All articles tagged with #smartwatches
FCC documents show four Google devices cleared for sale in the US, likely four Pixel Watch 5 models (two sizes, LTE and non-LTE). Google filed for clearance in April, and with a Pixel Watch 5 launch expected in August, an official announcement should follow soon.
Amazon has kicked off early Prime Day Garmin deals with up to 50% off models like Venu 4, Forerunner 165, epix Pro Gen 2, Fenix 8, and Instinct 3 Solar ahead of Prime Day (June 23–26). Prime membership is largely required to access these discounts (30-day free trial available). The Venu 4 is highlighted as the best overall Garmin watch, with the Fenix 8 favored for serious athletes, and multiple other Garmin wearables receive price cuts that will be updated through the event.
The piece argues smartwatches offer quick access to notifications and health data, but screenless wearables (Whoop, Oura Ring, Fitbit trackers) and analog watches provide similar fitness metrics with fewer distractions and more style. While smartwatches remain useful for sleep, steps, and workouts and can replace a phone for calls or music in some cases, many users may prefer lighter, less obtrusive devices that track health without the constant connectivity.
A Conversation explainer says six common smartwatch health metrics—calories burned, steps, heart rate, sleep, recovery, and VO2max—are estimates, not direct measurements. Calorie estimates can be off by over 20%, steps undercount by about 10%, heart-rate accuracy decreases at higher intensities, sleep stages are unreliable, and recovery metrics (based on HRV and sleep) and VO2max readings are biased. Treat daily numbers as rough trends, and rely on how you feel, how you perform, and your actual recovery to guide training.
Augusta National bans most electronics at the Masters—phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras are prohibited on tournament days—leaving only smartwatches and fitness bands as permitted devices; courtesy phones are available and can be checked in, while cameras are allowed only for personal use during practice days.
The Amazon Spring Sale is slashing prices across the entire Apple Watch range by as much as 57%, with a standout lightning deal on the Series 9 (41mm GPS + Cellular) at $299 and discounts on Series 11 ($299), SE3 ($268) and Ultra 3 ($868), plus promos at UK retailers like Argos and EE. It’s a timed sale that brings near-record-low prices on Apple’s wearable lineup, though availability can change quickly.
Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Wear Elite at MWC 2026, a wearable-focused chip with a Hexagon NPU for on-device edge AI and ultra-low‑power Micro-Power Wi‑Fi, delivering ~5x CPU performance and ~7x faster app launches, plus about 30% longer daily battery life and 50% charge in 10 minutes; Qualcomm envisions wearables—smartwatches, glasses, rings, and AI pins—becoming independent AI hubs in a distributed ecosystem, extending computing beyond smartphones.
The article highlights Garmin shortcuts—formerly known as hot keys—as a hidden feature that lets you customize button presses to quickly access your most-used tools. By configuring shortcuts in the Settings (often under System), you can assign actions like launching the music player, starting timers, saving a location, or opening alarms. On five-button Garmins you can set up to seven shortcuts, enabling a clutter-free watch face while providing rapid access to frequent functions, a daily time-saver the author personally relies on.
The article explains how to effectively use smartwatches like Apple, Garmin, Oura, and Whoop to track and improve sleep quality by maintaining consistent habits, understanding sleep data, and making lifestyle adjustments, emphasizing the importance of trusting your body and focusing on sleep trends rather than just numbers.
Garmin has updated its Connect app to include a nutrition tracking feature that allows users to log food intake, monitor macros, and receive personalized insights, but it's only available for Garmin Connect+ subscribers, with compatibility across various Garmin smartwatches.
The US Google Store is offering discounts on Pixel Watch 4 models, with up to $50 off, and Amazon providing even deeper discounts on cellular versions. Other Google devices like Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds, and Google TV Streamer are also on sale, with deals ending by January 10, 2026. The article suggests potential future releases and emphasizes the importance of affordable trackers.
A comprehensive test of 10 popular fitness watches revealed that Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Forerunner are among the most accurate for step counting, with some brands like Suunto performing poorly. The study highlights the importance of accurate step tracking for health goals and suggests that placing watches in pockets can sometimes improve step count accuracy. Overall, most mainstream fitness watches provide reliable data, especially for running.
The article highlights the top tech products of 2025 across various categories, including smartwatches like Google Pixel Watch 4, fitness trackers such as Garmin Venu 4, camera phones like Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, foldable phones including Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and tablets like OnePlus Pad 3, showcasing innovative features, improved designs, and advanced capabilities that define the year's technological advancements.
Apple has updated its entire Apple Watch lineup with the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3, which now feature more similar features than ever before. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 are premium models with advanced durability, display, and health features, while the SE 3 offers a more affordable option with essential functionalities. The lineup varies in price, design, and capabilities, catering to different user needs and budgets.
The article highlights the best Cyber Monday tech deals on various gadgets including Apple iPads, Kindle e-readers, smartwatches, tablets, keyboards, and home theater equipment, offering significant discounts across popular brands and models.