fold series further establishes itself as the company’s premier foldable. Samsung refines the Z Fold4’s signature tablet-esque 7.6-inch AMOLED 2X folding screen with a slightly wider inner display, a more subtle hinge with less of a crease, and a less-intrusive under-display camera. Samsung has also taken great pains to make the Z Fold4 more durable than its predecessors, as the line’s integrity has always been a concern. This year’s model features IPX8 water resistance for the first time and a newly optimized layer structure on the main display for enhanced shock absorption. 

Under the hood, the Z Fold4 is powered by a Snapdragon+ Gen 1 processor, has 12GB of RAM, and offers 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. The device continues to provide a triple-camera setup, but there are some welcome updates this year.

Its rear cameras receive a major boost, sporting the same trio as the Samsung Galaxy S22—a 12MP ultra-wide, a 50MP wide, and a 10MP telephoto camera, the latter of which offers 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom. It will also feature a 10MP wide camera on the front, just like Z Fold3.

Samsung Galaxy Fold4 2
According to Samsung, the central display crease and the under-display camera won’t be as noticeable on the Fold4. Samsung

Samsung has also made some software changes that make the Z Fold4 a more effective multitasker. The taskbar has been redesigned in OneUI 4.1.1, providing users easy access to their favorite and recently used apps. Speaking of software, the Z Fold4 is the first device to ship with Android 12L, a version of Android for large screen and foldable devices.

Last, but not least, the Fold4 now has touchpad controls in “flex mode,” when the Fold4 is partially folded. It should, if nothing else, make it easier to use the half-screen as a viewfinder when taking selfies.

The Galaxy Z Fold4 will be available Aug. 26 for $1,799 in graygreen, phantom black, and beige. Samsung is also offering the device in burgundy exclusively on its website.

Galaxy Z Flip4

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
According to Samsung, the Z Flip series is the world’s most popular folding phone line. Samsung

Samsung also introduced an updated Galaxy Z Flip, which the company said is the most popular foldable in the world. (Practically speaking, that simply means it’s more popular than the Z Fold.) This year’s model, the Galaxy Z Flip4 improves the clamshell design with a tougher frame, refined hinge, and slimmer display bezels compared to previous generations. Samsung also said the display is stronger, so users will encounter fewer unexpected cracks from everyday use.

Improved durability is welcome but that isn’t the only change. Samsung has enhanced the cover screen so users can more efficiently reply to messages and make calls. New widgets are also being made available, further establishing the cover screen as a core part of the Z Flip experience. The concept of the cover screen has always been exciting and it looks like Samsung is getting closer to making it a reliable quick-glance solution in more situations.

Like last year’s model, the Galaxy Z Flip4 launches with a 6.7-inch OLED display that features a 22:9 aspect ratio and supports 120Hz ProMotion technology. The display also features a 10MP selfie camera with a familiar hole punch design.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 News
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 cover screen will let you make calls and reply quickly to text messages. Samsung

The Z Flip4 is powered by a Snapdragon+ Gen 1 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options. The device also comes with a 3700mAh battery that can charge to 50% in just half an hour, and it’s water-resistant, so it can survive getting wet if caught in a downpour. Like last year, the Z Flip 4 features a dual-camera setup, with a brighter 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. 

Samsung said the cameras now offer larger pixels, better image stabilization, and enhanced processing for better low-light performance. Tracking for video has also been improved, so moving subjects stay in focus without much intervention from the user.

The Galaxy Z Flip4 will cost $999 when it launches Aug. 26 and is available in bora purple, graphite, pink gold, and blue. Samsung is also offering bespoke editions that will allow users to pick from a set of colors for the front, back, and frame.

Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro

Samsung Z Fold4 News
The many faces of the Samsung Galaxy Watch5. Samsung

Samsung historically releases a standard Galaxy Watch and a more robust, expensive “classic” version with a larger frame. This year, the company is shaking things up by introducing the Galaxy Watch5 and a more rugged, outdoor-minded Galaxy Watch5 Pro.

The Galaxy Watch5 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes and will be available in both Bluetooth and LTE. Both feature sapphire crystal glass and curved rear glass, which Samsung said offers better contact with a user’s wrist, enabling more accurate biometrics, including advanced sleep coaching, body composition analysis, heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels, and a new skin temperature detection feature, which could tell users when they have a fever. The Watch5 also features IP68 water and dust resistance and runs Wear OS powered by Samsung’s customizations.

The 40mm Watch5 features a 1.19-inch display and 284mAh battery, and the 44mm Watch5 includes a 1.36-inch display and 410mAh battery. Otherwise, the two devices offer the same features and support 20mm band sizes. The Galaxy Watch5 starts at $279 for the 40mm and 44mm versions with Bluetooth and the price goes up for both models to $329 if you want LTE. Curiously, the small version is available in silver, graphite, and pink gold, while the larger model comes in sapphire, silver, and graphite.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 News
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is a larger, more durable smartwatch for sports and the outdoors. Samsung

The only totally new product in the announcement, Galaxy Watch5 Pro is a larger smartwatch made for people who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. It features a harder titanium case and a sapphire crystal display, making it better prepared to handle whatever outdoor adventure you have planned. 

The Galaxy Watch5 Pro comes in a single, extra-large 45mm case size. Like the Watch5, it offers advanced health and sleep tracking features. It includes a larger 1.36-inch display and a 590mAh battery, giving it enough juice to last a day away from outlets. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro will start at $499 and comes in black and gray titanium.

On the software side, both the Galaxy Watch5 and Watch5 Pro will have eight new watch faces and support Samsung’s Smart Switch feature, which allows you to quickly transfer contacts and other data from an old Galaxy Watch.

Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 News
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer high-fidelity sounds and a more comfortable design than its predecessors. Samsung

Last year, Samsung released the Galaxy Buds2, and this year Samsung follows the “Pro” earbuds trend with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. These true wireless earbuds feature improved active noise cancellation, allowing users to tone down even the loudest ambient noise, and an auto voice detect feature, which can turn down your music and let outside noise in after you start speaking.

Since the Buds2 already offered active noise cancellation, the distinction between the Buds2 and Buds2 Pro is a little more subtle, focusing on a smaller design and improved fidelity. Samsung said this year’s Pro model is 15% smaller than the Buds2, providing users with a more comfortable fit. The updated design also helps reduce pressure inside your ear because, as Samsung explained, air flows more effectively through the device. The more ergonomic design also prevents rotation, so you can comfortably lay down without them moving around.

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers higher-quality audio in the right conditions, thanks to new 10mm drivers with support for 24-bit audio. The higher bit depth provides audio with a higher dynamic range and reduced noise, resulting in a cleaner sound. It also offers multi-channel Dolby Atmos support for virtual surround sound in certain streaming apps. The Buds2 Pro also features IPX7 water resistance.

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro will be available Aug. 26 for $229 (up from $200 for the original Buds Pro).

The post Samsung announces new Galaxy Z folding phones, Galaxy Watch5 Pro, and more appeared first on Popular Science.

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Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR review: A smartwatch for people who hate smartwatches https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fossil-latitude-smartwatch-review/ Tue, 01 Jun 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=368313
Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR smartwatch
The face is clean and easy to read when there are no complications on it. Eric Alt

A great entry-level smartwatch, the Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR combines curated information with tried-and-true style.

The post Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR review: A smartwatch for people who hate smartwatches appeared first on Popular Science.

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Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR smartwatch
The face is clean and easy to read when there are no complications on it. Eric Alt

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Before a piece of technology becomes ubiquitous, there exists a period where you have early adopters going all-in on the shiny new toy and others who continue to cling to the old, comfortable ways of doing things. The smartwatch is still kind of in that phase, where some people are reluctant to give up their familiar watch for something that offers more functionality, but also potentially more complications. 

Traditional watchmakers such as Fossil are doing their best to usher these people into the new era by manufacturing hybrid smartwatches that have the look and feel of traditional timepieces—showcasing classic mechanical action atop a display for features like step trackers, weather reports, plus text and email alerts, etc. The Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR—the most fully-featured of the Fossil smartwatch connected lineup with the inclusion of an always-on display and heart rate monitor—may not market itself as a “Smartwatch for People Who Don’t Like Smartwatches,” but it may as well. 

A great smartwatch design for newcomers

Fossil has long been known for making stylish—but ultimately straightforward—watches. The company puts years of design experience behind its Fossil watches, and the end result shows. The Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR has the heft of a good sports or diving watch, and it doesn’t scream “smartwatch” on your wrist. 

The Fossil Latitude’s good looks lead the way

Right out of the box, the most striking thing about the Hybrid HR—like all the Fossil Latitude lineup—is, well, how much like a watch it looks. The hybrid Fossil smartwatch we tested was black and silver, with red highlights. It was simple, classic, and could easily be paired with work clothes or workout clothes. It simply looks like a quality timepiece, smart capabilities aside, which is to be expected for a timepiece that retails for $195. 

Lattitude Fossil Smart Watch
Clean, crisp text is easy to read on-screen. Eric Alt

The analog arms and large watch face are easy enough to read without any backlighting or digital display, and the watch’s 50mm case has considerable heft to it. It feels sturdy. The main drawback to this as a smartwatch is its weight. The Hybrid HR clocks in at a relatively hefty 5.6 ounces, which is considerable when measured against the Fitbit Versa 2 (1.41 oz) and the Apple Watch (1.07 oz); again, more in line with a “regular” Fossil watch that is typically around 6 ounces. The addition of extra weight renders some of its activity and fitness tracking capabilities moot, as it’s not comfortable as an all-out fitness accessory. 

The silicone watchband of the Fossil Latitude likewise feels sturdy and comfortable. At 24mm wide, it sits comfortably and doesn’t irritate nor does it feel like it’s ever in danger of overstretching or wearing out during typical day-to-day activity or even moderate exercise. Being a standard band size, as well, means it’s swappable based on your preferences.

The eyes have it

The Hybrid HR uses an e-ink display like the one you’d find on a Kindle, so it doesn’t glow like the OLED on an Apple Watch. This is a standout feature, because it can remain on all the time without eating up the battery life as greedily as a powered screen. The only drawback is that e-ink has a slow-ish refresh rate, so it may feel a bit sluggish compared to lit screens. Still, it’s easier on the eyes, but it can make the digital readouts tough to see at a glance. A firm double tap on the crystal kicks on a backlight in these instances.

The best feature as far as the Hybrid HR’s overall design is how the timepiece handles switching between traditional watch functions and the digital display. When you press the main side button to access digital information, the hour and minute hands automatically go to 9 and 3 to get out of your way.

Easy setup with iPhone or Android smartphone

If easing into smartwatch use is your plan with the Hybrid HR, then you will not be disappointed with this Fossil smartwatch. All you really have to do is download Fossil’s smartphone app, which is compatible with Android devices running OS 5.0 or higher and iOS devices on 12.0 and up. Once you do so, it walks you step by step through syncing and customizing your Fossil Latitude watch. 

The watch also comes with a USB cord for magnetic charging/syncing with a desktop device for downloading music or aligning calendars. Only two to three hours on its USB charger should provide a full, lasting charge of its lithium-ion battery. That juice-up can last well over a week: We tried the Hybrid HR with a fairly consistent amount of use and made it about 11 days before the battery was depleted. 

Like other offerings in the Fossil Latitude line, the Hybrid HR doesn’t have a ton of customization options, but it does allow you to prioritize certain functions and make them easier and quicker to access. The readout on the watch face itself is minimal, based on the company’s custom software, as opposed to a more robust OS like Google Wear. So, for example, if you intend to use this primarily for fitness, you can make activity trackers (such as steps and heart rate) your default display. If you are more interested in weather reports, you can bump those up easily as well. Through the smartphone app, you also select the apps you’d like to receive messages from—such as Gmail, Facebook Messenger, and even Slack—and you can set the watch to receive all messages from everyone, or only from favorite contacts.

Fossil Lattitude Hybrid HR smartwatch
It’s not massive, but it is chunky. Eric Alt

The learning curve with the Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR comes from getting used to which buttons on the watch itself do what. The main “big” side button is the “enter” button in most instances, which is different from other hybrid smartwatches that tend to use that as the default “back” button. Because the Hybrid HR’s crystal isn’t a touchscreen, scrolling is also button-based: the other two smaller buttons act a bit like scrolling cursors.

The rest of what you need to know

Although not the most sophisticated or detailed smartwatch available—being a hybrid, it is a bit of a dilettante—it combines enough to convince you of its usefulness beyond telling time. 

The step tracker and heart rate monitor provide some insight, but the fact that it isn’t the best fitness tracker (coupled with its overall bulk), which will likely make it a poor substitute for a dedicated monitor if you’re focused on highly accurate tracking. We used the Hybrid HR only for light activity (brisk walks, jogging), but did appreciate that you can set a “Challenge Profile” through the app to establish fitness goals, such as number of steps per day). The information is also easily accessible in the app and even displays alongside a handy calendar for keeping tabs on progress.

The Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR features an alarm clock function, text alerts, and the ability to sync with social media for notifications. You are able to accept text messages and emails, control music, and access a calendar and weather alerts. It’ll also notify you of incoming calls, but there is no speaker or microphone on the watch itself, so you’re not able to accept calls as you would an Apple Watch. When a call comes the watch hands move to their horizontal positions, with text on the screen notifying you of an incoming call, which you can accept or decline with a push of the side button.

It also has standards like a stopwatch. Again, not extremely deep or sophisticated—you won’t be able to sync up contactless payment, for example—but functional enough to do basic jobs.  

So, who is the Fossil Latitude for? 

At the end of the day, the Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR is a great option for those who wouldn’t mind a few bells and whistles, but maybe aren’t ready to dive into a full smartwatch. Overall, it’s a nice-looking timepiece first and foremost, with a few added functions, like the step tracker and heart rate monitor, etc., that may not be necessary for all folks. Hardcore fitness enthusiasts who want to track and accumulate data might find this Fossil smartwatch too bulky for use during exercise, and too slight when it comes to numbers and measurements. People who like the look and feel of a traditional Fossil watch, however, will appreciate the overall simplicity of the user experience. Weight is a factor, however: It’s not the kind of wearable that blends in and you almost forget it’s there. Overall, though, the Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR is very well-constructed and feels likely to survive as one’s everyday watch for a good long while.

The post Fossil Latitude Hybrid HR review: A smartwatch for people who hate smartwatches appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best budget smartwatches of 2023 https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-budget-smartwatch/ Tue, 25 May 2021 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=366696
best budget smartwatch
Ketut Subiyanto, Pexels

With models for every lifestyle, the best budget smartwatch tracks more than it lacks.

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best budget smartwatch
Ketut Subiyanto, Pexels

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Best overall The Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 8
SEE IT

Take calls, reply to texts, monitor your workouts, health, and more.

Best fitness tracker The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches that's also a fitness tracker. Fitbit Sense 2
SEE IT

Sensors track vitals to help guide your daily fitness and wellness goals.

Best tactical The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar is one of the best tactical smartwatches. Garmin fenix 7X Pro Solar
SEE IT

Get all the best tactical features with solar-charging technology.

This spring, Apple Watches reached some of their lowest prices ever on Amazon. A likely culprit? Competition. A lot of shoppers are realizing that the best budget smartwatch could be just as useful as a more expensive model—if they home in on finding one with the features that suit their needs. Whether you’re in the market for the best fitness tracker or a wrist gadget with robust features like GPS, there’s a cheap smartwatch out there for you. From the step-counting Fitbit Inspire 2 to the pint-sized Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2, we’ve rounded up a list of the best budget smartwatch options you can put around your wrist without having to pay in installments.

What to consider when shopping for the best budget smartwatch

The key to picking a smartwatch is focusing on how, where, when, and why you plan to use it. Features, sizes, styles, and uses vary greatly from brand to brand and even from device to device. Before you pull the trigger on a new smartwatch, review precisely how it will fit your specific needs. 

Will you use it as a fitness tracker? 

The best fitness trackers have come a long way since the days of dots measuring your daily step total. Even a cheap fitness tracker can supply data ranging from heart rate to mileage pace, calories burned to distance covered, sleep scores to stress levels. An ideal fitness tracker will be comfortable (silicon bands are common) and waterproof. After all, your activity of choice may be swimming or paddling—many budget fitness trackers are equipped to monitor such exercises—and you need a tracker that can withstand water. 

Do you need advanced features like mobile payments? 

More versatile smartwatches can, of course, track health data, too, but upping the size also gets you a bigger feature set. Are you hoping to use it to control your music? Tap to make a payment? Display your texts? This is all possible in the best budget smartwatches, but they may not all be available in a single device. So make your priority list, and go from there.

Do you want it to work without your phone? 

Just as GPS can help you get anywhere you need to go, budget smartwatches from companies like Garmin are built to monitor your active lifestyle no matter where you wander. Want to listen to a five-hour playlist while on a hike? Additions like onboard storage and GPS let devices work even when there’s no cell tower in sight. 

What device do you want to pair it with? 

Once you’ve narrowed down the style of smartwatch that works for you, make sure it will be compatible with your phone. If you want more detailed health analytics and the ability to receive calls and other alerts, apps are essential complements. Nearly every offering will work with iOS and Android apps, but be sure to check compatibility. 

Will a kid be the main person using it? 

Sometimes a little extra motivation can go a long way, especially with kids. A smartwatch may feel like a toy to them—and, let’s face it, it kind of is—but the included activities just might make them more active. Since kids are still developing their sense of responsibility, shopping for the best cheap smartwatches is a wise move. Even budget smartwatch options can keep track of your kid’s movement—or whereabouts if it’s equipped with GPS. Colorful bands and color screens will also keep your kid happy. 

Do you care how it looks? 

Even when shopping for the best budget smartwatch, you have every right to expect to find something that’s as stylish as it is practical. Colorful band options and metallic trims around the watch face can go a long way toward making even a cheap smartwatch a desirable fashion accessory. But that doesn’t mean your smartwatch won’t have brains, too. 

How much battery life do you need? 

Longevity is the final key. Some watches have replaceable batteries that can last a year. Others have rechargeable cells that can run for several days or even several weeks. If you’re the kind of person who always forgets your USB cord, or who will constantly be running battery-draining apps, factor battery life heavily into your smartwatch buying. 

The best budget smartwatches

The wearable landscape is a crowded place, but deciding what feature is most important to you—from fitness tracking to GPS for backcountry trekking—is the fastest way to winnow the field. Once you identify your No. 1 goal, additional things like killer design or mobile payments are gravy.

Best for fitness buffs: Fitbit Inspire 2

Fitbit

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If seeing your heartrate climb in real-time motivates you to run a little faster, or if reviewing a full report on last night’s sleep encourages you to get to bed a little earlier, the Fitbit Inspire 2 could get you on track to better health. This best budget smartwatch offers challenges and milestone badges on your weekly pursuits of 150 heart-pumping minutes, whether you want to burn those calories in the pool or on the trail.

At night, it’ll measure your light, deep, and REM sleep. It can then assign a score that tells you just how recuperating your slumber was. Call, text, and calendar alerts sent to this Bluetooth-connected, full-featured but cheap fitness tracker mean you don’t have to take a break from work when you’re on the go. And with a lithium-ion battery that lasts 10 days per charge, the Fitbit Inspire 2 maintains as much energy as you do even as it works 24/7 to monitor your heart rate. 

Best for roving offline: Garmin Vivoactive 3

Garmin

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With 15 preloaded sports apps—including running, cycling, yoga, and swimming—and smart notifications when paired with a smartphone app (compatible with iOS 12 or higher and Android 6.0 or higher), the Garmin Vivoactive 3 lets you stay on top of it all. Featuring Garmin Pay for contactless transactions, downloadable apps, thousands of custom watch faces and fields, plus fitness and stress monitoring, the Vivoactive 3 GPS smartwatch is great for the workday and the weekend warrior. There’s also a model sold with onboard music storage for phone-free listening. The watch can even keep an eye on how equipped you are to handle stress based on your VO2 max, heart rate variability, sleep, and recent activity. The battery lasts a week in smartwatch mode. It can last nearly two weeks in GPS mode, which tracks activity details without the need for a phone connection.  

Best for the fashion conscious: Willful Smartwatch 

Willful

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Yes, those attractive people in the gym who somehow look even more attractive when sweating on the treadmill may be annoying. But with the Willful Smartwatch, you can capture a little bit of their mojo. The matte band, in color options like plum, is beautiful. The watch face is sleek, and the smartwatch itself can track nine sports, including mountaineering and dynamic cycling. This IP68-rated watch can survive being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Plus it’s dust-tight. Built-in sensors automatically track your heart rate, and it can monitor everything you want to know about your workout. That includes everything from calories burned to miles run. Pair the watch with a smartphone app (compatible with iOS 8.0 and higher and Android 4.4 and higher), and you can keep tabs on incoming calls, monitor social media alerts, and switch up the music in your earbuds.  

Best for most situations: Amazfit Bip U Pro

Amazfit

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No, it’s not an Apple Watch. But you might fool your friends if they don’t look too closely. You can certainly awe them with the watch’s ability to track dozens of sports—from rowing to rope skipping to cricket. And as a GPS smartwatch, you can retrace your jogging route. You can also use the watch to set alerts, track your sleep, and even talk to Alexa, which is built in. If you mistakenly ask for Siri, we’ll understand.  

Best for kids: Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2

Garmin

SEE IT

Your kids are likely to love the customizable color screen and Disney themes. You’ll enjoy the ability to set reminders for chores and homework. And you’ll both like how the smartwatch encourages activity: Achieve movement goals, and the wearer unlocks new Disney-themed adventures and games. The Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2, compatible with iOS 12 and higher and Android 6.0 and higher, has a replaceable battery that can last a year. 

FAQs

Q: Are cheap smartwatches worth it? 

The best cheap smartwatches are definitely worth it. They don’t, however, typically come packed with quite the same array of features. For instance, it’s hard to find a budget smartwatch equipped with a microphone to answer a call. But if you’re looking for something that will track your activity and keep you alerted to messages coming in, a budget smartwatch can more than deliver.

Q: Which brand of smartwatch is best? 

It’s hard to pin down exactly which brand of smartwatch is best. If you’re after a top-of-line fitness tracker, Fitbit is hard to beat, while Garmin can offer great versatility. Meanwhile, Amazfit is pumping out powerful watches that look and act like more expensive counterparts. At the end of the day, finding the best budget smartwatch for you is about finding the watch that has the features you will find most helpful. 

Q: What is the best smartwatch under $100?

Amazingly, there are a lot of great smartwatch options for under $100. But if pressed to choose one, we’d have to say the AmazFit Bip is pretty, well, amazing—especially for the cost. With more than 60 sport modes; notifications from calls, texts, and other apps; and the ability to monitor health details like blood oxygen levels, it really rises to the top.

Related: Feed that smartwatch a healthy amount of data with one of the best home gyms.

The final word on shopping for the best budget smartwatch

Finding the best budget smartwatch is really a style choice. Are you looking for a smartwatch that does it all—from health monitoring to email alerts? Or are you really focused on fitness? Once you know whether you are in the market for a cheap fitness tracker or the best cheap smartwatch, you can look for the features that matter. Battery life and phone compatibility are key, but also don’t neglect what’s going to make you happy. Whether a GPS smartwatch is more your speed or listening to music is more your jam will determine the kinds of features you need to prioritize when shopping for the best budget smartwatch. 

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Save $200 when you reserve the newest gen of Samsung Galaxy gear https://www.popsci.com/gear/samsung-galaxy-reserve-deal/ Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:45:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=457362
The last gen of Samsung tech on a white and blue background
Looking to explore a new Galaxy? Reserve the next generation of this Samsung tech now. Amanda Reed

Pre-order Samsung's new smartphone, earbuds, and watch before they're even announced.

The post Save $200 when you reserve the newest gen of Samsung Galaxy gear appeared first on Popular Science.

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The last gen of Samsung tech on a white and blue background
Looking to explore a new Galaxy? Reserve the next generation of this Samsung tech now. Amanda Reed

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The latest generation of Samsung Galaxy smartphone, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds are coming in the next few weeks. And, you get a $200 Samsung credit if you reserve all three. We have seen this kind of deal from Samsung before and, for a die-hard Galaxy user, it can be very appealing. 

Although it’s unclear exactly what the newest Samsung Galaxy tech will offer, we’re big fans of the current models for their aesthetics, multitasking capabilities, and more. The preorder page teases “A new way to selfie” and “the next small thing is coming,”  all of which will most likely be unveiled at the company’s Galaxy Unpacked event August 10.

Expect $100 of Samsung credit by reserving the next Galaxy smartphone, $50 by reserving the next Galaxy Watch, and $30 for the next pair of Galaxy Buds if you don’t want to reserve all three. Samsung is also advertising a “commitment-free” reservation—most likely the choice of not having to buy if you’d like to get some more wear out of your current Samsung devices. 

You’ll also unlock the highest online trade-in values for your current Samsung devices and get access to exclusive colors only available on Samsung.com. While it’s certainly unusual to preorder devices before they’re even announced, it could make sense for dedicated Samsung fans. Supply chain issues have made availability uncertain and this is a way to get in early. Plus, if you’re already planning on buying the latest and greatest once it drops, you might as well save some money in the process.   

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Why it’s worth carrying more than one gadget https://www.popsci.com/why-you-should-carry-multiple-gadgets/ Tue, 09 Apr 2019 10:20:37 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/why-you-should-carry-multiple-gadgets/
A person sitting outside during the summer, with their feet up on a metal fence, reading a book on an e-reader.
Maybe it's a little easier for you to kick back and relax with an e-reader instead of a phone. Perfecto Capucine / Unsplash

Your phone can do everything... but should it?

The post Why it’s worth carrying more than one gadget appeared first on Popular Science.

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A person sitting outside during the summer, with their feet up on a metal fence, reading a book on an e-reader.
Maybe it's a little easier for you to kick back and relax with an e-reader instead of a phone. Perfecto Capucine / Unsplash

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This story has been updated. It was originally published on May 16, 2019.

The rise of the smartphone has cut down the number of gadgets we need to carry with us. Most people see no reason to weigh themselves down with gear when one device can be a camera, audio recorder, e-reader, digital music player, document scanner, and much more.

This versatility means less stuff in our pockets and bags, but there’s a case to be made for not using your phone for everything—at least not all the time.

Digital cameras can snap better photos

A digital camera hanging around the neck of a person wearing a red shirt.
An actual digital camera can get you better shots and at least help you look like you know what you’re doing. Mario Calvo / Unsplash

Smartphones have undoubtedly revolutionized photography. With cameras in nearly everyone’s hands, we’re now documenting and sharing much more of our lives than ever before. From social media to breaking news, phone photography has changed the game.

It’s fair to say phones have eaten up the cheap compact camera market, but the jump in quality from a phone to a pro-level DSLR camera is still a significant one, even as mobile cameras continue to get better.

Control over lenses, particularly zoom levels, is a big factor. Even with top smartphones now finding ways to offer 5x optical zoom, an actual camera can go way, way beyond that and get you much closer to the action.

Tweaking the amount of light that hits a camera’s sensors is also crucial for getting the best shots, and DSLRs simply give you more control and more options. Most phones don’t offer much in the way of controlling aperture, light sensitivity (ISO), and shutter speed settings, so users can’t easily customize how much light reaches the lens.

For fast-moving action, detailed close-ups, or really low-light situations (especially when a flash is necessary), it’s still worth carrying a standalone digital camera and a lens or two. You’ll find you generally get better shots and can capture them more easily, too.

E-readers can help you read more comfortably

A person in a hammock outside, reading an e-book on a Kindle.
Break out an e-reader if you’re hoping to hang out in a hammock, free from bothersome notifications. Perfecto Capucine / Unsplash

Smartphones function perfectly well as e-readers—there’s even an official Kindle app for iOS and Android that lets you do without an actual Kindle entirely. Both Apple and Google make dedicated e-book apps for their platforms too.

So why bother packing a separate e-reader into your backpack or suitcase? A few arguments can be made for it, not least that the e-ink screen of a Kindle or similar device is much easier on the eyes than the bright display of a phone.

As well as mitigating eye fatigue, dedicated e-readers last much longer between battery charges. Amazon’s most basic Kindle ($90 on Amazon) stays juiced for around four weeks, according to the manufacturer, so you don’t have to worry if you forget to pack its charger.

[Related: How to efficiently charge your devices]

E-readers also have the benefit of doing just one job, so your reading won’t be interrupted by WhatsApp notifications or incoming emails. When you want to unwind on vacation or simply concentrate during a lunch break, that’s a bonus.

Phones are still good for short bursts of reading, of course—and the aforementioned Kindle apps will sync reading positions with a dedicated e-reader—but for serious digital reading it might be better to use a separate device.

Digital music players can keep you immersed in sound

iPods in the Apple Museum.
There’s a case to be made that iPods and their ilk don’t just belong in a museum. AlenaKr / Depositphotos

Remember, the iPod was Apple’s first breakthrough portable gadget before the iPhone came along and scooped up all its sales.

Today, the main reasons you would want to pack a separate digital music player are similar to the arguments for using an e-reader: you’ll be able to listen to your tunes without distractions, and it will give you more battery life while saving your phone’s power cell.

Another factor is portability. Something like the Mighty music player ($120 on Amazon) can sync your Spotify playlists for offline listening and is small enough to strap on your arm or keep around your neck—perfect for that early morning run.

Apple discontinued the iPod Touch earlier this year, but is still offering support and selling them while supplies last. It works with Apple Music, Spotify, and every other music app on iOS, while offering access to a whole host of other apps and games as well.

If you need something cheap and compact that’s not going to light up every five minutes with a new messaging alert, or run out of battery in half a day, a dedicated music player still has appeal, particularly for runners, cyclists, and frequent travelers.

Smartwatches are a little more portable

A man's arm resting on a wooden table, with a smartwatch on his wrist.
Smartwatches keep much of what you need at your fingertips. Luke Chesser / Unsplash

Plenty of us rely on our phones to tell the time and, probably, to wake us up in the morning. If you think about it, though, there’s a compelling argument for using a smartwatch, or even a regular watch, to do the job instead.

For a start, it saves you from having to fish around in your pocket or bag (and then getting distracted by 100 Instagram notifications) every time you just want to know what time it is.

[Related: Trying to use your smartphone less? Get a smartwatch.]

When it comes to exercising, a smartwatch also gives you access to apps like maps and calls, right from your wrist. Alternatively, a smartwatch will let you leave your phone at home, but still take your music with you.

For the outdoor adventurer, higher-end smartwatches can provide accurate directions to and from your destination long after your phone’s battery has died. And once it’s time to hit the hay, smartwatches can track your sleep without being intrusive, too.

So, a smartwatch can be a useful extension of, and in some cases, a complete replacement for, a smartphone. You’ve got plenty to pick from as well, including the Apple Watch Series 7 ($400 and up from Apple), and the Garmin Instinct ($175 from Amazon).

Digital radios keep the party going, but don’t drain your phone

A person reclining in a white room with a portable radio by their feet.
You don’t have to get a radio this big, but maybe you want that retro look. Eric Nopanen / Unsplash

You might be used to streaming radio stations through your phone, but a pocket digital radio might be worth taking along in some situations.

First up: battery life. These small radios will last for hours between charges, so your smartphone can take a breather or spend its precious battery on other tasks.

Second: data usage. Even if you’re on a generous cellular plan, you’re going to be using a big chunk of data trying to stream radio stations to your phone. That won’t happen with a dedicated radio, and you’re more likely to get a signal in crowded spots, too.

If you want to crank out the tunes at a beach or picnic without using your phone’s data or battery, you can spring for a bigger portable radio. Sure, it’ll mean more bulk when you’re packing, but it might be worth the extra weight.

With good-quality models costing as little as $35 on Amazon and offering Bluetooth connectivity and memory card support (for your MP3s), radios are worth considering as complements to your phone.

Portable gaming systems let you play on the go

A person playing with a Nintendo Switch over a white marble countertop during the day.
Portable gaming systems like the Nintendo Switch can provide that console gaming feeling no matter where you are. Corey Motta / Unsplash

Another type of gadget smartphones have nearly killed off is the portable gaming console, because a phone with a huge selection of games is, effectively, the same thing.

Some portable systems live on, though, and they’re worth taking with you. Most notably, there’s the Nintendo Switch ($300 on Amazon), which gives you a bigger screen and better graphics than a smartphone can offer, and plugs right into your TV when you get home.

Unlike your phone, the Switch has its own controllers, and can offer a better overall gaming experience. As mentioned during the discussion of other gadgets on this list, it will also save you from draining your phone’s battery while gaming.

The explosion of smartphone use has largely scared manufacturers away from portable gaming devices, but older systems like the Sony PlayStation Vita ($285 and up on Amazon) and Nintendo 3DS ($300 and up on Amazon) are still around and worth considering.

Even so, it’s really the Nintendo Switch that’s currently carrying the torch for portable gaming systems. Fans of gaming on the go can only hope its popularity is enough to prompt the development of a few more gadgets just like it.

The post Why it’s worth carrying more than one gadget appeared first on Popular Science.

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Save on Garmin watches and wearables for Prime Day 2022 https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-deals-amazon-prime-day-2022/ Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:11:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=455367
The best Prime Day deals on Garmin watches
Garmin has Prime Day deals for just about everyone who wants to workout. Stan Horaczek

No matter what kind of athlete you are, Prime Day has a Garmin Watch deal for you.

The post Save on Garmin watches and wearables for Prime Day 2022 appeared first on Popular Science.

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The best Prime Day deals on Garmin watches
Garmin has Prime Day deals for just about everyone who wants to workout. Stan Horaczek

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Training and fitness come in many forms and Garmin makes a smartwatch to fit just about all of them. Here on Amazon Prime Day, Garmin has cut the prices on wearable training devices across almost all of its most popular lines. So, whether you’re a die-hard triathlete or someone still in the “couch” phase of the Couch-to-5K program, you’ll want to check out these deals on fitness-oriented wearables.

Garmin offers a ton of different models and the individual lines can be difficult to tell apart, so we have broken this list down by type. We have also included separate links to include different sizes and colors because personal preference comes into play heavily. Whichever one you pick, it can help you track your progress and fitness gains. Or, it can tell you just how elevated your heart rate gets during the finale of The Bachelor. Data is data.

Of course, you could always just get an Apple Watch 7 since those are on sale for their cheapest price ever here on Prime Day. And if you’re testing your new watch in the backcountry, don’t forget a nicely priced portable generator.

Garmin Instinct Solar watch deals

Garmin Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with Solar Charging, Flame Red $199 (Was $339)

Garmin

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The Instinct Solar is one of the best all-around options in the Garmin lineup. It offers essential fitness features like heart rate and blood-oxygen tracking. It’s absurdly rugged and waterproof down to 100 meters. Built-in software can track exercise in various forms including running, biking, and swimming. Plus, solar tech in the face allows the watch to pull power from the sun and extend the already-excellent battery life. For $199, that’s a ton of features in a very cool-looking device.

Garmin Enduro watch deals

Garmin Enduro GPS Watch with Solar Charging, Carbon Gray Titanium with Black Nylon Band $549 (Was $749)

Garmin

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This super-high-end sports watch retails for $899, which makes the $549 sale price even more impressive. Garmin designed this device for racers. The buttons, case, and bezel all rely on coated titanium construction for strength while keeping the overall weight and form factor down. The tracking tech includes typical features like heart rate monitoring and blood-oxygen levels. But, the analytics go well beyond the typical training tools. It keeps track of your recovery and compares your performance to overall trail conditions. If you’re a serious racer (or you aspire to that status), this is the watch you want and Prime Day is a very solid time to get it.

Garmin Fenix watch deals

Garmin Fenix 6S Pro GPS Watch, Rose Gold with White Band $399.99 (Was $589)

Garmin

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The Fenix lineup offers athletes robust training tools like heart rate and pulse-ox monitor in a package that doesn’t look out of place in non-athletic settings. The relatively understated designs work with a business suit or a sweat suit. You could also probably wear them with other types of suits like a hot dog suit or a suit of armor. In short: It’s a versatile watch and these are great deals.

Garmin Vivoactive watch deals

Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch, Black $188 (Was $249)

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This is perhaps the most traditional smartwatch on the list of deals. Its spartan design might obscure its serious fitness chops at first glance. But, under the slick, slim exterior, you’ll find everything you’d expect from a real training watch. It tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, workouts, sleep, and everything else that you’ve been ignoring as you binge the gritty-but-heartwarming chef-oriented drama, The Bear on FX (which is really excellent, FYI).

Garmin Forerunner watch deals

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch, Aqua $239 (Was $279)

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The Forerunner line is what most people picture when they think of Garmin fitness watches. It’s a straight up-the-middle option meant for athletes and serious workout folks. It’s rugged but offers a solid mix of dedicated smartwatch features, including support for popular music streaming apps like Amazon Music and Spotify. Options in this line go from beginner-oriented devices to serious training wearables, so it has something for everyone.

Garmin Venu watch deals

Garmin Venu 2S, GPS Smartwatch, Silver Bezel with Light Gray Case and Silicone Band $269 (Was $399)

Garmin

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Like the Vivoactive, the Venu fits more into a traditional smartwatch category. It sports a thin bezel and a low profile that won’t stand out when you’re wearing it outside of the gym. It can store up to 650 songs directly on the watch, so you can go and work out while your phone sits somewhere else. It also includes Garmin Pay, which helps if you hate having your phone with you on a run.

If you’re looking for other Prime Day deals, follow us over on the PopSci Goods Twitter page. Bring money.

More Amazon Prime Day deals

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4 tools to help you care for loved ones remotely https://www.popsci.com/diy/tech-gadgets-for-remote-caretakers/ Thu, 07 Jul 2022 18:11:56 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=454920
An elderly man and woman sitting on a bench on a scenic overlook in some mountains on a sunny, cloudless day.
Sometimes you want to check in but you can't physically be with your loved one. Matt Bennett / Unsplash

You can use technology to find out what elderly relatives or sick friends are up to.

The post 4 tools to help you care for loved ones remotely appeared first on Popular Science.

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An elderly man and woman sitting on a bench on a scenic overlook in some mountains on a sunny, cloudless day.
Sometimes you want to check in but you can't physically be with your loved one. Matt Bennett / Unsplash

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Technology has transformed the way we communicate with each other, making it possible to chat with someone on the other side of the world in seconds, after just a few taps on a smartphone or a laptop.

This also means we can check in on people even when we can’t physically be with them, including elderly relatives and friends who are unwell. Even if you’re miles apart, you can care for someone remotely using your choice of gadgets.

Which approach is best depends on what you and the other person are most comfortable with, but there’s plenty of choice—from wearables that detect serious falls to smart devices that let you know if someone else is feeling unwell.

Google Nest Hub Max

The benefit of the Google Nest Hub Max—as opposed to, say, the Google Nest Mini—is that it has a 10-inch touchscreen display that’s perfect for video calls. Add in the stereo speakers, the 6.5-megapixel camera, and the two far-field microphones, and you’ve got everything you need to see and hear the person you want to keep in touch with.

You can use Google Duo, Google Meet, or Zoom with the Nest Hub Max, so you’re not just limited to one video-calling platform, and for your friend or relative who has the device in their home, taking the call is as simple as tapping Answer on the screen. If they want to call you, they can just say: “Hey Google, video call…” followed by your name.

[Related: How to keep your video calls private]

On your end, you can use whatever technology you want to get on Google Duo, Google Meet, or Zoom: a phone, laptop, your own Nest Hub Max—whatever. There are, of course, many other ways to make video calls, from FaceTime to the Portal box that Meta manufactures, but the Nest Hub Max is one of the most straightforward options from both a hardware and software perspective.

Amazon Alexa Together

Amazon Echo Show smart displays can also make video calls, but if both you and the person you’re looking after have Echo devices in your home, there’s another feature you can make use of: Alexa Together. It enables you to set reminders for your friend or relative, check up on what they’re doing, and get them assistance.

Alexa Together will cost you $20 a month or $200 a year, and a 6-month free trial is available. Sign up on the web, and activation emails will be sent to you and the person you’re caring for. Once you both click the links in those emails, the Echo devices associated with your Amazon accounts will be up and running with Alexa Together, through the smart speakers themselves and the Alexa mobile app for Android and iOS.

You can get alerts when your friend or relative uses Alexa for the first time each day (through a “start my day” command, perhaps), and when no activity is detected on a device for a certain time period. You can set reminders for the other person, have Alexa call you if the other person asks for help, and connect a compatible fall detection service such as the Altumview camera system.

Apple Watch

Speaking of fall detection, that’s something the Apple Watch can do—specifically the Apple Watch SE or the Apple Watch Series 4 or later. From the Apple Watch app on the iPhone, enable fall detection by choosing My Watch, Emergency SOS, and Fall Detection (you may have to set this up for the person you’re looking after).

If the Apple Watch detects a fall, it displays a message on screen asking if the wearer is okay. It also gives them the chance to select one of two options: EMERGENCY SOS and I’m OK. If no arm or body movement is detected for a whole minute, the smartwatch starts a 30-second countdown with an audible alarm before automatically calling emergency services.

[Related: Smartphone settings that could save your life in an emergency]

When the call connects, the Apple Watch plays a message saying that it’s detected a hard fall, together with location coordinates. If the person wearing the Apple Watch is able, they can speak through the watch as well. When the call ends, the smartwatch sends a notification about the fall to the person’s emergency contacts—you can make sure you’re one of them by having them go to Health and Medical ID in the Settings app on their iPhone and adding your details there.

ElliQ

The options we’ve mentioned above are all relatively common gadgets adapted to do remote caregiving, but there are dedicated pieces of hardware built for helping the elderly and sick. One of the best we’ve come across is ElliQ, though it doesn’t come cheap—it’ll set you back $40 a month (or $30 a month if you pay for a whole year up front), and that’s after a $250 enrollment fee.

However, you do get a lot for your money—or rather your friend or relative does. ElliQ works a bit like a smart speaker, engaging its owner in conversation, making suggestions about healthy habits, and providing companionship and interaction. It can play music, read out the news, and report on the weather forecast.

When it comes to checking in remotely, ElliQ enables its user to check in with their loved ones via video calls, audio calls, and text messaging, and can notify specific contacts when they’re feeling unwell or in pain. As a trusted caregiver, ElliQ will provide you with updates on any relevant activity, and allow you to, say, check in on your friend or relative’s daily routines and medication reminders.

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Celebrate Nomad’s 10th birthday with 30 percent off its entire site https://www.popsci.com/gear/nomad-anniversary-deal/ Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:45:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=454840
Smartwatches photo

Need stylish Apple device accessories or other tech travel/charging goods? Consider this sweet anniversary deal a gift to yourself.

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It’s traditional for those celebrating their 10th anniversary to give their partner a gift involving tin or aluminum. And while sleek metals do play a part in many of the brand’s products, modern lifestyle gear designers Nomad has opted to give you the gift of overall savings with 30 percent off its entire site in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Nomad first entered the phone accessories scene in 2012 with the ChargeCard, a charger the size of a credit card for iPhone 5. You simply had to find a USB port and plug in the compact charger to get juice on-the-go. Although it seems like a silly idea now—there are USB ports lining bar counters and built into nightstands—it was a bit revolutionary in the post-aughts, with the burgeoning company raising more than $150,000 on Kickstarter to bring the charger to life.

Nomad has continued to keep up with technology trends and now sells MagSafe accessories for iPhone, including one of our favorite charging docks, the Base One Max, on sale for $104.95.

Nomad

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The Base One Max provides up to 15W of fast-charging speed—provided you have a 30W charging brick—to power your post-iPhone 8 model iPhone, AirPods, or Series 4, 5, 6, or 7 Apple Watch at the same time. It also can charge any Qi wireless charging-compatible devices. The iPhone-certified MagSafe platform is made of metal and glass and features a soft-touch, anti-slip rubber base for peace of mind against accidental slips. Those who love haptics and tactility will enjoy the satisfying “thunk” that happens when your iPhone 12 or 13 snaps into place to charge. To quote ourselves, “it looks and feels more like a centerpiece rather than just another accessory.” If MagSafe charging isn’t your jam, we’re partial to Nomad’s AirTag accessories and leather Modern Band for the Apple Watch. 

The sale excludes Paperlike, OrbitKey, Chipolo, Popl, and Moment products featured on the site. If you want genuine Nomad Goods, however, don’t put off your journey to celebratory savings—this deal ends July 15. 

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How to connect headphones to your smartwatch https://www.popsci.com/diy/connect-bluetooth-headphones-to-smartwatch/ Tue, 05 Jul 2022 14:17:57 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=454496
Apple watch on keyboard with airpods beside
Who needs a phone anyway?. Alexandru Tabusca / Unsplash

Enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks on the go.

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Apple watch on keyboard with airpods beside
Who needs a phone anyway?. Alexandru Tabusca / Unsplash

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Smartwatches continue to improve, and many of the newest models can play music, podcasts, and audiobooks without any help from a connected smartphone. That means you can easily leave your phone behind for a morning jog or afternoon gym session.

You do, however, need a way to listen to this audio, which is where—you guessed it—a pair of headphones come in. Connecting headphones to your smartwatch will only take a few minutes, too—just about any Bluetooth-enabled pair should do.

Apple Watch

If you’ve previously set up a pair of AirPods to work with your iPhone—which is as easy as opening the AirPods case near your smartphone—they will automatically work with an Apple Watch connected to the same phone. Just load up the app you want to listen to on your wrist and press play.

You can also connect any pair of Bluetooth headphones to your Apple Watch from the smartwatch itself. First, check the instructions that came with your headphones (or run a quick web search) to find out how to put them in pairing mode. Typically, you’ll have to press and hold a particular button.

[Related: Apple Watch comparison: Which one is right for you?]

Next, open the Settings app on watchOS, tap Bluetooth, and wait for your headphones to appear. Select the headphones when they show up on the Watch’s screen, and they’ll connect. To choose between different pairs of headphones while listening to audio, touch and hold the bottom of the watch screen, swipe up to open the Control Center, and tap the small audio output icon (an arrow pointing up into concentric rings).

You can manage which music tracks and other audio files are stored on your Apple Watch through the equivalent apps on your iPhone. With Spotify for iOS, for example, if an Apple Watch is connected, you’ll see a Download to Apple Watch option when you tap the three dots on an individual playlist screen.

Wear OS device

The process of connecting headphones to Wear OS smartwatches can vary slightly depending on the watch manufacturer, but it’s broadly similar across devices. We’ll describe the process for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, but you shouldn’t see too many differences if you’re using a different Wear OS watch.

You’ll need a pair of Bluetooth headphones, and you’ll also need to get them into pairing mode—check the instructions that came with them or look online if you’re unsure how to do this. Then, open the Settings app on your watch and choose Connections, followed by Bluetooth. Tap the headphones you want to connect to when they appear on the screen.

You can get to the same connection menu by swiping down from the top of the screen and then swiping left to get to the quick settings panel. Once there, tap the headphone icon to make the connection. After the headphones connect, you can tap the cog icon next to them on the Bluetooth screen to select them for Media audio (or to Unpair them).

To specify which songs and other audio files are actually stored on your wrist, head to the app you want to use for playback. If you’re using  YouTube Music for Wear OS, for example, select any song or playlist to see the little download icon (a downward arrow). Tap this to save the song or playlist to your smartwatch.

Fitbit

Every Fitbit Sense or Fitbit Versa smartwatch (except for the Fitbit Versa Lite) can pipe audio through Bluetooth headphones, but you can’t link up any of the Fitbit fitness trackers. The connection process varies depending on which watch you’re using, although it always starts by getting your headphones into pairing mode (you’ll find instructions on the web or bundled with your headphones).

If you’re using an older Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Versa 1, or Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch, open the Settings app. Select Bluetooth, then Audio Device to start searching for nearby devices. Once your Fitbit discovers your headphones, select them from the list, and you’ll see a check mark next to them when they link up.

On the newer Fitbit Versa 2 and Fitbit Versa 3 devices, you’ll need to open the Settings app and then pick Vibration & audio, Bluetooth, and Manage devices. Next, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to start a search for new devices. Again, your headphones should show up so you can select them, and a check mark will appear by their name when they’ve linked to your watch.

Your Fitbit smartwatch can play audio through the Spotify, Deezer, and Pandora apps, and you can manage these from your connected smartphone. You can also add music and podcast files to your watch to play through Fitbit’s own Music app on your wrist—download the Fitbit Connect app for Windows or macOS and follow the instructions to do so.

Garmin

Garmin makes plenty of smartwatches with different designs and interfaces, so we can’t cover every variation here, but you should still be able to find the necessary settings without too much trouble if we don’t cover your particular watch here. First, get your Bluetooth headphones powered on and in pairing mode: typically by pressing a button, but if you’re unsure check the web (or in the headphones box) for instructions.

If you’re using a Garmin Vivoactive smartwatch, press and hold the B button (lower right), then tap the settings cog icon and choose Music, Headphones, and Add New. For a Forerunner smartwatch, press and hold the Up button (on the left), then select Music, Headphones, and Add New.

[Related: The best Garmin smartwatch]

For Gamin Fenix and Garmin Epix smartwatches, the instructions you’ll need to follow are the same: press and hold the Menu button (on the left), then pick Music, Headphones, and Add New. Whichever watch you’re working with, your headphones should appear on screen where you can then select them.

The way you load up and listen to audio on Garmin smartwatches varies between devices too, but it’s fairly straightforward on all of them. Depending on the watch model you’ve got, you can set up connections to the Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and iHeartRadio apps on your phone, and you can also add your own audio files from a computer via the Garmin Express app for Windows or macOS.

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Best Samsung watches of 2023 https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-samsung-watches/ Sun, 19 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=450013
The best Samsung watch composited
Stan Horaczek

Smarten up your wrist with Samsung’s best wearable devices.

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The best Samsung watch composited
Stan Horaczek

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Best overall Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the best overall. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
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Our favorite pick is the Classic version of the newest Samsung Galaxy 4, offering exceptional functionality and design.

Best budget Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is the best Samsung watch for the budget. Samsung Galaxy Fit 2
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This incredibly affordable smartwatch tracks sleep, activity and heart rate.

Best for fitness Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the best for fitness. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
SEE IT

The latest Samsung smartwatch is a slimmer, sportier version of the Classic model and is an excellent choice.

Wearable smart tech, like a Samsung watch, puts your important health and fitness data within reach at all times. With the flick of your wrist, you can see how many steps you’ve walked, chart your activity levels for the week, record your heart rate, gain information about your sleep patterns, and even keep up with phone calls and email. At the same time, your Samsung watch can work with your smartphone to control your music, display notifications, keep you updated on the weather, and much more. While the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic takes our top spot overall, this list of the best Samsung watches has something for every type of person.

How we chose the best Samsung watches

Samsung’s current watch lineup isn’t very deep, which makes comparing the current models fairly simple. The Galaxy Watch 3 is still a solid device but it has limited support coming down the road in terms of software updates. If you can swing the price of the latest, greatest Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, it will get Wear OS updates for years to come. However, not everyone needs a full-featured smartwatch. Some of the company’s fitness-oriented wearables still provide some truly excellent value thanks to their very low prices. 

Things to consider before buying a Samsung watch

Before you can decide which Samsung watch is right for you, think about how you’ll use your new smart timepiece. For some people, their watch acts as an extension of their smartphone. It lets you have access to key features right on your wrist without having to open your phone at all.

If you intend to use your watch to track your sports and activities, you might have other considerations, such as needing a waterproof smartwatch or one that has access to a wide range of different workout data. 

Take a moment to think about your needs and your ideal fitness watch, and be sure to keep these things in mind before you go shopping. 

It’s a pass for iPhone users

Samsung has released a new smartwatch every year since 2018. In its latest offerings, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are both impressive and attractive devices … but iOS users beware. The 4 Series is the first in the range to run on the Google-based Wear OS operating system instead of Samsung’s proprietary Tizen OS. As a result, the Galaxy Watch 4 models will work with an iPhone but they won’t have access to the same suite of features that Android users will enjoy. If you’re already using an iPhone, then an Apple Watch will likely be a much better fit for you. 

If you decide to benefit from some savings and buy one of the older models, Samsung has promised to support Tizen-based watches until roughly 2025.

Design

Although Samsung smartwatches are incredibly functional and have an amazing collection of special features, you’ll also want to consider how you want the watch to look. After all, you’re wearing it every day so it’s important that it matches your personal style and looks good in a variety of situations. 

Sporty people might care only that their watch is easy to use in the middle of a workout, but if you plan on wearing it outside of the gym, you might prefer a more traditional-looking watch face or the ability to customize and change the strap. Unlike a phone, the watch doesn’t stay crammed in your pocket all day so looks really do matter.

Size

Smartwatches have gotten larger and larger in recent years. The current Galaxy Watch 4 comes in 40mm and 44mm faces. The Galaxy Watch Classic comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. Even the smallest of those options will still feel sizeable on your wrist, so make sure you’re ready for the bulk if you go for the big screen. 

Your fitness goals

Think about your usual exercise activities and exactly what data you want your watch to record. For example, if you’re a swimmer, your watch should be waterproof and calculate your stroke. If you run, bike or hike, you will need reliable GPS to help you plot and track new routes. 

Samsung watches can also help improve your overall wellness with a focus on sleep tracking and the ability to pair with the Calm app to improve your meditation practice.

Going offline

One downside of wearable tech is that it can feel like you’re always connected and “on.” We all need to unplug and take some downtime but constant e-mail notifications and alerts from the office can be intrusive when they pop up on your watch during off-hours or weekends. 

To counter this problem, pay attention when you set up your watch and choose which apps to accept notifications from. You can also go to the settings in your Galaxy Wearable App to make changes there.

Best Samsung watches: Reviews & Recommendations

Here are our top picks of the best Samsung watches, from simple budget smartwatches to the newest iteration of the smartwatch.

Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: This great-looking Samsung watch, with its rotating bezel, offers all the best features of the newest smartwatches with a classic look that elevates the design.

Specs

  • Heart Rate: Yes
  • GPS: Yes
  • Swim-Proof: Yes

Pros 

  • Runs on the new Google Wear OS 
  • Grown-up design that looks great for all occasions
  • Will get more software updates than older models

Cons 

  • Expensive

Available in either black or silver and in two sizes—42mm and 46mm, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is one of a pair of the latest smartwatches from Samsung. 

Make it your own by mixing and matching from a range of different straps and watch faces to create your own customized look. This watch is heavier than its sibling and bigger overall. It offers 1.5GB RAM, 16GB storage, Bluetooth, and LTE. Both watches run on the new Wear OS 3 platform, which unfortunately will not work with an iPhone.

The BioActive sensor records your heart rate and provides Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. This means you can monitor your blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and accurately calculate muscle and body fat percentages.

Loaded with a built-in GPS, a compass that works with Google Maps, and third-party apps like Spotify and Adidas Running, you’ll have access to running routes that keep you on track. You’ll meet your health and fitness goals with this wellness coach and trainer right on your wrist. 

You’ll also be able to pay for certain goods and services simply by tapping your smartwatch at the counter, so long as you have a compatible banking service. Although this Samsung watch is at the top of the price scale, ranging from $349.99 to $429.99, it’s well worth the investment.

Best for fitness: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: Available in a wide range of colors and with a sporty design, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 delivers in both design and functionality.

Specs

  • Wireless charging: Yes, Qi
  • RAM: 1.5GB
  • GPS: Built-in

Pros 

  • Excellent fitness features
  • Slim profile and fun watch faces
  • Full body composition analysis feature

Cons 

  • Unreliable battery life

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is less bulky than the Classic, which we deemed best overall. The standard Galaxy Watch 4 comes in your choice of four colors, including pink gold, silver, black, and green. The two watches are essentially the same except for the design and the bezel feature of the classic, although those with smaller wrists might prefer this slightly lighter option. Made from aluminum, this watch offers two sizes—40mm and 44mm. The screen offers an impressive resolution of 396 x 396 or 450 x 450 depending on which size you opt for.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 boasts an array of fitness features including ECG support, activity tracking, GPS for recording runs, and it’s waterproof up to 5 meters with swim tracking.

However, to access the blood pressure monitoring and ECG functions, you’ll require a Samsung smartphone. Both models also offer NFC for Samsung Pay.  

Best waterproof: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: The swim-friendly Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is a versatile option that works with any smartphone as it runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system.

Specs

  • Display: 40mm or 44mm
  • Heart Rate: Yes
  • Swim-Proof: Yes

Pros 

  • Good 2-day battery life
  • Minimal modern look
  • Offline Spotify storage

Cons 

  • Not much of an upgrade on the previous model
  • Sleep tracking is flawed

This attractive smartwatch is swim-proof, tracks activity, and offers an ECG option that is unusual at this price point. It comes in two different sizes and in two different finishes: aluminum—available in cloud silver, aqua black, and pink gold colors—or stainless steel, which comes in silver, black, and gold. 

This watch is a great option for runners as it comes with a Running Coach featuring a Running Analysis which includes data on your contact, flight time, stiffness, vertical oscillation, and measures VO2 max. The heart rate monitor is fairly accurate and is twice as powerful as its predecessor. The onboard music through Spotify will also keep you going on long runs and if you need a break, you can use the smart pay function to pay for your mid-run caffeine break. 

Last year Samsung released an update that allowed older smartwatch models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 to benefit from new features such as fall detection. This gives users the option to add pre-selected contacts that will receive an SOS message if a hard fall is detected. This model can withstand splashes of water, showering, and also swimming, as it’s rated at 5 ATM, which means it’s water-resistant to depths of 50 meters. With automatic swim tracking as well, you can go for a dip confident that your smart watch can keep up with your stroke.

Best older model: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: This stylish model is our favorite with a traditional timepiece design.

Specs

  • OS: Tizen OS
  • Onboard storage: 8GB
  • Battery duration: Up to 3 days 

Pros 

  • Premium design
  • ECG Readings 
  • Thousands of watch faces to choose from

Cons 

  • Galaxy watch 4 has replaced it 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 has all the features you need to record and track your workouts and activities, including water-resistant for swimming, GPS for running or hiking, a heart rate monitor, VO2 Max readings, and sleep and stress tracking for complete wellness. However, even though it’s the ultimate sports watch, it doesn’t look like a typical sports watch. In fact, it makes a stylish special occasion or formal work watch. 

The bright screen is easy to read and the rotating bezel makes it easy to navigate between features, even when you’re in the middle of a workout. For Android users, this watch is more than a match for a comparable model of the Apple Watch.

Best budget: Samsung Galaxy Fit 2

Samsung

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Why it made the cut: The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is a very affordable wearable that can track steps and heart rate for a super low price.

Specs

  • OS: FreeRTOS 
  • RAM Size: 2 MB
  • Battery Life: Typical usage time up to 15 days

Pros 

  • Easy to use
  • Comfortable
  • Low price
  • Compact

Cons 

  • No GPS

The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 doesn’t look as sleek as later models and it lacks some advanced features you would expect from a more expensive smartwatch. But this wearable’s price makes it extremely attractive to people seeking basic fitness-tracking features on the cheap.

At just $59, it does a great job of tracking steps, sleep patterns, and various forms of exercise. In the absence of GPS, it relies on motion sensing to track activity, which means it’s less accurate than more expensive models. Notifications, weather updates, and music control are all included but, as the screen is long and narrow, you will need to scroll to read the whole message. It’s also not built for displaying photos. Samsung claims that the battery can last 15 days but the company may be a little too generous with that prediction. Available in either red or black, on a soft and comfortable silicone band, the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is a great budget pick. 

FAQs

Q: How much does a Samsung watch cost?

You can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 for less than $60. As new models are released, older Samsung watches become more affordable while still offering great features. A new Samsung Galaxy 4 watch will cost you between $249.99 and $429.99, depending on which model you choose. 

Q: Which Galaxy watch can make calls?

To make calls on your Samsung Galaxy watch, it needs to be equipped with both a built-in mic and speaker, like the Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch4 Classic, and Gear S3. 

Q: Do Samsung watches work with iPhones?

The answer here is a frustrating “kinda.” The new Galaxy Watch 4 models run on Google’s Wear OS, which isn’t fully compatible with iPhone. If you’re an iPhone user, you will get much better performance out of an Apple Watch

Final thoughts on the best Samsung watches

The best Samsung watches help put your important health and fitness data in your hands, as well as extend your smartphone to increase productivity and connectivity. For a pared-down watch that simply tracks activity and sleep with fewer features at a low price point, consider the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2, while for a premium experience push the boat out and go for either the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or the Classic option.

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Save $100 today on the Garmin fenix 6 Pro Solar multi-sport watch on Amazon https://www.popsci.com/gear/garmin-sport-watch-deal/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:30:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=450511
A Garmin fenix 6 Pro on a blue background
Amanda Reed

Analyze your steps and water intake after running to this deal.

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A Garmin fenix 6 Pro on a blue background
Amanda Reed

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Memorial Day marked the beginning of adventurous long weekends supplemented by bike riding, pool hangs, and our favorite, camping. Now you can turn your outdoor escapades into actionable data with the Garmin fenix 6 Pro Solar GPS watch, which is currently on sale for $649.99, $100 off of its $749.99 retail price. Act fast, however, as this sale coincides with Father’s Day, which is June 19 (aka this weekend), so it will end soon.

Garmin

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Between its Power Glass solar charging lens, preloaded TOPO maps, and barometric altimeter, this watch was made for adventure. It also features dedicated activity profiles where you can track surfing sessions and record yourself catching fat waves thanks to Surfline Sessions compatibility. An acclimation widget lets you know how your body is holding up due to current elevation, and support for multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) means you’ll be out of the woods if you get lost. And, if your wallet gets stolen by Bigfoot and you’re hankering for a post-camping meal made over a stove by someone else, the watch supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments. And 16-day battery life when solar charging means you don’t have to worry about the watch losing power, making none of these snazzy features usable. These are just some of the dozens and dozens of highly customizable reasons that this watch topped many lists, including our previous round-ups of Garmin models

While the Garmin fenix 6 Pro Solar may be “last year’s model” (we’ll be reviewing the fenix 7 Sapphire Solar in the coming months), it still holds up to the competition—both in the adventure watch market and throughout whatever grueling physical contest you chose to undertake with it. 

The functionality of the fenix 6 Pro Solar makes us fantasize about our dream long weekend camping trip: with the watch as our North Star and this BioLite headlamp as our torch, we’d kick off our Timberland hiking boots and crack open a cold one using the bottleopener included in a trusty LEATHERMAN multi-tool. We’d crawl into our waterproof tent from The North Face, curl up in this Coleman Sun Ridge sleeping bag, which is designed for warmer weather, and charge our phone (and each and every other device we might have at hand) using this Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core Portable Power Station (believe us when we say solar generators are so hot when it’s hot).

The next day, we’d wake up with the sunset and take a picture to document it. No camping morning is complete without a good cup of coffee—Aeropress is our portable travel coffee press of choice. Nothing beats camp breakfast either, made possible with the Jetboil MiniMo camping and backpacking stove and Snow Peak Titanium spork. Hydration is key, so we’d make sure to take sips from our Hydroflask and monitor our water intake using the watch, which includes a hydration tracker that accounts for sweat loss. We’d pack it all in a reliable long-weekend companion, like the Osprey Farpoint 55 backpack, and make our way back to reality out of the woods, thanking the Garmin fenix 6 Pro Solar watch for helping us along the way.

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Save hundreds on top tech at Best Buy, this weekend only https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-buy-dads-grads-tech-sale/ Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:30:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=449498
Multiple product images of sale items at Best Buy
Amanda Reed

The big-deal people in your life, yourself certainly included, deserve to benefit from this big deal.

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Multiple product images of sale items at Best Buy
Amanda Reed

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Nothing says “Congratulations, you’re an adult!” quite like the harsh reality that you are now a non-digital-native parent’s IT department. Best Buy makes it cheaper—and easier—to celebrate these real-world milestones with its 3-day Dads & Grads sale, running today through Sunday, June 12.  

We’re particular to the bevy of laptops on sale. The biggest deal we saw was this Lenovo Yoga 9i for $1,049.99, which is $400 off its $1,449.99 retail price.

Lenovo

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Lenovo’s powerful, sleek laptop features a quad-core 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB solid state drive. It can also be used as a tablet thanks to its 2-in-1 design and ultrathin, ultraportable 3-pound shell. Plus the 14-inch multitouch screen with energy-efficient LED backlight and a 1920×1080 resolution means crisp, clear graphics for the best PowerPoints at work and the best games and streaming content at home. Also, if a parent has a question about the weather, they can ask Alexa directly—this laptop has built-in voice command capabilities and a surprisingly loud mini-soundbar in its hinge.

For Apple lovers, Best Buy has 13-inch M1 MacBook Pros in Space Gray and Silver on sale at up to $150 off, in case they don’t want to wait for the latest version that Apple announced June 6. Apple Music, Apple News, and Apple TV+ are free for 3-6 months with purchase.  

Check out these TVs, appliances, earbuds, smartwatches, and additional tech products on sale in case you need to accessorize your post-grad lifestyle or treat the parent(s) to a new fridge:

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Everything you need to know about the new Apple M2 laptops and WWDC 2022 https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-wwdc-2022-news/ Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=448446
Apple WWDC 2022 News
Apple

Here are all the new features coming to your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac this fall.

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Apple WWDC 2022 News
Apple

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At its WWDC 2022 keynote presentation on Monday, June 6, Apple unveiled its next-generation M2 chipset, which will power a new wave of Mac laptops and desktops. The new chip promises performance improvements over the M1, Apple’s original first-party processor, which we’ll get to see in a redesigned MacBook Air and an updated version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro coming in July. 

As expected, hardware was a secondary concern at WWDC, as Apple also announced the new versions of its various operating systems for its many devices. Coming this fall, the various software updates included iOS 16 for iPhones, macOS Ventura, iPad OS 16, and watchOS 9. Though there’s plenty of overlap, each system will have distinctive new features, including customization features for the iPhone lock screen, revamped multitasking on iPads, and more robust health tracking in Apple Watch. It was an action-packed event. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights.

M2 Apple Silicon

Laptops photo
The Apple M2 chip will power the next wave of Mac computers.

Apple unveils next-generation M series chip

In the realm of “new stuff,” Apple’s M2 chip made its debut, promising some big performance gains over the current M1 Macs and even bigger ones over older Intel-based Macs. The new M2 chip is constructed using a second-generation 5-nanometer process, and consists of over 20 billion transistors—25-percent more than the original M1. The additional transistors result in an 18-percent faster CPU, 35 percent faster GPU, and a 40-percent faster Neural Engine.

Like the M1, the M2 is an 8-core processor with four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. It features 50 percent more memory bandwidth than the M1 and up to 24GB of fast unified memory.

The M2 gets an even bigger bump in the graphics department. The new 10-core GPU is bigger than the 8-core design of the M1. That allows it to hit 25-percent higher graphics performance benchmarks than an M1 at the same power level, and up to 35-percent higher performance at max power. The M2 also introduces an updated media engine that supports 8K H.264 and HEVC video, allowing you to play multiple streams of 4K and 8K video.

Presumably, we’ll see M2 make its way into all of Apple’s computers (and some iPads) over the next few years. The new wave begins in July, when Apple launches the first two M2 laptops, including the newly designed MacBook Air, which ditches the line’s signature tapered “wedge” design for the first time since the original Air launched in 2008.

Laptops photo

MacBook Air gets a big redesign

The 2022 MacBook Air is the signature machine showcasing the M2 chip at launch. As with every Air, the new is set to deliver outstanding performance in a svelte package, albeit a more evenly shaped one. The new MacBook Air is 11.3mm thick, weighs 2.7 pounds, and features an all-aluminum unibody enclosure. According to Apple, that’s a 20-percent reduction in “overall volume” from the current M1 MacBook Air. With a smaller body, it should be no surprise that the port situation remains essentialist, with the same two Thunderbolt ports and a 3.5mm audio jack with support for high-impedance headphones. That means no HDMI port or SD card reader, so you’ll have to rely on a USB hub for additional connectivity.

That said, the new Air will feature a slightly larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display—up from 13.3 inches on the M1 Air—with a notably enhanced top brightness of 500 nits. Like the newer MacBook Pro, the new MacBook Air features a display notch, which makes room for a long-awaited 1080p FaceTime HD camera. The MacBook Air will be available in four colors, including Midnight and Starlight, and will feature the same MagSafe that was reintroduced on the MacBook Pro.

Laptops photo

There’s also a “new” 13-inch MacBook Pro 

Speaking of the MacBook Pro, Apple will also bring the M2 to the entry-level 13-inch form factor, which offers a big performance bump, but not the extra ports and improvements found in last year’s outstanding M1 Pro and M1 Max redesigns. (Touch Bar fans, this one’s for you.)

While the design remains the same, users will see an improvement in performance when using graphic-intensive apps thanks to its active cooling system. For example, editing RAW images in Affinity Photo can be up to 40-percent faster thanks to the M2’s 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The 13-inch MacBook Pro also promises up to 20 hours of battery life for video playback.

Those looking for a redesign can find it in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which feature more powerful specs (and heftier prices) in addition to M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. By keeping the 13-inch MacBook Pro around, Apple is offering a much more affordable entry into the pro category, while continuing to ditch Intel for its in-house silicon.

The MacBook Air with M2 chip will start at $1,199, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 will start at $1,299. Apple didn’t reveal an exact launch for the MacBook Air but did say it’ll be available in July.

iOS 16

WWDC 2022 News
The iPhone lock screen is getting a huge glow up in iOS 16.

Apple brings widgets and customization to the lock screen

In iOS 16, Apple has redesigned the lock screen to bring you more information at a glance. You will be able to customize what you can see before unlocking your phone beyond setting a photo, adding widgets like your calendar, the current forecast, and Apple-Watch-style activity rings. You’ll also be able to change the font and color of the time, and add filters to the entire lock screen for some added style. Apple said you can create multiple lock screens, which you swipe through, similar to changing watch faces on Apple Watch. A new Photo Shuffle feature will let you choose a set of photos that will automatically change throughout the day.

You’ll also see a “Live Activities” feature on the lock screen, which effectively combines a widget and a notification for frequently updating events. For example, if you’re a sports fan, a notification for a game you’re following will update your lock screen and bring you the latest score and other relevant updates. Developers can create custom Live Activities, so you can check the status of a delivery or shipment without leaving your lock screen.

WWDC 2022 News
You will now be able to edit text in Messages, even after sending it.

Messages will get an edit function

Messages are also getting a few new user-requested features. You’ll be able to edit messages, cancel texts with an “undo send” feature, and mark them as unread. The edit function will allow you to edit typos, while undo will let you unsend a message after sending for up to 15 minutes after sending a given message. These additions give you a lot more editing power and should make texting feel a little more like using chat apps, such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

WWDC 2022 News
Apple’s new vision for CarPlay includes deep integration into the vehicles’ systems.

Apple Wallet, CarPlay, and more

There are a ton of miscellaneous new features coming to iOS 16, including changes to Focus, a shared photo library for shared iCloud accounts, SharePlay for Messages, and Live Text support in videos. 

Apple Wallet will add a “pay later” function that will allow users to break up Apple Pay purchases into four installments over a set period without interest charges. Once you place an order, Apple Wallet will help you track your orders so that you can receive detailed information throughout your package’s journey to your doorstep.

Finally, CarPlay will get its most significant update yet, setting the stage for deep integrations with dashboard systems in new cars. You’ll be able to perform actions like changing the temperature, controlling the radio, and seeing deeper vehicle data, including your current speed, fuel level, and fuel economy. Though iOS 16 will include some of this CarPlay functionality, Apple said automakers like Ford, Volvo, and Jaguar won’t announce new vehicles that support the system until late 2023.

watchOS 9

WWDC 2022 News
WatchOS adds new watch faces as well as deeper tracking for exercise and sleep.

Apple Watch adds new health features

Apple also unveiled watchOS 9, which adds four new watch faces, workout updates, and deeper integration with Apple Fitness+. If you’re a runner, watchOS 9 will introduce more insights into how efficiently you run. For example, you’ll be able to track your stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation, giving you valuable data whether you’re a casual runner or training for a marathon. 

Apple will also add an FDA-cleared atrial fibrillation (AFib) history feature, which will provide those who have been diagnosed with AFib with deeper insights into their condition. The hope is that this information will allow people to make lifestyle changes that can potentially improve their condition.

WatchOS 9 will also add deeper sleep insights. By tapping into Apple Watch’s accelerometer and heart rate sensor, the wearable will detect when you’re in REM, Core, or Deep sleep—metrics that better help you understand your sleep quality.

Perhaps the most significant addition in watchOS 9 is the ability to manage and track your medications, vitamins, and supplements. The feature will allow you to create a medications list, set up schedules and reminders, and view information about your medication in the Health app. You can also receive an alert if there are potential critical interactions with medications you’re already taking.

iPadOS 16

WWDC 2022 News
With Stage Manager, iPadOS 16 will enable a more laptop-like workflow on tablets.

The iPad introduces multitasking upgrades (and a weather app)

The most significant feature coming to iPadOS is called Stage Manager (also available in macOS Ventura), which organizes apps and windows into a pane on the left side of the display. By default, the apps and windows are arranged in order of recency, but you can also group apps together to quickly access them, like if you need Safari and Notes to plan for a meal. You can now open apps as overlapping windows and resize them, bringing them more in line with the conventional macOS experience.

Stage Manager also brings full external display support in up to 6K resolution and will allow users to run four apps on their iPad Pro, as well as four apps on the external display. These features are only available on iPad Pro and 2022 iPad Air with an M1 chip.

WWDC 2022 News
Freeform, a new app, is a scalable collaborative whiteboard for project planning.

Collaborate with the new FreeForm app

Additionally, iPadOS 16 will introduce Freeform, a collaboration app that offers a scalable whiteboard, so there are no limits on the page size or layout. You’ll be able to see the updates people have made and even hop on FaceTime to discuss ideas. The new Freeform app brings to mind Figma’s FigJam app, which offers a similar collaboration tool.

Other additions coming to iPadOS 16 include Apple’s Weather app and “Reference Mode,” a color calibration tool for creatives that allows the iPad Pro and Liquid Retina XDR display to match the color requirements in workflows like review and approve, color grading, and compositing. This will ensure that photo and video editors get consistent, color-accurate edits across their projects, making the iPad Pro an even more powerful tool for creatives.

macOS Ventura

WWDC 2022 News
Continuity Camera, a new feature in macOS Ventura, lets you use your iPhone as a webcam. Apple

Expanded continuity comes to Mac

Ventura, the next big update for macOS, offers one of the most exciting features of the day. Continuity Camera will allow users to turn their iPhone into a webcam. Macs will automatically recognize your iPhone when it’s nearby and use it for video conferencing. You’ll be able to take advantage of modern iPhone camera features like Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the camera’s framing to center on you, and the background-blurring Portrait mode.

Ventura also brings updates to some of Apple’s core apps, including Safari. In Ventura, you’ll be able to share tab groups with friends and family and start a FaceTime call right from the page you’re browsing. Meanwhile, Mail is introducing more robust search features and the ability to schedule emails and undo send for up to 10 seconds after hitting send.

WWDC 2022 News
Spotlight will present you with more information than ever without ever opening your web browser.

Spotlight gets more powerful

Finally, Apple has updated Spotlight to bring more information to searches. In addition to launching apps, you can type in a musical artist and get information about who they are, when they were born, where they’re from, etc. You can also set timers, create a new document, and run a shortcut from Spotlight.

Final thoughts on WWDC 2022

We rarely expect major hardware announcements at WWDC, so color us pleasantly surprised that we got to hear about some new Macs at WWDC 2022. Of course, these are all just promises until we take the time to test the M2 Macs later this summer. And, of course, we’re looking forward to checking out all the new features coming to Apple’s various devices as roll out in beta ahead of their wide launch in the fall.

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Apple Watch cases to keep your smartwatch safe https://www.popsci.com/story/shop/apple-watch-cases/ Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:57:28 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/story/?p=280510
A white apple watch with a silver case
There’s never a bad time to protect your watch. Luke Chesser, Unsplash

Keep your screen clean and scratch free.

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A white apple watch with a silver case
There’s never a bad time to protect your watch. Luke Chesser, Unsplash

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Just like smartphones and laptops, smartwatches are delicate, accident-prone devices that need protection from life’s unfortunate, unpredictable mishaps. Apple Watch cases provide full coverage with scratch-resistant, touch-sensitive, bumpers, and more. Plus, cases are an accessory that can be color-coordinated with your band to match or enhance your Apple Watch style. No matter the environment or situation, prevent serious scratches, dents, and cracks with these Apple Watch cases.

elkson

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Always keep in mind the material a case is made out of. Cases constructed from scratch-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, are especially elastic and resistant to oil, grease, and abrasion. Tempered glass and shock-proof glass screens are durable for long-lasting protection.

VASG

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Consider the fit of your Apple Watch case. Cases, especially ones with bumpers, shouldn’t be bulky. Instead, they should have a snug fit with precise cutouts that work smoothly with the buttons and watch crown.

BRG

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Make sure the cases you buy are compatible with your Apple Watch model. Many newer cases are not only compatible with the current series 6 watch, but series 5 and 4 as well. Case sizes range from 38mm to 44mm.

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Smartwatches track sanitation workers’ every move in India https://www.popsci.com/technology/tracking-devices-india/ Wed, 04 May 2022 01:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=440735
A photo of a sanitation worker in India
Sanitation workers in India are forced to wear tracking devices with cameras. SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images

Lower-caste cleaners must wear GPS-enabled smartwatches, raising questions about their privacy and data protection.

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A photo of a sanitation worker in India
Sanitation workers in India are forced to wear tracking devices with cameras. SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images

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This article was originally featured on Undark.

Munesh sits by the roadside near a crowded market in Chandigarh, a city in India’s north, on a January day. She is flanked by several other women, all of them sweepers hired by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. She shows the smartwatch she is wearing and says, “See, I didn’t even touch it, but the camera has turned on.”

Munesh, who estimates she is in her 40s and, like many Indians, goes by just one name, is one of around 4,000 such sanitation workers. The corporation makes it mandatory for them to wear smartwatches—called Human Efficiency Tracking Systems—fitted with GPS trackers. Each one has a microphone, a SIM embedded for calling workers, and a camera, so that the workers can send photos to their supervisors as proof of attendance. In Chandigarh, this project is run by Imtac India, an IT services company, at a cost of an estimated $278,000 per year. Meanwhile, sanitation workers say that the government has not invested in personal protective gear throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and that they have long worked without medical care and other vital social services.

From the time the sanitation workers turn on their watches until they turn them off, their GPS locations are monitored in real time by officials at the Command and Control Center of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The workers appear as green dots on a computer screen and as they move around in their assigned areas, the green dot moves along a line.

The camera fitted on the tracker is what scares Munesh and many other sanitation workers, who mostly come from the Dalit community or other Hindu lower castes. (In the Indian subcontinent, the caste system has long categorized and limited people’s education and work prospects; the job of cleaning or sanitation has always been linked to the lower castes.) Wearing the tracker is mandatory. According to Krishan Kumar Chadha, the former president of the Chandigarh Sanitation Workers’ Union, taking it off incurs a fine of half a day’s salary, around $3 to $4, although Abhay Khare of Imtac India denies there is such a fine. Workers also have to take the devices home. They worry about privacy leaks and the inability to turn off the trackers and cameras—even when they are in the bathroom.

One of the flagship programs of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to bring “digital innovations” to the country. Under this Digital India initiative, Modi has been pushing for cashless or digital transactions, digital attendance, and surveillance systems, like the one in place for the sanitation workers. This digital attendance and tracking system is also part of another much-hyped campaign of the government: the Clean India Mission, also known as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which launched in October 2014 with the goal of a clean and sanitary India.

These systems come with incentives for the municipalities. Civic bodies with a digital attendance system earn extra points toward an annual list of the country’s “cleanest” cities, an honor that gives them bragging rights. This online surveillance of sanitation workers is currently operational in more than a dozen cities, including Indore, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Panchkula, Thane, and Mysuru.

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation introduced GPS-enabled smartwatches for its sanitation workers in 2019. The government says that the tracking devices bring transparency into the attendance system and prevent workers from allowing someone else to sub in for them.

But the workers have been protesting ever since, arguing that the watches violate their privacy and rights. For her part, Munesh says, “it’s like an iron shackle around our necks.”


In August 2017, the Supreme Court of India, through a judgment, recognized privacy as a fundamental right.

“Among basic rights conferred on individuals by the Constitution as a shield against excesses by the State, some rights are at the core of human existence,” the top court said in its judgment. “Thus, they are granted the status of fundamental, inalienable rights essential to enjoy liberty. Liberty is the freedom of an individual to do what he pleases and the exercise of that freedom would be meaningless in the absence of privacy.”

In 2018, a 10-member committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, submitted a comprehensive report on data protection. The committee also suggested a draft data protection bill; a revised version is still pending before a Joint Parliamentary Committee and could be scrapped in favor of new data privacy legislation.

When it comes to surveillance of sanitation workers, “the Constitution does not allow this kind of a thing,” says Pavan Duggal, a cyberlaw consultant and advocate for the Supreme Court of India. As such, Duggal argues, the sanitation tracking system violates workers’ right to privacy.

Although a law passed in 2000 called the Indian Information and Technology Act does allow digital surveillance or interception of citizens under certain circumstances, Duggal adds, the sanitation trackers amount to “crystal clear illegal interception.”

A 29-year-old cleaner named Neerjo didn’t know that officials at the Command Center can trace the location of her house through the tracker until her interviews with Undark. She was taken aback. “We did not know this,” she says and looks at her co-workers in surprise. “We have never been told anything about the watch.” Undark repeatedly contacted Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Commissioner Anindita Mitra to verify this and other details about the smartwatch program; the calls and emails went unanswered.

Still, Abhay Khare, business head of Imtac India—a distribution partner of ITI Limited in Chandigarh—insists that the GPS trackers are not breaking laws, and that they follow all the parameters of data safety and privacy. He adds that the devices are also used for government security, “so the ITI Limited is very careful about these parameters.”

Before he left his position as project coordinator of Chandigarh’s human efficiency tracking system program, Suraj Kumar also told Undark that on the smartwatches, neither the microphone nor the camera can be controlled remotely, which means that no one in the control center can turn them on.

But that does not assuage the fears of the sanitation workers, particularly women. Many say they avoid using the bathroom while on duty. Others put the smartwatches in purses or pockets beforehand—because, says a worker named Mithlesh, “sometimes we go to [the] washroom and the camera turns on automatically, causing problems.” Around a dozen women who spoke to Undark shared the same concern.

And even though the officials at the CMC stress that the data of sanitation workers are secured and deleted after three months, the workers also complain they often receive spam calls on their smartwatches. “One night, I was awoken by a call on my smartwatch around 11:30 [p.m.],” says one worker, Shakuntala. “I picked it up and some man was asking me who I was. I hung up, knowing it was an unknown number and not someone from my office. How did he get my number if the SIM was given by the Corporation?”

Khare says the GPS trackers do not allow unwanted calls. “It’s impossible they would get spam calls,” he says, adding he had checked it himself.

The workers say the tracking device invades their personal lives. They are required to charge GPS devices at home each night, to make sure the watches remain on during working hours the next day. If the watch is off, the workers are marked absent, risking their wages. According to Chadha of the Chandigarh Sanitation Workers’ Union, the fine for losing the tracker ranges from around $107 to $134, almost their month’s salary.

Taking these devices home aggravates the problems, says Shakuntala. “When I am around the watch, I get conscious,” she adds.

In each part of the city, a supervisor looks after a team of sanitation workers and marks their attendance. A supervisor named Satyapal Singh tells Undark that if a worker’s watch turns off or shows them outside the area where they should be working, even if they are marked present on the register, they don’t get paid.

Pradeep, who drives a sewage truck, says he once got a call from his supervisor, inquiring why he was absent for a week. Although he had been at work, at the Command Center, he was marked inactive. It took Pradeep a few days to prove that he was on duty, he says: “My salary would have been slashed otherwise.”


A few days before India’s Republic Day in January 2022, Chadha, the former president of the Chandigarh Sanitation Workers’ Union and a current senior member, sits in his office, a makeshift tin shed, outside a bustling market near the Municipal Corporation office. He sits with workers as they talk about the cleanliness preparation ahead of the special occasion.

But he also stresses the union’s presence at an upcoming protest against the tracking devices.

He breaks his conversation with a worker and points towards his smartwatch: “What is this watch?” he asks and leans forward. Then he pauses and sinks in his chair and answers himself, “It is a handcuff that enslaves poor workers.” Chadha draws reference from ancient times, saying it is akin to the times when lower castes were physically chained and forced to do menial jobs.

Khare of IMTAC India boasts of the increased productivity the tracking system has achieved. He says that some local governments using the smartwatches to track field workers have detected employees farming out their work to other people, and that it has been able to save a huge amount of state expenditure.

But the workers complain not only of surveillance, but poor working conditions. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors and other health workers in India sometimes faced discrimination and harassment for working with infected patients. But they were also called “frontline warriors” and promised medical insurance. The sanitation workers, who were out on roads, keeping the cities clean, say they have not received adequate personal protection equipment during the pandemic. In a June 2020 independent survey of 214 sanitation workers in several Indian states and metropolitan areas, 56 percent said they weren’t given any Covid-19 safety instructions or training. (Twenty-six of those surveyed did not answer this question.)

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the sanitation workers say, they were never provided with any safety or protection gear. They also say they are not given any paid leave, medical treatment, or insurance.

Bezwada Wilson, National Convener of Safai Karmachari Andolan—a human rights organization pushing to end manual scavenging, a traditional practice reserved for Indians from Scheduled Castes—says the surveillance, which he calls illegal, is dehumanizing. It reinforces the idea of slavery, he adds, and stems from the casteist mindset.

“It’s modern-day slavery,” he said, adding that India’s “dominant” castes “still see the sanitation workers as untouchables. As if that was not enough, this tracking device has only reinforced that idea.”

Before her lunch break ends, Munesh asks for help with checking how many steps she has walked so far that day. Since her shift started at 7 a.m., her tracker shows she has walked 2,231 steps in the first half of her shift. There are four more hours to go, and one of her coworkers says they cannot afford breaks. Even if they finish their jobs early, they should appear in motion on the screen.

As soon as her lunch break ends, Munesh prepares to leave. She picks up a broom, walks away towards a bustling market, and bends to sweep the litter.

The post Smartwatches track sanitation workers’ every move in India appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apple Watch Series 7 Review: Living Larger https://www.popsci.com/reviews/apple-watch-7-review/ Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:03:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=402082
Apple Watch Series 7
Check out the bigger, curvier, and sometimes brighter screen of the Apple Watch Series 7. Mike Epstein

The new Apple Watch doesn’t rock the boat, but now it’s a roomier boat

The post Apple Watch Series 7 Review: Living Larger appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apple Watch Series 7
Check out the bigger, curvier, and sometimes brighter screen of the Apple Watch Series 7. Mike Epstein

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Compared to previous updates, the Apple Watch 7 is a one-trick pony. It has a larger display that, when combined with other screen-related tweaks, makes for easier viewing, whether you’re directly engaging with the watch or checking it at a glance. There are myriad mini upgrades sprinkled throughout, like slightly improved charging, but the Series 7’s particular value comes squarely down to the screen. And yet, that seemingly superficial change has a cascading effect that improves the basic functions of the tried-and-true Apple Watch experience. While the Apple Watch Series 7 changes very little, that change feels luxurious. The bigger screen is the whipped cream and cherry on top of what is already the best smartwatch.

Mike Epstein

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What’s New About the Apple Watch 7?

Did I mention the screen is bigger?

Fine. Tell me about the screen.

The Apple Watch 7 case—the physical watch body—is slightly larger. The larger, 45mm Series 7 measures 1.8 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches (HWD) versus 1.7 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches (HWD) of the 44mm Apple Watch Series 6. That translates to a display that’s 1mm larger—41mm and 45mm. Apple also substantially trimmed down the display bezel, creating more room for the screen to grow. The combined effort translates to a screen that’s “nearly 20 percent” larger than the Apple Watch Series 6 and “over 50 percent” larger than the Apple Watch Series 3 in a device that’s very nearly the same size.

Numbers aside, it is a tangible difference to the naked eye. The Apple Watch Series 7 display almost completely fills the top face of the watch. Pictures, from watch faces to photos from your iPhone’s camera roll, feel bigger and fuller. Across Apple’s many first-party Watch apps, the buttons are bigger and the text appears conveniently larger.

Apple Watch 7
The Apple Watch Series 6 (left) and Series 7 (right) screens side by side. Mike Epstein

The larger UI enabled by the larger screen improves the Apple Watch experience in subtle, but substantial ways. With more display real estate, you have the space to use larger fonts, which makes text easier to read without bringing the watch close to your face. Playing to this, the 45mm Series 7 model features three new, larger text fonts. (The 41mm Series 7 and 44mm versions of older watchOS 8-compatible models also get the smallest of the three new text sizes.) Even if you don’t use the new XL text, the bigger screen will compel you to use a bigger text size, and the combination of the two makes checking notifications and text messages quicker, easier, and less conspicuous.

Likewise, buttons are easier to tap precisely. This is somewhat useful in the control center and calculator, but most clearly in the Series 7’s new QWERTY keyboard feature. The Watch keyboard is still too small to be practical, even with swipe typing—I never stopped going to my phone to text—but it is possible to swipe or peck out a message with minimal mistyping. That has never been feasible on older versions of the watch.

Apple Watch 7
A bigger screen allows for bigger text, which makes for easier reading. Mike Epstein

In addition to the extra real estate, the screen has gotten a more general visual tune-up. The corners of the watch face are now rounded. Using a trick of the eye, the new, thicker front glass over the display makes the screen appear to be curved at the edges. As a result, the display looks softer and feels more polished. For a moment, I thought the curves might lead to better viewing angles when looking at the watch face at an angle, but it’s really just an aesthetic improvement. That said, having gone from Series 6 to the Series 7, then back again, I absolutely prefer the new screen, both for its style and substance.

It’s also better for glancing

A secondary addition, the watch face is also brighter in its passive, “wrist down” state, which makes it substantially easier to look down and check the time and/or your notifications without bringing the watch to your nose. Even with the larger text, I couldn’t really read a notification with the watch at my hip, but that may be my eyes as much as it is the watch.

So…What does the Apple Watch do again?

Despite the fact that the Apple Watch Series 7 doesn’t do anything new, per se, it is still a novel product to a lot of people. In an earnings call earlier this year, Apple said that “nearly 75 percent” of Apple Watch buyers are getting their first one. Assuming that figure doesn’t change rapidly, there’s a good chance that you’re weighing the pros and cons of the Apple Watch in general, rather than its upgrade potential.

The Apple Watch is a weirdly amazing little upgrade to the iPhone experience and, to a lesser extent, for Mac users. Like almost all smartwatches, its primary draw stems from health and fitness features. The Apple Watch tracks your steps and exercise, giving you feedback and attempting to spur you into a more active lifestyle. Apple’s also added a premium fitness service, Apple Fitness+, which offers guided workouts for many types of exercise. With every entry, Apple adds new health and fitness features. Sometimes, those features are groundbreaking, like when Apple added the ability to take an electrocardiogram with the Apple Watch Series 4. This year’s new fitness-based improvements are the smallest yet. WatchOS 8 enables a few new workout types and improved support for bike-based workouts, but that’s about it.

Apple Watch 7 fitness tracker
Even going for a walk can count as a workout if you want it to. Mike Epstein

The Apple Watch, across all models, stands apart from other smartwatches and fitness trackers because of all the other things it can do. When you really boil it down, the watch serves as an extension of your iPhone that allows you to engage with its many demands on your time without actually pulling it out. The Apple Watch Series 7 still lets you do so many of those quick little things you do with your phone even quicker. But it doesn’t really do any new things. The closest, as I mentioned, is the QWERTY keyboard, which isn’t effective enough to replace pulling out your phone.

And yet, in 2021, it is still the most effective smartwatch for anything other than fitness. Yes, the Series 7 still delivers emails, texts, Slack messages, and other notifications at a glance. You can still use Siri. (I primarily ask it to set timers). You can still take phone calls. You can still use it to open your iPhone or macOS computer. It still does all these things in a more intuitive way than other smartwatches, which tend to have confusing interfaces that are hard to navigate. 

What else is new on Apple Watch 7?

There’s also a grab bag of other small upgrades to the Apple Watch’s durability in the Series 7. The front crystal is now 50-percent thicker and redesigned to generally make it harder to crack than its predecessor. It has also been rated IP6X dust-resistant, so it’s less likely to break if you wear it at the beach or in another highly dusty situation.

The Apple Watch 7 now comes with a fast-charging cable that enables speedier charging. According to Apple, it can charge from 0 percent to 80 percent battery in 45 minutes, versus 60 minutes for the Series 6. The faster charging specifically speaks to users who want to wear the watch to bed rather than charge overnight: An eight-minute charge should provide enough juice for 8 hours of sleep tracking, by Apple’s count. 

Apple Watch 7 QWERTY keyboard
Apple Watch Series 7 adds a QWERTY keyboard for responding to messages. Mike Epstein

Obviously, these are very specific optimizations: In practice, I found that charging from 13 percent to 80 percent took about 35 minutes, in line with Apple’s projections, but getting to 100 percent took just over an hour, which isn’t as meaningful a jump. Also, it’s worth noting that faster charging only applies if you use the new cable that comes with the watch. People who use third-party chargers won’t see a difference.

The Series 7 features the same 18-hour battery life as the last couple of models. On a full charge, the watch tends to last through just under two days of normal use, so you will need to find a time to charge it during the day if you use the watch for sleep tracking.

The watchOS 8 difference

In addition to the changes to the Apple Watch Series 7 hardware, Apple has released a wide assortment of changes to the Apple Watch via the latest version of its operating system, watchOS 8. While many of these changes were made with the Series 7’s new screen in mind, including ones we’ve already discussed like the QWERTY keyboards and larger text options, many of them aren’t actually exclusive to the new watch.

There are a handful of new watch faces designed to take advantage of the larger screen, including two made exclusively for the Apple Watch Series 7. The first is Contour, a classic watch face that offers big numbers that hug the edge of the screen and grow to highlight the current time. The second face, Modular Duo, lets you put two tracking features, such as your fitness goals, heart rate, or a world clock, on the watch face for easy access. There are also some faces that work better on an Apple Watch 7, but aren’t exclusive, like the very busy World Clock watch face that lets you see the time in 24 time zones at once.

Apple Watch 7 watch face
Contour is one of two exclusive watch faces for the Apple Watch Series 7. Mike Epstein

The home and photo library apps have received visual overhauls that make them easier to read. The stress-release-focused “breathe” function is now a full-blown app called “mindfulness,” which expands on the concept with more detailed instructions and a visualizer. There are new trackable workout types, Tai Chi and Pilates. The Apple Watch can now also detect and automatically start a bike-based workout.

These are just a few highlights. There are lots of little changes sprinkled throughout watchOS 8 that change every compatible version of the Apple Watch (Apple Watch Series 3 and up). For the most part, those changes seem to be practical improvements, though often in small ways that wouldn’t affect whether or not you’d be interested in buying one.

Sizes and colors

One more thing. We should talk about all the different versions of the Apple Watch Series 7 you can buy because there are a lot more of them than there used to be.

First of all, as always, the Apple Watch Series 7 comes in two sizes—41mm and 45mm. Both sizes receive similar upgrades in screen size relative to their 40mm and 44mm predecessors, but since “bigger is better” is this year’s theme, I’d strongly recommend the larger version if your wrist can accommodate it. The 41mm model starts at $399.99, and the 45mm model starts at $429.99.

Apple Watch 7 case
Midnight is one of the new case colors for the Apple Watch Series 7. Mike Epstein

Also returning is the option to buy a more expensive version with cellular support, allowing the watch to remain fully functional even when not connected to the same home network as your iPhone. The cellular 41mm model starts at $499, and the 45mm cellular model starts at $529.99.

Here’s where things get interesting. The Series 7 watch body comes in five new colors for the standard aluminum case: Midnight (pictured), an off-white called Starlight, blue, green, and Apple’s usual Project(Red). Apple has also brought back the substantially more expensive gold, graphite, and black stainless steel models, as well as the titanium body.

There’s also a wide range of new bands in different colors. That said, the Apple Watch Series 7 uses the same clasp mechanism as past Apple Watches, so all older bands will work with the new watch and it’s very easy to swap among multiple bands if you want to change them out for different use-cases or outfits.

Who should buy the Apple Watch 7?

Apple Watch 7 world clock watch face
“World Clock” is an older watch face that works better on the larger Series 7 screen. Mike Epstein

To my mind, the Apple Watch is still a unique product. Its combination of fitness and lifestyle features make it the best overall device to have on your wrist, assuming you use an iPhone. Yes, the Series 7 is a comparatively minor variation on the theme but, like the Apple Watch itself, that variation is a worthy luxury in conjunction with the upgrades of the past couple models.

As of the Apple Watch’s release on Oct. 15, 2021, Apple will sell the Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 7. If you’re interested in the Apple Watch, I would recommend most users buy the Series 7, both for its superior feature-set and to ensure that Apple continues to support your new phone. (The Apple Watch Series 3 is the oldest model compatible with watchOS 8.)

That said, if you can get a new or refurbished Apple Watch Series 6 from a retailer at a reduced price, you’ll get 90 percent of the Apple Watch 7 experience. While the screen is compelling once you try it, the Apple Watch doesn’t necessarily warrant routine upgrades, even for technophiles. Moreover, this particular model doesn’t have a new feature that would warrant getting rid of the one you have. And, obviously, I wouldn’t recommend anyone with an Apple Watch Series 5 or Series 6 upgrade this year.

The post Apple Watch Series 7 Review: Living Larger appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best smartwatch for kids in 2023 https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-smartwatch-for-kids/ Fri, 28 May 2021 18:59:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=368416
little tikes best smartwatch for kids
Little Tikes, Amazon

With the best smartwatch for kids you can track their location or their health.

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little tikes best smartwatch for kids
Little Tikes, Amazon

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Best overall The Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 8
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Take calls, reply to texts, monitor your workouts, health, and more.

Best fitness tracker The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches that's also a fitness tracker. Fitbit Sense 2
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Sensors track vitals to help guide your daily fitness and wellness goals.

Best tactical The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar is one of the best tactical smartwatches. Garmin fenix 7X Pro Solar
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Get all the best tactical features with solar-charging technology.

Buying a smartwatch for a kid is actually, well, incredibly smart. Smartwatches can promote healthy habits by tracking steps. They can teach children the responsibility of owning a cool gadget. They can provide parental peace of mind, acting as a GPS tracker for kids to monitor your child’s location (with the kid’s knowledge, of course). And, of course, they can make your little one smile, reminding them that, sometimes, their parents really are pretty cool. But picking the right one isn’t as simple as grabbing a Fitbit or Apple Watch. Outfitting a youngin comes with its own set of considerations: Do you need GPS or a step tracker? Are kid-specific watches better than stepped-down adult models? Here’s how to wrap your head around picking the best smartwatch for kids. 

What to consider when buying the best smartwatch for kids 

Modern devices fit a ton of features into incredibly small packages. There are universal needs—like comfort, durability, and long battery life—but if you’re in the market for a child’s smartwatch, weeding out the best choice means focusing on a few broader questions.

Do you want (or need) to track your child’s location? 

A GPS-enabled smartwatch can let parents sleep a little easier. Though we definitely advise being up-front with your kid that you can see their location. The devices are in constant communication with the constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth, so as long as your child is wearing the watch—and you’ve downloaded the corresponding smartphone app—you can find them. The best GPS tracker for kids includes features like SOS alerts, which let kids send distress signals, and two-way calling, which is akin to a walkie-talkie function. Lastly, you want a watch that’ll last. Most GPS smartwatches will continue to emit a location signal after the battery has died. To further ensure uninterrupted operation, look for the best GPS watch made out of a trustworthy material like non-toxic silicone and rated IP67, which means it can survive being submerged in up to a meter of water for half an hour and it is dust-tight.

Does your child need help staying active?  

Healthy habits should start young, but only a quarter of kids get the CDC-recommended hour of exercise they need a day. With activity monitors on their wrists, kids can make a game out of their movement. The best health/fitness tracker for kids goes beyond counting steps. Pairing with smartphone apps over Bluetooth, health trackers motivate users with movement challenges and other activities, and they let wearers set goals and reminders to stay on task. Activity monitors are made to be worn during exercise (and sleep), so they need to be comfortable. Look for silicone bands, especially if your kid likes swimming, and an IP68 waterproof rating. If movement is the main goal, fitness-focused options like the Fitbit Ace and Garmin Vivofit Jr trade bulkier colorful screens for slimmer fits and more detailed health tracking.   

Is your tween ready for an Apple Watch?

Your middle schooler is likely already begging you for a smartphone. It’ll let them stay in touch with you, they’ll argue. It’ll help them stay organized, they’ll say. Valid points. And if you’re considering caving and buying your tween an older iPhone, an older Apple Watch just might be a good companion purchase. For starters, an Apple Watch can ping the phone it’s paired with, adding insurance against losing the phone. And by pairing the watch with your own phone, you as the parent can track your kid’s location (again, be upfront about this). Meanwhile, kids will get the benefits of activity tracking, Siri’s wisdom, and emergency calling right from their wrist with an Apple Watch for kids.

What about a toddler?

The best smartwatches for kids who are younger will be as informative as they are entertaining, with games and other tools imparting lessons like counting, pattern recognition, and time-telling. Smartwatches for little ones should be durable and affordable since all parents know how kids sometimes treat their toys—that means skipping the temptations of expensive upgrades like GPS.  

Can you find a good deal on a smartwatch for kids? 

Let’s face it: A smartwatch is basically a toy. But even on a budget, there’s no reason that toy can’t be cool. Kids will care only about the games, movement activities, or funny filters on the camera—all of which are available in cheap smartwatch options—while parents can rest easy knowing most budget smartwatches can’t text or call anyone.   

The best smartwatch for kids

Any parent knows that kids’ personalities somehow show up in infanthood. So by the time your child is ready for a smartwatch—yes, even if she’s only in preschool—they’ll likely have some fully formed opinions about the device that they want for their wrist. Definitely take note, because if the gadget doesn’t have the camera or games they’re hoping for they may not wear it all. 

Best GPS watch for kids: Themoemoe Kids Smartwatch 

Amazon

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With easy-to-use tracking, an SOS button, and two-way calling, this Themoemoe is simply one of the best GPS trackers for kids on the market. Tracking is based on Assisted GPS, which triangulates location with the help of nearby cell towers to provide precise, real-time positioning. You’ll need a 2G SpeedTalkCard (about $30 for six months of use) to tap into all its features. Kids will like the games and camera, while parents will appreciate that this best GPS watch pairs with Apple and Android products and features a “Do Not Disturb” setting that lets them disable all functions except the SOS button during school hours.   

Best health tracker for kids: Garmin Vivofit Jr

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The best health trackers are way more than simple pedometers. And the Garmin Vivofit Jr, with a replaceable battery that should last all year, rises to the challenge. This swim-friendly smartwatch can withstand the pressure under 164 feet of water and will monitor your child’s activity, whether they’re in the pool, on the field, or resting. A compatible parent-only smartphone app (Android 4.4 and up and iOS 9.1 and up) lets you load games that will keep kids engaged to hit their 60 minutes of daily activity. (You can also set alerts to remind the kids to do their homework or take out the trash.) The silicone band is made to fit kids ages 4 to 9, with the regular size going up to 145 millimeters and the extra-large stretching to 170 millimeters. 

Best smartwatch for older kids: Apple Watch Series 3

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At half the cost of the Apple Watch Series 6, the Apple Watch Series 3 is perfect for a tween still learning what it means to treat technology responsibly. Activity tracking features like heart rate monitoring and running routes can help promote your youngster’s budding workout regimen. Plus, they can find the right pump-up tunes by accessing more than 75 million songs on Apple Music. Being able to access their calendar and answer calls and texts from their wrist can help them keep up with increasingly hectic schedules. 

Best smartwatch for younger kids: Little Tikes Tobi Robot Smartwatch 

Amazon

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With more than 50 faces, Tobi really does resemble a robot on your kid’s wrist, and by employing fun games and movement motivators—like an augmented reality seek-and-search game, and a dance activity game—it will help children learn and grow, even if they don’t realize it. Kids will enjoy taking selfies and videos with two cameras—the 512 MB of memory can store up to 3,000 photos or 30 minutes of video. And the lithium-polymer battery is rechargeable via USB plug-in, but the kiddo will have to turn it off to charge. 

Best budget smartwatch for kids: VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2

Amazon

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Cameras for videos and photos. A user-friendly touchscreen. More than 50 digital and analog face options. Even a monster-catching game. At $35, the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 is perfect for parents on a budget. The VTech KidiZoom includes fitness tracking and activity challenges, but to keep the price down sacrifices flashier features like GPS tracking or calling. 

FAQs

Q: What are the best smartwatch brands for kids?

The best smartwatch brands for kids depend on the features you’re after. Some of the best GPS watches come from Themoemoe and Apple. Some of the best fitness trackers are made by Garmin and Fitbit. 

Q: Is an Apple watch good for a 10-year-old?

An Apple watch is good for a responsible 10-year-old. They are equipped with GPS tracking, two-way calling, games, cameras, and fitness tracking—all with that distinct Apple look. But Apple products, such as the Apple Watch SE, also cost 10 times more than some of the most affordable options, and, of course, they need to be paired with an iPhone. 

Q: Are Fitbits suitable for 8-year-olds?

Fitbits are certainly a good option for 8-year-olds. In fact, the Fitbit Ace is made for kids 8 and up, so if your third grader loves to move—or needs some added activity incentive—a health tracker could be the perfect fit. Fitbits don’t require a smartphone to collect all that useful health data, but they do need to be paired with one if you and your child want to dive into the analytics. 

Related: Chasing kids is exhausting. Find out just how much with this full-featured fitness tracker.

The final word on buying the best smartwatch for kids

Finding the best smartwatch for kids comes down to what single feature is the most important. If location tracking is a top priority, look for a GPS-enabled smartwatch. If fitness tracking is more your tween or teenager’s speed, look for a narrower banded smartwatch like the Fitbit Ace. Finally, if fun is all you need, you may not have to spend a fortune (the VTech KidiZoom, for instance, is under $40), especially if your smartwatch is destined for the wrist of a preschooler. 

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Fitbit Inspire 2 review: A near-perfect introduction to fitness trackers https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fitbit-inspire-2-review/ Mon, 17 May 2021 19:03:55 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=363546
fitbit inspire 2 review
A fitness tracker that will help you exercise and stay on top of your daily routine. Carsen Joenk

Need inspiration to exercise? This understated but full-featured wristband can be your accountability buddy.

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fitbit inspire 2 review
A fitness tracker that will help you exercise and stay on top of your daily routine. Carsen Joenk

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Over the past year, many of us have been remanded to our homes, binging TV shows, baking sourdough, and starting at-home workout programs. Keeping up with exercise wasn’t always easy. In fact, a study conducted by University College London during lockdown found that a majority of people across all genders and socioeconomic statuses worked out less. Rediscovering the motivation to move can be hard—it certainly has been for me—so many are turning to activity trackers to improve their fitness journeys. 

The Fitbit Inspire 2 fitness tracker, the newest entry-level offering from the step-counting stalwart, offers a lightweight and affordable guide out of a long pandemic rut. The $100 workout tracker follows the Inspire 1 and Inspire HR with several key improvements, most notably an extended battery life of up to 10 days, silent alarms, more advanced sleep analytics, and a heart-rate-based metric called Active Zone Minutes. The second-generation workout tracker also includes an optical heart rate monitor and automatic exercise recognition, though it skips the personalized reminders found in the Inspire 1. Overall, the wealth of advancements makes up for this feature.   

The Fitbit Inspire 2 gives you insight into your daily habits while encouraging you to move for cardiovascular health. Wearing it for roughly two weeks certainly revealed a lot about my own nutrition, sleep, and exercise patterns. 

Fitbit Inspire 2 Fitness tracker design

Carsen Joenk

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Fitbit inspire 2 review
A simple, straightforward design that isn’t too showy. Carsen Joenk

Compared to other health tracker options like the Whoop Strap 3.0 or Garmin Vivoactive, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is minuscule: only 1.5-inches long, less than 1-inch wide, ½-inch tall, and weighing less than 1 ounce. If you’re wearing fitness gear almost nonstop for maximum feedback, the low profile can make a world of difference.

The Fitbit Inspire 2 comes fitted with a small silicone band (suitable for wrists 5.5 to 7.1 inches), while a larger one (meant for wrists 7.1 to 8.7 inches) is included. Removing the band is easy: Just pull the silver quick-release lever and pull back to snap the band off. At first, my fingers couldn’t get a good grip on the pins and lever, but I was able to get the new strap in place after a few tries. The silicone bands are smooth and sit comfortably against the skin, and the plastic buckle is easy to maneuver. And, if I wanted to dress it up rather than tear it up during a workout, Fitbit sells optional metal mesh and leather bands starting at $34.95.

The slim black body of the tracker is sleek and, dare I say, cool. This fitness tracker’s discreet size and minimalistic design made it sophisticated enough for everyday wear. The Inspire 2 looks much more expensive than its price tag might indicate. The backlit OLED display is crisp and clear, though visibility does fade a little in the sun. The touchscreen is responsive, which is handy when scrolling through features and settings. Additional touch sensors on the sides allow you to jump back to the home screen and access other settings, like water lock and sleep mod

Getting started

Before you dive into a workout, you’ll need to charge the Fitbit Inspire 2 and download the Fitbit app. At only 9 inches long, the USB cable leaves much to be desired: My fitness tracker had to charge on the floor. USB extension cables are available from other sites, like this one from Belkin, and run between $7 and $15 should you, like me, need a little more slack. 

Fitbit Inspire 2 comparison to pen for size

To set up your Fitbit account, you’ll need to sync the health tracker to a smart device via Bluetooth; it’s compatible with Apple devices running iOS 12.2 or higher and Android devices running OS 7.0 or higher. After you’re connected, you’ll fill in your height, weight, gender, and fitness goals. Setting up the profile takes less than three minutes, but diving deeper to set activity goals beyond, say, the standard 10,000 steps can be tricky. I had to consult the Fitbit help page more than once to locate a few features but, once found, making the tweaks was easy. 

I decided to set four personal targets: exercise five days a week; sleep for 7 hours and 30 minutes each night; take 10,000 steps a day to satisfy the step counter; and complete 22 “Active Zone Minutes” per day. A Fitbit-specific metric, Active Zone Minutes equals the time you engage in heart-rate-raising exercises. I stuck with the American Heart Association-recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity as my overall weekly goal. You can also set target weight and weekly mindfulness sessions.

Key features of the Fitbit Inspire 2

Despite all the app’s deeper features, the “Today” homepage is where I spent most of my time. It tracks and displays your daily activities, resting heart rate, steps taken per hour, and proximity to reaching your daily goals. It is also where you can log water, food consumption, and menstrual health—if you choose. 

The Inspire 2 relies chiefly on your heart rate to determine your sleep quality, calories burned, and the rigor of your daily activities. It stores heart rate data in 1-second intervals during exercise tracking and at 5-second intervals all other times, compiling weekly data about your resting heart rate (RHR), breathing rate, and heart rate variability over 30 days. Tracking your RHR helps the device actively identify and eliminate stressors (for instance, too much caffeine) and measure fitness progress. Regularly active people have lower RHRs, so if you notice a dip over time, it means you are doing all the right things to become healthier. It may take a few days to parse through all the information before deciding on any routine changes. 

Fitbit Premium

Along with all these included tracking features, the Inspire 2 includes a free, one-year subscription to Fitbit Premium, after which you’ll pay $9.99 a month or $80 a year. Starting with complete access can make it a bit difficult to discern which parts of the app are free and which are a part of the subscription. 

screenshot of exercise data for a Fitbit Inspire 2 fitness tracker
Keep an accurate record of your health data. Carsen Joenk

Essentially, Premium gives you access to extra workouts, guided meditation sessions, advanced sleep analytics, and wellness reports (an overview of health data, stats, and charts compiled every 30 days that you can share with your doctor). While there is a small selection of free video workouts, Fitbit Premium adds 150 video or audio routines from professional trainers, searchable based on time, equipment needed, exercise type (like cardio or pilates), or target muscle group (like abs and core). I tried a few 10-minute deep muscle workouts, which left me feeling challenged yet capable. 

My favorite Premium feature was the advanced sleep analytics, which alone may make the renewal cost worth it. Without the paid subscription, you’ll see the light, deep, and REM sleep you’re getting each night, determined by heart and breathing rates. Fitbit Premium will compile a detailed Sleep Score report with minute-by-minute data, so you can see when in the night you were in various sleep stages, your heart rate, time spent tossing and turning, as well as the times you were awake. This can help you identify areas of improvement. For example, I thought I was getting at least eight hours of sleep each night; however, it turned out I spent close to an hour, divided over several minute-long intervals, awake. Now I know it’s essential for me to get into bed earlier to compensate. I also noticed that if I had wine before bed, chances are my restorative REM or deep sleep would dip. Luckily, the battery does hit its promised 10-day lifespan, so I didn’t have to worry about charging overnight.

Fitbit Inspire 2 day-to-day use

Premium subscription or no, the Inspire 2 delivers on its core promise: monitoring your fitness. I wore it while running, strength training, doing HIIT workouts, and practicing yoga. The fitness tracker can also be submerged in up to 50 meters of water and log the distance you swim; I am not aquatically inclined, but it did survive my showers. 

To provide accurate cardio analyses, Inspire 2 lets you select from more than 20 different types of exercise. Navigating to choose an activity was confusing at first: You need to swipe up from the clock face, tap “exercise,” scroll through the options and tap to start tracking. The watch size and sensor sensitivity lead to accidental selections, and I learned by trial and error that pushing the side sensors is equivalent to “going back,” and you need to press and hold “finish” on the screen to end a workout. If I forgot to select my workout type preemptively, the Inspire 2 would attempt to identify it for me. It accurately detected all my runs, but didn’t recognize at-home workouts like strength training. 

sensors on the back of a fitbit
Fitbit Inspire 2 back sensors. Carsen Joenk

For those exercises I did, the Fitbit tracker logged my heart rate, Active Zone Minutes, and calories burned, which I could view on the watch face. Within the app, I could see distances I ran, real-time pace (or miles per hour), and a workout intensity map. The map identified where I put in the most or least effort, which led me to change my route, spending more time in hilly areas. Though I was regularly hitting my Zone minutes goal, this report led me to realize I was spending most of that time in the Fat Burn zone when I really needed to push myself into Cardio and Peak minutes for maximum results.  

The Fitbit app also offers an overall cardio fitness score based on an estimate of a key fitness metric called VO2 Max, which is a measure of how much oxygen your body uses during exercise (the higher the number, the better). The app assesses this based on heart rate data during exercise and lets you know when you should shoot for more high-intensity cardio workouts.  

Additional fitness tracker features

Though I found the activity and sleep tracking elements of the Fitbit Inspire 2 particularly beneficial, the health tracker also provides a handy nudge to move if you’re sedentary too long. If you haven’t logged 250 steps per hour, the tracker will trigger a quick vibration and a message. You can also customize when or if you get these reminders. 

You can also receive vibrating alerts to phone calls, texts, and calendar events. Though this system was also a bit tricky (I needed setup assistance once again from the Fitbit help boards), it was a useful way to stay connected when I didn’t have my phone in hand. I made frequent use of the tracker’s Do-Not-Disturb mode, especially during work hours. And if you need even more chill, personalized guided breathing sessions can help you lower your heart rate. 

Finally, the Inspire 2 will give you access to the Fitbit community, in the app or online. This is where you can share experiences with other Fitbit users, find existing contacts, and join groups to share goals and passions such as weight loss or hiking. It’s basically another social network to monitor, but an easily accessible support system could give some folks a jolt of encouragement.

Who should buy the Fitbit Inspire 2?

The Fitbit Inspire 2 is the perfect introduction to tracking regular exercise and activity patterns. Compact and contemporary, it’s a great way to test consistent fitness watch wearing without breaking the bank. Whether you’re an exercise enthusiast or just kicking off a new routine, you’ll have all the necessary features and accountability controls once you get oriented to the Inspire 2. If you’re an advanced athlete looking for the most-accurate, best fitness tracker, Fitbit does sell more advanced models. Consider the Charge 4, retailing for $130, which is a Fitbit with GPS to track pace and distance without connecting to your phone, SpO2 sensors for blood oxygen monitoring, an altimeter to log floors climbed, and a feature called Smart Wake, which uses data analysis to wake you up at an optimal time. However, the Inspire 2 is one of the best fitness watches for the average, health-conscious person looking to stay active. You can snag it on their website here.


Carsen Joenk is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and a freelance writer focusing on health, music, and technology. She has been writing for Popular Science since early 2020, contributing product reviews and recommendations. 

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Fitbit is recalling its Ionic smartwatch after wearers report burns https://www.popsci.com/technology/fitbit-ionic-smartwatch-recall/ Wed, 02 Mar 2022 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=428001
fitbit ionic watch
Fitbit's Ionic smartwatch is being recalled for burn risk. DReifGalaxyM31 / Wikimedia

Here’s why—and what to do if you have one.

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fitbit ionic watch
Fitbit's Ionic smartwatch is being recalled for burn risk. DReifGalaxyM31 / Wikimedia

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Fitbit is recalling its Ionic model of smartwatches after receiving more than 100 reports of them overheating and, in some cases, burning users. 

“The health and safety of Fitbit users is our highest priority. We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution for our users,” the Google-owned company said in a consumer notice posted on its website Wednesday. 

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the issue is caused by the smartwatch model’s lithium-ion battery. While these are incredibly common in electric devices like laptops, TVs, cell phones, and even electric cars, lithium-ion batteries can be fire hazards when improperly handled. If the batteries get damaged, they can overheat, which could be the issue with the Fitbit Ionic watches. 

Fitbit told CNBC that the problem is rare, with about 1 million Ionic watches sold in the US and 115 complaints reported. According to the CPSC, 84 users in the US reported being burned to various degrees while wearing their watch. An additional 693,000 or so watches have been sold internationally, resulting in another 59 complaints. Both Mexico and Canada have joined the US in recalling the model, the CPSC noted. 

[Related: We need safer ways to recycle electric car and cellphone batteries]

The Fitbit Ionic was sold from September 2017 through December 2021, though production stopped in 2020. The smartwatch is used to track activity like walking and running, as well as sleep and heart rate. Fitbit says the battery issue does not extend to any of its other devices, which track similar metrics. 

Consumers are advised to immediately stop wearing the Ionic watch due to the risk, even if their watches have not presented any problems. Fitbit is offering pre-paid packaging for returns, a $299 refund, and a 40 percent off discount code on a selection of other devices in exchange for the recalled product. If you aren’t sure whether you have this model, you can check the model number on the back of the device (the Ionic model number is FB503), or you can go to Fitbit’s recall page for additional product details, images, and return information.  

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Fitbit Versa 3 review: A well-rounded smartwatch for fitness https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fitbit-versa-3-review/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=371507
The Fitbit Versa 3 colorful always-on display
The Fitbit Versa 3's colorful display makes sure you always know what time you, well, clocked. Trevor Vaz

The Fitbit Versa 3 is the modern workout enthusiast’s not-so-secret weapon.

The post Fitbit Versa 3 review: A well-rounded smartwatch for fitness appeared first on Popular Science.

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The Fitbit Versa 3 colorful always-on display
The Fitbit Versa 3's colorful display makes sure you always know what time you, well, clocked. Trevor Vaz

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There are seemingly endless approaches if you’re looking to track your health and fitness. Smartphones can automatically measure your movement via apps and accelerometers, which give you basic data, but you may not keep your phone on you at all times. This is one of the reasons smartwatch fitness trackers and activity monitors have become so popular: These little wrist computers act as intermediaries between body and phone, collecting a wealth of information on your health and habits as you move through life. And the Fitbit Versa 3 perfectly fits in with but also stands out among the crowd, monitoring heart rate, calorie-burning, blood oxygen levels, step tracker, and more without losing the visual appeal of a smartwatch.

The Versa 3’s Design

The Versa 3 is the latest in the Versa smartwatch series and falls between the Versa 2 and the more pricey and advanced Sense—placing it as one of the best Fitbit watches to transition from office to extracurriculars. Evolutionary more than revolutionary, it’s a step up from the previous Versa generation in that it has a larger 1.58-inch, 336 x 336 resolution display (an increase from the 1.39-inch, 300 x 300 screen in the Versa 2) that offers sharp viewing angles without weighing more. It also charges faster, has a longer battery life, and incorporates additional sensors. To name a few new features the platform supports, the Versa 3 has GPS, measures Active Zone Minutes (time spent burning fat or in full cardio mode) when you’re at the gym. Out on the street, it allows you to make purchases by tapping your smartwatch to card readers (setting up Fitbit Pay required). Its integrated microphone/speaker allows you to take calls directly from your wrist and interact with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (over Bluetooth when paired with a smartphone). 

The design of the 40mm aluminum case is also sleeker than that of its 39mm predecessor’s, in that it doesn’t have a visible button on its side. Both generations of the Versa are more rounded than the Apple Watch and therefore look more like regular digital watches than an industrial flavor of smartwatch. This is a plus if you’re looking for subtlety, and an accessory you wear nearly 24 hours a day ought to look subtle. 

Getting Started With the Fitbit Versa 3

The Fitbit Versa 3 black infinity with black band
A rounded silhouette helps the Fitbit Versa 3 look and feel good.

I took the Fitbit Versa 3 out of its box and was immediately surprised by how attractive it is. Other activity monitors I’d seen were either bulky, unwieldy, or less advanced bracelet-style trackers like Fitbit’s own Charge. Along with the softer, more contemporary lines of the Versa 3 body, I found the full black “infinity band” that is included to be aesthetically pleasing, though Fitbit sells many Versa 3 bands for those looking for something more fashion-forward, featuring brands such as Victor Glemaud and Pendleton. One caveat: Owners of the Versa 2 will not be able to switch in their bands, as they work on an older system.

As modern-looking as I found the Fitbit Versa 3, I still wasn’t struck by why it should be significantly more expensive than smartwatch fitness trackers like those made by LETSCOM and Willful—brands that sell for $150 to $200 less than the Fitbit and still look good. Once I started exploring the Fitbit’s functions, however, it made sense: the options felt seemingly endless. The Versa 3 can support up to 39 installed apps at once, allowing it many independent functions that go well beyond tracking steps, etc. Catch “New York Times” headlines, call an Uber, check the air-quality index, play some games—you name it. Of course, navigating all of these apps on a Versa 3 isn’t as smooth as it is on a smartphone. The touchscreen could definitely be a bit more responsive, as I found myself tapping icons a few times before getting a reaction. The “button” on the side is also a touch sensor that should trigger the display to come on, and I felt it should require a little less press intensity to activate. That said, your fingers quickly get used to finessing the smartwatch and it only proves to be frustrating when super sweaty at the end of a workout. 

Key Features of the Fitbit Fitness Tracker

Setting up the Versa 3 was fast and painless. I charged it for only 12 minutes and was able to get a full day’s use (total battery life is claimed to be up to six days with typical use, though that reduces to two days with always-on display engaged, and 12 hours with constant GPS tracking). I then had to download the Fitbit app on my smartphone, create a Fitbit account, and connect my phone to the Versa via Bluetooth 5.0 (a step up from the Versa 2’s 4.0). Once the two devices were synced, I put on the watch and started exploring. There are several fun and useful apps preinstalled on the Versa, such as Spotify and Deezer music app controls for your paired smartphone, a music player with onboard storage for offline listening, and a Starbucks app where you can access your store card.

Outpacing Expectations

The Fitbit Versa 3 on a blue dumbbell
With automatic activity sensing, the Fitbit Versa 3 makes sure you don’t have to wait to gather data.

The Versa began collecting data automatically as I walked around, which was fun at first and grew more satisfying as I hit high numbers of steps for the day and higher heart rates when I exercised. Seeing my PurePulse 2.0 rate, as well as other activity, prominently on the AMOLED display definitely gave me some incentive to stay active. I started logging my water intake and food intake in the app on my phone, and doing so was easier than a beginner might expect. 

One widget that I found very cool was the “Relax” feature, which walks you through breathing exercises and logs your mindful minutes. The phone app has lots of guided meditations that aid with mental health to complement your more trackable physical health. If you’re an Android user, this smartwatch has it all and can go toe-to-toe with a Samsung Galaxy watch. And if you’re not, it’s iOS compatible as well. The Versa 3 is an extremely well-designed product, and the deeper you dig into its features, the clearer this becomes.

The rest of the Fitbit Versa 3 specs

Your Fitbit Versa 3 can be as engaging or as passive as you see, well, fit. If you want text and other phone notifications to display on your smartwatch, you can have them. Alternatively, you can place your Fitbit on Do-Not-Disturb mode and go about your day as though you’re simply wearing a watch, letting it track your activity like a fly on the wall. If you commit yourself to the Fitbit lifestyle, you can learn a lot about yourself. Wearing it to bed allows it to track your light, deep, and REM sleep, and it will even give you a Sleep Score. Should you identify a problem, you can go about working to fix it. For example, smart alarms can wake you during a light sleep cycle, making it easier to start your day feeling well-rested. The Versa 3 can also track the oxygen saturation of your blood, which is a great indicator of general wellness and fluctuations in your health. And the watch is waterproof, so you can even track your heart rate and speed while swimming (or be fine if you’re in a rush and forget to remove the Versa as you jump in the shower). I got caught in heavy rain wearing the Versa 3, and it was completely unaffected.

So, who should buy the Fitbit Versa 3?

The Versa 3 can function as a tool to track simply your heart rate and distance while exercising, but there are simpler, cheaper options for such tools. If you’re committed to wearing this smartwatch for the majority of your day (and night), however, you’ll squeeze a ton more value out of it than any entry-level model. It can help you reach your fitness, sleep, hydration, and mental health goals. It can help keep your phone out of your hand, yet add some convenience to your day-to-day routine. If you need a break from techy-ness of it all, you can use it like a watch and check your stats when you feel like it. Thus far, I’ve enjoyed my time wearing the Fitbit Versa 3. From the corners to the data points, it’s a well-rounded package and is one of the best Fitbit watches to go from workday to weekend warrioring.

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Track more health metrics for less with the Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch, plus more gadget deals https://www.popsci.com/reviews/sale-fitbit-sense-advanced/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:45:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=406332
Smartwatches photo

Up your game without increasing your budget with this svelte smartwatch, currently available for 33-percent off.

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Whether you’re gearing up to kick off your New Years’ resolutions or just upgrading an outdated fitness tracker you already use every day, the Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch is a powerful tool to help you have a better handle on your health goals. So, if you want to save money and still have a top-of-the-line product, you won’t want to miss the sale on this high-tech tool that usually retails for $300, but you can score it for 33-percent less on Amazon now—bringing the grand total down to $200.

If that price alone isn’t enough to convince you that the Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch could be your everyday tech, the specs and features speak for themselves. With over 20,000 rave reviews (plus our endorsement as one of the best Apple Watch alternatives), Sense stands out among its competitors. The Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch tracks electrodermal activity and skin temperature to accurately capture your night’s sleep—because we all know that rest is key to recovery and our overall health. You can also monitor your stress levels and use the EDA Scan App to relax and regulate when necessary. On top of all the health monitoring features, the Fitbit Sense also offers standard smartwatch functionality, with the ability to store and play music, text, call, receive notifications, and take advantage of Alexa assistant compatibility.

Be sure to strike while this deal is hot and save $100 to get more metrics for less. The Sense makes a great holiday gift or, of course, you can keep it for yourself.

Not searching for a new smartwatch? We have plenty of other limited-time offers to get your blood pumping:

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Save $30 on these Sony Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones / Amazon

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Get a Kindle for 45-percent off / Amazon

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Best fitness watch: Activity monitors for every lifestyle https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-fitness-watch/ Thu, 30 Dec 2021 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=368530
best fitness watch
Jonathan Borba, Unsplash

Scroll through our picks for the best fitness watch so you can better track your workout metrics, heart rate, and sleep cycles.

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best fitness watch
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Best overall The Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 8
SEE IT

Take calls, reply to texts, monitor your workouts, health, and more.

Best fitness tracker The Fitbit Sense 2 is one of the best waterproof smartwatches that's also a fitness tracker. Fitbit Sense 2
SEE IT

Sensors track vitals to help guide your daily fitness and wellness goals.

Best tactical The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar is one of the best tactical smartwatches. Garmin fenix 7X Pro Solar
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Get all the best tactical features with solar-charging technology.

If you lead an active lifestyle or simply want to keep better track of your health in real-time, a fitness watch is a necessary addition to your everyday wear. The best fitness watches allow you to focus on what you’ve set out to do, whether that be running, cycling, swimming, or hiking. Depending on pairing compatibility, you can download your favorite songs to onboard storage or take control of smartphone apps like Spotify. With detailed monitoring of your distance, steps, calories burned, and heart rate, you can gain insight as to where you can maximize your efforts—or even perhaps get a better night’s sleep. 

What to consider when shopping for the best fitness watch 

Whether you prefer running outside, spinning, or playing group sports like baseball, purchasing a fitness watch can be a great addition to your accessory collection. With sleek and customizable styles, you can wear your watch day to day no matter your activity. But before you buy a wearable designed to help you prioritize your health, you’ll need to prioritize the features and uses that are your must-haves. 

Are you focused on a particular workout, like running?

While many trackers are fitness omnivores—monitoring workouts of all stripes—running comes with challenges particular enough to warrant a specialized device, or devices. The best running watch will offer easy access to your favorite playlists so you’re not distracted by having to skip song after song. Along with measuring important metrics such as steps taken, heart rate, and distance traveled, more-advanced devices offer training and recovery tips based on your VO2 max (a measure of how well your body uses oxygen), which will allow you to maximize your efforts. 

Do you need extra encouragement to push yourself? 

Some of us need a nudge to push workouts to the next level. Many offerings, if they notice a dip in performance or heart rate, will encourage you to work harder with a little buzz when it’s time to step up your intensity. Others include access to fitness communities that put you in touch with both peers and professional coaches, both of which can offer up inspiration or exercise routines to keep you motivated or mix up your routine if you get bored. 

Do you want to leave your phone at home? 

Burlier wearables have tech on board that lets you untether from a phone without losing functionality. Onboard GPS tends to hike up the price of a fitness watch, but it lets you explore new trails without getting lost and will keep a precise record of your routes—all without a handset weighing you down. For runners and cyclists, these maps can help you see where you ran fastest, where you struggled, and help you understand why. Some trackers also have onboard storage, making it easier to tote tunes phone-free. 

Is sleep tracking a priority? 

There are some days when you wake up ready to greet the day and others where you just want to pull the covers back over your head. It can be hard to know what the difference is between a good night’s sleep and a rough one, but the best sleep tracker watch can help you get to the bottom of it. Most fitness watches monitor your heart rate and movement, which is closely related to sleep cycles. Once the device’s algorithmic smarts crunch all that information, it’ll help you understand why and when you are waking up, then you can take action to resolve the issue. Some watches even come with meditation apps like Breath or Calm built in. 

Do you want more advanced health metrics? 

More health-conscious individuals may want a watch that not only tracks your fitness activity, but one that can also offer a deeper understanding of your health beyond heart rates and calorie burns. An Apple Watch, for instance, includes sensors to keep track of your cardiovascular health by measuring your blood oxygen levels and taking electrocardiograms.

How much does price matter?

If it’s not a priority to respond to text messages and phone calls, then you don’t need to spend a lot. Even cheap fitness watches will track the basics (think steps and heart rate), and many will also monitor and analyze your sleep cycles.

The best fitness watches

With so many brands and products available, there is bound to be a watch that aligns perfectly with your wants and needs. The good news is that you might not have to only choose one must-have feature, since most smartwatches run the gamut of fitness-tracking features—though some handle particular needs, like running or sleep tracking, better than others. 

Best overall wellness watch: Apple Watch Series 6 

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While the Apple Watch Series 6 may be a splurge purchase compared to other trackers on this list, its top-shelf feature set makes it worth the cash. The wearable measures your blood oxygen levels and takes electrocardiograms right from your wrist to keep extremely close tabs on your cardiovascular health. Of course, it’ll do the basics like track your daily activity and measure your workouts—even if they include swimming. On top of that, you can answer texts, phone calls, use Apple Pay, and listen to music all from your watch.

Best sleep-tracker watch: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

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When it’s time to hit the hay, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2’s display will automatically dim to fit the environment. Built-in sleep tracking provides valuable insights, such as how much light, deep, and REM sleep you’re getting throughout the night. With this info, you can make changes to your schedule, if need be. Additionally, the free Samsung Health App includes access to Calm, a meditation app that helps keep an eye on stress levels and offers guided sessions to help you chill. On top of slumber monitoring, it includes a standard raft of activity tracking goodies and heart-rate monitoring, which will alert you if the watch detects an irregularity. 

Best running watch: Garmin Forerunner 245 

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The Garmin Forerunner 245 watch plays DJ, so you can focus on your run: It can either sync up with devices running music-streaming apps such as Spotify or Deezer (premium membership required) or store up to 500 of your favorite songs in its onboard storage for easy access to your playlists. In order to improve your form, this watch can tap into cadence, stride length, ground contact, and balance data provided by Garmin’s Running Dynamics waistband clip ($70) and HRM-Run/HRM-Tri heart-rate monitor ($130). You also have access to free training from a coach via the Garmin Connect online fitness community. There are also some other really great Garmin smartwatches, if you decide this one isn’t for you.

Best fitness-tracker watch: Fitbit Versa 3

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The Fitbit Versa 3 is a very smart watch. This device auto-detects more than 20 different types of exercise—from biking to weight-lifting—and maps progress on an intensity map in the Fitbit app. The watch also includes GPS and an altimeter, allowing it to monitor progress more accurately than most other trackers. The simplest to understand: A Fitbit-specific metric called Active Zone Minutes will use your resting heart rate to evaluate your workout effort and will give you a buzz to step up your intensity. It’s also a great smartwatch: Using built-in Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can get news and set alarms or reminders via voice activation. If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out the Fitbit Inspire 2 fitness tracker.

Full FitBit Versa 3 review here.

Best budget fitness watch: YAMAY SmartWatch

Amazon

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At just $45.99, the YAMAY SmartWatch has all of the features to make it a competitor of the top brands. With a large touchscreen with an aluminum alloy frame, it’s light to wear and sleep in yet sturdy enough for everyday use. Whether running, cycling, or ping-pong is your activity of choice, the YAMAY SmartWatch’s 13 exercise modes track your steps, distance, and calories burned. It’s compatible with Android and iOS devices via the OnlyFit app to receive notifications—but you can’t reply or make outgoing calls from the device itself. 

FAQs

Q: Should I get a fitness tracker or a smartwatch?

Fitness trackers and smartwatches often have overlapping features, but they are two different animals. Smartwatches pair with a smartphone to receive message notifications and other alerts, but they tend to be larger. Fitness trackers, on the other hand, are designed specifically with tools to monitor your activity—such as sleep, heart rate, pace, and distance—and tend to be more svelte. Some fitness trackers will send pings from your phone, but communication is not a priority. 

Q: Is it worth getting a fitness watch? 

A fitness watch brings together the best of a fitness tracker with the connectivity of a smartwatch. It can track important information in real-time—such as calories burned, steps taken, distance, and sleep cycles—and motivate you to maximize your workouts. With the numbers and details provided, you can track your progress and make the necessary changes to improve your health and ensure you’re getting the best workout for you. Most of the devices will include smartwatch functionality like syncing with music apps and pinging text alerts. 

Q: What is the best budget fitness tracker? 

If all you want in a wearable is basic fitness tracking, a dedicated device may be best. Key features to look for are heart rate and sleep monitoring, 24/7 activity tracking, and, sometimes, GPS. At just $25, the LETSCOM Fitness Tracker, offered in 10 colorways, has these basic features plus more—it provides multisport tracking so you can get more specific measurements depending on your activity of choice. It will also pair with a compatible smartphone to receive notifications and once connected. A rare bonus: It even takes photos.

Related: Get a full workout without leaving the house with the best home gym.

The final word on the best fitness watch

The best fitness watch will track your activity metrics, as well as enhance your chosen exercise and provide insight as to where improvement can be made. Whether you want your fitness tracker to monitor your health specifically or want a watch that does that in addition to acting as a smartwatch, there is no shortage of great products available.  

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Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch review: Works for work, best for workouts https://www.popsci.com/reviews/amazfit-gtr-3-smartwatch-review/ Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=414921
Amazfit GTR 3 sitting on a weight
The Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch can easily transition from just one more report to just one more set. Andrew Waite

From the meeting room to the track meet, the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch’s style and capabilities meet your needs.

The post Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch review: Works for work, best for workouts appeared first on Popular Science.

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Amazfit GTR 3 sitting on a weight
The Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch can easily transition from just one more report to just one more set. Andrew Waite

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Looks can be deceiving. On its face—quite literally—the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch plays the part of sleek workplace wearable. It has a fashionable design with plenty of clean watch face options, an alloy build, and a nicely made silicone band with diagonal striping that all adds up to a sophisticated look. You’d be forgiven for thinking the GTR 3 is a smartwatch built for the office. But, actually, the Amazfit GTR 3 is somewhat lacking for full office efficiency. It’s limited in third-party app downloads, can’t be used for phone calls, and even getting text messages and app notifications required re-syncing.

As a health tracker, however, the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch hits the mark. It has more than 150 unique sport modes and its sensors can tell you about everything from your breathing to your blood oxygen level. That means that if you’re in the market for a workout tracker and you’re excited by an option that doesn’t proclaim to everyone that you have a gym accessory strapped to your wrist, the Amazfit GTR 3 could be the best smartwatch for fitness. It meets the needs of professionals looking for wardrobe accessories as they present metrics just as well as it meets the needs of athletes looking to dig into their performance stats. 

What is the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch?

Released in mid-October 2021, The Amazfit GTR 3 is Huami’s follow-up to the Amazfit GTR 2 smartwatch. The new $179.99 Amazfit GTR 3 offers many of the same health-tracking features as its predecessor while boosting the total possible battery life by a week (from 14 to 21 days on a single charge). The Amazfit GTR 3 also upgrades the sensor technology for more accurate measurements across sport modes, stress and sleep monitoring, plus a Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) health assessment that goes beyond just step counting. However, it drops a speaker to let you answer calls.

The Amazfit GTR 3’s design

The Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch has a round face with a minimalist look that doesn’t scream smartwatch. It even features a rotatable navigation crown on the top right—in addition to a second menu button—that looks very much like the wind tool on an analog watch. When the 1.39-inch HD AMOLED display isn’t activated, all you see is a sleek black face with analog clock marks etched on the bezel. You can keep the minimalist look by choosing an analog watch face from one of more than 100 options available via the Zepp app, though I prefer a digital face that tells me my daily step count. The fingerprint-proof tempered-glass touchscreen doesn’t quite live up to its smudge-resistant billing, but the 454×454 resolution screen offers 1,000 nits of brightness and is nice and clear, displaying vivid colors and easy-to-read text. 

The Amazfit smartwatch comes in Thunder Black and Moonlight Gray and the body is made from a durable aluminum alloy. The smartwatch is also rated at ATM 5, meaning it can survive swims and even dives up to 50 meters. At 32 grams, it’s lighter than other fitness trackers like the 38-gram Fitbit Versa 2. Plus, the 22mm-wide silicone strap offers 14 sizing holes, allowing a comfortable fit that didn’t bother my wrist, even when wearing the health tracker and sleep tracker for more than two weeks without taking it off for anything but a quick shower (I opted to take it off then because when I tested the nicely equipped budget Amazfit Bip U Pro the band severely chapped my skin).

The health and movement sensors are on the backside, with GPS tracking built in. The health tracker can measure heart rate and SpO2 blood oxygen levels, an acceleration sensor measures your movement, a gyroscope reads the tilt of the watch, and a geomagnetic sensor helps point you in the right direction. There is also an ambient light sensor.  

Setting up the Amazfit GTR 3

A stress-free setup process has you using the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch to track daily activity soon after opening the box. You can use a QR code to download the Zepp app or search for it in an app store. Once you’ve downloaded the app, use your phone’s Bluetooth connectivity to sync it to the smartwatch (the process takes a few minutes). The Amazfit GTR 3 features a Bluetooth 5.1 BLE connection and the Zepp operating system is compatible with Android 7 and above or iOS 12 and above.

I had previously downloaded the Zepp app when testing the Amazfit Bip U Pro, so I’d already input my fitness goals, health data, and alert settings (opting to receive call, text, and news update notifications on my watch). But I’d say from memory that the entire setup process, including selecting your preferences, takes about 15 minutes. One frustrating feature of the Bip U Pro that still hasn’t been resolved with the Amazfit GTR 3 is that the app and the smartwatch seem to regularly disconnect. That means if you don’t open the Zepp app every few days, your watch may stop displaying information like incoming calls.

To be sure, opening the Zepp app reminds you of all the powerful tracking that the watch is providing—from detailed sleep reports to records of past workouts. Still, I’d prefer to not have to open the app constantly to maintain the connection. 

Man wearing Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch
A sleek design suits daily wear.

Features of the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch

While there are some business-minded features like Alexa connectivity and to-do-list management, the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch really came across to me as fitness first. Here are my takeaways:  

Exercising its abilities

No matter your sport, this Amazfit smartwatch can track it. I used it on my bike, on the rowing machine, on the elliptical, on rollerblades, and while lifting weights. In the rowing mode, for instance, the smartwatch will track the number of strokes, the number of strokes per set, workout duration, and heart rate. If you use it to hike, it’ll track your elevation and distance. 

Sport options, which you can access by pressing the lower side button, range from skiing and snowboarding to stair climbing and spinning to square dancing and skateboarding. You can pause workouts or select interval rest times and, when you’re finished, the watch estimates how long you should let your body recover before exercising again. 

On track 

The Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch also impresses as a health tracker, offering data like blood oxygen and stress levels in addition to 24/7 heart rate monitoring. This data comes from the BioTracker PPG 3.0 Biometric Sensor that monitors it all. You can choose one-tap measuring to get an instant look at your health—hold still for 60 seconds and you’ll be given everything from your stress level to your heart rate to your blood oxygen levels all in one shot. The watch will also alert you when you’re too stressed or when you need to stand up. It’ll even tell you to take a break when necessary, which I found to be a nice contrast to the “Get up and move” memos.  

All of this data, combined with your activity levels, contributes to a Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) indicator that provides a complete and customized picture of your health. The PAI score is individualized based on your athletic ability and physical data, so not everyone needs to do the same amount of activity to reach 100 PAI. It also adjusts to your improved health, relying only on the previous seven days of data to set the activity level required to reach a maximum score. That means that as your heart rate and daily activity intensity improve, it becomes harder to get to 100. The research behind PAI, based on 25 years of data, claims that reaching a score of 100 each day can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by 25 percent and increase life expectancy by an average of 5 years. 

Awakening to the realities

After each night, the Amazfit GTR 3 sleep tracker delivers a detailed sleep report that includes a color-coded chart marking when you were in light sleep (blue), deep sleep (purple), and REM sleep (green). Yellow marks moments of wake-up. The report breaks these down into percentages, comparing them to average numbers; for instance, my 20 percent of deep sleep last night falls into the 20- to 60-percent reference value, but my 71 percent of light sleep is over the 55-percent reference value. That’s not surprising, considering we have a 6-month-old who still stirs at night. The watch also tracks how long you’re asleep and gives you a sleep score. Some of this information is available on the watch each morning but the detailed charts come via the app. It’s hard to judge the accuracy of the time spent in deep sleep versus light sleep, but I’d say the amount of time asleep was fairly accurate, although the health tracker tends to count time spent falling asleep as actual unconscious hours. 

Handling your business

Although the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch would need more features like a camera and call capabilities to be considered a fully equipped smartwatch, it’s not without some of the better capabilities. For starters, it features Alexa onboard—though, truth be told, it’s probably just easier to use your phone to access the virtual assistant since her voice responses will come from your phone’s speaker. You can also use the smartwatch to operate your phone’s camera. In addition, the watch can control your music, give you the weather forecast, and let you manage your calendar, on top of telling you who’s calling or buzzing you with text messages and other app notifications. 

Amaz-ing battery life

The Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch’s 450mAh battery fuels some truly impressive run times—the watch can last up to 21 days on a single charge, though that’s with minimal usage. If you’re regularly using the smartwatch to switch music tracks, measure your blood oxygen, and talk to Alexa, the battery will last closer to 10 days. Still, that’s a solid total. I found myself feeling like I needed to connect to the magnetic pogo pin charger every few days only to do so and see that I still had more than 80 percent of the battery life (my favorite watch face doesn’t include the battery level). Once connected to the charger, the depleted smartwatch can get back to full power in a couple of hours. 

Man wearing Amazfit GTR 3 Smartwatch
Health tracking is just a tap away.

So, who should buy the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch? 

Anyone who is in the market for a stylish health tracker should consider the Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch. From sleep tracking to step totals to stress levels, the watch’s sensors provide accurate readings and detailed reports. Plus, it has the ability to track more than 150 different sports and/or exercises.

If you’re looking for a fitness tracker with a sportier look, you may be happier with something like the Fitbit Versa 3. For a budget fitness smartwatch, Amazfit’s own $70 Amazfit Bip U Pro is a solid option, offering many of the same health tracking as the Amazfit GTR 3, just with an older generation of sensor technology. And if you are looking for an accessory that truly has all the features you’d expect from a device that bills itself as a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 7 is still your best bet—provided you don’t mind the nearly $400 bill. 

But, at the end of the day, if you want one of the best fitness trackers with a look that’s stylish enough for the office and technology that can deliver detailed data about all your exercise, the Amazfit GTR 3 has a lot working for it and working for you.  

The post Amazfit GTR 3 smartwatch review: Works for work, best for workouts appeared first on Popular Science.

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Hyatt will let you use an Apple device to get into your hotel room https://www.popsci.com/technology/hyatt-hotel-key-apple-wallet/ Fri, 10 Dec 2021 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=415178
hyatt hotel key on apple wallet
Hyatt room keys are now available on Apple Wallet. Jean-Marc Giboux/AP Images for Hyatt

Here’s how you can unlock your next hotel room with your iPhone.

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hyatt hotel key on apple wallet
Hyatt room keys are now available on Apple Wallet. Jean-Marc Giboux/AP Images for Hyatt

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Hyatt Hotels and Apple are working together to offer a plastic key-free experience to guests, the hotel chain announced Wednesday. Using Apple Wallet, guests will instead be able to use their phones to unlock hotel doors and other key-protected areas, such as elevators, fitness centers, and pools. 

The new digital tool will be integrated with the hotel chain’s World of Hyatt app, and guests can download the app, which will prompt them to add their room key to their Apple Wallet after booking a reservation (to do so, users will need an iPhone running iOS 15 or an Apple watch running iOS 8). The key won’t become active until the guest checks in, at which point it will show the room number. Entering the key-enabled rooms will work similarly to using Apple Pay, requiring a quick tap of the phone screen to the built-in readers. The system works using Near Field Communication, or NFC, a short-range, contactless way of communicating between devices through radio waves. Hyatt says this tech allows them to utilize Apple’s existing privacy and security systems without sharing or storing the key on Apple’s servers. 

[Related: Starbucks opens its first cashierless coffee shop

If there are any changes—like a room switch or a late checkout—the hotel can update the Apple Wallet key remotely, reducing the amount of face time necessary between guests and hotel staff. And when the guest is checked out and ready to go, the digital key will deactivate. 

For now, this option will only be available at six Hyatt hotels: the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market, Hyatt House Dallas/Richardson, Hyatt Place Fremont/Silicon Valley, and the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. The company does expect to provide these digital keys at additional global properties, but it has not offered a timeline for this expansion.   

[Related: Venmo and Amazon team up to streamline your checkout]

While Hyatt is the first hotel brand to give guests this option, Apple previously previewed this general functionality at its World Wide Developers Conference this past summer. It was shared as part of a larger announcement about the Apple Wallet’s enhanced applications for travel, including the ability to store identification cards like state IDs and driver’s licenses. The feature raised concerns from some experts and organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, due to potential privacy abuses and security challenges from hacking or ID tracking. 

Still, as of September, eight states had signed on to allow residents to use these digital IDs at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at participating airports. The functionality was originally slated to roll out at the end of this year, beginning with Arizona and Georgia, but The Verge says it has been pushed to 2022. 

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Get up to $200 off Garmin Smartwatches at Amazon’s Black Friday sale https://www.popsci.com/reviews/garmin-smartwatch-amazon-deals/ Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:47:19 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=410570
Garmin watch deals
Amazon's Garmin deals. Amazon

Amazon's pre-Black Friday has some serious savings on high-end Garmin smartwatches.

The post Get up to $200 off Garmin Smartwatches at Amazon’s Black Friday sale appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin watch deals
Amazon's Garmin deals. Amazon

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It’s Thanksgiving week here in the United States, which means Black Friday sales are already in full effect. You can follow along with our broader Black Friday deal coverage here, but right now Amazon has some particularly tempting deals on Garmin smartwatches, including some of its high-end models.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s currently on sale.

Garmin Instinct Solar smartwatch $249 (Was $399)

One of Garmin’s most affordable smartwatches on sale at the moment, this GPS-enabled wearable can survive up to 100 meters under water. It has all the fitness tracking features you’d expect, as well as solar charging through its face.

Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical $299 (Was $449)

In addition to the typical Garmin Instinct features, this Tactical version includes military-oriented options like Jumpmaster mode for exiting airplanes, as well as blackout mode to quiet its internal antennas to prevent detection.

Garmin Instinct Solar Surf $299 (Was $449)

This surf-specific edition of the Instinct can track how many waves you’ve surfed, distance traveled, and even your tops speed when you’re on the board.

Garmin Fenix 6X Pro $449 (Was $699)

This high-end Garmin smartwatch has advanced fitness tracking features like pace guidance to help wearers power through long workouts and races. The built-in nav system has integrated maps from global navigation systems, plus more than 2,000 ski resorts around the world. Its internal battery can last up to 21 days on a charge depending on usage, and the face charges the device via solar.

Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire $599 (Was $799)

The fanciest model in the sale offers everything that comes with the 6X, but upgrades the lens to super-tough sapphire that resists scratches and other damage better than anything else on the list.

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar $649 (Was $799)

Designed for serious athletes, these advanced smartwatches charges via solar and offers advanced workout tracking features, including surf functionality. The acclimation 2.0 widget gives you an idea of how recovered your body is after a workout so you can tell when it’s time to rest.

Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire $649 (Was $849)

This is the highest-end model in today’s deals. It offers everything that comes with the base model Fenix 6, but the upgraded sapphire crystal upgrades its durability.

Garmin Fenix 6S $349 (Was $549)

One of the best values on the list isn’t as fancy to look at as its more expensive siblings, but it offers advanced workout tracking and long battery life. It’s a great deal if you don’t need solar charging or a super-rugged build.

Garmin Fenix 6S Pro $449 (Was $649)

The screen is a little smaller than the 6 and 6 Pro, but it still puts up extremely solid specs. It measures heartrate, pulse Ox, and sleep. Plus, it gets up to 9 days of battery life in smart watch mode on a single charge.

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The best Apple Watch Black Friday and other smartwatch deals: Sales on Apple, Samsung, and more https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/apple-watch-black-friday/ Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:06:06 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-watch-black-friday/
person with an apple watch on their wrist
Smartwatch Black Friday Deals you've certainly got the time for including ones from Apple. Mitchell Hollander via Unsplash

This year’s holiday sales include Apple Watch Black Friday deals and savings on other top smartwatches, too. Don’t wait—some of these will sell out fast.

The post The best Apple Watch Black Friday and other smartwatch deals: Sales on Apple, Samsung, and more appeared first on Popular Science.

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person with an apple watch on their wrist
Smartwatch Black Friday Deals you've certainly got the time for including ones from Apple. Mitchell Hollander via Unsplash

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These days, it seems like all the days blend together. That’s where an Apple Watch or other smartwatch can help. Your entire schedule is not only at fingertips—it’s on your wrist, too. Can’t find your phone? Ping it from your watch. Trying to find inspiration to work out? Turn on push notifications and have a (friendly) competition with loved ones to close your rings. Forget your wallet at home? Just tap that computer below your hand on the card reader. So if someone you know (or you) has been waiting for the “right time” (pun intended) to get a smartwatch, the moment has finally arrived.

The biggest Apple Watch Black Friday sales and deals on other smartwatches started rolling out weeks before the actual “holiday” on November 27. Major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon are already running deals on a variety of models.

To find your wrist-mounted dream screen, you could try online comparison shopping and scouting for digital coupons at your favorite retailers. But why not just bookmark this page? We’re doing regular updates on the best Apple Watch Black Friday and other smartwatch deals until the sales are over.

The Best Buy Black Friday deals on electronics, appliances, and more

Shop Target’s Black Friday sale for gear, gadgets, and gifts

The best Black Friday Walmart deals

Shop Amazon holiday deals for great savings anytime

Great Black Friday deal we love

The Best Apple Watch Black Friday Deals 2020

We’ve cherry-picked some of the best Apple watch and smartwatch Black Friday sales for you here. We hope you find your new best wrist friend—or the perfect gift—below.

Apple Watch SE (GPS, 44mm) – Silver Aluminum Case with White Sport Band—Now $289 (was $309)

Fitbit Inspire 2 Health & Fitness Tracker with a Free 1-Year Fitbit Premium Trial, 24/7 Heart Rate, Black/Black, One Size—Now $69 (was $100)

Garmin Venu, GPS Smartwatch with Bright Touchscreen Display—Now $250 (was $350)

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3—Now $369 (was $430)

Apple Watch Series 6—$379 (was $399). The Apple Watch Series 6 has a few advantages over the SE. For starters, it’s got more design and color choices, including steel and titanium band options. It also has an always-on display, so you don’t have to tap the device to see notifications. But the big update exclusively available in Series 6 are sensors that measure blood oxygen levels, offering important insights about respiratory and cardiac health, and an electrical heart sensor app that can detect irregular heart rhythms. If tracking vitals is of the utmost importance, that might make the Series 6 a better investment.

Apple Watch Series 3—$179 (was $199). An Apple Watch is like having a mini iPhone (not to be confused with the iPhone 12 Mini right on your wrist—receive text messages, calls, reminders, alerts, plus track health and fitness metrics, too. The latest version, the series 6, will run you $400, but you can pick up an equally fabulous Apple Watch Series 3 GPS with Sport Band right now for under $180.

Apple Watch Series 5 44mm Space Gray Aluminum Case—$329 (was $429). Enjoy the convenience of viewing the time and notifications instantly with the Apple Watch Series 5, thanks to the new always-on display. A 30% larger screen makes this the ideal gift for near-sighted friends and family. Fall detection and an ECG app to monitor heart rate ensure safety.

Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch—$280 (was $330). Feeling stressed? Weird, so are we. This Fitbit detects electrodermal activity, which is based on sweat glands and blood flow, to track just how nervous you really are and when your anxiety spikes. A temperature sensor lets you know your baseline temp, and heart rate notifications keep you up to speed on your cardiac health.

Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch—$130 (was $180). The pink Versa 2 isn’t just cute—it also has built-in Alexa, so you can check the weather, set alarms, and create reminders with the sound of your voice. Personalized reminders push you to get more steps or hydrate, and all-day activity tracking takes all your motions into account.

Galaxy Watch Active2—$180 (was $250). Samsung’s Galaxy Watch may be relatively new to the market (the first model debuted in 2018), but users have gone nuts for the newest health-focused model, the Galaxy Watch Active2. It features an AMOLED display, tracks the most popular workouts (such as swimming and running), and provides feedback to help you meet your fitness goals. It also contains an integrated sleep tracker, giving you tips for a better night’s rest, and stress sensors that can bring up the pre-installed Calm app to help you get centered.

Samsung Galaxy Watch In Green—$140 (was $200). From a distance, it’s easy to mistake this Samsung Galaxy Watch for an Apple Watch. But there are some big differences to consider. For starters, the Galaxy Watch has a round face that’s more like a traditional watch. It’s also compatible with both Android and select iOS smartphones, though it does offer greater functionality with an Android. The Galaxy Watch has historically been made of stronger dustproof and water-resistant materials and offers a slightly longer battery life, too.

Samsung – Galaxy Watch Smartwatch 42mm Stainless Steel—$208 (was $260). Track your workout and look stylish, too, with this sleek smartwatch made with military-grade Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ for maximum durability. It pairs with Android and Apple iOS via Bluetooth, can last two full days on a single charge, and can even replace your wallet if you have Samsung Pay NFC. Bands are easy to switch out, if you’re really really serious about accessorizing. It even looks good charging on its wireless dock.

Samsung – Galaxy Watch3 Smartwatch 41mm Stainless BT—$340 (was $400). The Galaxy Watch3 is Samsung’s most advanced smartwatch; and this “Mystic Bronze” one sure is pretty. It has all the usual smartwatch functionality—talk, text, music, notifications, sleep and activity tracking, a heart monitor, and more—plus VO2 max tracking and an emergency call feature. The fact that it’s metallic pink is going to make someone on your gift list very happy.

Fitbit Charge 4 Activity Tracker—$150 (was $100). The OG fitness tracker is back and better than ever. The Fitbit Charge 4 Activity Tracker is long-lasting—up to 7 days on a single charge. It has built-in GPS and a heart rate monitor to track hikes, runs, and other activities like swimming, thanks to its waterproof design. Plus, the backlit LED display is easy on the eyes, especially if you’re in a dark room or area. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices and has its own mobile wallet feature.

Garmin – Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch—$150 (was $100). Most wearables leave runners wanting more. Not this highly-rated Garmin running watch. In addition to tracking steps, distance, and calories burned, its Elevate heart rate monitor can also calculate your VO2 max, or maximum rate of oxygen consumption, and predict your race times. But it won’t judge you if you slow down—it tracks sleep and inactivity, too, gently nudging you if you’re too sedentary.

Garmin vivoactive 4 Smartwatch—$242 (was $350). The vivoactive 4 from Garmin has built-in GPS (perhaps a given from the well-known GPS maker), but it does so much more. It can download your playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music and other streaming services, making it simple to listen to your favorite tunes while working out. It even syncs with headphones to be a standalone fitness device—no need to bring your phone with you. It has incident detection and assistance capabilities, updating emergency contacts with your location in real-time.

Fossil Gen 5 Julianna Smartwatch—$179 (was $295). This touchscreen device by watchmaker Fossil is powered by Google’s Wear OS, but it can pair with both Android and iOS devices. This model is perfect for those on the go, thanks to its quick-charging features—it can reach 80% in less than an hour. The charger is magnetic and snaps to the back of the device. And if you step away from your phone, you can answer phone calls directly from the watch.

The post The best Apple Watch Black Friday and other smartwatch deals: Sales on Apple, Samsung, and more appeared first on Popular Science.

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Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR review: An understated smartwatch with a full suite of fitness features https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fossil-gen-5-review/ Fri, 25 Jun 2021 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=374577
Fossil Gen 5 robot face on wrist
The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR smartwatch could pass for analog from afar, but up close it's data-rich. Erin Behan

This Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch offers the look of a more traditional timepiece with the bells and whistles of a smartwatch.

The post Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR review: An understated smartwatch with a full suite of fitness features appeared first on Popular Science.

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Fossil Gen 5 robot face on wrist
The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR smartwatch could pass for analog from afar, but up close it's data-rich. Erin Behan

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The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR doesn’t scream out smartwatch. Its round face sports a trio of tactile crowns on the right-hand side. Combine that with one of Fossil’s classic bands and it could almost pass for analog. Despite its classic look, this Wear OS by Google-powered device does everything you’d expect from a full-featured smartwatch. 

Fossil Gen 5 Google Assistant face

Erin Behan

ProsCons
– Attractive design– Battery drain with standard to heavy use
– Uses Wear OS by Google– Occasional tech hiccups
– Built-in GPS– May be heavy on the wrist for some
– Speaker allows tethered calls
– Quick to recharge
Some timely considerations.

What is the Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR?

At about $199, The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR promises a robust set of features in an understated package. As the Fossil watch’s name suggests, this is the fifth iteration of the wearable. The generational upgrades include an improved battery life, which can reach more than a full day in one of the watch’s low-power modes. It also recharges quickly, gaining a nearly full charge in less than an hour. 

Unlike previous Fossil watch hybrid models, there’s a speaker, which allows a user with a smartphone to answer tethered calls and hear what Google Assistant has to say. It also comes with a larger 8GB of storage, good for those interested in downloading compatible apps. 

What makes it tick, of course, is Wear OS by Google, which currently allows for life and fitness tracking, calendar syncing, access to Google Assistant and Google Pay, notifications from your smartphone apps, GPS tracker, and more.

The Fossil Gen 5’s design

Right out of its classic watch-style box, the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch is easy to set up and simple to use. Visually, it’s a good-looking smartwatch, one that hews close to analog watches. I had multiple friends express surprise that it was a smartwatch due to its more traditional round clock face. 

Like many of today’s smartwatches, it’s water-resistant up to 3 ATM and I showered while wearing it several times without incident—and, taking things beyond the bathroom, it counts swim-tracking among its talents. Its 8GB of memory makes it comparable to the Apple Watch Series 3 and the best Fossil smartwatch for memory. However, it feels slightly outdated compared to other models like the Apple Watch 6, which offers 32GB storage.

The handiest features of the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch are the seamless feeding of the info you likely use most often on your smartphone right to your wrist—with updates signaled via a gentle vibration. Any calendar updates, text messages, app updates, the weather, mapping info, and phone calls show up with a flick of your wrist via Wear OS by Google. The 1.28-inch AMOLED screen that displays all this data is bright and colorful; its 416 x 416, 328ppi resolution is high enough to render graphics with crsp definition.

The Fossil Gen 5’s key features

Black Fossil Gen 5 on brown table
Fossil has combined the look of a classic timepiece with connected device features. Erin Behan

On the connectivity front, you get Bluetooth 4.2 LE, GPS, NFC, and WiFi. The touchscreen includes seemingly intuitive swiping up, down, left, and right. The three crowns/buttons on the right of the watch allow easy access to all your apps, including Google Pay, your agenda, and alarm, etc.

There’s a lot going for the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch, and it’s not all smooth sailing. It took me a while to get acquainted with the interface and I’d often find myself swiping and clicking around to remember where settings and items were located (or simply googling how to do something if I felt truly lost). 

For those tracking movements and workouts, the untethered, internal GPS tracker comes in handy. And the heart rate monitor helps give a better look at your health through its fitness tracker. You can track your fitness and goals either with the Wear OS by Google options or through a third-party downloaded workout app, which will appeal to anyone who wants to exercise and leave their phone behind. I took my watch on a walk through the woods in Upstate New York where it recorded similar stats as a friend’s Apple Watch, also on the hike.

The included fitness apps did a solid job tracking my activity, from steps to indoor and outdoor workouts, but dedicated fitness gurus may want to download a different app for greater access to data crunching. The step tracker is automatic and accessible right from the home screen—it proved an extra fun addition to my trip to NYC, where it’s easy to take 10,000 steps before lunch. 

Heavy use on the Fossil Gen 5 resulted in needing to charge midday, but most days I sailed through to mid-evening before the watch automatically went into battery-saving mode. That’s fine for passive users, but slightly disappointing if you plan on regularly using the smartwatch features a lot every day.

The biggest downside for me, since I paired it with an iPhone running iOS, is that while I can read text messages sent to my phone, I can’t reply to them on the watch itself.

Easy setup with a little hiccup 

Initial setup for the Fossil Gen 5 was fairly easy, but it requires multiple steps and demands your attention during the process. If you’ve ever gone through the seamless Apple Watch setup, it will feel arduous. 

After successfully pairing with my phone, I had a day of smooth sailing until I disconnected the watch from my phone to connect with my car’s Bluetooth (another hassle of multiple devices with connectivity). For reasons I still don’t understand, in order to reconnect my watch to the phone, I had to do a hard restart of the watch and re-pair it with my phone. That said, once it paired for a second time, it worked without a hitch. 

Good look and durability, too

The Fossil Gen 5 is a smart-looking watch that by all accounts feels like it could take some abuse (or simply a shower) without any signs of wear and full functionality. The screen itself is big enough to get a good read on the data coming in. On a slim wrist, it looks a touch oversized, but nothing out of the ordinary in today’s larger smartwatch landscape. And when it’s time to recharge, the watch easily snaps to the USB magnetic charger and even rotates while juicing back up. 

The rest of the specs

Wear OS by Google works with both Android 6.0+ and iOS 12.0+, meaning most smartphone users will be able to use the Fossil Gen 5. The available 1GB RAM and 8GB storage should be sufficient for most users, but don’t expect it to provide the speediest smartwatch experience around. 

The loudspeaker and microphone mean you can conduct phone calls and use Google Assistant, though you shouldn’t expect to rely on it all the time. Google Assistant didn’t always pick up on my voice or exactly what I was saying when it did hear me. The built-in speaker is a nice touch for when you’re not wearing headphones, but its tiny size limits how loud and clear it can really be. 

Vibration alerts are unobtrusive. In addition, I used Theater Mode to keep the screen off when I didn’t want to be disturbed (including during an actual movie outing) and found it an easy-to-use helpful feature. 

So, who should buy the Fossil Gen 5?

The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR works well for those looking for a mid-priced smartwatch that does most of what you want a smartwatch to do. The display is easy to read (with the brightness adjustable) and the interface is generally intuitive after a bit of messing around. It will likely please those looking to quickly access important data on their wrist without having to open and mess with their phone.

Likewise, those interested in using a smartwatch to track fitness and activity levels won’t have any complaints about the ease of use, although they may want to go beyond the basic Wear OS by Google fitness apps and download an external app via the Google Play store. Extensive watch use may wear the battery down, but making smart use of its battery-saving options will likely keep it operational for a full day of use. Or just charge it up for an hour and get back to using it full tilt. Plus, this Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch is attractive—and when you’re wearing your computer on the wrist that’s no small thing.

The post Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR review: An understated smartwatch with a full suite of fitness features appeared first on Popular Science.

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OnePlus Watch review: Amazing battery life comes at a cost https://www.popsci.com/reviews/oneplus-watch-review/ Tue, 29 Jun 2021 16:59:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=375341
OnePlus watch review
It's big. Stan Horaczek

It’s priced right, but lack of access to third-party apps seriously hinders the OnePlus Watch.

The post OnePlus Watch review: Amazing battery life comes at a cost appeared first on Popular Science.

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OnePlus watch review
It's big. Stan Horaczek

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I’ve been wearing the OnePlus Smart Watch for 11 straight days and nights without putting it on the charger. It still has roughly 15 percent of its battery life left to go. Power usage isn’t the only area in which the OnePlus watch demonstrates impressive efficiency—its $129 retail price is impressive for a rather slick device. But those savings come with a price. The first OnePlus wearable makes some serious concessions when it comes to features and customizability, at least when compared to more full-featured smartwatches. But, while some users may be disappointed in the omissions, others will likely appreciate the simplicity. 

What is the OnePlus Watch?

OnePlus has been churning out excellent Android phones for years, but the Watch is its first venture into the wrist-based wearable market. Rather than opting for an existing operating system like Wear OS by Google, OnePlus equipped its watch with its own software, which is wildly efficient, but also very limited in some respects. 

The OnePlus Watch relies heavily on a companion app, which is (at least for the moment) Android-only. If you’re an iPhone user, you’re out of luck for now. So, if you’re considering this as a cheap Apple Watch alternative, it’s time to look elsewhere for your best smartwatch.

The OnePlus system is also closed off from third-party app products, which means you don’t have access to an app store of any kind and you shouldn’t expect to get any third-party watch faces outside the 50 or so OnePlus already offers. 

The OnePlus smartwatch’s design

Smart watch size comparison Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, OnePlus Watch, and Apple Watch
Smart watch size comparison Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, OnePlus Watch, and Apple Watch Stan Horaczek

Despite its software limitations, the OnePlus Watch does come toting many of the same hardware features you’d expect to find on more advanced wearables. It has a built-in GPS tracker, an infrared heart-rate tracker, and a blood oxygen sensor, which the immensely popular Apple Watch only just got with its latest model, the undoubtedly best smartwatch for iPhone Series 6. 

The OnePlus Watch itself only offers one size at the moment, which is a rather massive 46mm in diameter. It’s thankfully thin, so it’s not uncomfortable, but if you have a small arm, it will look conspicuous at best and ridiculous at worst. 

The OnePlus smartwatch’s features

The OLED screen on the OnePlus Watch offers a 454 x 454 pixel resolution, which is plenty of pixels to make text and graphics look slick. The screen is bright when it’s in use, but it doesn’t offer an always-on mode. So, every time you want to check the time or notifications, you’ll have to raise your wrist and wait a beat for the screen to light up from complete darkness. This likely plays a role in the OnePlus’s epic battery life, but it also makes the whole package feel slightly outdated. 

About that battery life

As mentioned above, the OnePlus Watch really stands out when it comes to longevity. The company claims it’s capable of going up to 14 days without needing the juice, and I believe it. That’s particularly handy for a device you’re meant to wear at all times. 

Even when you do run out of juice, you can stick the device on the included magnetic charger and it will draw enough power in a half-hour for it to last up to a week depending on your usage. OnePlus has always been excellent at offering phones that charge extremely quickly, and that habit has carried over into its first watch. 

Fitness features

On paper, the OnePlus Watch does everything you’d expect from the best fitness trackers, at least from a hardware standpoint. Like other reviewers, however, I found the step-tracker numbers considerably different than those from other fitness trackers. I have a standard loop around my neighborhood that typically takes me roughly 7,000 steps (that has been consistent across several trackers), but the OnePlus only registered 5,000 of them. It’s odd. The step tracker seemed to be consistently off, though, so if you’re only worried about comparing your own performance over time, it seems like it will still do that job. 

The lack of third-party app support means you’re relying solely on Google Health for your fitness data. If you’ve built up a big log of Strava workouts, they won’t make their way to this device. 

While those are negatives, it’s worth considering that this isn’t a hardcore fitness device. If you want a workout-specific model that won’t break the bank, look for a cheap fitness tracker like the $129 Fitbit Charge 4 or the impressive $70 Amazfit Bip U Pro. 

The OnePlus smartwatch experience

When you’re outside the gym, the OnePlus watch works like a typical smartwatch (or “Smart Everywear” as the company brands it). It lacks any kind of rotating crown or dial, which means your interactions with the device will be limited to a pair of buttons and the touchscreen. 

Right now, the integration with smartphone notifications still seems a little spotty. It will sometimes ping my wrist for notifications I’ve already looked at and cleared on my phone. Sorting and addressing notifications from the Watch directly can also be tedious. You have to tap into each notification to do anything with it, you can just swipe it away from a list view. At least not yet.

You can respond to messages, but it only works with a handful of services at the moment, including Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. You can’t type out complex responses from your OnePlus Watch, rather you’ll have to choose from a selection of preprogrammed responses. Those responses also don’t work with SMS texting, so if that’s your primary method of communication you’re out of luck. Weirdly, however, this limited functionality fits rather well into my preferred method of smartwatch use. I look at notifications to see if it’s worth taking out my phone to address them. I do as little swiping as possible, even on full-featured smartwatches. 

Lastly, the OnePlus Watch doesn’t offer any smart assistant compatibility. So, if you want to summon Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri, you’ll have to look elsewhere. 

So, who should buy the OnePlus Watch?

While it’s easy to get caught up in the features you won’t find on the OnePlus smartwatch, that’s not a reason to write it off wholesale. The device is big, but it’s attractive, and the OLED screen renders text and graphics nicely. It doesn’t excel in any one area, but it provides a simple, one-stop smartwatch that’s good as an entry point into the space or if you want to simplify the experience down to basic fitness tracking and smartphone notifications. 

OnePlus has already started making improvements to its platform since launch and it will likely improve even more as it goes. It faces particularly tough competition right now since Samsung and other companies who make Wear OS by Google-based devices have begun blowing out old models to make way for the companies’ upcoming collaborative wearable operating system. But, OnePlus has made huge strides in its smartphone hardware in recent years, so the next version of the OnePlus Watch could be just as impressive and have a shot at being one of the best affordable smartwatches.

Related: For more budget smartwatches, click here

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How to navigate your Apple Watch with hand gestures using AssistiveTouch https://www.popsci.com/diy/set-up-assistive-touch-apple-watch/ Fri, 05 Nov 2021 18:26:22 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=407515
person in winter gear sporting an apple watch
Another upside to AssistiveTouch—never having to take your gloves off to check your messages. Lloyd Dirks / Unsplash

In a pinch, summon Siri with a pinch.

The post How to navigate your Apple Watch with hand gestures using AssistiveTouch appeared first on Popular Science.

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person in winter gear sporting an apple watch
Another upside to AssistiveTouch—never having to take your gloves off to check your messages. Lloyd Dirks / Unsplash

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Making gadgets accessible to everyone is one of the most important challenges the tech industry faces today. Apple, for one, has done well by enabling hand gestures on the two latest Apple Watch series, allowing users to navigate their apps and gadgets just by pinching and clenching their fists.

If you’re more of a visual learner, pair this article with Australian tech vlogger @Ellyawesometech’s viral TikTok video about this feature (formally called AssistiveTouch) that has amassed more than 14 million views at the time of writing. 

Whatever your reason for using Assistive Touch, you can easily set up hand gestures to navigate your Apple Watch apps, summon Siri, or even activate ApplePay.

How to set up AssistiveTouch on your Apple Watch

To get hand gestures up and running on your wrist-bound device, you need to have the right Apple Watch. This feature is currently available only on Series 6, 7, and SE wearables running the latest version of WatchOS 8, so if you have an older model you’ll need to upgrade before you can clench to pay. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to update your iPhone to iOS 15 to get the newest WatchOS on your wrist. 

[Related: Apple Watch Series 7: Here’s what’s new]

If you’ve got what it takes, the path to hand gesturing your way around your gadget is easy. On your iPhone, go to the Watch app, then tap Accessibility, enter the AssistiveTouch menu, and turn on the toggle switch next to AssistiveTouch. Once you do that, go to the Hand Gestures menu to set up an Activation gesture—this is the signal you’ll give your Apple Watch to activate AssistiveTouch. You can choose between Double pinching, Double clenching, or None. Choose that last option if you want the feature to stay on, otherwise pick a gesture if you are, say, watching your favorite sports team struggle through the season and you don’t want your watch to jump to life every time you clench your fists. 

How to customize AssistiveTouch on your Apple Watch

Your Apple Watch’s AssistiveTouch feature will respond to four gestures: pinching, double-pinching, clenching, and double-clenching. If you’re not sure how to perform these gestures, Apple Tips (the app with the yellow icon with a light bulb) can teach you to perfect them. To access it, just tap the Learn more link at the top of this menu. 

By default, pinching will let you go forward or select the next item on a menu; double-pinching will take you back or select the previous item on a menu; clenching will equal tapping, and double-clenching will take you all the way back to the Action Menu, which lets you navigate the watch more easily. You can learn these gestures and their actions, but if they don’t suit you, you can customize what pinching and clenching actually do. For this personalized control, tap on each gesture and select an option from the list. You’ll see navigation features and the ability to set up quick access to the notification center, the dock, or even summon Siri. 

[Related: How to get Alexa, Siri, and Google to understand you better]

If you get bored of this feature, you can quickly turn it off directly from your Apple Watch. Just go to the AssistiveTouch menu and turn off the toggle switch at the top. 

AssistiveTouch can come in real handy when you’ve got a coffee in each hand and need to easily activate Apple Pay. And that, friend, is quite a flex.

The post How to navigate your Apple Watch with hand gestures using AssistiveTouch appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin Forerunner 55 review: A budget fitness tracker that doesn’t skimp on features https://www.popsci.com/reviews/garmin-forerunner-55-review/ Wed, 14 Jul 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=378983
Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch on a log
The Forerunner 55 is an attractive gadget for a reasonable price. Brian Stillman

The Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch gives more expensive sports watches a run for their money.

The post Garmin Forerunner 55 review: A budget fitness tracker that doesn’t skimp on features appeared first on Popular Science.

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Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch on a log
The Forerunner 55 is an attractive gadget for a reasonable price. Brian Stillman

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Garmin offers a range of full-featured running watches designed for elite athletes. Its Forerunner 745 and 945 are incredible training tools, but they come with elite price tags and often include features the average runner doesn’t need. That’s where the $199 Garmin Forerunner 55 (with its smaller, lighter size, and a feature list that focuses on personal improvement) comes in. 

It features a range of biometric and fitness-tracking apps, training exercises, and navigation tools. Plus, it performs smartwatch functions like controlling your phone’s music and displaying messages and texts. What’s more, it does all this for a price that won’t empty your wallet. But can a relatively inexpensive running watch lap the competition, or does it sputter out just before crossing the finish line? Read on to find out.  

The Garmin Forerunner 55’s design

Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch on a wrist
It’s a chunky gadget, but its slick design helps it blend in outside the gym. Brian Stillman

The Forerunner 55 isn’t as sleek as some dedicated Garmin smartwatches. At the same time, it’s also not overly obvious that it’s meant for working out. It can go from the gym to the office to dinner without raising eyebrows. The lens is made from what the company describes as “chemically strengthened” glass. While that’s not as robust as the Corning Gorilla Glass used on its bigger siblings, it’s designed to stand up to a vigorous workout. I dropped it on its face from about 3 feet to simulate tumbling to concrete during a run. It remained scratch-free. 

The lens sits in a clean-looking metal bezel for a simple, understated look. It has three function buttons on the left side of its case and two on the right, just like the other Forerunners. 

As usual with the best Garmin watches, the Garmin Forerunner 55 comes with a comfortable silicone watch band. I’m not a huge fan of silicon and find it traps sweat. Luckily, this running watch features quick-release pins that make it easy to swap bands. Garmin and third-party manufacturers make them in a variety of colors and materials and customizing your watch is a breeze. 

At 42mm in diameter and only 11.6mm thick, weighing barely 37g, this was one of the most comfortable fitness watches I’ve worn. It’s big enough that the 26.3mm, 208 x 208-pixel color display provides a lot of easy-to-read information, but compact enough for smaller wrists. My wife, who hates chunky running watches, loved the size. 

And, like all Garmins, the Forerunner 55’s face offers copious options for customization. Tools included with the watch let you decide what data you want to be displayed and the way in which the watch presents it. I decided to leave the watch set to show just the time and date. I like checking my steps and heart rate, but I can call up that data with the push of a button or give it more in-depth attention later in the app.

Setting up the Garmin Forerunner 55

Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch in plants
The screen leaves ample room for information. Brian Stillman

Those new to Garmin smartwatches and fitness trackers will be happy to hear that the Forerunner 55 walks you through the set-up process, which only takes about 10 minutes. The watch arrived about 80-percent charged. The cable uses a proprietary connector, so don’t lose it. You’ll also need to provide your own USB wall adapter. 

Garmin eschews the wireless magnetic charging found on, say, an Apple Watch. That helps keep the price down and, frankly, charging via cable is just faster. Garmin says the battery will last up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. This actually exceeds the performance of Garmin’s high-end 945. In real-world tests, I was happy to find those numbers borne out. This a very efficient running watch for its class. 

Once charged, I followed the on-screen prompts to download the Garmin Connect app (available for iOS and Android). I then used the app to enter basic biometric data, like height, weight, gender, and sleep/wake hours. The watch syncs to the phone and you’re good to go. 

Features

The Forerunner 55 is all about improving personal performance. Garmin loaded up this watch with tools for runners, whether they’re training for a race or just cruising the neighborhood. Built-in GPS tracks where you run and provides accurate stats, including distance, intervals, and pace. Cadence alerts let you know when you’re outside your target range. And a helpful recovery advisor, a tool I’ve really grown to rely on, analyses biometric and performance data collected through your activities to optimize your recovery time. This means that I know exactly how much downtime to take in order to get back to my workout with the most energy. 

It’s not just limited to running, either. The watch comes with built-in sports trackers for swimming, hiking, and many others, so that it can switch things up when you do. 

The Forerunner 55 doesn’t offer Garmin Pay, which lets you make purchases as you might do with your phone. Is this a big deal? That depends. I like to leave my wallet safely stowed in my locker when I go to the gym and sometimes I want to buy a snack. Being able to pay with my watch is pretty convenient. But if stripping functionality allows Garmin to keep down the price of their fitness watch, I think Garmin Pay is an easy app to lose. 

For the more competitive runners

A number of the Garmin Forerunner 55’s features are designed to help you achieve better times when racing. The race predictor examines your fitness level and physiological data collected over time to predict your race time. This makes it easier to set goals and actually see your improvement. Another piece of tech, PacePro, works closely with the Garmin Connect app on your Apple or Android smartphone to help set up strategies for race day. Just download courses or set the proper distance, and the smartwatch provides GPS-assisted pace guidance for you to follow.  

I’m not the world’s best runner and I’m less concerned with racing than I am with overall fitness. And what I’d really like to do is run with my wife. But to do that, I need to improve. I love the Forerunner 55’s Daily Suggested Workouts. They provide regular, personalized run recommendations based on my training history, fitness level, and recovery time. Because I’m terrible at devising my own training regimen, I’ve found it remarkably helpful in pushing me forward. I can’t quite keep up with my wife yet, but I’m getting there.

Navigating the Forerunner 55

Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch on a pole
Bold characters make it simple to read at a glance. Brian Stillman

The best Garmin watches offer a lot of functionality that you control using only five buttons. So, it’s not surprising that many buttons serve double duty. A quick push may achieve a different function than a press-and-hold on the same button.  

Because the screen is small enough to sit on your wrist, and the information provided goes quite deep, I did find myself having to navigate a number of sub-menus. It can get confusing. It took me a little time before I could move through the Garmin Forerunner 55’s user interface without getting lost or accidentally hitting the wrong button. Now, I can usually make my way to the tools I need when I need them without any missteps.

Two hot-buttons on the left side of the watch scroll up or down through the widgets. These are surface-level readouts of data like heart rate, steps, your body battery score (which describes your energy levels), and overall performance. You can also scroll through typical smartwatch data, such as your calendar and notifications. By selecting a widget and pressing the top-right button, you can dive deeper into the information. For instance, scrolling to heart rate and selecting it will show you a graph of your BPM over time. From here, you can scroll down to yet another screen showing a seven-day average. Pressing the bottom-right button always takes you back one screen until you reach the main watch face. 

The top-left button activates the backlight, and holding it down brings you to the watch’s control screen. This is where you can turn it on or off, resync with your phone, set an alarm, access the timer, and other basic functions. 

Holding down the middle button on the left calls up the settings menu. From here, you can add trackable activities, adjust the watch’s appearance, sync to external sensors or accessories, adjust your user profile, and more. 

After using it for a few days, I decided to reorder the widgets so that the two pieces of data I checked the most were at the top and bottom of the list. This essentially turned the up and down scroll buttons into hotkeys taking me straight to those widgets. Customizing the features to your needs makes it more enjoyable to use.

So, who should buy the Garmin Forerunner 55?

This running watch impressed me with the number of features it includes while still maintaining a reasonable price. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is ideal for runners who focus on health and fitness, or who like to race but aren’t concerned with competing at an elite level. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone new to the sport, with a toolset that remains useful even as they improve. And, at $199, it’s not a heavy investment for a Garmin fitness tracker of this class.

The post Garmin Forerunner 55 review: A budget fitness tracker that doesn’t skimp on features appeared first on Popular Science.

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The best Apple Watch case to protect the computer on your wrist https://www.popsci.com/reviews/apple-watch-case/ Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:30:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=389557
Smartwatches photo

The best Apple Watch case provides ample protection without ruining the device's slick aesthetic.

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Smartwatches photo

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Best Apple Watch case Rhino Shield Bumper is the best apple watch case Rhino Shield Bumper
SEE IT

Designed to provide ample scratch protection by absorbing bumps and impact.

Best Apple Watch case for working out Black and protective Apple Watch case covering a black iWatch Elkson Bumper
SEE IT

A tough case that goes around the entire watch (with the exception of the screen).

Best transparent Apple Watch case Julk is our pick for the best apple watch case Julk Case
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A basic model with soft plastic that’s easy to snap on and off.

We give most of our gadgets a break every day. Even if you’re practically attached to your laptop or your smartphone, they still get plenty of time to chill out on their chargers while you sleep. The Apple Watch is different. We expect these wrist-based computers to stick with us at all times, whether we’re snoozing, typing away at work, or clanging weights at the gym. With that kind of workload, these tiny gadgets can use a little extra protection. The best Apple Watch case will guard that precious little squircle from dings, drops, and scratches without adding lots of bulk or ruining the clean aesthetic. 

Every Apple Watch user is different, so you’ll have to ask yourself a few simple questions before choosing the right amount of armor. Do your workouts involve a lot of potentially abrasive equipment? Is your wrist big enough to accommodate a burly case? How often do you attempt to deflect dangerous projectiles with your wrists as part of an elaborate Wonder Woman cosplay? All of these affect your choice of Apple Watch case. Luckily, this guide is here to help you choose.

How We Selected The Products 

The Apple Watch case market is fraught with false promises and flimsy junk. Some barely provide any protection at all, while others overpower the Apple Watch’s understated design with overly gaudy embellishments. Do you really want to commit to a ring of fake rhinestones around your Watch all the time? Trust us, you don’t. 

For these picks, we weeded out the superfluous choices and pared down the selections to include options that we would wear all day, every day. They include a variety of materials and designs to address specific users and use cases. It’s also crucial that the cases don’t interfere with typical functions. That burly protective case isn’t much good if it prevents you from turning the Apple Watch’s crown. 

We’ve also limited our picks to the 40mm and 44mm sizes found in current generation Apple Watches. Apple Watch 3 and earlier came in 38mm and 42mm sizes, but those models are relatively obsolete by now making updates difficult and functionality limited. If you’re still using an Apple Watch 3 or earlier, it’s time to think about upgrading. 

Things to consider before buying

Screen protection

Some of the best apple watch cases have built-in screen protection, which can be handy and easy to install, but you’ll have to switch out the whole case once the screen protector starts to get beat up and grimy. Some cases leave the face open and rely on a raised edge around the face to protect the glass surface. This setup is good if you just want basic protection or you want to apply your own stand-alone adhesive screen protector later on.

Material

Apple Watch cases run the gamut from soft silicone to rigid plastic. The softer cases are typically easy to install by simply stretching them over the body of the Watch. Hard cases typically require some assembly. Soft cases often don’t provide quite as much protection against a hard impact and they will eventually tear. Hard cases will eventually crack once you whack them hard enough. It really depends on what you find comfortable and what fits the best.

Strap compatibility

Most good Apple Watch cases will leave enough room to work with Apple’s straight strap attachment system. Some cases, however, offer matching straps that fit the aesthetic and sizing of the case itself. If you buy a case with an integrated strap, you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues, but you’ll have to replace both the strap and the case if either part gets damaged. Also, if you’re using a particularly bulky or expensive strap, you’ll want to make sure the case doesn’t rub against it in a weird way and cause unnecessary wear.

Apple Watch sizing

There are currently two sizes of Apple Watch that you can buy: 40mm and 44mm. If you buy a current-gen case, make sure you choose the right one. If you see a great deal on a previous-gen Apple Watch case, you’re probably out of luck because anything before Apple Watch 4 came in 38mm and 42mm sizes, which means those legacy cases won’t fit.

Best Apple Watch Cases reviews and picks

Best Apple Watch case: Rhino Shield Bumper

Rhino Shield

SEE IT

Specs:

  • 1.9mm thick
  • 8 color options
  • 4g weight
  • Swappable rims

Why it made the cut: A simple, durable design provides ample scratch protection in a wide variety of colors that compliment the Watch’s design.

ProsCons
Easy to installNo screen protector
Sturdy constructionNo rear protection
Replaceable front edgeSlightly chunky around the crown
Rhino Shield Bumper

You don’t always need to entomb your entire Apple Watch in a case to get the protection you need. The super-light Rhino Shield Bumper surrounds the outer perimeter of your Apple Watch with a layer of impact-resistant polymer that can absorb bumps and impacts that would otherwise affect the Watch’s aluminum or stainless steel case. It’s like wrapping your Watch’s body in a little pillow fort that protects it from dings and dents. 

For screen protection, a small ridge made of that same resilient polymer extends out around the display. When you put the Watch down on its face, the ridge holds the glass off of the surface to prevent potential scratches. It’s tall enough to protect the screen, but doesn’t stick out enough to get caught on your clothes or pockets. That front-facing edge is removable, so you can replace it when it gets dinged up or you just get bored of its color.

Best Apple Watch case with a glass screen protector: Mixsi Hard Case

Mixsie

SEE IT

Specs: 

  • Tempered glass screen protector
  • Available in 40 and 44mm
  • 5 color options

Why it made the cut: The tempered glass panel covers the Apple Watch face without the need for an adhesive or complicated application process.

ProsCons
Easy installation with no bubblesThin front glass will eventually crack
Strong tempered glass surfaceNo side or back protection
Easy access to controlsLimited color options
Mixsi Hard Case

The Apple Watch’s face is impressively durable all on its own, but it’s not indestructible. Even a brief skip across the floor after falling from the charger or a quick scrap against a wall can be enough contact to leave a scratch that will annoy you for the rest of the gadget’s life. That’s where a hardened screen protector case comes in. The Mixsi Hard Case’s screen protector is made of tempered glass, so it’s difficult to shatter despite its super thin material. 

Many dedicated screen protectors require you to apply them with a liquid solution that sometimes till leaves ugly bubbles between the two surfaces. This apple watch case, however, simply snaps over your Watch’s face and holds the tempered glass shield in place. You still get full touchscreen access. 

This case isn’t meant to provide extra protection from moisture or sweat, so it’s probably not the best bet if you’re looking for extra protection during intense workouts

Best Apple Watch case to give an old school look: Supcase Unicorn Beetle

Supcase

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Specs:

  • Attached strap
  • 6 color options
  • Snap-together installation

Why it made the cut: The case-and-strap combo provides excellent protection as well as a cohesive style.

ProsCons
Easy installationChunky for small wrists
Room for extra screen protectionNon-clear colors slightly cheesy
Cool clear colorwayNo rear protection
Supcase Unicorn Beetle

The heart of this burly Apple Watch case consists of a chunky bumper that hugs the perimeter of the device. The Watch itself easily snaps into place and stays there thanks to a firm hold. Unlike other bumpers, however, this one also comes with a perfectly matched strap with an equally sturdy build. 

The case covers the Watch’s button, but doesn’t impede its operation and leaves plenty of room around the crown so you can still perform all the typical functions. The Supcase doesn’t come with its own screen protector, but it leaves plenty of room on the front of the device so you can add a supplementary glass or plastic shield if you want to on your own. 

There are several options like this out there on the market, but I particularly like this one because it offers a totally clear colorway. The translucent plastic case and strap evoke a truly old school look like you’d find in a classic Timex or a limited edition G-Shock. It’s not often you can upgrade style and safety at the same time. If you need proof, look at just about any bike helmet. 

Best Apple Watch case for working out: Elkson Bumper

Elkson

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Specs: 

  • 5g weight
  • 1.2mm raised protective edge
  • Sensor cutout in the back

Why it made the cut: With the exception of the screen, this tough case wraps all the way around the Watch with a cutout for the sensors on the back.

ProsCons
Low profile designNo built-in screen protection
Easy button accessTame monocolor design
Full device coverageNeeds a good wash every once in a while
Elkson Bumper

The Apple Watch is a fantastic fitness tracking tool, but the gym is a dangerous place for any gadget. The Elkson Bumper Apple Watch case fits around the entirety of your Apple Watch’s body, including the back. It leaves a perfectly sized cut-out in order to let the sensors do their job. 

The thermoplastic polyurethane case even covers the slots where the strap attach without affecting strap compatibility. Though, according to the company, you can expect the best results when you’re using a Sport Loop style strap. 

The face is open, so you can add a secondary screen protector if you want, but screen protectors typically don’t like heavy workouts because sweat can get underneath and cause bubbles. The Bumper’s 1.2mm ridge surrounding the display does a lot to deflect random bumps and errant barbells that may try to scratch your glass. 

The case covers the Apple Watch’s mode button, but it actually increases the surface area and reduces the accuracy with which you need to press in order to give the device a command. That comes in handy when you’re trying to adjust mid burpee or you’re slumped over in the corner trying to recover while stopping your Strava app from recording your workout. 

Best transparent Apple Watch case: Julk Case

Julk

SEE IT

Specs: 

  • Tough, but flexible thermoplastic construction
  • One-second installation
  • Protection extends past the screen

Why it made the cut: Sometimes you just want the most basic possible protection while adding almost zero bulk.

ProsCons
Doesn’t mess with the designNot great around water
Dead simple installationWill yellow over time
Soft material won’t shatterNot as burly as competition
Julk Case

If you’re looking for a little extra protection without stomping all over the Apple Watch’s beautiful industrial design, then a clear case likely fits the bill. This kind of case employs a softer plastic that makes the whole thing easier to click on and off when you don’t need the extra barrier. It’s not meant to be worn during heavy workouts or when the watch will spend time fully underwater. 

It’s perfect, however, if you work in a particularly rough environment and you would rather a cheap case take the abuse than your expensive gadget. 

The Julk case wraps around the perimeter of the Apple Watch and covers the entire screen. Despite that crystal protection, you still get full touchscreen functionality. The clear plastic allows 99 percent of light to travel through it so it has almost no effect on the overall look of the watch, especially if the screen brightness is turned up. 

Just be sure to switch this kind of case out fairly often. It will start to get yellow and less translucent as you wear it and it picks up grime and dirt. 

FAQs

Q: Are cases bad for Apple Watch?

While an Apple Watch case can add some extra protection to your expensive wearable, it can also have some downsides if you’re not careful. For instance, if you let sand get in between your case and the watch itself, those little grains can eventually wear down the exterior of the Watch’s case or screen. Regular cleanings should help prevent this.

Q: Do Apple Watches damage easily?

The Apple Watch is a fairly tough device. Scratched screens represent some of the most common damage, which a case can help with. A raised edge around the display keeps the glass surface off the ground and away from small particles that can cause distracting scratches. If you have an aluminum model (as opposed to stainless steel or titanium), the metal case is also more prone to dents and dings. A case can help protect the edges that take the most abuse.

Q: Do Apple Watches need a screen protector?

Since the screen takes up most of the outside of the device, it’s likely to take the most abuse. A full-on screen protector can provide ample protection, but they can also break themselves or prove challenging to apply. A case with a raised edge around the screen can provide a handy bumper that surrounds the display and protects it from small bumps, scrapes, and accidental trips to the floor.

Final thoughts

Your Apple Watch is already pretty tough, but accidents happen. Even the most innocuous bump, drop, or scrape can leave you with anything from an annoying scratch on the display to a wholly unrepairable gadget. Adding a case makes your wearable tougher, but it can also give your Watch a whole new look. Pick one case and stick to it or buy a couple and switch them depending on your activities, environment, or even your outfit. It all plays into finding the best Apple Watch case.

The post The best Apple Watch case to protect the computer on your wrist appeared first on Popular Science.

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9 of the best health and fitness apps for your Apple Watch https://www.popsci.com/apple-watch-health-fitness-apps/ Mon, 11 Oct 2021 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-watch-health-fitness-apps/
Apple Watch Series 4 with heart screen and best fitness and health apps
The best fitness and health apps for Apple Watch are just a few downloads away. Apple

Your wearable should enhance your wellbeing.

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Apple Watch Series 4 with heart screen and best fitness and health apps
The best fitness and health apps for Apple Watch are just a few downloads away. Apple

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This post has been updated. It was originally published on November 29, 2018.

Besides telling time and displaying notifications, an Apple Watch functions primarily as a health and fitness tracker. Right out of the box, the Series 4 to Series 7 devices can monitor your heart rate, count steps taken and calories burned, record physical activities from yoga to swimming, remind you to take breaks from work, and more.

And that’s not all. Add in some dedicated apps, and the wearable becomes capable of boosting your health even more. We’ve selected some of the Apple Watch’s top fitness apps—install a few and start feeling the burn.

1. Strava

Strava Apple Watch app screen
The Strava app for the Apple Watch. Strava

Among runners and cyclists, Strava is already one of the most popular activity-tracking smartphone apps. Its companion program for the Apple Watch adds the convenience of recording movement from your wrist, so athletes can leave their phones at home.

When you wear your Apple Watch, its Strava app can log workouts from start to finish, displaying your stats—time, pace, distance, speed, and heart rate—on screen as you go. After you finish, the wearable will show a summary of your session and sync this information back to your phone as soon as you return to its range. In total, Strava will track eight different types of activities, from those morning jogs or afternoon bike rides to hiking and skiing.

You don’t need to buy a premium subscription to get this Apple Watch functionality. However, if you do choose to upgrade, you’ll receive extra analysis and additional features to help you set goals.

Strava for iOS, free or $8 per month for a premium subscription

2. Lifesum

Lifesum Apple Watch app screen
The Lifesum app for the Apple Watch. Lifesum

If you’re aiming to eat better, a food diary can help you monitor your calorie intake. Looking for a digital version of this tool? Lifesum lets you track your eating and drinking from your phone or your wrist.

[Related: The Apple Watch accessories you didn’t know you needed]

The Apple Watch app that comes with this diet and nutrition tracker is one of the most comprehensive we’ve seen for the wearable: You can view detailed readings of your carbs, protein, and fat intake for the day; scroll back through your meal records; and log water intake without unlocking your phone. In fact, the app is so impressive that Apple included a demo of it during the launch of the Apple Watch Series 4.

Lifesum offers most of its features for free. However, if you go for the annual subscription, you’ll receive additional nutrition advice and diet recommendations, personalized for you and your diet goals.

Lifesum for iOS, free or $40 per year for a premium subscription

3. Streaks

Streaks Apple Watch app screen
The Streaks app for the Apple Watch. Streaks

Streaks bills itself as a to-do list that helps you form good habits. In other words, you decide on something you want to do regularly—sweating through a certain number of push ups, drinking eight glasses of water, and so on—and the app makes sure you remember to perform your task day after day. You can specify 12 different tasks to track, then customize each of these goals with colors and icons, which encourage you to keep your streak going. For more motivation, the app provides statistics that show you how well your willpower lasts over time.

If you’d prefer to leave your phone unlocked, the Apple Watch companion app lets you log habits or view streaks from your wrist. The developers also offer a special Streaks watch face that clearly displays the daily tasks you still have to check off your list.

Although this app isn’t free, you only have to pay a one-time fee instead of shelling out for a monthly or annual subscription.

Streaks for iOS, $5

4. Clue

Clue Apple Watch app screen
The Clue app for the Apple Watch. Clue

Period trackers aren’t perfect, but they do provide a convenient way to monitor your cycle. In addition to its primary function, Clue keeps you informed with health information and analyzes your data to spot trends and potential health issues. Plus, it syncs between your phone and smartwatch.

From your Apple Watch, you can see the data you’ve already logged and view predictions about when your period might start. Not only is Clue smart, it’s also easy to navigate around and a breeze to use, whether you’re using the app on your phone or your wearable.

All those benefits are free, but the premium version of Clue, which costs $1 a month or $10 a year, comes with additional intelligent forecasts. It can predict when in your cycle you might experience premenstrual syndrome, cramps, and other patterns.

Clue for iOS, free or $1 per month for a premium subscription

5. Gymaholic

Gymaholic Apple Watch app screen
The Gymaholic app for the Apple Watch. Gymaholic

If you wear your Apple Watch to the gym, a comprehensive app like Gymaholic will help you stick to your schedule. It lets you plan your sessions ahead of time, helping you determine which muscles you want to work and how hard you want to push yourself. Then it pings you with reminders to make sure you stay on track. Where the app really excels is in the little guided demonstrations it shows for every exercise in its catalog—and it has a lot.

With the companion Apple Watch app, you can leave your phone behind. Glance at the screen to see how to carry out a particular activity, as viewed from any angle. When you’re comfortable with an exercise, run through your sets and reps, recording your progress on your wearable as you go.

You can test out Gymaholic for free, at least for a week. After that, the app costs $4 a month or $32 a year.

Gymaholic for iOS, $4 per month with a 7-day free trial

6. Nike+ Run Club

Nike+ Run Club Apple Watch app screen
The Nike+ Run Club app for the Apple Watch. Nike+ Run Club

Avid runners, whether or not they own one of the Nike edition models of the Apple Watch, should load up their wearable with the Nike+ Run Club app. As you’d expect, it tracks your runs, providing detailed maps and statistics for each session. But the app goes way beyond that. For example, you can hear audio prompts that help keep you on course with your target pace—you can even have friends record these encouragements for you. As the app learns your habits, you’ll also see your progress over time and receive personalized coaching plans tailored to your own pace and targets.

What we like about the Apple Watch support is that you get so much of the main app—including coached runs and mapping features—right on your wrist. At the same time, the design makes everything clear and simple so you can view the necessarily information at a glance while you’re on the move. Plus, all this is free.

Nike+ Run Club for iOS, free

7. MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal Apple Watch app screen
The MyFitnessPal app for the Apple Watch. MyFitnessPal

If Lifesum doesn’t suit you, try a different digital food diary. MyFitnessPal is one of the most popular diet-tracking apps on any platform, but we particularly like its Apple Watch integration. Like the phone version, it lets you log your food and water intake as quickly and intuitively as possible.

Through your phone or your wearable, MyFitnessPal lets you see how many calories you’ve consumed and compares that total to the amount you’ve burned through exercise. The app can even break down your nutrient intake into carbohydrates, fat, protein, and so on. A quick glance at your wrist can thus give you a detailed look at your diet for the day.

Due to its popularity, MyFitnessPal comes with a number of third-party apps and services that can connect to it, including the Apple Health app and the Endomondo fitness platform. However, some of these integrations, as well as features like detailed food analysis and data export, require a $10/month premium subscription.

MyFitnessPal for iOS, free or $10 per month for a premium subscription

8. Pocket Yoga

Pocket Yoga Apple Watch app screen
The Pocket Yoga app for the Apple Watch. Pocket Yoga

The Pocket Yoga app includes everything you need to work through your asanas. It lets you improve your moves with guided audio and visual instructions, keep an ongoing log of the practices you’ve already completed, and check your progress with heart rate and calorie data pulled from the Apple Health app. In total, you can pick from 27 different sessions of varying duration and difficulty.

[Related: Meditation apps to calm you down on the same device that stresses you out]

When you download the companion Apple Watch app, you get all of this aid on your wrist. That removes the need to carefully balance your phone on a corner of the coffee table so you can see what you’re supposed to be doing. The smartwatch also gives you control over the app’s built-in exercise timers.

The price is also pretty low: Once you’ve put down the initial $3 for the app, there’s nothing more to pay.

Pocket Yoga for iOS, $3

9. Swing Tennis Tracker

Swing Tennis Tracker Apple Watch app screen
The Swing Tennis Tracker app for the Apple Watch. Swing Tennis Tracker

For tennis buffs who want to see how they’re performing, Swing Tennis Tracker actually makes use of metrics measured by the Apple Watch itself, rather than an attached iPhone. It tracks everything from the speed of your shots to your percentage of first serves to the number of calories you burn out on the court. If you’re looking for someone to play against or partner up with, the app also helps you find and communicate with other tennis players who use the same program.

Again, you can check all this information on your wearable. And, with the help of Siri, you can save all the relevant match and practice data on your smart watch as well. Because the app is social, it can connect with other Apple Watches on the court to keep your scores together. Once you get near your smartphone again, all the gathered information can sync back to the main app.

Although this basic version is free, you can buy a $20/month pro subscription to unlock extra features, like additional stats and insights on your game.

Swing Tennis Tracker for iOS, free or $20 per month for a pro subscription

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Apple Watch Series 7: Here’s what’s new https://www.popsci.com/reviews/apple-watch-series-7/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 20:30:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=396552
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 has a larger display. Apple

Bigger and brighter

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Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 has a larger display. Apple

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Apple announced the newest version of the Apple Watch at its September 2021 “California Streaming” keynote event. The Apple Watch Series 7 is a substantial upgrade over last year’s Apple Watch 6, adding a larger, redesigned screen, more durable construction, new colors, apps, and other tweaks. Apple also announced the release date for the next version of the Apple Watch operating system, WatchOS 8, and new features for Apple Fitness+. With the new model just around the corner, let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting about the Apple Watch Series 7.

It’s all about the screen

A lot of the Apple Watch Series 7’s biggest improvements revolve around its new, larger watchface display—available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, versus the Apple Watch Series 6‘s 40 and 44mm options. That doesn’t sound like much, but Apple claims the watchface features “nearly 20-percent” more screen thanks to thinner, 1.7mm borders. To take advantage of the bigger screen, WatchOS 8 will add two new watch faces designed specifically for Apple Watch Series 7. The new operating system adds new UI upgrades for the bigger screen, such as larger font sizes.

The screen is also reportedly brighter in power-saving “wrist down” mode, up to 70-percent in indoor areas versus the Apple Watch Series 6, so it should be easy to see the time at a glance without bringing the watch to your wrist.

Apple Watch Series 7
Some of the new watchfaces designed with the Apple Watch Series 7 in mind. Apple

The Apple Watch Series 7 should also be more durable. Apple said the front crystal is 50-percent thicker to reduce the possibility of cracking the screen. The Apple Watch Series 7 is also rated IP6X dust-resistant, so it’s less likely to break in dusty or, more likely, sandy environments.

Swipe to type

It’s a comparatively small upgrade, but while we’re talking about things that pair well with a larger screen, it’s worth noting that WatchOS 8 will add QWERTY keyboard support for the Apple Watch. The larger screen should theoretically make tapping out messages a little easier, but it also supports QuickPath swipe typing.

Let’s talk about style

Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 comes in five new colors. Apple

The Apple Watch Series 7 body comes in eight colors: The original silver, graphite, and gold return, along with five new options—midnight, starlight, green, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED. It uses the same band connectors as past models, so upgrading Apple Watch wearers will be able to swap in and continue using their old bands. On the band front, Apple announced a new wave of third-party bands is on the way to bolster the current lineup, including new options from Nike and Hermès.

What about WatchOS 8?

Apple announced that WatchOS 8 will roll out to all Apple Watches September 20. With the new operating system, Apple Watches will get new apps, enhanced support for biking, and other tweaks. One new app, Focus, allows you to limit notifications from all apps except the ones related to whatever you’re doing. You can choose different sets of notifications to let through based on specific activities like driving or exercising. The other, Mindfulness, builds out the “breathe” function on the Apple Watch into its own app, complete with visualizations and heart-rate tracking specifically for breathing sessions.

On the fitness front, WatchOS 8 features enhanced support for biking. The watch will now be able to detect when you start riding a bike and prompt you to start a cycling workout. Biking workouts now also support auto-pause/resume, as well as fall detection. With an increased affinity for tracking users on a bike, Apple claims that mid-ride GPS and heart rate detection will improve. The fitness app will also add workouts for Tai Chi and Pilates.

Many of the other core apps have also been updated. Wallet, for example, will add support for verified digital IDs and digital keys for your home and/or car. Home will allow you to check a HomeKit-enabled doorbell camera from your watch. The Sleep app can track your sleeping respiratory rate. Photos has a new design, as well. Crucially, WatchOS 8 adds the ability to run multiple timers simultaneously without an extra app.

FAQ

Q: When will the Apple Watch Series 7 be available?

Apple hasn’t announced a specific launch date for the Apple Watch Series 7 yet. As of the end of the event, Apple said it would be in stores “later this fall.”

Q: What Apple Watches Support WatchOS 8?

The Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5, SE, 6, and 7 will support WatchOS 8.

Q: Should I upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 7

We’ll have a better sense of how the Apple Watch Series 7 compares to its predecessors when we take a look at it in the coming weeks. For now, the only people who should upgrade on spec are first- and second-generation Apple Watch owners, as they won’t be able to update to WatchOS 8.

We’ll have more information on all of the Apple gear announced at “California Streaming”—including the iPhone 13, iPad 9, and iPad Mini 6—very soon. We also hope to have full reviews breaking down the good, bad, and the Apple about all of these devices in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

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Apple Watch Series 6 review: Still the best smartwatch for iPhone users https://www.popsci.com/reviews/apple-watch-series-6-review/ Tue, 15 Jun 2021 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=371727
Apple Watch Series 6 in a plant with apps on the screen
Stan Horaczek

The flagship Apple Watch Series 6 doesn't offer huge changes from its predecessor, but that's a good thing.

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Apple Watch Series 6 in a plant with apps on the screen
Stan Horaczek

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Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch for iPhone users and, by now, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Apple Watch Series 5 before it—and the Series 4 before that—were both great and Series 6 hasn’t changed all that much. And while tech bloggers and industry analysts typically balk at granular generational improvements, Apple’s wrist-worn computer has no need to worry about its status as the world’s most popular watch. The company clearly didn’t think the Apple Watch was broken and had no intention of trying to fix it. 

While Apple Watch Series 6 (starting at $399 for an aluminum case and GPS without cellular connectivity) isn’t profoundly different from previous models, it does offer a few notable upgrades and features that give it an edge over its older siblings—as well as its newly arrived little friend, the Apple Watch SE.

What’s new in Apple Watch Series 6?

Many of the new hardware features found in the Apple Watch 6 feel like they’re laying the groundwork for the future. That’s a common theme with Apple’s flagship products: Consider the LiDAR sensor inside its iPad Pro, which has some limited use for pros now, but will only become more useful over time. Some of the new Apple Watch features have that same vibe. Here’s an overview of the most notable new stuff you’ll find inside.

Blood oxygen sensor

Flip over the case and you’ll find that the Apple Watch 6 features an entirely new blood oxygen sensor nestled in with the infrared heart monitor. The hardware attempts to read the oxygen saturation in your blood. It emulates the little finger clamp device hospital staff use when taking your vitals. For patients with breathing issues or illnesses, it can be a useful metric. In the Apple Watch’s case, however, it’s only meant as a wellness tool for tracking overall health.

When the sensor is working, it emits bright illumination from its LED array so it can measure the light reflected back to get a reading. You can trigger a reading manually, but the device will also monitor this stat in the background. It’s goal is to observe long-term trends more than up-to-the-minute levels. 

The sensor is clever, but finicky. During a manual reading, my results typically made sense, falling around 98 or 99—anything between 95 and 100 is normal. To do it right, however, you have to make sure the Watch is positioned farther up your arm I usually wear it. You also need to stay still for the 15-second reading. Because background sensing doesn’t typically enjoy these idyllic settings, I found them somewhat sporadic. Every once in a while, I’d get a value that would suggest I should be dead. As a gadget writer, I know it’s fine, but as a hypochondriac, it hurt a little. 

Apple isn’t the first to employ this kind of sensor in a smartwatch. In fact, most of the other big names in the fitness tracker game—like Samsung, Withings, Garmin, and Fitbit—all offer models with this kind of sensor. Ultimately, though, it’s not a medical device, but rather a wellness feature. It can give you a general idea of your blood oxygen level, but it’s not an FDA-approved product.

Personally, the bright light it emits and the sporadic results are enough to prompt me to turn it off. But, it’s not out of the question that Apple could improve its performance with future models. Even software updates could improve it down the line.

Brighter always-on screen

apple watch series 6 on tree branches

Starting with Apple Watch 5, the wearables’ OLED screens stayed at least somewhat illuminated when you weren’t looking directly at them. That makes it possible to catch a glance at the time or your notifications without making a conspicuous arm gesture. In Apple Watch 6, the always-on display is now 2.5 times brighter in ambient mode. That makes it much easier to see, especially in bright conditions. 

Despite the extra screen brightness, the Apple Watch 6 still promises the same 18-hour Apple Watch battery life as its predecessor. I’d guess it has a lot to do with improved performance when it comes to the screen’s variable refresh rate. If the image changes less often, that can make up for the power consumed by the extra brightness. This feature is handy and I hope the next model pushes it even more.

U1 chip

When Apple announced the U1 chip inside the Apple Watch 6, the hardware didn’t actually do very much. It stayed that way for several months. Now, with the impending release of watchOS 8, we’re finally starting to see its potential. 

The U1 chip is a short-range wireless chip that can sync to other compatible devices with a super-fast connection that can help hone in on hyper-specific locations. In the upcoming watchOS 8 release, Watch will get its own version of the FindMy app. You’ll be able to use it to track down AirPods, iPhones, or AirTags right from your wrist. 

Apple has also promised that its U1-equipped devices will soon work as full-fledged keys for cars and even smart locks. Right now, these functions are super-limited, so they won’t come in handy right away, but at least we have an idea of how Apple intends to use the U1 down the road. 

Overall Apple Watch Series 6 experience

heart rate monitor on the apple watch series 6

I’ve worn every version of the Apple Watch since the Series 3 debuted in 2017. The Series 6 feels familiar in a mostly good sense. The battery charges faster than any model that came before it, which is always a nice upgrade. It’s not massively zippier, but I’d venture to say 15- to 20-percent faster, which is handy when I forgot to charge it and want to use it as a sleep tracker. Throwing it on the charger for 15 minutes gives me enough juice to get through the night. 

By now, some of the features that were notable at launch in fall 2020 have lost a bit of lustre. The new hand-washing tracking feature feels like an ancient relic from a time I’d like to forget. The upgraded processing hardware reportedly adds roughly 20 percent more power, but I never really ran into any bottlenecks in the first place. Navigation and apps in watchOS have always felt snappy, and that hasn’t changed. 

Apple Watch Series 5 vs. 6

If you’re already rocking an Apple Watch Series 5, this likely isn’t a must-buy upgrade for you. Looking back at Apple’s typical schedule, we’ll likely get the next version of Watch (presumably the Apple Watch Series 7) sometime in September of this year, so you don’t have to wait that long for another upgrade. 

If you do jump from Series 5 to Series 6, you’ll get faster charging, blood oxygen monitoring, the U1 chip, and an always-on altimeter, which I have never actively used. If you’re a big hiker, though, it might be a welcome upgrade.

Apple Watch Series 6 as a workout tracker

As we’re coming out of the pandemic lifestyle, it seems worth talking a little about the Apple Watch Series 6 specifically as a health tracker. It’s actually a top-tier workout tracker. Apple Health still offers a robust set of fitness tracking features and the heart rate monitor has proven fairly accurate over the years. If you want to get in on Apple’s Fitness Plus subscription service, which offers 10 types of interactive video workouts for $10 per month, you still need an Apple Watch to track your movements. 

If you’re planning to wear it while clanging barbells or venturing out into rough terrain for trail runs, however, the jump to the Apple Watch Series 6’s stainless steel case with the sapphire crystal cover is a smart move. It will make the entire package more durable when it comes to resisting scratches, cracks, and dents. 

Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 6?

It’s easy to say that this is the best Apple Watch. It’s also the best smartwatch for iPhone users and it’s in the conversation for best smartwatch full stop. At $399, it’s not cheap, but the Series 6 feels uniquely equipped for longevity in a smartwatch space, where devices become obsolete quickly. The Series 6 has the U1 chip built-in, which will get a number of new features added via OS updates in the coming years. 

Some of the Apple Watch’s main competitors are also in flux at the moment. Samsung and Google recently announced that they were teaming up on a new smartwatch platform that will attempt to blend the best parts of Google’s WearOS with Samsung’s Tizen platform. While that may lead to great Android smartwatches in the near future, it’s left the current landscape messy. 

If you want the best Apple Watch, pull the trigger on the Series 6. Price is a consideration for most people, however. If you don’t need the latest and greatest features, the current Apple Watch SE is worth some consideration: It starts at just $279 and offers many of the same practical features (minus the blood oxygen sensor and ECG functionality) you’ll find in the $399+ Series 6. While the Series 3 remains in the current lineup, it’s hard to recommend; even at $199, its age is catching up with it, which makes software updates tricky and compatibility a concern down the road. If you have the cash, you won’t regret buying an Apple Watch Series 6 and hanging onto it until an irresistibly new and shiny model hits the market.

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Trying to use your smartphone less? Get a smartwatch. https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/use-smartphone-less-smartwatch/ Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:29:53 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/use-smartphone-less-smartwatch/
a man using an Apple Watch outside to use his smartphone less
If you're still tempted to access random information on your watch, it's OK. Reducing unnecessary screen time is a process. Björn Antonissen/Unsplash

Fewer distractions mean less pointless screen time.

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a man using an Apple Watch outside to use his smartphone less
If you're still tempted to access random information on your watch, it's OK. Reducing unnecessary screen time is a process. Björn Antonissen/Unsplash

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It’s traditional to start an article like this by proclaiming that everyone spends too much time staring at screens. And, while some studies suggest there are negative consequences to doing so, I’m not here to debate the pros and cons of screen time. Instead, I’m here to show you how to use your smartphone less.

If you’re able to pick your phone up to do something without getting sucked into doom-scrolling on Twitter or mindlessly refreshing Instagram, you’re my hero. I struggle to have the discipline to just put my phone away.

Something simple—like throwing on a favorite playlist—can easily lead to me wasting 15 or 20 minutes doing, well, very, very little. The problem isn’t my phone. It’s me, and I know I’m not alone in this.

I have, however, found a simple fix. It has cut my screen time drastically and stopped my doom-scrolling. I got a smartwatch.

Most smartwatches can do enough, but not everything your smartphone can do

There’s a huge gulf between what your smartphone can do and what you need it to do. For me, an Apple Watch can do almost everything I previously needed my iPhone to do.

Here are some of my watch’s key tasks:

  • Set an alarm. Bonus: this means I don’t need my phone in my bedroom.
  • Play music and audiobooks.
  • Pay for stuff.
  • Receive time-sensitive phone calls and text messages.
  • Let me monitor and triage email notifications—without being able to respond or get distracted.
  • Use my meditation app.
  • Check my to-do list.
  • Send quick texts.
  • Track workouts.

Really, it lets me do almost all the important stuff. The things I want to be able to do while I’m running errands, researching an article, or just not being distracted by my smartphone, so I can ultimately use it less frequently. It’s perfect as the always-at-hand device in a way that something as capable as my phone isn’t.

You’ll need to make sure you choose a smartwatch platform that plays nice with your phone, but no matter which one you choose, you should be able to get most of the same benefits. There are, however, some limitations. The Apple Watch, as much as I like it, can’t do everything. It is, essentially, un-browsable—which is both good and bad. This means no doom-scrolling, but also no looking up recipes or quickly (and easily) buying things online.

The Garmin Fenix is a solid option if you have an Android phone, but the company is heavily focused on exercise tracking. That means Garmin smartwatches have fewer features because their batteries have to last longer than a day. And Google has shown little interest in continuing to develop Google Wear, so if you want something as fully featured as possible, Samsung’s Galaxy Wear watches strike a good balance.

When I get a message or email that I should handle quickly, a watch is no use. But at least I can see the alert and know I need to find my phone so I can reply properly.

And if I’m waiting in line somewhere, I have to deal with getting a little bit bored. No comfort-flicking between apps or Reddit. I’ve just got to do what my grandparents did: people-watch and plot world domination.

Really, what my Apple Watch has forced me to do is use my smartphone only when it’s necessary—or when I choose to. There’s nothing wrong with spending an hour on Twitter; it’s only a problem if you picked up your phone to call your mother and ended up neck-deep in tweets. But with a smartwatch, you can make a call while avoiding Twitter—minimal willpower required.

How to make it work for you

If you want to use a smartwatch to reduce your overall screen time, you’ll need to set it up so you can trust it. There’s no point in strapping an extra, always-on screen to your body if it’s just going to prompt you to check your phone more.

To go truly phone-free, you’ll need to get a smartwatch with an LTE connection, like the Apple Watch with cellular capabilities or Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 LTE. That’ll enable you to make calls and get texts no matter where your phone is. I don’t actually need to be reachable all the time (and enjoy being offline) so I’ve been happy with the non-cellular model. I can leave my phone at home and still have music, podcasts, and audiobooks to stop me from overthinking that embarrassing thing I did 15 years ago.

Also, if you don’t want to be on your phone, don’t keep it nearby. Leave it in another room or on a high shelf—especially when you’re going to bed.

The worst thing you can do is have your smartwatch show every notification you get on your smartphone. Your phone should get almost no notifications as it is, but having your watch light up every time someone likes one of your tweets is the exact opposite of what I’m advocating for. Dive deep into the notifications options of the various apps. My Apple Watch only shows me incoming calls, iMessages, and emails from a select list of senders. Set yours up so you only get the super-important notifications, too.

Find a good notes or to-do app that syncs between your watch and phone. I like Things for my iPhone and Apple Watch, but any will do. There will be times when you want to look something up and won’t be able to. Instead, just make a note to do it later.

Use Do Not Disturb, Silent, Theater Mode, or whatever your chosen platform calls “shutting the hell up,” as necessary. I don’t like having my wrist light up in bed or when I’m trying to write.

Think about what you really need your phone for, and see if there’s an app that can replicate it on your smartwatch. You might be surprised at how capable it is for things like navigation and scheduling. Not all smartwatches can fully replace everything you might want them to, but even focused platforms like Garmin’s can do enough that you won’t need to stay so attached to your constantly-beeping phone. It’s quite freeing!

Seriously, don’t ignore your phone problems. Getting an Apple Watch was just part of the fix for me, but it gave me the distance I needed to delete some of the worst-offending apps on my smartphone and use it less overall.

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This smartwatch turns your skin into a touchscreen https://www.popsci.com/watch-this-smartwatch-use-your-skin-as-touchpad/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 19:53:41 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/watch-this-smartwatch-use-your-skin-as-touchpad/
Smartwatches photo

Touch yourself

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Smartwatches photo

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Researchers at Carnegie Mellon have used electrodes to turn your skin into a touchpad extension for wearables like smartwatches. The SkinTrack system uses four pairs of electrodes embedded in the watchband, while a ring on your finger generates an electrical signal when you touch your arm. The electrodes use that signal to track your finger movements, and as a result, your arm or hand becomes a touchpad–and a much larger one that makes intricate commands much easier on a small device.

This already makes things like drawing and entering numbers look a dozen times easier than trying to get the corner of your fingertip to hit just the right way on a square-inch space on the actual device. Of course, hopefully, the next advance will be figuring out a way to ditch the sensor-tripping ring–or at least get more stylish companies to partner with it.

[H/T The Verge]

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Best smartwatch: Fitbit, Samsung, Apple Watches & more https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-smartwatch/ Wed, 19 May 2021 19:59:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/best-smartwatch/
person with an apple watch on their wrist
Luke Chesser via Unsplash

Smartwatches that sync with your lifestyle provide speedy access to so much more than just time.

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person with an apple watch on their wrist
Luke Chesser via Unsplash

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Best Smartwatch Display Apple Watch Series 6 Apple Watch Series 6
SEE IT

With a seamless interface, zoom capabilities, and adjustable brightness, this smartwatch has a user-friendly screen that’s easy to navigate.

Pros

The durable and sleek design is large enough to use without being oversized or uncomfortable to wear.

Cons

Battery life depends on usage but is shorter when compared to others on the market. If used frequently, you may need to charge your watch daily.

Best Fitness Smartwatch Fitbit Sense Fitbit Sense 6
SEE IT

This health-focused smartwatch monitors heart rate, sleep quality, skin temperature sensor, and monitor workouts for an all-in-one fitness assistant.

Pros

Offers a long-lasting battery life, so you can avoid charging for days at a time.

Cons

Screen response time can be slow when compared to other smartwatches.

Best Classic Design Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
SEE IT

Use all the features of a modern smartwatch, while keeping the timeless look of a classic analog clock.

Pros

Offers accurate health monitoring and convenient LTE connectivity.

Cons

This pick isn’t fully compatible with iPhones according to users.

The current crop of smartwatches is flush with features. The most popular models offer easy-to-use operating systems, responsive touch screens, voice activation, and seamless syncing with your smartphone via WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. That’s on top of access to a myriad of apps available for download, fitness/heart-rate/oxygen rate tracking, and with GPS navigation. Wrist-based wearables truly have come a long way since the clunky early generations, especially when it comes to managing notifications and tracking your health.

There are so many brands and features to choose from—so we’re here to help you understand the latest products and features at a glance, so you can pick the best smartwatch for your budget and lifestyle.

How to shop for the best smartwatch

Smartwatches are essentially lightweight wrist-sized mini-computers that sync via connections with your smartphone or via their own cellular connections. In addition to telling time, smartwatches offer apps to control music, maps, weather, schedules, calendars, email, shopping, voice activation, reminders, and fitness, and heart rate tracking. Let’s walk through a few key features such as battery life, operating system compatibility, display size, ease of use, and sensors for fitness/health tracking.

How often will you need to charge it?

Most smartwatches have an average battery life of 1 to 2 days. That depends on usage, of course. The more smart features your watch has and that you use, the faster the battery will drain. If you’re more concerned with tracking your location or your workouts than you are with seeing every single notification your phones slings at you, there are some longer lasting options.

Most smart watches charge via a magnetic charging cable and can take anywhere from one hour to a full night to recharge. Some options on the market even utilize a hybrid charge harnessing solar power. There is a great deal of variability in charging speed and battery life between models and brands. The smartwatch configuration, cellular network, signal strength, and streaming quality are among some of the factors that affect battery life. Your best bet is to top it off when you have some downtime.

Which operating system is best?

Operating system is a crucial concern when choosing the best smartwatch because it determines the device’s compatibility. Consider the smartwatch as part of a larger, interconnected system. You’d rather have a device that can seamlessly integrate and play nicely with your existing devices, rather than one that runs independently.

Google’s Wear OS, for instance, can be found in devices from companies like Huawei, Fossil, TicWatch, and Misfit. Wear OS will work with an iPhone, but it provides a more seamless experience if your device runs Android.

Samsung uses Tizen OS, most recently updated and rebranded as One UI. While it can be used with both Android and Apple smartphones, it has the most options when paired with Android and Samsung smartphone devices.

Apple’s watchOS is designed specifically to be used with iPhones, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. In exchange for that exclusivity, Apple offers seamless integration between its devices and operating systems. Setting up an Apple Watch, for instance, is extremely simple.

The popular fitness tracker company Fitbit, uses their own FitbitOS for their smartwatches, which works with either Android or Apple smartphones and must be updated and managed through an app on your device.

How big is the smartwatch face?

Typically, a larger display makes the watch easier to read and use, especially when swiping through crowded app screens. Go too big, however, and it won’t be comfortable. A screen’s quality goes beyond its simple size. Brightness and resolution help determine user experience. Even a tiny watch face can effectively communicate information if it’s well-designed. New features designed to make these small screens more accessible include easy-to-use zoom features for quicker font and graphic recognition.

Do you need a health and fitness tracker?

When fitness is your main intended use for your smartwatch, we suggest going with a more purpose-driven device. Some smartwatches can track electrodermal activity, skin temperature, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. Built-in apps can track steps, stairs, workouts, and use GPS technology to analyze your pace and distance traveled. Apps can help suggest workouts, motivate your goals, manage stress, and promote sleep.

While some other smartwatches offer some kind of nod to fitness tech, their offerings are likely OK for the casual fitness enthusiast but won’t satisfy the hardcore. The focus and versatility that comes with a dedicated fitness device will make sure you’re getting the most out of both your smartwatch and your workout.

Best smartwatch for battery life: Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar

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This Garmin smartwatch is a great choice when long battery life is crucial (and when outdoor sports or wilderness adventures are a part of your lifestyle). With a power manager feature and solar-charged battery, allow for up to 14 days of battery use without plugging in the charging cord. The battery can support GPS Activity up to 28/36 days with solar charging. It can withstand water pressures of up to 100 meters. You can also stream Spotify wirelessly from your wrist for your favorite playlists on the go.

Best Android and iPhone-compatible smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

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One of the first big pros for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is simply how stylish it looks. It doesn’t initially scream “smartwatch,” so it works no matter your overall aesthetic. Despite the fact that it’s made by Samsung, it’s compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This pick also allows you to leave your phone at home, as it’s equipped with LTE connectivity for calling, texting, notifications, and music streaming. Just make sure to add it to your mobile data plan. And while stylish, this pick still comes with fitness tracking functions like a sleep tracker and automatic workout monitor.

Best smartwatch display: Apple Watch Series 6

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The newest in the series of Apple smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 6—our full Series 6 review here—comes in two face sizes: 40mm and 44mm. The addition of an always-on retina display adjusts to become 2.5x brighter when you and your wrist are outdoors—which makes for easier use in direct sun. In addition, the accessibility feature allows for zooming in on font and graphics making displays and text messages easier to read. As with most Apple products the user interface is clean and easy to navigate. Drawbacks include compatibility with only Apple brand smartphones and an approximately 1 day of battery charge with moderate use.

Best fitness tracker: Fitbit Sense

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Built around a holistic health program, the Fitbit Sense performs the expected functions such as heart rate and body temperature monitoring and is our vote for the best fitness tracker. But, it also adds sleep pattern regulation and stress management. It allows you to access saved data, and track patterns and irregularities in addition to setting fitness goals. With built-in GPS that can help you easily monitor daily activities and outdoor workouts. For smarter living, you can also use it with Google Assistant or Alexa to easily set alarms or get news alerts.

Best “smart home” smartwatch: Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch

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Not only is the Samsung Gear Sport surprisingly swim-ready and water-resistant up to 50 meters, but it also features an app that allows you to control door locks, lights, and other smart home functions with the press of a button. It features some limited fitness tracking features and allows you to set up a quick-pay feature so you can get your next coffee with the swipe of your wrist. This pick is compatible with both iOS and Samsung smartphones, so you can be sure it’ll function well with whatever tech you already own.

FAQs

Q: What is the best Android smartwatch?

If you’re running an Android smartphone, the best smartwatch advice we can give boils down to this: Don’t buy an Apple Watch. Only iPhones will be able to take full advantage of the Apple Watch features, which means you’ll be much better off if you pick something that runs on an Android-friendly operating system. Anything from Fitbit, Samsung, or most other manufacturers, really, should treat you just fine. 

Q: What is the best smartwatch to buy?

If you’re an iPhone user, you can’t beat the Apple Watch when it comes to simplicity and compatibility. There are benefits that come from fully buying into one company’s hardware and software ecosystems. Other do-it-all models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and the Motorola Moto 360 offer a full suite of features that apply to most users. If you don’t have a specific need in mind (like adventuring or hardcore fintess tracking), then a well-rounded model will be your best bet.

Q: Which smartwatch should I buy in 2021?

While it’s tempting to buy the most advanced model, sometimes those extra features can get in the way. Think about why you want a smart watch and then buy something that fits that need. If you’re looking for serious health tracking, something from Fitbit or Garmin is probably well-suited for you. Google and Samsung recently announced that they’re teaming up to revamp the WearOS platform, which could mean some impressive new models are coming down the line. So, it might make sense to buy something cheap and basic right now and wait to see what those two tech behemoths have up their sleeves later this year. 

Best budget smartwatch: what you get for under $200

If you’re trying to keep the cost down, opting out of cellular connectivity will typically save you some cash. Another cost-saving trick when looking for a deal is to find an older version when newer versions have been released. For example, the Apple Watch version 3 with GPS is a great option for a perfectly good (albeit slightly older model) at a much more reasonable price. The series 3 includes an optical heart sensor, retina display, altimeter, 8GB of storage as well as Bluetooth 4.2 connection.

The best smartwatch is out there and waiting

The smartwatch may not have reached the level of absolute necessity like some other handheld and wearable devices, but its ability to enhance and interact with those must-haves make it an intriguing and, well, fun addition to your tech. Finding one that suits your lifestyle goes beyond just aesthetics. Knowing how and why you want one will help you narrow down your field and ensure you find the right one. For example, if you’re looking to make it a part of your active, daily fitness lifestyle, you’ll want the best smartwatch for running and workouts. If you’re looking to eventually control your entire house with a flick of the wrist, you’ll be looking for completely different functionality. The category is also still growing and just testing its limits, so getting used to using one now is never a bad idea.

Related: Check out our Fitbit Inspire 2 review

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How to pick the best smartwatch when it’s time to upgrade https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-to-pick-the-best-smartwatch/ Fri, 11 Jun 2021 01:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/?p=370940
A collection of the best smartwatches including the Apple Watch 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
There are more smartwatch options on the market than ever. Stan Horaczek

Smartwatches aren’t meant to become family heirlooms. Here’s how to pick the best smartwatch when trading up to the latest model.

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A collection of the best smartwatches including the Apple Watch 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
There are more smartwatch options on the market than ever. Stan Horaczek

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The first iteration of smartwatches were forced to emulate the PC experience. It was the late ’90s and smartphones were still far off in the future. Deciding how to pick the best smartwatch was simple because there weren’t many out there. Those first-generation models had clunky folder systems and limited user interfaces, which made them more of a novelty than a game-changing breakthrough. The Seiko Ruputer (also known as the OnHand PC) was introduced in 1998, and could connect to a PC and run limited applications. You actually controlled the bulky and unwieldy device with an eight-way joystick below the screen. It could make to-do lists, write memos, and even use a primitive version of MS Paint.

The smartwatch has evolved tremendously since then, and now the product cycle is shorter than ever. That model you bought several years ago may still suit your needs, but it could also be missing out on cool, useful new features. But, upgrading isn’t always as simple as buying the latest and greatest version of what you already have.

How to pick the best smartwatch

Smartwatches have evolved to the point where there is more to the category than just “a smartwatch.” There are variations, hybrids, specialty devices, and more depending on your specific needs, wants, and use cases. Maybe you want better access to messaging and social media apps. Perhaps you’re looking for a workout tracker to keep tabs on your hardcore CrossFit workouts. Then there are people who want to head out into the wilderness with their watch. Finding the right one requires a sense of your own tendencies and proclivities, but there are certain key elements that relate to all smartwatches that can help narrow your figure out how to pick the best smartwatch and answer lingering questions. 

Apple smartwatch vs. Android smartwatch

Your smartphone has already made your first major decision when you’re deciding how to pick the best smartwatch. In order to sync and, well, even use your smartwatch, you have to pair it with a compatible device. Apple smartwatches, for example, will only provide access to all of their features when paired with an iPhone. But some, such as smartwatches made by Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and others can work with both iOS and Android devices. There are Android smartwatches that run on Wear OS by Google (formerly known as Android Wear) that include options from major designers such as Fossil, Michael Kors, Ticwatch, and others, while Samsung relies on its own operating system called Tizen OS. 

This year, at its I/O developers conference, Google announced that it’s collaborating with Samsung to combine Wear OS with the Tizen platform to create one massive anti-Apple wearable leviathan. Still, Samsung has committed to three years of security updates on its current Tizen models. In the future, however, Tizen will be no more.

Currently, both Wear OS and Tizen work well with any Android phone of recent years, and also work with iPhones at least to get notifications from your iPhone on Tizen and Wear OS (but you won’t be able to access apps like Apple Health). Google Fit also isn’t available on iOS (though Samsung Health is). Wear OS has Google Assistant and Google Pay, while Tizen devices offer Samsung Pay. Heart rate monitoring is available on both platforms as well.

When it comes to Tizen, you have access to all of Samsung’s own apps and a small number of third-party options, including Microsoft Outlook and Spotify. You’re covered for the basics like a calendar, an alarm clock, reminders and music, you just don’t get much else (or any Google apps). Aside from Google’s own apps, Wear OS devices include Spotify, Outlook, Dark Sky, Todoist and Uber. At the end of the day, it’s about specific preferences more than anything. There are plenty of parallel apps and programs available no matter what OS you choose. 

How to pick the best smartwatch touchscreen 

Most people already have a certain comfort level with touchscreen devices thanks to their smartphones. It seems only natural that they would expect their smartwatch to have the same level of interface. That’s not true in every case, though.

For one, a smartwatch screen is considerably smaller than a smartphone. People who have difficulty seeing small words or images may find the touchscreen difficult to navigate. Others may feel like tapping apps and scrolling on a watch feels clumsy compared to buttons. There are some watches, like the Apple Watch, that offer a little bit of both (although they are clearly designed with touchscreen as the primary method of interaction). If you are looking for style over function, consider that most hybrid watches—most of the Fossil smartwatch lineup, for example—typically opt for button control and offer limited to no touchscreen capabilities. Some smartwatches also have more purpose-driven displays. Consider devices like the Garmin Instinct Solar watch—which actually draws power from the sun using its displays. 

If you’re already using a smartwatch, you probably already have a good feel for whether or not you prefer a smartwatch. Newer models, however, sometimes offer more screen real estate, which can make navigation easier. If you’re still on an Apple Watch series 3, for example, moving up to the Apple Watch Series 6 can get you an extra 2 mm of screen to work with. 

Do you want a workout partner or a business partner? 

Garmin Fenix smartwatch
The flagship Garmin smartwatch offers tons of features. Garmin

Most modern smartwatches feature fitness apps front and center. They monitor heart rate, count steps, and even provide coaching. The Apple Watch, Garmin fenix 6, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 are lightweight, water resistant, and allow for detailed data collection and logging so you can track progress. They are also designed to be slim, and usually feature wristbands intended for sweaty, active use—unlike less fitness-inclined smartwatches which can feel out of place in the gym. Cheap smartwatches may look cool, but they’re not meant to stand up to endless rounds of burpees.

If you don’t need the best fitness smartwatch, the next most important consideration is app compatibility. Business and entertainment applications are typically sparse on fitness smartwatches, but they thrive on more advanced models. Choose something that offers access to the apps you want.

You may also be looking more at hybrid smartwatches, such as the Fossil Latitude, which will offer limited fitness tracking but is more inclined toward looking stylish and allowing you to access messages and notifications more easily. 

Related: Check out our full Fossil Latitude review here

Find your style

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Titanium
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 still runs the Tizen OS, which means you can get solid deals. It will still get regular updates for several years. Samsung

How you intend to use your smartwatch goes a long way toward narrowing down your style choices. The Apple Watch ecosystem, for instance, offers two sizes and endless bands. The Watch itself, however, is the same rectangle that everyone else has.

One of things potentially keeping people from taking the dive into smartwatches is how a lot of them look—they tend to look more like wearable tech than a fashion timepiece. For those, there are stylish options like the Skagen Jorn Hybrid, which wears its smartwatch functionality subtly. However, options such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 nicely split the difference between a fitness smartwatch and a fashion accessory. As the category has evolved, the options have opened up, allowing for increased flexibility around your personal style. 

In addition to the overall look, consider a smartwatch that has customizable features. This can range from the ability to easily change the watchband, to the option to “bump up” frequently used features. The Fossil Latitude, for example, allows you to put your choice of three specific apps on the “home” screen, so you can prioritize, say, step counting and heart rate above weather alerts and email notifications. 

Current-gen smartwatches have gotten better looking on the whole than their predecessors. Even as faces have gotten bigger, watches have gotten slimmer, which makes them appear less obvious. Upgrading from an older, traditional smartwatch to a newer health watch or workout tracker might still be an upgrade.

Get the most up-to-date sensors

Apple Watch heart rate sensor difference series 5 vs. series 6
Here you can see the difference in sensors on the back of the Apple Watch Series 5 [right] vs. the Apple Watch Series 6 [left]. Stan Horaczek

Most smartwatches have a standard suite of sensors inside. Almost all of them will include an accelerometer to help track your movement, as well as GPS to keep tabs on your location. Some models change their sensor arrays from generation to generation. 

For instance, if you’re still using an Apple Watch 3, you’re missing out on the ECG sensor that can closely monitor your heart rate, as well as the blood-oxygen sensor on the back of the case. Other models, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, however, don’t make a huge hardware leap. 

Even if you don’t get something totally new in terms of health tracking, smartwatches tend to improve their accuracy and sensitivity over time. Improved processing power and hardware can combine to offer the same basic features, but with much more reliable results. 

Decide whether you really need to upgrade

It’s almost always fun to get a new gadget, but smartwatches aren’t budget buys. Even the most basic, non-junk models will typically set you back close to $100. Jumping up to a newer model will typically get you a more powerful device and more features. You have to decide whether those are features you’ll actually use. 

Consider a top-of-the-line Garmin Fenix 6 smartwatch, for instance. It will be an upgrade from almost any fitness-oriented model on the market. However, it costs considerably more than basic models and you’re paying for things like detailed ski and trail maps. Some people will never use those. Maybe something like the much cheaper Garmin vivoactive 4 will fit the bill.

A good rule of thumb before upgrading: Ask yourself what your current smartwatch can’t do, but you wish it could. Then look for those features to guide your search.

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Can Apple Make The First Wantable Smartwatch? https://www.popsci.com/can-apple-make-wearable-device-people-want/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:27:38 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/can-apple-make-wearable-device-people-want/
Smartwatches photo

A wearable whose time has come

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Smartwatches photo

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What makes a gadget worth wearing? Apple is betting it knows better than anyone, and today they’ll likely reveal the final details of the Apple Watch–the most anticipated piece of technology since, well, the last Apple device to hit the streets.

Apple is rarely a first mover in electronics. We’ve all grown used to the company walking into existing markets and redefining them: the original Macintosh, the iMac, the iPod, the iPhone, the iPad. When it decides to jump in a pool, it strives for an epic cannonball that sends waves throughout the rest of the industry.

Could this time be different? This is, after all, the first major new category Apple will stake out under the stewardship of Tim Cook. The Apple Watch is also unlike anything the company has ever tried before: It’s a device that relies almost as much on fashion as it does technology, with a price tag that some speculate may rise into the $10,000-dollar range when most competing devices cost between $100 and $250. Is this a pure hubris play from Cupertino?

Wearables Whereabouts

Apple’s challenge to sell a look will be more intense than usual. The company has, of course, always focused on aesthetics for its devices–a source of common criticism from competitors and detractors (yet the delight of many consumers). Yet it has never relied so heavily on the buy-in of the fashion community. With models wearing the new smartwatch in magazines and high-end jewelers talking to Apple, clearly the company has its eyes trained on the world of haut-couture. Yet fashion is notoriously fickle; one day’s hot accessory is the next day’s unspeakable faux pas. Even for a company that’s often called elitist, Apple risks selling a device for the few rather than something with mainstream appeal.

Apple Watch Edition

Apple Watch Edition

In a potentially risky move, Apple’s heavily targeting fashion with the gold Edition version of its smartwatch.

Wherever there’s challenge, however, there’s also opportunity–and the wearables market has many. Despite the number of devices clamoring for space on your wrist and on your face, no company has cracked exactly what gives a wearable device mass appeal. Fitbit is perhaps the closest with 70 percent of the fitness-tracker market. Still, they own a niche and one that doesn’t necessarily place it in direct competition with the Apple Watch.

The most direct competitor would be Pebble, which offers what many think is the best smartwatch around. And though it’s made smartwatches since 2013, its products have evolved considerably in that time, and Best Buy continues to sell the devices, finding a truly mainstream market has eluded Pebble.

The startup also isn’t playing in the same league. By my calculations, Pebble has–as of this writing–pre-sold nearly 81,500 of its latest color-screened Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel smartwatches, bringing in $17 million in revenue. For the sake of comparison Apple, in its most recent quarter, sold 30,000 iPhones per hour and had revenue of $74 billion. Pebble is playing single-A ball; Apple is in the major leagues.

Pebble Time

Pebble Time

Look at it that way, and the wearables market doesn’t seem so different from the smartphone market before Apple entered. Remember what those devices looked like before the iPhone? Bulky, inconsistent plastic objects with frustratingly small screens and physical keyboards. Fast-forward eight years, and every smartphone looks more or less like an iPhone.

Maybe the Apple Watch will do to wearable devices what the iPod did to MP3 players. But it could just as well be an evolutionary cul-de-sac that ends up in a dustbin next to our PDAs or videophones, to eventually be incorporated into some other far more compelling piece of tech down the road.

Technology That Does Less

The biggest risk for the Apple Watch is the wearable device market as a whole. As of yet, people aren’t crying out for devices to wear on their wrists or faces. They seem futuristic, but perhaps too much–and are better relegated to a retro-future of flying cars and commuting to lunar colonies via rocket ship. The reaction from most of the average folks that I talk to about the Apple Watch is, “why do I need such a thing?”

Take my girlfriend, for example. To her the Apple Watch is just another technological distraction in a world already rife with them. She’s worried that instead of constantly pulling out my phone to check Twitter, reply to text messages, and triage emails, I’ll spend all my time staring at my wrist.

That’s not unjustified. I bought the first iPhone back in 2007, and my friends often joked that it might catch on fire if I didn’t take it out of my pocket, so often did I seem to have it in hand. Eight years later and we’re all glued to our screens, spending far less time engaged with the people around us.

If I have one hope for the Apple Watch, and for wearables in general, it’s that they will make us less dependent on technology. Wearables should dole out the information we want, when we need it, and in bite-size chunks. They shouldn’t further train us to be zombies who constantly stare at screens. The challenge, then, is to smartly and seamlessly integrate technology into daily life while keeping our eyes ahead instead of fixated on glowing slabs (be they phone-sized or watch-sized). If the Apple Watch can deliver on this, then their timing couldn’t be better.

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How to choose the right smartwatch for you https://www.popsci.com/choose-right-smartwatch-for-you/ Sun, 30 May 2021 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/choose-right-smartwatch-for-you/
Apple Watch on table
Our contacts and our heart health on the same small device? Yes please. Onur Binay / Unsplash

Your wrist deserves the best.

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Apple Watch on table
Our contacts and our heart health on the same small device? Yes please. Onur Binay / Unsplash

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This story has been updated. It was originally published on December 30, 2019.

Choosing a smartwatch is like selecting a smartphone, in that there are countless models to choose from. But that’s where the similarities end. While whatever handset you pick will be able to perform the same standard tasks—such as making calls, sending texts, and running apps—smartwatches offer a variety of functions and features, which makes finding the right one even harder. We’re here to dispel some of that confusion so you know how to choose the right smartwatch for your specific needs. From the different makes on the market to the blurring lines between fitness trackers and smartwatches, we’ll outline the features you should be paying attention to before moving on to our picks for the best smartwatches and fitness wearables out there.

Let us help you choose the right smartwatch

For a smartwatch to be considered a smartwatch, it must be able to tell time—that much is a given. However, that’s just about the only constant in a field where the choices of features and functions range far and wide.

Top-tier smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit are essentially miniature phones that wrap around your wrist. They run pint-size apps, let you control your smartphone remotely, and are capable of phone-like tasks such as tracking your run around a park, storing music, and even making phone calls through a tiny SIM.

On the next level down, you’ll find devices that are basically fitness trackers with a display. They focus on logging steps and other activities while treating smartwatch features as a bonus. These devices can tell time and sometimes show simple notifications from your phone. But interactions are limited, which means you’ll need to pull out your cell for most tasks. While they may not be as capable, they often cost much less.

Another category that’s emerged is a traditional, mechanical watch with a few added smarts. These devices typically include features such as basic step counting and maybe a simple notification system, too. You’ll get the style and price of a normal watch, with the bonus of a little bit of fitness tracking.

Whichever category you lean toward, check for a few key specs. The most important one is whether the watch works with your phone (iOS or Android), followed closely by how long the battery lasts (mechanical watches are still ages ahead here). Also, check that the watch has the features you want. For example, runners and sports enthusiasts might want to look for standalone GPS, which will let your wrist-based device track your location even when it’s not connected to your phone. Swimmers, on the other hand, should keep their eyes out for waterproof smartwatches.

Of course, form and comfort should also factor into your decision. If you’re going to be wearing the watch a lot of the time, you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable. If possible, visit a retail store and try a few smartwatches on for size, or check a selection of online reviews. You’ll get an idea of the look of a device through pictures, and user reviews should help you find details about its feel and weight on the wrist.

Now that you know how to choose the right smartwatch, here are some of our top picks:

Apple Watch

An Apple Watch Series 6 on a black background.
The latest Series 6 comes with advanced health features, including the ability to check your blood’s oxygen levels. Apple

Arguments continue, but the general consensus seems to be that the Apple Watch is the most advanced smartwatch you can buy right now. It interfaces seamlessly with the iPhone, offers a host of mini apps, and excels at health and fitness tracking.

You can use an Apple Watch to look up future calendar events, listen to music, regulate your breathing, send messages, and even chat with Siri. It’ll also track your activities, push you toward your fitness goals, and even take an ECG anytime you want. Going further, it can act as a remote shutter for the camera on your connected iPhone, and you can even make and receive calls through it—either via your iPhone over Wi-Fi, or directly, if you opt for a more expensive LTE model.

The newest Apple Series 6 models start at $399 and come with built-in GPS, electrocardiogram (ECG) app, Blood Oxygen app, a heart rate monitor, and water resistance down to depths of 50 meters (164 feet). The new models come with an always-on display too, so you won’t have to raise your wrist to see the time. The major downside is that these watches only work with iPhones—so if you’ve got an Android device or think you might want one in the future, the Apple Watch won’t cut it.

Wear OS

a young man wearing a Fossil smartwatch and lifting up his sweatshirt
Ah yes, 10:56 a.m.: the perfect time to lift up your sweatshirt to show everybody your surgery scar. Fossil

Wear OS (previously Android Wear) smartwatches are essentially Google’s alternative to the Apple Watch. Made by a number of manufacturing partners, like Fossil and TicWatch, they do most of what an Apple Watch does. However, they’re more flexible—not only will they work with Android phones, but they’ll also connect to an iPhone. This comes at a price though, and you won’t get the same level of interactivity if linked to an Apple device. For example, you won’t be able to reply to texts from your wrist with an iPhone like you can with an Android phone.

All the big smartwatch features are here, including viewing notifications and sending messages from your wrist, tracking your activities and fitness goals through Google Fit, listening to music, logging your location (for GPS-enabled devices), talking to Google Assistant, and more. Some models also include support for 4G LTE via a small SIM slot, which means you’ll be able to make and receive calls without a connected phone.

As with Android phones, you’ve got a broad choice of smartwatches to pick from. Prices typically fall somewhere below the Apple Watch level—the Fossil Gen 5E LTE, one of the most expensive Wear OS flagships, retails for $349 at Fossil’s website. Just double-check the specs for features like a heart rate monitor and on-board GPS, as some Wear OS watches include these and some don’t.

Samsung Tizen

Three Samsung Galaxy Watches on a pale yellow background.
One of the Galaxy Watch 3’s new features is the ability to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) wherever you go. Samsung

Once in the Wear OS camp, Samsung has struck out on its own with its homemade Tizen operating system for smartwatches and various other devices. The company makes some of the best wearables in the business, with the advantage that they work just as well paired with either an Android or an iOS phone.

The Tizen smartwatch interface isn’t quite as polished as those offered by Apple Watch or Wear OS, but in terms of features and functions, it’s just about on a par. You can track activities and health stats, view calendars, get notifications, cache songs to play on your morning jog, and even make calls with the SIM-enabled models. You will, however, miss out on a few native functions, like the Apple Watch’s ability to reply to text messages from your wrist.

The latest offering from Samsung is the Galaxy Watch 3, which is available in two colors, and since it’s made of titanium, it promises military-grade durability. There’s a strong focus on health and fitness, too, and just as with the Apple Watch, you’ll be able to take ECGs and track your sleep and blood oxygen levels with the Galaxy Watch 3.

Fitbit wearables

A Fitbit Versa 3 on a pale pink background.
The Fitbit Versa 3 now has built-in GPS to track your movements and activities. Fitbit

Google purchased Fitbit in 2019, and since then the world has had an eye on the company to see how the acquisition affected the future of their smartwatches. We still haven’t seen the long-rumored Pixel Watch from Google with Wear OS on board, but Fitbit has kept on doing what they do best: launching compact, health-stat-oriented devices for people who don’t necessarily want a mini-phone attached to their wrists.

Right now, Fitbit’s flagship smartwatch is the Fitbit Versa 3, which you can pick up for $200 from Amazon. It’s great at tracking health and fitness activities, and unlike its predecessor, the Versa 3 now comes with built-in GPS to track your movements regardless of whether you’re carrying your phone with you or not. All of Fitbit’s watches and fitness trackers work with both Android phones and iPhones, so it’s a good option for those who may switch between mobile platforms.

Fitbit has been in the wearables game for a long time, of course, and its mobile apps are some of the best for keeping tabs on steps, calories, and sleep. At the same time, they’re getting better at other functions, too, like smartphone notifications and smart assistants access.

Outdoor sports watches

a black Garmin Fenix 6 smartwatch
The Garmin Fenix 6 is about as feature-packed a smartwatch as you’re likely to find. Garmin

If you take your running and hiking more seriously than most, a separate category of smartwatch exists just for you. No one has officially labeled it, but many refer to these devices as outdoor sports watches. They’re bigger and more rugged than other designs and tend to focus on navigation and activity tracking rather than mini-apps or digital assistants. Take a look at some of the watches offered by Garmin or Casio to get an idea of what we mean.

These watches don’t offer proper app platforms, like the Apple Watch or Wear OS do, but will show most notifications from your phone (like calls and calendar entries), and they have a host of other features to make up for what they lack. For example, the top-end Garmin Fenix 6x pro can measure your heart rate, track your steps, direct you home (or anywhere else) without a connected phone, and give you advanced performance metrics beyond the reach of most smartwatches.

You’ll have to pay a premium for wearables in this category (the Fenix 6 starts at $449, though cheaper Garmin watches are available) because they offer the most detailed fitness tracking and most advanced integrated navigation to outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Related: Garmin Venu 2 review: An impressive fitness tracker that thrives outside the gym

Hybrid watches

a Withings hybrid watch
Hybrid watches combine traditional mechanics with activity tracking. Withings

As if you didn’t already have enough options, we finally come to traditional mechanical watches with some extra smarts inside, often known as hybrid watches. If you’re already used to a low-tech watch but like the idea of a little extra functionality, give one of these models a try.

Lots of traditional watchmakers are putting out devices in this category now. We like the $179 Withings Steel HR Sport or the $195 Fossil Hybrid HR. Both of these models can track your steps, monitor your heart rate, alert you to some phone notifications, and even get your phone to ring if you’ve misplaced it.

As you can see from the prices above, traditional-style watches tend to be cheaper than dedicated smartwatches. Another advantage is that, because they use standard watch batteries, they don’t need to be recharged. For those with a foot in both the old and new watch camps, they’re an ideal option, and they’ll happily work with both Android and iOS too.

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Our top tips for running your Fitbit like a well-oiled machine https://www.popsci.com/best-fitbit-tips/ Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:48:32 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/best-fitbit-tips/
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Make that smartwatch even smarter.

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people exercising in a gym wearing smartwatches
There are a lot of things you can do with your Fitbit. Sadly, looking this cool and dry while you work out is not one of them. Fitbit

If you’ve got a fitness tracker or smartwatch strapped to your wrist, there’s a good chance it’s made by Fitbit, the company that was responsible for 15 percent of all the wearables shipped worldwide last year.

Part of the appeal of a Fitbit device is how simple it is: just strap it on your wrist, download a companion app (available for Android and iOS) and get going. But if you take the time to dig into the different options and settings, you can make your Fitbit smarter than it already is.

Wear it right… or left

Fitbit’s algorithms for counting steps and tracking activities work more accurately if you tell the device whether you’re wearing it on your dominant hand’s wrist—the one you write with—or not.

You should have sorted this out when you first set up your Fitbit, but if you want to double-check or switch the wrist you have your tracker on, head to Wrist Placement on your tracker settings tracker inside the Fitbit app.

Stay connected

If you’re an Android user, you’ll find an Always Connected toggle switch down at the bottom of the settings page of the Fitbit app. Turn it on and you’ll improve the reliability of the syncing and notification processes, delivering a smoother experience all around.

The downside of keeping this on is that the batteries in both your phone and the tracker will drain more quickly, though it really depends which devices you’re using as to how fast the drain will be. If you can live with the impact on battery life, keep this option turned on.

Get some peace

If you’ve got a Fitbit device that supports phone notifications, know you’re in full control over which phone apps trigger notifications on it and which don’t. Avoid having your wrist buzzing all the time by turning some of them off.

To do this inside the Fitbit app, tap your profile picture (top left on the front screen) then choose Notifications. As well as picking which phone apps can send alerts, you can also control other Fitbit notifications, like low battery warnings or step goals.

Explore your limits

heart rate sensor on the back of a Fitbit
The heart rate monitor in your Fitbit can tell you just how hard you’re pushing yourself. Fitbit

Many Fitbits come with heart rate monitoring, and while it all works fine out of the box, you can configure what are known as “heart rate zones” for more helpful analysis. These zones essentially tell the Fitbit app when you’re really pushing your body, or when you’re just lightly exercising.

To customize your heart rate zones beyond the defaults, tap your profile picture (top left on the front screen of the Fitbit app), then pick Heart Rate Zones. Beyond that, you can find more information here on how these zones can help your training.

Improve sleep tracking

As with heart rate monitoring, it’s possible to adjust the default metrics Fitbit uses to judge your sleep quality and get a more accurate analysis of your slumber time as a result. If Fitbit is saying you slept well, but you’re tired the next day, you can adjust the sleep sensitivity setting of your tracker.

The best place to do this is via your online Fitbit dashboard. Click the cog icon (top right, once you’ve logged in), then choose Settings, select your device, and click Sleep tracking.

Make every step count

screenshot of fitbit settings page
Ever wondered how long your average stride is? Setting it manually on your Fitbit may be the perfect excuse to walk on a measuring tape. David Nield

If you know how long your stride is, your step count will more accurately reflect the walking and running you’ve actually done. Fitbit can gauge this automatically, but you can also enter it into the app yourself.

From inside the Fitbit app, tap your profile picture (top left on the front screen), then choose Advanced Settings and Stride Length, which will let you enter the length manually (Fitbit suggests averaging the length of at least 20 strides to get an accurate value).

Take on a challenge

At times, we all need a little extra motivation to reach our fitness goals, and Fitbit Challenges can help—they add some fun to your next run or walk by imagining you’re journeying around famous places or landmarks such as Vernal Fall or the Pohono Trail. You’ll get to see the distance you’ve covered in relation to your chosen path, plus photos of the more-famous route as you go ’round your own.

From inside the Fitbit app, tap Discover then Challenges & Adventure. You can opt to take on friends and family with these challenges too, to see who gets to the finish line first.

Don’t miss anything

The Fitbit app allows you to manually log exercise and sleep, just in case you forgot to wear your tracker while you were snoozing, or if your Fitbit’s battery died just before that 5K run you did last weekend. The resulting stats aren’t as accurate as when they’ve been measured in real time, but it’s a useful way to fill in the gaps in your Fitbit history.

From the front screen of the Fitbit app, tap the “plus” symbols to the right of your most recent sleep or exercise records, just below the main dashboard. In the case of exercise, you need to switch to the Log previous tab before you can enter details.

Get reminders to move

If you want to avoid sitting for too long but can never remember how long you’ve been at your desk until it’s too late, your Fitbit includes a feature that reminds you it’s time to move.

You’ll get a buzz on your wrist and an alert on the screen (if your Fitbit has one), to let you know you have 10 minutes to complete the minimum threshold of 250 steps in an hour. If you work sitting all day, this feature is a great way to know when to stretch your legs, and it will help you avoid falling into a sedentary routine.

From the front page of the Fitbit app, tap your profile picture (top left), choose your device, then tap Reminders to Move.

Find the app for you

screenshot of apps compatible with fitbit
Don’t like the Fitbit app? The platform works with a variety of third-party apps you might like better. David Nield

Did you know the Fitbit app plays nicely with a ton of other apps? MapMyRun, RunKeeper, Endomondo, and Strava, for example, all work with Fitbit. You can use these apps to track your runs and then pipe the information back to your Fitbit account.

Connecting these apps only takes a few minutes, but the easiest to set up with your FitBit is probably Strava: just visit this page, log into your two accounts, and all your Strava activities will be logged in Fitbit too.

Export your data

The Fitbit app is less keen on letting you export data out of the app, though you can do it with the help of IFTTT (If This Then That). Create a free account and then a new applet with Fitbit as the trigger. You can then select what to do with your sleep or step stats—you can log new data in a Google Sheets spreadsheet, a text file in Dropbox, or as a note in OneNote, for example.

Get extra help with your fitness

If you want even more from your Fitbit, the platform just launched a new Fitbit Premium subscription that promises to help you go that extra mile. For $10 a month (or $80 year), the service will give you a deeper dive into your fitness statistics and records, showing you more personalized insights, coaching programs tailored for you, more detailed analysis of your sleep patterns, and more.

Fitbit Premium also comes with a library of thousands of audio and video workouts you can use for some extra motivation and guidance. When you buy a new Fitbit device, you can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the service.

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Everything to know about the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and Apple Watch Series 5 https://www.popsci.com/apple-event-new-iphones-watches/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 16:38:53 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-event-new-iphones-watches/
Smartwatches photo

Apple announced three new iPhones, a new iPad, and more.

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It’s that time of year—summer is over, kids have gone back to school, and tech reporters and Apple followers turn their eyes to Cupertino, California, to track the iPhone news coming out of the Steve Jobs Theater.

The event just concluded. Apple released three new iPhones, all with different forms of the “iPhone 11” name, plus a new iPad and a next-gen Apple Watch with a display that stays on all the time. Check out our live blog, below, for a summary of all the news from the reveal.

Apple Arcade

We’re off. Apple started with a short film highlighting its products and features over the years: iMacs, Apple Watches, and more.

Cook says he’s jumping right into things by focusing, first of all, on the App Store. We’re hearing about Apple Arcade, a gaming platform and subscription service. If you look in the store, you’ll eventually see a tab in there for the Arcade, which is where new games like “Frogger” will live. In fact, we’re already seeing a demo in which a frog wears outfits and hops around, just like in the original. Cute.

Now they’re showing off a music video-themed game that will also be on Apple Arcade. It also has an ’80s theme to it.

Look for Apple Arcade on September 19. It will cost $4.99 a month. You can get a free trial for a month, too.

Apple TV+

Cook talked about Apple TV+ content, mentioning The Morning Show, which will star an actor you might know from a sitcom called Friends, Jennifer Aniston. He also showed off a trailer for a new show, See, which stars Jason Momoa from Aquaman.

The TV service will launch with some shows on November 1 and will cost $4.99 a month, like Apple Arcade. “This is crazy,” Cook said, describing the price. He says that the service will also come free for a year if you buy an iPhone or new Apple device.

iPad

News about Apple’s tablets: They’re releasing a new iPad, the seventh generation. It’ll have a 10.2-inch display with 3.5 million pixels. The tablet will run on an A10 fusion chip and will be able to connect to an Apple keyboard case. It’ll also work with Apple Pencil and take advantage of the company’s relatively new OS for the iPad, which is called ipadOS.

Apple also boasts that the aluminum that encloses the tables is 100 percent recycled aluminum. It costs $329, which is inexpensive as iPads go. It’ll ship on September 30.

Different colored models from the Apple Watch Series 5
Series 5 Apple Watches have always-on displays. Apple

Apple Watch

We saw a film about people who say that their Apple wearable helped save their lives, thanks to features like the heart-rate and ECG monitoring. They also say they like activity reminders, including “stand” prompts.

Speaking of healthcare, the company is going to be conducting more health research through the Apple Watch. There will be studies on hearing health, women’s health, and heart and movement health. The way to get involved is by opting in through the Apple Research app.

OK, now we’re getting to some new Apple Watch hardware! The next version is called Series 5 (makes sense), and the marquee feature is that the display never goes to sleep. That’s a great new change, because before you had to tip the timepiece towards you to see it. Apple designed the display to be power efficient to help make it so the screen is always on, but the battery life is the same.

What else? The newest-gen watch will have a compass built into it, which could be nice for people who use this gadget in the backcountry.

The watches will be made out of recycled aluminum in different colors, as well as stainless steel. Apple will also release a titanium version (the same metal their credit card is made from), as well as a ceramic one. The starting cost is $399, or $499 for a model that has cellular power. They’ll go on sale September 20. Series 3 watches will remain on sale for less.

iPhone 11
The iPhone 11. Apple

iPhone 11

The main course of the event is the iPhone news, and they just served it to us.

The newest line is called the iPhone 11, which is easy enough to remember. (Thanks for that, Tim.) You can pick from six different colors, and the display is 6.1 inches across. On the back are two cameras—one wide angle and another “ultra wide,” which takes in 120 degrees of view. Apple also boasts that the portrait mode works on pets, so you can give a picture of your cat a nice blurry background.

Another new feature is Night Mode. This is very similar to Google’s Night Sight on its Pixel phones. Night Mode on iPhones comes on automatically and is designed to improve photos taken in low light. It will also boast improved video-taking features; holding down the shutter button in picture mode will automatically take a short video, for example.

The front-facing or selfie camera will fit more people into the frame if you hold your phone horizontally. Plus, you can take slow-mo videos with that front camera. Do we really need that? Not sure.

The new chip powering these phones is called the A13.

The battery in the iPhone 11 should last an hour longer than the battery in the XR. Like its predecessor, it will also have wireless charging.

It will start at $699. That’s relatively cheap!

new iphones
The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and Pro Max. Apple

iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max

But wait, there’s another new phone. It’s called the iPhone 11 Pro. It has three cameras, is made of steel, and comes in colors like gold and space grey.

The iPhone 11 Pro will have two sizes: a screen that’s 5.8 inches across and another that’s 6.5 inches. The bigger one is called the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

As for the new chip in these phones, we heard about how fast it is and how it’s leveraging machine learning, a common strategy in modern flagship smartphones. The A13 Bionic has 8.5 billion transistors in it—the tiny “gates” that electrons pass through to make the whole thing tick. (Curious about transistors and chip size? Check out our Moore’s Law explainer.)

As for those cameras, one is a wide camera, the other is ultra wide, and the third is a telephoto camera. With this setup, you’ll be able to optically zoom up to four times, which is a lot for a smartphone camera.

And then there’s Deep Fusion. That’s the name of the new way that Apple is processing images on iPhone 11 Pros. It’s a “fusion” because it mashes together nine images to create the best possible picture. Apple also says that the video capture and editing experience are better than before, too.

The Pro models will start at $999, and the Max at $1,099. Older phones will also stay on sale for less money.

That’s it!

We’re done. To recap: Apple announced three new iPhones—the iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Plus, they are releasing a next generation Apple Watch (the Series 5) and a new iPad.

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Seven music apps to turn your Apple Watch into an audio controller https://www.popsci.com/apple-watch-music-apps/ Tue, 20 Nov 2018 16:35:09 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-watch-music-apps/
Smartwatches photo

Play tunes and podcasts from your wrist.

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With each successive update, the Apple Watch becomes even more useful. But to get the most out of it, you need to load it up with the right apps. So we collected the best music and audio programs for your smartwatch.

The wearable actually comes with a default Music app, which lets you control your phone’s audio playback from your wrist (at least when that audio is running on Apple’s native apps). But these additional apps can do even more than that: They give you easy access to your tunes, help you identify songs, organize your podcasts, and more. To play around with them, just install them on your iPhone, and companion versions will appear on your Apple Watch.

1. Spotify

Spotify
Spotify for the Apple Watch Spotify

The biggest name in music apps now has an official Apple Watch version—but don’t expect too much from this first incarnation. For now, it only lets your wearable control Spotify playback on your phone or another connected device, such as a smart speaker). The app works whether or not you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber.

This app lets you start and stop Spotify music from your wrist, hop between recent playlists, jump forward or backward in time on the current track (very useful when you’re listening to podcasts), and mark a favorite song by tapping the heart icon. Unfortunately, the current version of the app doesn’t let you sync your music to your watch, so you can’t leave your iPhone behind when you head off on a jog. However, Spotify says this feature is coming soon.

Spotify for iOS, free or $10 per month for a subscription

2. Deezer

Deezer
Deezer for the Apple Watch Deezer

Deezer doesn’t have the same prominence as Spotify, but it offers a similar streaming-music service: You can listen for free if you don’t mind putting up with ads, or you can pay $10 a month for unlimited tunes, offline playback, and other bonus features. And like Spotify, Deezer has a dedicated companion app for the Apple Watch.

This app lets your wearable control playback on your phone’s Deezer app. Through it, you can also mark tracks as favorites, jump between existing playlists, turn shuffle on and off, and access Deezer Flow—that’s the personalized, endless radio station that the service builds based on your listening history. Again, you can’t sync tracks to the Apple Watch itself, but this may appear in a future app update. For the time being though, you’ll still have to bring your iPhone along when you want to listen to your music.

Deezer for iOS, free or $10 per month for a subscription

3. Musixmatch

Musixmatch
Musixmatch for Apple Watch Musixmatch

Some songs just force you to sing along. To do that without embarrassing yourself, you need to know the right words—and Musixmatch is one of the best lyrics-finding apps in the business. The app itself is free, but if you upgrade to a premium plan, you can sync lyrics to your phone for offline use. The Apple Watch companion app brings Musixmatch’s key features right to your wrist.

The app is smart enough to display lyrics synced to the music your phone happens to be playing, whether in the default Music app or in Spotify. Even better, it can identify music playing around you, which makes it perfect for nights out, weddings, and road trips. The text shows up clear and legible on the Apple Watch display, and you don’t have to lift a finger as the pages automatically update.

Musixmatch for iOS, free or $3 per month for the premium plan

4. VLC Mobile

VLC Mobile
VLC Mobile for the Apple Watch VLC

VLC is one of the most dependable, versatile, and feature-packed media players out there. It’s already available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and its Apple Watch incarnation lets you remote control the program as it plays on any other device.

For example, if you’re blasting some tunes through the VLC program on your laptop, then the wearable app lets you start and stop playback, adjust the volume, view details of whatever song is currently playing (in case you’ve forgotten an artist or album name), or pick another playlist. In fact, you can browse through your entire media library, video and music tracks alike, from your wrist. As with all the software released under the VLC umbrella, this app is free and open source.

VLC Mobile for iOS, free

5. TuneIn Radio

TuneIn Radio
TuneIn Radio for the Apple Watch TuneIn

TuneIn Radio gives you access to thousands of stations from around the world, covering sports and news as well as every imaginable genre of music. And when you tune into the radio on your phone, you can control it through your Apple Watch app. The basic functions are free, although they come with an occasional ad. If you upgrade to a premium account, you also get access to live play-by-plays of sports games and commercial-free stations curated by TuneIn Radio staff.

From your wrist, you can start and stop playback, quickly jump forward or backward in the current stream, add a station to your favorites, or switch to a different station you’ve recently listened to. You can also access podcasts through the app.

TuneIn Radio for iOS, free or $10 per month for the premium plan

6. Shazam

Shazam
Shazam for the Apple Watch Shazam

If you want to quickly identify a song that the car radio just started blaring, you shouldn’t waste time unlocking your phone and hunting down the relevant app. It’s far easier to just tap your wearable and see the name appear. Enter Shazam for the Apple Watch.

The tune-recognizing app is a breeze to use on mobile, and the Apple Watch app that comes with it lets you launch Shazam and identify songs in seconds. Swipe up, and your previous Shazam searches appear. With another tap, you can send identified tracks to the app on your iPhone, where you can watch associated videos, get more information on a track, and even purchase that song from iTunes.

Shazam for iOS, free

7. Overcast

Overcast
Overcast for the Apple Watch Overcast

Our final pick brings you podcasts rather than music—though you can, of course, use it to listen to podcasts about music. Overcast is one of the smartest podcast players on iOS: It lets you set sleep timers, boost dialog volume, cut out silences, increase playback speed without adding distortion (to get through episodes faster), and try out new podcasts without subscribing to them. All this comes free, but for $10 a month, you can also remove the ads inside the app.

That quality carries over to Overcast’s Apple Watch companion app. If you’re listening to podcasts on your phone, your smartwatch can start and stop them. And Overcast also lets you sync audio to the Apple Watch itself, which means you can enjoy your podcasts on a morning walk while leaving your phone behind. On top of that, the wearable app includes a bunch of other cool features, such as playback control, volume adjustment, and the ability to skip forward or backward in an episode.

Overcast for iOS, free or $10 per month for an ad-free version

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The Apple Watch learned to detect falls using data from real human mishaps https://www.popsci.com/apple-watch-fall-detection/ Fri, 23 Nov 2018 16:47:12 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-watch-fall-detection/
Apple fall detection screen
The Watch alerts you if it thinks you took a fall, and you can choose to call emergency services. It will automatically do so if you don't respond in roughly one minute. Apple

Apple explained how they collected the data to create the novel feature.

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Apple fall detection screen
The Watch alerts you if it thinks you took a fall, and you can choose to call emergency services. It will automatically do so if you don't respond in roughly one minute. Apple

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slip
A slip creates a specific type of motion that’s different from a trip. Pixabay

The Apple Watch in 2018 is more than just a time-telling wearable that taps your wrist when you have a message or counts your calories as you walk around: it’s evolving into a type of consumer medical device. Not only can it take an ECG to possibly detect a heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (although that feature isn’t enabled yet), it can also detect if you’ve fallen down, and then call emergency services.

It’s a feature that has the potential to help the general population: according to the National Institute on Aging, more than one-third of people over 65 tumble annually. If the wearable detects that someone has wiped out, it can call 911 if the person doesn’t respond. For users over 65, Apple automatically enables this feature.

The Watch detects falls using a similar mechanism with which it tracks another complex form of motion—swimming. In the water, the timepiece uses its accelerometer (which measures changes in motion) and the gyroscope (which detects the rate of rotation along three different axes) to detect which stroke the wearer is doing. It must be able to recognize the difference between freestyle and butterfly, for example—which look similar, sensor-wise, although they burn calories at different rates—and to notice when the swimmer has changed directions at the end of a lap.

To teach the watch to monitor swimming, Apple collected data from hundreds of swimmers. And to create the algorithms for detecting falls, they got their data from real-world, unplanned, gravity-fueled interactions between humans and the ground.

To do that, they gathered data from people wearing Apple Watches (running customized software) in a movement disorder clinic, assisted living facilities, and friends and family of Apple employees. That study involved more than 2,500 people and ultimately included more than 250,000 days of data. The data came from real falls—like a spill off a ladder, a trip on a walk, or just a fall while getting dressed (thanks, pants).

This type of information is much more valuable than the kind of readings Apple would have gotten if they’d asked someone—a stuntman, say—to purposely fall; those actions may not be representative of a real-world spill. Their studies also included data on what normal motion looks like, to differentiate between a fall and actions that could resemble a fall. The company wanted to make sure that activities like swinging a tennis racquet or flopping down on a bed don’t register as life-threatening spills.

“We learned that with falls, there’s this repeatable motion pattern that happens,” Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, said during the company’s keynote in September when announcing the feature. “For example, when you trip, your body will naturally pitch forward, and your arms will go out involuntarily to brace yourself. However, if you slip, there’s a natural upward motion of the arms.”

Apple fall detection screen
The Watch alerts you if it thinks you took a fall, and you can choose to call emergency services. It will automatically do so if you don’t respond in roughly one minute. Apple

Of course, both swimming and a fall involve your entire body, but the watch is measuring only the three-dimensional trajectories of your wrist through space to infer what’s happening.

The key sensors that make this possible are the accelerometer and the gyro. The accelerometer in the Series 4 gathers eight times more data per second than the previous version, and it can measure a higher amount of G forces (32 Gs, up from 16 Gs). When someone swings their hands during a fall, that creates G forces (the “G” stands for “gravity”), but the greatest spike in Gs happens when their hand smacks the ground. Because the accelerometer can now capture up to 32 Gs of force—which is a lot—that means that Apple can register the big impact spike a hard fall can create, as opposed to the sensor’s measuring abilities maxing out at 16 Gs.

Then there’s the gyro, which is now more power-efficient—an important point, since Apple needs it to be powered on to monitor for falls throughout the course of the day. (It can switch off automatically if your wrist is relatively still on a table.) That gyroscope measures rate of rotation, and to visualize the different ways it does this, picture an axis going horizontally across the screen (the X axis); another one going vertically up the display (the Y), and finally a third sticking straight out through, and perpendicular to, the screen (the Z).

If you’re wearing a watch right now, hold it in front of you and tilt it towards you: that’s a rotation along the X axis. Now, put your palm straight down on a table: the Z axis is shooting straight up to the sky when the screen is parallel to the table’s surface.

Fall detection requires data from a combination of these two sensors, the accelerometer and the gyro. A tripping fall may result in an impact recorded by the accelerometer, and the screen itself may then have a distinct orientation—likely vertical— compared to the ground. That’s because your palms may end up flat on the ground, your wrist and forearm may be vertical and the watch screen with it, and that X axis is thus oriented vertically, too.

It’s important to note, too, that the SOS function baked into this feature won’t be able to call 911 if you don’t have the cellular version of the watch and you’re far away from your phone, because the non-cellular timepiece needs your handset to be in Bluetooth range to make a call through it. (Here’s more info from Apple about the process.) In other words, if you go for a run and want the alert-the-authorities portion of fall detection to work, bring your phone with you, too.

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You can try the new Apple Watch features—including sleep tracking—right now https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/watchos-7-public-beta-sleep-tracking/ Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:05:45 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/watchos-7-public-beta-sleep-tracking/
Dancing Apple Watch tracking.
Dancing finally gets the recognition it deserves as a full-fledged workout. Stan Horaczek

Apple has released a watchOS public beta for the first time, and you can download it now.

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Dancing Apple Watch tracking.
Dancing finally gets the recognition it deserves as a full-fledged workout. Stan Horaczek

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Apple is about to give its watchOS operating system the major update that we first learned about back at WWDC. If you’re eager to try out all the new features (some of which are outlined below), the company is offering a public beta that you can install right now.

This is the first public beta Apple is offering for watchOS. Typically, it’s simple to get an early look at macOS, iOS, and iPadOS software, but Watch users typically have to wait for final code to ship. As with any pre-final software, installing it on a device you rely on every day is ill-advised since there are still bugs lurking in places you may not expect. But, Apple is confident enough in it to extend the beta beyond the developers.

In order to install it, you’ll have to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program, just like you would with any other Apple device. However, since the Watch’s web capabilities are somewhat limited, you’ll have to download the profile and send it to your Watch using an iPhone.

Visit this page to sign up using Safari in the iPhone that’s synced to your Watch (it won’t work through Chrome). Download the profile and then open the Watch app. In the General settings tab, click the Software Update and install the new beta. Once you’ve gone up to the new version, you won’t be able to revert, so make sure you know that there’s risk involved.

Once updated, you’ll have access to the new features. Here’s some of what you can expect from the update.

Sleep tracking

The watch already keeps tabs on pretty much everything you do while you’re awake, but now it can finally track your sleep and integrate that data into the Health app. Sleep tracking uses the motion-sensing tech inside the watch to notice tiny movements associated with your breathing in order to determine whether you’re still awake or if you’ve made the journey off into dreamland. You can view your sleep schedule in the Health app to see how much progress you’ve been making in your efforts to sleep enough.

The Apple Watch isn’t designed to last days at a time on a single battery charge like other wearables, which makes sleep tracking slightly trickier. However, Apple has built in a few failsafes to help prevent the battery from dying before you hop out of bed. If you set a bedtime, the Watch will alert you if your battery is below 30 percent so you’ll have enough time to put it on the charger before hitting the sack.

The new Wind Down feature tries to help you establish a regular bedtime. It uses subtle features like dimming your iPhone screen as you get closer to bedtime and silences your notifications to help get you to bed instead of doom scrolling deep into the night.

It knows when you’re dancing

The Health app adds a wider variety of workout tracking options to the already fairly extensive list, including functional strength training, indoor cycling, and even dancing.

It can tell you when and how to wash your hands

We’ve been washing our hands with renewed vigor ever since COVID-19 pandemic began. Watch can now automatically detect when you’re washing your hands and start a 20-second timer to ensure you hit the minimum scrubbing requirement. It can also use location services to remind you to wash your hands when you get home from a trip in the germ-ridden outside world.

Faces get more advanced

Apple has expanded the customizability options with its Watch faces, and now you can share your own creations via text or emailing. You can even post a link online to allow others to use faces you’ve created. More importantly, apps can have multiple options when it comes to complications that show up on the face. So, you can have more information readily available at a glance rather than having to click all the way into an app to see the data.

Final release

WatchOS 7 will hit final in the coming weeks, but it’s encouraging to see Apple offering a public beta now instead of leaving Watch out of the mix. With this newfound sleep tracking ability, it will be interesting to see if Apple makes an effort to drastically extend the battery life in the next version of the Watch hardware to increase the time it spends on your wrist.

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Apple’s iPhone event: What to know about the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and Apple Watch 4 https://www.popsci.com/apple-2018-iphone-announcement-live-stream-iphone-x/ Wed, 19 Dec 2018 17:52:29 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-2018-iphone-announcement-live-stream-iphone-x/
iPhone Xs Max

Smaller iPhone X? Bigger iPhone X? Cheaper iPhone X? More expensive iPhone X? Let's find out!

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iPhone Xs Max

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New iPhone Lineup
The iPhone XS behind Phil Schiller is $999. Apple

Today’s big Apple announcement event is officially history, and there’s a lot to unpack about all the new products. The big news were the iPhones, of course, and there were three new models to check out. The Apple Watch got a very substantial update as well, that Apple hopes might prevent you from literally dying.

Here’s a running list of commentary, specs, and facts from the presentation. And if you’re just curious about the price of the new iPhones (which is probably how you ended up here from Google in the first place), just look at the picture above. We’ll get some hands-on time with the new devices soon, but here’s a recap to hold you over.

iPhone Xs and Xs Max

With the Apple Watch heart attack detector talk out of the way, it’s time to dig into what is “by far the most advanced iPhone we have ever created” according to Cook.

It’s made of gold-colored stainless steel with glass on the front and back for the new gold version. There are three familiar color options total. The back is the most durable glass on a smartphone yet.

The screen on the new iPhone Xs is “Super Retina,” 5.8-inches OLED screen, 458 pixels per inch. The screen is as big as the iPhone 8 Plus, in a smaller device. It’s compatible with Dolby Visio and HDR 10. It has a 60 percent greater dynamic range.

There’s a bigger version with a 6.5-inch OLED display called the iPhone Xs Max. That name is very bad, but the phone looks pretty amazing.

It’s now IP68 rated, so you can drop it in the pool and go get it and it will still be fine. That’s a step up from the bathtub-grade waterproofing on the previous models.

iPhone camera hardware
iPhone cameras get new hardware. Apple

Camera

Apple has updated almost every hardware aspect of its cameras, including deeper pixels on its sensor, which is also physically larger. It has a wide and telephoto lens, both of which are 12-megapixels in resolution.

The real updates, however, come from the processing power and the “computational photography” aspects of it.

Portrait mode has gotten a substantial upgrade in that you can now control the amount of fake blur it applies to backgrounds. You can have the background go from really sharp to very blurry.

iPhone portrait mode
Lots of people currently googling what f/1.4 means. Apple
Apple A12 Bionic chip diagram
Look, processors are important, but they aren’t really exciting to look at. Here’s a chart. Apple

Dual SIM cards

If you’ve been waiting for two SIM cards in an iPhone, then your time has finally arrived. This kind of thing is useful for people who travel a lot or want an extra data plan outside their normal plan. 10s and 10s Max will have a regular SIM and an eSIM slot. The Chinese version will have two typical SIM slots, which is a very common setup in that country.

Apple A12 Bionic Chip

The new brain behind all that iPhone screen real estate is the A12 Biionic processor. It has an eight-core design up from two cores in the previous model. It can process five trillion operations per second, which sounds like plenty for playing Angry Birds or Tinder.

It’s the world’s first 7 nanometer chip. There are a ton of technical upgrades here and I’m interested to dig into the technical stuff after the presentation.

Interesting to hear that the iPhone is still capped at 512 GB of storage when the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 made such a big deal about how it’s expandable to 1 TB.

A12 is clearly tweaked with AR in mind. You can now put virtual fish into the world, which is fun. But all this persistent object stuff seems like it will eventually make for really fun multiplayer games.

Blades
Blades game Apple

App demos

The first demo is a new game from Bethesda shows off the power of the new iPhone. Blades is a large-world role-playing game based in the Elder Scrolls universe. The presenter is careful to compare it to the performance of a high-end gaming console and not a PC so as not to upset the hardcore PC gamers.

Honestly, I’m really excited about this in the kind of nerdy way that got me made fun of in high school. Now it’s cool, though. Thanks, Apple.

Recycled materials

Apple says it’s now running on 100 percent renewable energy. Plus, parts of the new iPhone are made from renewable materials. The screen, for instance, is more than 30 percent bio-based plastic. The company is also using 100 percent recycled tin in the logic board. It’s a small change, but you have to consider the volume in which Apple deals.

The company also touted its iPhone recycling robot, Daisy. We got an exclusive first look at it earlier this year.

Basketball AR
Steve Nash is a basketball guy. Apple

The second app demo is an AR-based app that analyzes a basketball player’s performance in real-time. It ensures things like the timing of your shots and even your posture while you’re shooting. It’s endorsed and developed by NBA Hall of Fame member and famous Canadian, Steve Nash. It doesn’t use sensors on the court of the ball, just machine learning that watches and figures out why you keep putting up bricks and the other guys in your pickup game keep making fun of you.

iPhone Galaga
Galaga looks stressful. Apple

The last game demo is Galaga in which the app barfs spaceships into the real world and you run around shooting them. It looks stressful, to be honest. I’d rather have something table-top-based like Warhammer.

iPhone 10R

It’s an aluminum-shelled phone that looks like a hybrid between the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X. It has an edge-to-edge LCD screen, not a fancy OLED like the X models. Apple calls it the Liquid Retina display that’s 6.1-inches on the diagonal. It’s sized right between the 8 and the 8 Plus.

It no longer has a home button and you swipe up to go to the home screen. This is the bridge to the iPhone X series phones. It even has Face ID, so no more fingerprint sensor for logging into your phone. This is a much different experience than the 8 even if it’s aimed at a similar crowd.

The camera in the 10R is the wide-angle camera module from the 10Xs. It has Portrait Mode for blurry backgrounds, but doesn’t require the second camera for depth information. The Google Pixel 2 also does this with a single camera.

The battery life in the 10R is 90 minutes longer than it is in the iPhone 8 Plus, which was a champ.

This is the budget version in the iPhone lineup, but they all share a reasonably similar form-factor. Apple wasn’t kidding when it said the original X was the future for the iPhone.

Apple 4 Watch Face
The Apple Series 4 watch face is bigger, so you can put more junk allover it. Apple

Apple Watch Series 4

Cook starts the presentation talking about the company’s signature wearable device, which is still the most popular watch in the world. The new version of the device has a screen that’s 30-percent larger than the predecessor. The watch itself is thinner and has less total volume than Series 3.

All that screen size adds space for “complications” which allow you to add individual widgets around the actual clock display. First impressions: It looks stressful, but I also hate swiping through my current Apple Watch because it seems small. The less I have to touch the face with my finger, the better.

The speaker is now 50 percent louder, which means you won’t have to press it against your ear to hear Siri in a crowded environment.

The back is now black ceramic and sapphire crystal, which radio waves can penetrate so it has increased cellular connection reliability. It’s made of jewels.

Apple watch ECG
If you want to neurotically track your heartbeat, a built-in electrical sensor will do it for you now at all times. Apple

Upgraded graphics and traditional processing promise to make the Apple Watch Series 4 twice as fast as the previous version. If only it could make my running faster while I’m wearing it.

The upgraded gyroscopes can now detect a fall, so you won’t end up like that lady from the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” commercial sketch comedy troops referenced so much in the ’90s. The watch detects wrist movement and impacts and generates an alert. If you’re immobile for more than a minute after a fall, it will automatically call emergency providers.

In addition to the falling safety stuff, Apple has also doubled down on the heart rate monitoring. It can see atrial fibrillation with electrical sensors on the back of the watch that perform an actual ECG on you. I look forward to wearing this and constantly freaking out about it.

The device is FDA approved, which is a pretty big deal. The irregular heart rhythm alert is also FDA approved. Both are coming later this year.

Pricing: Series 4 GPS is $399. Series 4 with Cellular is $499. Series 3 is going down to $279. Series 4 goes on sale in late September.

Introductions

The event is officially underway! It started with a Mission: Impossible parody video in which a delivery person races to the Steve Jobs theater to deliver Tim Cook’s “clicker” to move between slides. It’s adorable, but not that adorable.

Cook starts with stats to show off how successful Apple has been to this point. He touts 500 million Apple store visitors and 2 billion iOS devices.

iOS 12 will be available Sept 17 and macOS Mojave September 24.

If you want to brush up on last year’s event, you can go back and check out our live recap from the 2017 presentation.

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Pebble Is Releasing A Circular Smartwatch: ‘Time Round’ Arrives November https://www.popsci.com/pebble-is-releasing-circular-smartwatch-time-round-arrives-november/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:16:51 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/pebble-is-releasing-circular-smartwatch-time-round-arrives-november/
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Different shape, same Time

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Pebble was one of the first companies to bring smartwatches to the masses back in 2013 after its wildly successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Now it is changing shape, quite literally: the new Pebble Time Round, announced yesterday, is startup company’s first circular product in the smartwatch space.

Round smartwatch faces aren’t quite as novel as they used to be, with Samsung, Motorola, LG, and Huawei all offering circular devices. Though with Apple continuing to only offer its Watch with square faces (now in “rose gold“), Pebble’s device, which is compatible with iOS and Android, is an important product. It starts at $249 and begins shipping in November.

The most striking aspect of the Time Round is its design. The circular face is immediately distinctive from previous Pebble watches, the Time and the Time Steel. Like those, however, the device’s “E-paper” LCD screen and prominent bezel have made their way to the Round. Pebble’s new OS, which supports a color display, is coming to the Time Round as well. One of the areas where this smartwatch differentiates itself most is in its thinness: it’s 7.5mm-thick, compared to the 9.5-mm Time Steel and 10.5-mm Time.

Some smartwatch reviewers and users have complained about the Moto 360 and Huawei Watch’s large bodies when seen from the side, and at 11.4-mm and 11.3-mm respectively, the Time Round is obviously significantly thinner. At the same time, the new device still offers the three buttons on the side allowing users to traverse the Pebble’s UI without looking down at the screen. Unfortunately for fans of touchscreens, the device is still without one.

At the moment, the round smartwatches to beat are Motorola’s new Moto 360, the Huawei Watch and the LG Urbane—all running Google’s Android Wear software. In the past Pebble was one of the few smartwatches to play nicely with both the iPhone and Android devices, a major potential selling point. But as of just a few weeks ago, Android Wear devices can now also pair with Apple’s iOS. That’s another good reason why it makes sense for Pebble, which is still revered as one of the most successful little crowdfunding “engines that could,” is thinking outside the box—and going circular this time around.

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Basis Band Review: The Only Fitness Tracker Worth Buying https://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2013-02/basis-band-review-only-fitness-tracker-worth-buying/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 19:54:27 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/gadgets-article-2013-02-basis-band-review-only-fitness-tracker-worth-buying/
Smartwatches photo
Dan Bracaglia

The first fitness tracker that could actually help you get in shape, thanks to a goals system that works with your life and sensors that actually track your fitness.

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Dan Bracaglia

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The Basis Band is the best fitness tracker on the market. It’s the best because it works with your life rather than requiring that a whole bunch of extra new steps be added to your life. It encourages you to get in shape, get a better night’s sleep, and live more healthfully. Previous fitness trackers were content to merely measure and present you with raw data of your current state of fitness, like a cat dropping a dead vole at the foot of your bed. The Basis Band is like a cat that digs up voles that were eating your plants and deposits said voles in the garbage can. It’s the first truly next-generation fitness tracker.

What Is It?

It’s a watch with fitness superpowers. It’s available in black or white–my test unit is black–with a square face containing a small black-and-white display. Surrounding the display are four small silver touch-buttons that look kind of like the heads of tiny screws. The band is wide, sturdy rubber. It’s waterproof, to a point; I wouldn’t go deep-sea diving with it, but I showered with it every day and had no problems. To sync or charge it, you snap a square frame on the Basis and connect it via USB.

Smartwatches photo

Basis Band On Chair

Stop Describing It. What Does It Do?

So, the Basis Band has a whole bunch of sensors in it. It has an accelerometer and pedometer (very accurate, by my testing–was never off by more than a few steps), just like all those other fitness trackers, but it has a few more unusual sensors that put it solidly above the crowd in terms of utility. Chiefly: it has a heart rate sensor and a perspiration sensor. The heart rate sensor is really an optical blood flow sensor; it works kind of like those finger clips you wear at the hospital, bouncing light off your capillaries and measuring the reflective rate. (There’s a cool little green light on the underside of the watch face, pressing against your wrist.) It’s not perfect–its position on your wrist, movement, and ambient light can all impede its abilities, and I did find a few times that it was unable to figure out my heart rate–but it worked very well most of the time, getting within just a few beats per minute of any other heart rate monitor I tested it against.

Having the heart rate monitor is a huge advantage over other fitness trackers, and actually makes you wonder why anyone bothers with the other ones–what could be more important to tracking your fitness than measuring your heart rate?

The way the Basis Band thinks about fitness is also different from its peers. Fitbit, for example, is a pure “tracker,” in that it collects data and then presents it to you. I’d say this is at the lowest level of utility for a normal person who doesn’t want to spend hours looking at line graphs of steps taken over time. The Jawbone Up is slightly better, in that it’s strapped to your wrist at all times, but it thinks at the same low level: it tracks your stats and shows them to you. The Nike Fuelband has a points system, but that’s a very opaque way to track fitness. So you’ve gotten a thousand Fuel points. Uh, okay? And the Fuelband is very limited in its featureset, with only a pedometer.

Smartwatches photo

Basis Band Web App

The Basis Band instead tracks “habits,” which are individual goals. Those are wide-ranging but simple, including wearing the band for at least 12 hours a day; having a consistent sleep schedule and wake time; taking a short “trek” in the morning, afternoon, and/or evening; burning a certain number of calories; and my favorite as an office-dweller, “Don’t Be A Sitter,” which commands you to get up and walk around during the day. You start out with access to only a few of these habits, but unlock more as you use the Band. It’s easy to unlock them, though I wish there was an option to forgo the gamification aspect if you don’t want to bother ramping up slowly.

How’s It Work?

At the moment, since the mobile apps haven’t been released yet, you sync your Basis Band with your computer. Basis recommends you do this once a day, for about 15 minutes–that much charging should get you through without worrying about the Band’s battery life. And you can comfortably wear the Basis Band while it’s charging, as long as you’re stationary (which I am, because I am a professional typist). The web app is excellent; it’s super clear, very modern and attractive, easy to use and never overwhelming. Basis told me that their whole idea is to be “passive and automatic,” and the web app is a perfect example. I love that the habits are front and center, with the stats on a second tab–the habits are what you care about. They’re the next step up from the pure stats, a step none of the other fitness trackers can take. The raw data is cool, but looking at raw data is the kind of thing that quickly gets tiresome. The analysis is what keeps you going.

Smartwatches photo

Basis Band In USB Dock

The web app also shows “insights,” which is another way to see your progress. It’s nicely encouraging; here’s what it says about my amazing ability to wear the Basis Band on the regular: “Way to work your Wear It habit! You made your daily target 4 days so far. Keep on keepin’ on; clearly it’s paying off.” Aw, thanks, Basis. But the “insights” aren’t all that insightful; they’re more like a text and chart presentation of my habits and stats. How does it come up with my sleep quality rating? What does it mean if my sleep is interrupted five times during the night? What habit should I add next? Why? But Basis views this product as more a software platform than a mere hardware fitness tracker, and says they’ll update the app often.

The Basis Band is by far the best sleep monitor I’ve ever seen on a fitness tracker. (That’s excepting gadgets like the Zeo, a brainwave scanner which can detect phases of sleep. But it requires strapping a headband to your skull, which is just the kind of “new unnatural life-habit” Basis is trying to avoid.) The Fitbit One has a “sleep tracker,” but lord, is it awful. The Fitbit requires you to take the gadget out of your pants, put it in a wristband, press and hold a button right before you fall asleep (how is this even possible?), and then press it again as soon as you wake up. I managed this pain-in-the-ass exercise maybe twice in two weeks. But the Basis Band requires no extra work. It uses its optical blood flow sensor in concert with its accelerometer to measure your sleep–if you’re stationary and your resting heart rate dips, you’re asleep. The use of both those sensors allows it to figure out if your sleep was interrupted, even if you didn’t get up from bed. And the web app gives your sleep a very simple rating, showing how long, how many times it was interrupted, your resting heart rate, and then your “quality” of sleep. Last night I scored a 94. Not sure if that was out of 100 or 1,000, but it was a good night’s sleep.

Smartwatches photo

Basis Band Pedometer Function

The Upcoming Evolution of Basis

The Basis Band is only sort of available. The company is small, and the Band is backordered, but they’re definitely shipping out units, though you can’t just go to the website and buy one right now. It’s not totally ready; a very key element of the Basis Band will be the notification aspect, which I called for in this article. I think fitness trackers will only truly be useful when they can give real-time notifications and, well, think for themselves. The Basis Band will be able to, though I wasn’t able to test that.

Soon, you’ll wear your Basis Band all the time. It’ll sync with your smartphone (Android first: Basis says that app will come by the end of March. I saw a demo of it at CES so I can confirm it’s on its way. iOS is coming soon after that). If you have “take an afternoon trek” as one of your habits, and by 4PM you haven’t done that, your Basis Band will communicate this laziness to your phone, which will give you an alert. “Hey, idiot, get up and walk around if you want to hit this goal.” That is awesome.

The Basis Band does not track your eating habits. Fitbit and Jawbone do–very poorly. Damon Miller, Basis’s director of marketing, told me that food tracking has a “high initial engagement but a quick drop-off,” meaning people are excited to manually enter their food items and estimate calorie counts, but only at first. Then they stop, because it is a huge pain. I love that Basis doesn’t even bother–it only does what it’s good at, and doesn’t add useless clutter. For a gadget that does an awful lot, it is nicely minimalist.

Smartwatches photo

Basis Band From Side

I am very particular about watches. I have small wrists, because I am a frail New York blogger-type, and so I cannot wear most watches, because the watch trend is for oversized showy watches and those make my wrists and hands look even smaller, which is embarrassing. I will not wear a Fitbit Flex or a Jawbone Up or a Nike Fuelband because I like my watches to look like watches, not moon-bracelet props from an aborted Lost in Space reboot. The Basis Band looks okay! It’s not a small watch–the face is about a centimeter thick–but it’s minimal and sleek, and to my relief, it is non-garish. That is a big compliment in the wearable-tech world!

And using the Basis was surprisingly seamless. It never locked up on me or did anything I didn’t understand, it was immediately intuitive and easy to use, it’s comfortable, it only needs charging every four days or so (and if you sync every day, it shouldn’t even need that), the web app was totally clear and useful and I actually found myself looking forward to using it. It’s a fitness band for the people; it’s not a cheapie like the Fitbit or an in-your-face Xtreme gadget like the Fuelband. It’s quiet and helpful and talks to me like I’m an adult, it looks nice and feels nice and doesn’t demand more of me than I want to give it.

The flaws are minimal. The screen isn’t great, being monotone and kind of dim and reflective. It is not a small watch; I think it would probably look silly on a small woman, for example. As the mobile app is not yet available, I can’t test it, but at launch it won’t perform any smartwatch-type functions, like the Pebble (displaying text messages and emails, that kind of thing). The watchband is not replaceable, so I hope it doesn’t wear out as quickly as my watchbands usually do. (Correction: The watchband is replaceable, but is not a standard band.) But those are minor complaints.

The only other issue I found was that the habits, which are the bread and butter of the Basis Band, are a little limited, and you can’t add your own. What if I wanted to add “go to the gym three times a week,” or “bike to work twice a week,” to the list? Surely that’s possible with a smartphone app. It could also do a little more explaining; I appreciate the desire to keep all the data in the web app as approachable and simple as possible, but sometimes it can be a little mysterious.

The Basis is the most expensive fitness tracker I’ve tried, at $200, but I certainly would not recommend any of its competitors, which are often only slightly cheaper and are far, far less capable. It’s a damned awesome product, and I’m going to keep wearing mine.

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Apple Positions Watch As Health Platform, And Adds New Bands https://www.popsci.com/apple-announces-new-watch-bands-for-apple-watch/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:01:05 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-announces-new-watch-bands-for-apple-watch/
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A new woven band

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At its event today in Cupertino, Apple announced a new line of bands for the Apple Watch. These include different colors of band the standard bands (including a black Milanese loop), and a new woven nylon band. Previously, Apple has worked with Hermes to make bands that appeal to a more haute crowd. The company also announced a price drop for the Apple Watch, which will now start at $299, instead of $349.

Tim Cook said that the Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch worldwide, and about a third of Apple Watch users regularly switch their bands.

Last week, however, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said in a Reddit AMA that he was skeptical of Apple moving into the fashion space, where style is the price differentiator instead of technological capability.

The Watch band expansion comes in the wake of another Watch band-related announcement this week. AliveCor, a company specializing in mobile medical devices, announced their medical-grade Apple Watch band, called the Kardia Band. This allows patients with heart conditions to get medical-grade electrocardiograms (EKGs) from their wrist, and even record audio for when their doctors review the data.

Apple also lauded John Hopkins University’s EpiWatch app, which uses Apple’s medical research to conduct medical studies. Apple also launched CareKit, a new platform for developing personal care apps, which can gather data from the Watch and the iPhone.

This kind of expansion could mean a serious start of the Apple Watch as a platform for hardware, instead of a closed system like earlier iPhone models.

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Huawei Watch Pre-Order Suggests Android Wear Coming To iOS https://www.popsci.com/huawei-watch-adds-fuel-android-wear-ios-fire/ Fri, 28 Aug 2015 20:25:17 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/huawei-watch-adds-fuel-android-wear-ios-fire/
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iPhone users, rejoice!

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IPhone owners who want to use Android Wear may soon breath easy. After months of speculation from the technology press, it appears that Huawei may have revealed Android Wear will be released on iOS in the near future.

On the Huawei Watch pre-order page on Amazon, the product details listed something unexpected. The product features says that the watch will be “compatible with most devices with an iOS 8.2 or Android 4.3 or later operating system.” Right now, Android Wear devices are not supported by the iPhone or any iOS devices.

Huawei hints at Android Wear on iOS

Android Wear coming to iOS?

iOS 8 compatibility out of the box would be a first for an Android Wear device

Rumor blogs have indicated that Android Wear would be released for iOS in the near future. In April the Verge reported that Google was interested in bringing cross-compatibility to their wearables operating system. Tethering an Android Wear product to an iPhone would require an iOS companion app. Simple functions like notification alerts are pushed over to the wrist, similar to other third-party iOS wearables like Pebble’s devices.

There are currently hacks that allow users to connect the iPhone to Android Wear products. Tools like Aerlink and the BLE Utility app can be used to successfully link Android Wear and iOS. For now, though, functionality is bare-bones and users lose connectivity on a regular basis. Some key Android Wear features like Google Now are even lost in the process. But the official solution, however, is rumored to bring Now cards and voice capabilities to the iPhone when released.

An official solution from Google would presumably make the user experience better. The search company has yet to announce any news regarding support for Apple devices. Though with new developments coming from both IFA 2015 and Apple’s Sept. 3 event, people may not have to wait long.

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These solar-powered smartwatches have seriously long battery lives https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/garmin-solar-instinct-gshock-move-review/ Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:54:12 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/garmin-solar-instinct-gshock-move-review/
Garmin G-Shock watches
These Garmin and G-Shock timepieces will track your workouts and get a boost from the sun, too. Garmin / G-Shock / Stan Horaczek

One of them promises “unlimited” time between charges—if you manage it the right way.

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Garmin G-Shock watches
These Garmin and G-Shock timepieces will track your workouts and get a boost from the sun, too. Garmin / G-Shock / Stan Horaczek

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Battery life is a crucial metric for smartwatches. The ubiquitous Apple Watch boasts about 18 hours of energy between charges, although the company is likely announcing new models tomorrow. But, it’s not just the size of the battery that determines its life—power from the sun can help extend it, too.

There are plenty of options out there for those who want a watch with fitness features such as step and workout monitoring, but don’t necessarily need a touchscreen device that can pull off tricks like making a phone call.

I’ve been testing out a pair of $399 solar-boosted smartwatches for some of the summer, and each of them have batteries that last weeks, not hours. Here’s how they stack up.

Garmin Solar Instinct

The Kansas-based company debuted new solar-powered watches this summer, and one of them, the Solar Instinct, can actually run for an “unlimited” amount of time if it gets enough sunlight. It harvests solar energy through both its display and a photovoltaic ring around it, but to take advantage of that allegedly perpetual power, you need to put the watch into “battery saver” mode, in which it shows just the time, date, and number of days of battery life remaining. So, if you’re stranded on a desert island, it will tick away the days, but don’t expect it to track your workouts. Sorry, Wilson, the volleyball game will need to wait.

When I switch it into that battery saver mode after a full charge, it shows that it can go for 56 days—it would need more solar exposure to persist longer. I’ve typically left mine in the main “smartwatch mode,” in which it says it can last some 24 days.

This isn’t Garmin’s first solar-powered timepiece. That was the 2019 Fenix 6x Pro Solar Edition, a huge multi-sport watch that starts at more than $1,100 and would probably fit nicely on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wrist. Other watches in their Fenix 6 line also now incorporate solar charging, but those are north of $800. The Solar Instinct clocks in at a much more reasonable price—$400—and is lighter than those Fenix 6 watches, and smaller than most of them, too. It feels much more appropriate on my wrist than the enormous 6x.

Garmin Solar Instinct
Part of the Solar Instinct’s face includes a cutout circular portion in the upper right. Garmin

The Solar Instinct’s display is a strange shape: It’s roughly an inch-by-inch square with three chopped-off corners and a separate round cutout in the upper right. That circular complication can display different information, such as the number of steps you’ve taken, the date, or your heart rate. One of the aspects that makes this watch “smart” is that it can display notification from your smartphone on its non-touchscreen display, but with watches like these I prefer to turn that function off (although that’s a matter of personal taste).

Ultimately, the watch feels tidy, efficient, and practical. I’ve enjoyed using it to monitor walks and track two hikes in New England. One of its best features is a graph that shows how much solar energy it has soaked up recently.

G-Shock Move GBDH1000

The G-Shock line of watches is known for its military-esque vibe and thick, beefy build. (Although they can be playfully retro and colorful, too.) A new timepiece—called the GBDH1000, it launched this spring—is the first in the G-Shock line to sport a heart rate monitor and GPS tracking, and it communicates with a new app, called G-Shock Move. Like the Instinct, it costs $399. It’s one of two models in the brand’s Move category.

Also like the Solar Instinct, the GBDH1000 can get an energy boost from the sun, and the company says that the watch’s power can last an entire year if it’s used just as a timekeeper. (You’ll need to plug each timepiece in with its USB cord to give it a full charge, though. And with both of these watches, the more you use them to track workouts using GPS, the less time you’ll get from the battery.)

Both the Garmin and the G-Shock feature a colorless display, and this Move model’s is a small circle about an inch across. Its case, though, is huge—about 2 inches across horizontally and vertically, making it another good watch for Arnold.

G-Shock Move
The G-Shock model is about .8 inches thick. G-Shock

If you grew up wearing simple Casio digital watches, this timepiece will be a nostalgic reminder, since Casio makes the G-Shock line; hit the Mode button on the lower left side of the Move to cycle through screens that show your heart rate, a stopwatch, a digital compass, and more. Tapping the display button on the top left cycles through different home screens, including one that shows a graph of how many steps you’ve taken each day that week.

While the Instinct is a multi-sport watch—you can select activities like walking, running, swimming, or kayaking—the Move is simpler and more geared towards runners. Just push the big button on the left that says RUN to start tracking a workout. I’m no runner, so I used both the Move and the Instinct to track walks.

During a workout, the Move’s screen displays metrics like the distance you’ve traveled and your heart rate. With the Move app, you can customize what bits of data appear where; it’ll also tell you more information, such as your average heart rate or your pace.

The big appeal of a watch like the GBDH1000 is its simplicity and toughness, and athletes and others who like the vibe of the G-Shock line may enjoy it. But both the watch and the app feel less mature and less refined than the Garmin and its corresponding app, and I have concerns about its heart-rate accuracy following my anecdotal testing. On several walks, I wore the Move on one wrist and an Apple Watch on the other, and for most of those recent tests, the Move model suggested my heart rate—both the average and the max—was noticeably higher than the Apple device did. (Another reviewer has noticed something similar.) It can also feel sluggish when trying to grab a GPS signal at the beginning of a workout and then saving or deleting the workout at the end: You’ll see a big “PLEASE WAIT” notice at that point.

I did the same testing with the Garmin and the Apple Watch, and in four recent walks, the two devices’ estimates for both average and max heart rate matched up well.

If you’re trying to decide between the two timepieces—you want to spend around $400 on a non-Apple Watch that will track fitness and receive smartphone notifications—my recommendation is the Garmin, although there are certainly more options out there than just these two companies.

G-Shock does make another Move option, though, and it’s just $150. Its coin-style battery should last some two years, and it can track steps, but lacks a heart rate monitor, among other features.

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Now The Blind Can Read Texts On This New Braille Smartwatch https://www.popsci.com/now-blind-can-read-texts-shifting-braille-smartwatch/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 20:57:12 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/now-blind-can-read-texts-shifting-braille-smartwatch/
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Dot

Giving the blind one more technological tool to make life easier

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Dot

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Dot wearable

Touchscreens are not conducive to the blind as they cannot see the shifting pixels on the smooth device. That has not only slowed down the technological literacy for the blind, but has also impaired their reading literacy, cutting them off from most information that isn’t published in print. Some tech companies have found workarounds, like having Siri read texts or creating braille e-readers, but they are often clunky and expensive.

A South Korean startup company may have finally found a solution. They created Dot, the first braille smartwatch, complete with shifting cells of dots. This inexpensive gadget could help the blind catch up to the age of smartwatches, the sales of which have increased 475 percent in the last year thanks to the Apple Watch. But it could also be used as an educational tool.

“Until now, if you got a message on iOS from your girlfriend, for example, you had to listen to Siri read it to you in that voice, which is impersonal,” Dot CEO Eric Ju Yoon Kim told Tech in Asia. “Wouldn’t you rather read it yourself and hear your girlfriend’s voice saying it in your head?”

The Dot wearable looks like a cross between a Fitbit and a Pebble Time, Alphr notes. On its face, it has four cells each with six active dots, which can raise or lower to make four braille letters at a time. It links up with Bluetooth to convert text from apps like iMessage into their braille letter equivalents with the user’s voice commands. The device can last for five days without stopping to charge.

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Dot wearable

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Dot wearable

One key feature of the Dot wearable is its cost. Unlike braille e-readers, which can cost thousands of dollars, the device is slated to cost less than $300 when it hits the U.S. market in December.

But Dot envisions bringing braille beyond the wrist. The inventors have tested braille screen modules at ATMs and train stations, programming them to display information that regularly changes, such as account balances or train schedules. After the wearable’s launch in December, the startup will shift towards the public sector, which it anticipates could be its largest market.

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Apple Watch accessories that are worth your time https://www.popsci.com/apple-watch-accessories/ Fri, 23 Nov 2018 16:46:41 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-watch-accessories/
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For power, customization, and protection.

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Since buying an Apple Watch last year, I have tried dozens of accessories to protect, charge, and show off my watch. Last month, Apple announced the Series 4, a smartwatch model with a larger screen and some sweet health features and upgrades. I’m upgrading, so I decided to update my recommended accessories list, too. Below, the Apple Watch add-ons that were worthwhile.

Amazon

SEE IT

Add some style to your Apple Watch. These Belkin classic Italian leather wristbands are 3 mm thick and come in sizes for both 38-40mm and 42-44mm watches.

Amazon

SEE IT

If you have a favorite watch band that doesn’t make a model for the Apple Watch, don’t worry. These stainless steel band adapters are available in three colors—grey, pink gold, and silver—and come in sizes for both the 38mm and 42mm models.

Amazon

SEE IT

Belkin products come with built-in magnetic Apple Watch chargers. The Belkin Valet charging dock lets you charge your Apple Watch and iPhone at the same time. It comes with a lightning cable for your iPhone and plugs into a standard wall outlet.

Amazon

SEE IT

If you’re looking for a portable charger, Belkin makes a 2,000-mAh powerbank that comes with micro-USB cable.

Amazon

SEE IT

Spigen’s Apple Watch stand features a non-slip bottom so your watch won’t fall while it’s charging and positions your watch upwards and sideways so you can use it in Nightstand Mode as a digital clock. The dock—which doesn’t come with a magnetic charging cable—is compatible with all Apple Watch models and is available in five color options.

Amazon

SEE IT

Sometimes the Apple Watch feels more fragile than it really is. If you’re overly cautious about dinging your watch’s screen, this 44mm model protective casing and watch band can ease your concerns. It’s got shock absorbing bumpers that still allow access to all the buttons and features.

Amazon

SEE IT

These flexible Apple Watch screen protectors are available for both 44mm and 40mm watches. The TechSkin protects against scratches, punctures, and UV light.

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LG Booth Highlights: A Cellphone Watch to Make James Bond Proud https://www.popsci.com/article/2008-01/lg-booth-highlights-cellphone-watch-make-james-bond-proud/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:14:40 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/article-2008-01-lg-booth-highlights-cellphone-watch-make-james-bond-proud/ We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more › Although...

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Although still in the prototype stage, this mobile phone watch mockup from LG is still pretty impressive. Three tiny buttons scroll through a vertical menu interface, and calls I presume are router to a headset via Bluetooth (just guessing here, but holding your wrist to your ear doesn’t seem too feasible). No more details now, but we’ll be waiting for this one like James Bond in Q’s candy store. —John Mahoney

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Android Wear 2.0 Will Free Your Watch From Your Phone https://www.popsci.com/android-wear-20-will-free-your-watch-from-your-phone/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 20:59:26 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/android-wear-20-will-free-your-watch-from-your-phone/
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The next generation of Google's wearables has arrived, and it didn't bring a plus one.

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Google had several developments to announce, including customizable watch faces that put things like step trackers and your tasks up where you need them.

Apparently the folks at Google think users want the watch to be like a body coach: tracking and encouraging and updating constantly. So they’ve begun integrating everything about your health app needs, from calorie counting to Spotify use for your run.

Better recognition of your own fingertip writing means it’s much easier to draft replies to messages too:

But here’s the big development: With Android Wear 2.0, everything can happen without your phone. In fact, your phone can be turned off while you’re off running and listening to music, since your watch will have the capability of direct network connections to wifi, cellular, and bluetooth.

Developers are getting their hands on these features now, but you’ll have to wait a bit. Expect these new developments on the market Fall 2016.

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Apple Watch Is Becoming More Like the Wrist Computer You Wanted https://www.popsci.com/apple-announces-faster-watch-apps-new-features-wwdc/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:21:55 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-announces-faster-watch-apps-new-features-wwdc/
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Update allows for native apps, new watch faces

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Apple Watch apps will become much quicker in coming months, thanks to developer tools that allow native apps to run on the Watch itself, Apple announced today at its WWDC conference in San Francisco, California. The company also announced new Watch faces, direct Wi-Fi connection to trusted networks, and a new Nightstand mode.

“This is how we felt when we launched the app store,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said, referring to the updates for WatchOS.

The new WatchOS will most notably provide an overhaul of the SDK (software development kit), letting developers take far more control of Watch features, like its microphone and Activity app. Developers will also be able to create apps that run natively on the Watch, speeding up load times for local information like pictures and calendar information. Tech chatter has noted that there hasn’t really been a killer app for the Watch yet, although that might change now that developers have far greater control over their software.

A mainstay of the Watch, fitness apps, will now be able to run natively instead of relying on the iPhone, and third-party fitness apps can count for Watch users’ (addictive) daily activity rings.

Watch users will appreciate new Watch faces joining the current lineup: a photo watch face, a photo album watch face, and a set of time lapse photos taken by Apple in major cities around the world. The photo watch face will let users display a single photo, while the album face will cycle through a selected album of photos each time the watch screen is activated. The new time lapse watch face will show a short, pre-photographed loop from a time lapse of a major city of your choosing, loosely based on the current time. Developers will also now be allowed to create their own complications for their apps, the small widgets displayed on watch faces.

Apple minimized one of the device’s weaknesses, needing to charge every night, by adding a Nightstand feature that displays the time and utilizes the Watch’s physical buttons to stop alarms and act as a snooze button.

And in tandem with improving Apple Maps, the Maps Watch app will have upgraded turn-by-turn directions and public transportation information. Users will also be able to add different set of Friends wheels, the Watch shortcut for selecting contacts.

There was also a brief mention during the WWDC keynote of the Watch using trusted Wi-Fi networks to directly transfer data on native apps.

Before now, a majority of Watch apps processed data on the user’s iPhone, which was then sent over Bluetooth to display on the Watch.

Initial reviews of the Watch found that third-party apps were slow to load, but Apple hopes to rectify that criticism with this native SDK.

The Apple Watch, released to the public April 24, sold an estimated 957,000 units in preorder, according to Slice Intelligence, an e-retail analysis firm.

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The Apple Watch Just Made Calling For Emergency Help Much Easier https://www.popsci.com/apple-watch-just-made-calling-for-emergency-help-much-easier/ Mon, 13 Jun 2016 23:27:00 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/apple-watch-just-made-calling-for-emergency-help-much-easier/
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You can call 911 on your Watch, from any country with international emergency numbers built in

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You can’t predict when you are going to be in an emergency, but you can predict, to some extent, how you will respond when you are in one. Apple wants to help you out with the latter. Today, at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2016) in San Francisco, Apple announced its new SOS button for its Watch OS3.

The feature enables users to call emergency services by pressing the sidebar and holding it down for several seconds. Depending on what country you are in, the Watch calls the emergency services number specific to that country. Once help is on the way, the Watch will also be able to send a message with your location to some or all of your emergency contacts.

On top of this, the Watch can also now display needed medical information, acting like a medical alert bracelet. If you use the emergency services feature, the Watch will then display the emergency medical information that you had previously entered into the Health app on your iPhone.

Already, Apple’s voice activation service, Siri, can help you call for help with just your voice, as one woman, Stacey Gleeson, recently found crucial when her baby needed medical attention and she had dropped her phone, reported Fortune.

So if you are stuck in an emergency, having an Apple watch on your wrist or phone near you might make getting help that much easier.

Follow all of our WWDC 2016 coverage here.

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The Fitbit Versa is a $200 smart watch that does more than count steps https://www.popsci.com/fitbit-versa-tracker-smart-watch/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:29:05 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/fitbit-versa-tracker-smart-watch/
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Its 4 plus-day battery life and lightweight design makes it easy to see as an everyday life tracker.

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Fitbit built its fitness tracking business on the concept of counting steps. But here’s the thing: Knowing how far you’ve walked in a day is great, but it’s far from a complete picture of your overall health. Fancy smartwatches that “do it all” like its premier smartwatch, the Fitbit Ionic for $300 are often expensive and can be excessive in the number of applications they offer, and bothersome in the time needed to constantly change the watch.

This description also fits the Apple Watch and other GPS-enabled fitness bands. But today, Fitbit released a new product that might finally get at what people really need: A (relatively) low-cost, wear-it-forever smartwatch that does more than count steps. It logs your workouts, your sleep, and your heart rate. It’s 39 mm in width (the Apple Watch comes in two sizes 38 and 42 mm) and is, according to the company, the lightest metal smartwatch on the market today. And it’s just $200.

The company’s goal in creating the new smartwatch was to appeal to the masses: Those people who aren’t obsessive about counting their steps and could probably do without a life tracker attached to their wrist in the first place. In other words, the watch had to do more than just track your miles and tell you to get up, it needs to follow your lifestyle and promote good behavior.

The watch needs to make it so that you want to wear it. And while I have only worn it for the duration of one extended workout, the features make it seem promising. It averages five days of battery life and allows the user to track sleep patterns. It also records how often and what types of exercise you do (you can take it swimming to track your laps or out for a run on the treadmill or outside), and your other daily habits like when you are seated (it has a reminders to tell you to move) and at what times of the day you get up to take breaks. To get that long battery life in, the company left out GPS hardware (though it has connected GPS which works with your phone if you want to take that along), which could be a major disappointment for many runners who may have wanted to use this watch as an everyday and fitness watch. The watch also includes built-in music, as well, which more and more fitness watches are starting to include.

Fitbit versa watch

Versa_Front_Core_Grey_Almostthere_CMYK_300dpi_SH.tif

The Fitbit Versa

Once it gets to know you, the watch attempts to promote good daily behaviors. In some regards, it seems more apt for younger millennials than it does for older generations, though the company says its attempting to target a larger range of ages and generations. To promote better health habits, a game uses an onscreen Fitbit pet that is healthier when you do things like get enough sleep and exercise. Another brain training-like game compares how well you do on the game (which measures mental acuity) with how many hours of sleep you got. The company’s research (if you could have guessed) shows that people tend to do better with more hours of sleep.

The new Versa will also include for the first time for a Fitbit product, a menstrual period tracker, which women had been wanting for years. While apps like this already exist (you can also track your period on the Apple Watch), Fitbit wants you to compare your period tracker with other ones (like its sleep tracker) into the period tracker to give you an overall picture of your health.

The Fitbit Versa isn’t trying to be the Apple Watch, and for good reason: A fitness device shouldn’t need to directly compete with a smartwatch because it serves a completely different purpose. And it seems as far as fitness and lifestyle are concerned, the Fitbit Versa may have you covered.

This piece has been updated to reflect the fact that the new Fitbit Versa has a 4 plus-day battery life, not five.

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This new workout watch can tell when you switch activities https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/wahoo-elemnt-rival-triathlon-watch-review/ Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:07:58 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/wahoo-elemnt-rival-triathlon-watch-review/
Wahoo rival watch
The timepiece features "touchless transitions" when in triathlon mode. Wahoo

I did the world’s laziest triathlon to test out a hard-working wearable.

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Wahoo rival watch
The timepiece features "touchless transitions" when in triathlon mode. Wahoo

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As the name implies, a triathlon is made up of three activities: swimming, biking, and running. But to test out a slick new sports watch from Wahoo that focuses on triathlon tracking, I faced a few key challenges.

The first is that I live in Manhattan, where there’s no open water available for swimming unless you want to don a wetsuit, hold your breath, and jump in the not-so-clean Hudson. The next is that I’m definitely not a runner. Another more general issue is that I’m certainly no athlete. But I didn’t let those limitations stop me.

All of that is why, on a recent Saturday, I started dipping my hand in and out of a small trash can that I’d filled up with water and positioned by a window in my fifth-floor apartment. That was meant to be the world’s weirdest, laziest simulation of an open water swim ever, just the first leg of my fake triathlon.

After dunking my hand in and out of that water for five minutes, I grabbed my bike helmet, left my apartment, and walked to a nearby Citi Bike docking station, where I rented a blue step-through cycle for $3.27 and started pedaling south. I covered less than one mile at an average speed of 4.9 miles per hour, and then returned the bike at a station on 110th street. From there, I started speed walking (my answer to running) back to my apartment, traveling a distance of .76 miles, according to the watch. It was a brisk, blue-sky day in Manhattan, and the mini-adventure left me invigorated.

All of this weirdness was in the spirit of checking out the wearable on my wrist. The Wahoo Elemnt Rival boasts a neat feature for tracking triathlons that it calls “touchless transitions”—after you put it in triathlon mode and hit start, it figures out what activity you’re doing without you needing to interact with the timepiece. This means one less thing to worry about in the heat of competition, so you can just focus on the athletics at hand. This is the company’s first sports watch; Wahoo is known for gear like its Kickr indoor training bike and its Elemnt bicycle computers.

Wahoo Rival watch
Not the author. Wahoo

So how did it do? It performed as well as could be expected while tracking my strange triathlon, and as promised, I didn’t need to tell it what activity I was doing during the workout.

It measured my bucket-based “swimming” as lasting for 5 minutes and 5 seconds, and thought that I’d traveled 21 yards. I should note that the watch is designed to be used outdoors for an actual open water swim, and a bucket test is certainly not the official way that it’s intended to be employed. But, part of the way the watch knows you’re swimming is by using the onboard barometer to notice the pressure differences between being underwater and not, and that’s why my bucket experience partly simulated a swim. But for it to really work properly, you need to swim outdoors, where it can also grab a GPS signal. The watch also isn’t designed to work for an indoor pool swim in triathlon mode.

All together, the watch uses its sensors—the barometer, accelerometer, and GPS—to figure out what activity you’re doing. Your motion and speed while biking, for example, will be different from swimming or running, and the timepiece’s algorithm works in the background to figure out what you’re doing as well as notice the two transitions between the three activities. (This is a slightly different feature from what you might discover on an Apple Watch: it auto-detects a workout like a walk or swim if you’ve started already but haven’t officially launched a workout on the watch. It will ask you if you want to start tracking it.)

After I finished with the bucket, it then noticed a transition time (or T1) of 9 minutes and change, as I left my apartment to grab that Citi Bike, which it estimated I rode for .9 miles. It then detected a transition time (T2) of less than a minute as I got off the bike and started walking home, covering a distance of .76 miles. Through the whole workout, I didn’t need to tell the watch I was switching activities. It just figured that out on its own. That’s different from other timepieces like a Garmin, which require button presses to switch between activities.

The touchless triathlon tracking is the timepiece’s marquis feature, and it works well. But it’s also a nice wearable for general workout tracking. The watch, and the corresponding app, are easy to navigate and feel clean. Four simple watch faces clearly show information like the time and date, the battery percentage, your heart rate, and step count. Pushing the center button on the right side brings up a menu of different workout profiles—you can set it to track speed walking (my go-to) but also others, like open water swimming, lap swimming, or running. If you want it to, the watch can display your phone’s notifications to its screen, but it’s easy to mute that by pushing and holding the top right button.

The watch is geared for athletes—especially triathletes—and its simple user interface speaks to a device that aims to perform well in a specific niche. And it’s comfortable enough to wear all day, as a regular timepiece.

There’s plenty it can’t do: unlike some other more robust outdoor-type watches, like a Garmin Fenix, you can’t pull up a compass. It won’t tell you the weather. The charging system it comes with feels somewhat clunky. There’s no solar charging. The buttons on the watch’s exterior feel a little cheap, but the rest of the build quality is fine.

But at $379, it’s priced reasonably when you consider the competition. It’s more affordable than models like the Garmin Forerunner 745, which is about $500.

Athletes who want to monitor their workouts—especially triathlons, of course—should strongly consider this wearable. Others who are looking for a more general, do-it-all smartwatch and activity or workout tracker should perhaps weigh other options. But serious triathletes may love it, and the watch will likely shine when put through a real test—a contest that involves actual swimming and running, of course.

The post This new workout watch can tell when you switch activities appeared first on Popular Science.

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You Can Now Download Tamagotchi On Your Apple Watch https://www.popsci.com/you-can-now-download-tamagotchi-your-apple-watch/ Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:08:06 +0000 https://www.popsci.com/uncategorized/you-can-now-download-tamagotchi-your-apple-watch/
Smartwatches photo

Relive childhood memories with your favorite nagging blob

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Smartwatches photo

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The real reason to buy an Apple Watch has finally come along: You can now download the Tamagotchi app on your techy timepiece.

If you’ve never heard of Tamagotchi, first of all, I’m sorry. The digital pets were all the rage in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Owning one of these egg-shaped keychains, which featured a pixelated blob that demanded your constant care and love, were the ticket to popularity in elementary school (not really). To keep your pet alive, you needed to feed, play with, and clean up after it unless you wanted to return to find your Tamagotchi dead from neglect.

Now, the Japanese video game company Bandai Namco is back with their classic toy–and this time, you won’t have to miss a visit from the Matchmaker, since your beloved blob will be ever-present right there on your wrist.

The Apple Watch does pose some restrictions, since third-party apps are limited on the device. Because of animation restraints, this version of Tamagotchi is much more stoic, as he does not react to food or discipline. And if you want to play games with your pet, you’ll need to go on your phone to do that. But never fear, Tamgatochi devotees: You can still purchase the good old egg toy online, and you can even find the original 1996 version, which is now considered a collectible, for a mere $60 on Amazon.

The post You Can Now Download Tamagotchi On Your Apple Watch appeared first on Popular Science.

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