Latest news with #AmazfitT-Rex3
Tom's Guide
24-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
The Pixel Watch 3's biggest safety feature sounds like a gimmick, but I just read the study and I think it might actually save lives
When Google announced the Pixel Watch 3 last summer, the company promised it would get a life-saving new feature — Loss of Pulse detection — at a later date. I was skeptical, and not just because you shouldn't buy devices on what they might do. Even though it's clearly one of the best smartwatches (how could it not be after Google decided to bury the best Fitbits and incorporate that brand's fitness tracking smarts into its own watch), a life saving software update sounded like vaporware to me. But then in February this year, six months after the Watch 3 launched, Google was granted FDA clearance for the feature, and, in March, it began rolling out to all Watch 3 owners in the U.S. That was one objection overcome — the company did release it — but I was cynical that a feature on the Pixel Watch 3 would be as revolutionary as Google claimed. But then I read the team's study in the journal Nature, and it changed my mind. To go alongside the launch of the feature, the research team at Google published a study in the scientific journal Nature detailing how they developed the Loss of Pulse detection feature and the algorithm that detects when your heart stops beating. There's a lot of detail in there, which surprised me as Big Tech companies are usually very reluctant to discuss how these critical health features actually work. I guess that's not shocking; they do have products to sell and need an edge over the competition. But if you spend your money on a new smartwatch because it could potentially save your life in a specific circumstance, you want to be sure it can actually do that effectively. A recent experience on vacation brought home to me just how critical that is. I was involved in a vehicle collision while traveling, and had been wearing the Amazfit T-Rex 3 for testing. Thankfully, everyone involved was okay, so when taking stock later on, I realized this would have been a rare test of some critical features. Unfortunately, the T-Rex 3 doesn't have collision detection like the Pixel Watch or Apple Watch Series 10, so all I could do was look nervously at how my heart rate rocketed at the moment the two vehicles smashed into each other. But this got me thinking; how would you know for sure that the collision detection feature worked, until it's too late? And similarly, how would you know if the Pixel Watch 3 Loss of Pulse detection can actually save your life? Of course, when you think about it, the tech companies have the same problem. You can't really test a feature like this in the real world; you'd need to wait until someone has a cardiac arrest and then delay care to see if the watch does it's job. So the team came up with a lab testing method instead. When my colleague Dan Bracaglia interviewed Edward Shi, the product manager on the Google Safety Team, Shi mentioned that they enlisted "stunt" participants. The team used "a pneumatic tourniquet to cut off blood flow in an arm, to simulate temporary pulselessness," and then would see if the watch picked up on these signals. This is similar to how Apple tests its collision feature with crash test dummies. It's not a real world test, but it's an approximation. Though this is a good reminder that these features aren't guaranteed to work, so if you have a watch with safety tools like this, it's a good idea not to be solely reliant on them. And while there's a good appeal to authority with the 'FDA cleared' label, this isn't quite as useful as it seems. There are two main FDA labels; cleared and approved. If a product or feature is "cleared" that doesn't mean that it's shown to be effective. What it really means is that the FDA is aware of the feature and believes it to be similar to something else already for sale or in use, so the applicant (ie, Google) can market it. But the FDA has not actually verified anything at this stage. To see whether it works as intended, it'd need to be FDA approved. But just because Google didn't aim for approval, that doesn't mean they don't have confidence in it. In a past life, I worked in regulatory affairs for a medical device company. To gain FDA clearance, it's (almost) as simple as filing some forms. But FDA approval is the standard medicines are held to, so you need a lot of evidence and testing to even begin the very lengthy approval process, so many companies don't bother with this. Okay, so Google has been a bit more open about the Loss of Pulse detection feature than it's peers, but that doesn't quite explain why I changed my mind and stopped seeing the LoP feature as a gimmick. According to Shi, one of the main motivations to develop LoP was that "many of these [cardiac arrests] are unwitnessed," so someone's heart could stop when they're alone and no one would know, so no one calls for help. And the way I see it, even if the Loss of Pulse feature can't detect all events with absolute certainty, there'll be enough people who suffer some form of heart-stopping emergency who will get life-saving treatment because the watch called for help. Plus, the Nature study notes that the algorithm "was trained on smartwatch sensor data collected from diverse participants (age, sex and skin tone)." This is super important because different skin tones absorb light at different rates, effecting optical heart rate measurements the system is based on. Historically, tech companies have thought very little about training their systems on diverse, less homogenous sources, so I was relieved to see Google had at least thought about it (even if you couldn't verify this as participants' data is hidden due to protect their privacy). Do I now believe that it'll work perfectly every time? No. But even if it only works half the time, that'll still save lives, as without it, no one would come to the aid of people who have suffered a potentially fatal health emergency.
Business Upturn
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Amazfit Expands Active 2 Lineup with the New Active 2 Square — All the Same Features, Now in a Sleek Square Design
Milpitas, Calif., United States: Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand owned by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company, today announced the launch of the square version of the Amazfit Active 2, a new addition to its fitness smartwatch line that offers the same powerful features and premium experience as the recently launched round Active 2 — now in a modern, square form factor. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Amazfit Active 2 Square Same Features. New Shape. Debuting at CES 2025 and featured at Pepcom and ShowStoppers, the Active 2 Square is designed for consumers who prefer a bold, geometric aesthetic without compromising performance, durability, or advanced health and fitness tracking. Featuring a square, 1.75 inch sapphire glass high-definition AMOLED display elegantly encased in a polished stainless-steel frame, the Amazfit Active 2 delivers an optimal visual experience with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, ensuring clarity even in bright light. The graceful metal finish adds a sophisticated touch, perfectly complementing modern, style-conscious lifestyles. Its distinctive geometric form reflects a unique design identity and its intuitive interface and expansive viewing surface provide seamless access to health metrics, messages, and workouts. The device retains the full suite of features that made the round Active 2 a standout. Product Specs Latest Generation Biosensor: The BioTracker™ 6.0 PPG biosensor features a dual-LED and 5PD build, which picks up more biometric signals for enhanced precision in health monitoring and measurement. The BioTracker™ 6.0 PPG biosensor features a dual-LED and 5PD build, which picks up more biometric signals for enhanced precision in health monitoring and measurement. Upgraded Heart Rate and Sleep Algorithms : The PulsePrecision™ algorithm enhances heart rate tracking accuracy to the level of the Amazfit T-Rex 3, while the RestoreIQ™ algorithm gives sleep monitoring a similar accuracy boost. : The PulsePrecision™ algorithm enhances heart rate tracking accuracy to the level of the Amazfit T-Rex 3, while the RestoreIQ™ algorithm gives sleep monitoring a similar accuracy boost. Additional Sensors : Compared to the previous generation of Amazfit Active, the new release adds a barometer for accurate altitude measurements and support of new sports like skiing, along with an accelerometer and gyroscope for precise recognition of sleep and movement, and an ambient light sensor for optimal display under varying light conditions. : Compared to the previous generation of Amazfit Active, the new release adds a barometer for accurate altitude measurements and support of new sports like skiing, along with an accelerometer and gyroscope for precise recognition of sleep and movement, and an ambient light sensor for optimal display under varying light conditions. Extended Battery Life : With a robust 10-day battery life under typical use, the Active 2 Square is a device that won't need recharging every night. : With a robust 10-day battery life under typical use, the Active 2 Square is a device that won't need recharging every night. Zepp Flow™: Enables users to control their watch settings, adjust their calendar, and more with just their voice, while also granting Android users the ability to reply to instant messages with either keyboard or speech-to-text input. Fitness and Wellness Features Dynamic Fitness Modes : Over 160 sports modes including official HYROX Race Mode, a smart Strength Training mode that can auto-detect specific exercises and intelligently count reps, sets, and rest time, and new winter sports like Skiing. : Over 160 sports modes including official HYROX Race Mode, a smart Strength Training mode that can auto-detect specific exercises and intelligently count reps, sets, and rest time, and new winter sports like Skiing. Offline Maps with Turn Directions: Supported by 5 satellite systems, users can navigate with ease by importing offline maps and route files to the watch that come with turn-by-turn directions, which can be followed on-screen or broadcast via the built-in speaker or the user's connected Bluetooth headphones. Supported by 5 satellite systems, users can navigate with ease by importing offline maps and route files to the watch that come with turn-by-turn directions, which can be followed on-screen or broadcast via the built-in speaker or the user's connected Bluetooth headphones. Zepp Coach™ Integration : Offers personalized training and running plans, empowering users of all levels to achieve fitness milestones from 3K runs to full marathons. : Offers personalized training and running plans, empowering users of all levels to achieve fitness milestones from 3K runs to full marathons. Tailored for Women : With the mini app, women can connect to their accounts directly from the watch for personalized wellness insights tied to their menstrual and hormonal cycles. : With the mini app, women can connect to their accounts directly from the watch for personalized wellness insights tied to their menstrual and hormonal cycles. Advanced Health Insights: A daily Readiness score summarizes mental and physical recovery and provides actionable insights, while the HRV feature delivers specialized recovery data. Availability and Pricing The Amazfit Active 2 Square is available for purchase beginning today on and Amazon . Priced at $149.99 USD or €149.90 euro, the Active 2 Square delivers premium features and performance at an unbeatable value. For more information, please visit and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube . About Amazfit Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company with its principal office based in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. Zepp Health operates as a distributed organization, with team members and offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other global markets. Offering a wide selection of smartwatches and bands, Amazfit's brand tagline, 'Discover Amazing,' encourages individuals to break barriers, exceed expectations, and find joy in every moment. Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health's proprietary health management platform, which delivers cloud-based, 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users achieve their wellness goals. Known for outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won numerous design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award. Launched in 2015, Amazfit is embraced by millions of users, with products available in over 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information, visit . View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Tom's Guide
27-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
How to choose a smartwatch for hiking — 5 things to look for
I love to hike, and I also love testing the latest smartwatches. So naturally, I have some strong opinions on what makes the ultimate smartwatch for hikers. Of course, if you'd rather physical product recommendations, check out my five favorite smartwatches for hiking round-up. That said, the five options in that piece are far from your only choices. With so many models to choose from, ranging in price from less than $100 to more than $1,000, here are the five most important things to consider when shopping for the perfect smartwatch that will track your next hike like a champ. The best smartwatches for hikes have onboard GPS. This means the watch tracks your location rather than piggybacking off your smartphone, which might have died 5 miles back at the bottom of your backpack. Want the best GPS-tracking accuracy? Keep an eye out for smartwatches that boast dual- or multi-band GPS. In simple terms, the more bands, the more reliable and precise the tracking. High-end smartwatches — like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra — have dual-band, but you don't need to spend big, big bucks on a device for top-notch GPS. The $399 Garmin Instinct 3 has multi-band, as does the $279 Amazfit T-Rex 3. The one downside of onboard GPS is that it can be a major drain on battery life. This is why most smartwatch manufacturers list both a standard battery life rating, along with a separate rating for battery life when using GPS tracking. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. For example, the Apple Watch Series 10 is rated to last up to 18 hours under normal use but just 7 hours when using GPS to track an outdoor workout. In actuality, that's likely closer to 6 hours. For this reason, the Series 10 likely wouldn't be my top choice for an avid hiker. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, on the other wrist, can last up to 12 hours with GPS tracking (longer in low-power mode, still with GPS). The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED, meanwhile, can GPS track for more than 24 hours on a single charge; the Instinct 3 Solar can track for a whopping 40 hours. The lighter, more affordable Garmin Forerunner 165 — a personal favorite of mine — can GPS track your adventures for up to 17 hours. The second most important onboard piece of tech you'll want in a proper hiking smartwatch is an onboard altimeter to keep tabs on elevation changes. This is especially important when you're hiking somewhere with lots of elevation gain, like the Cascade Mountains, where I live. While devices without an altimeter or barometer to track elevation/pressure changes will still usually report 'climb' data for your hike, in my experience and testing, these metrics often need to be taken with a grain of salt because they aren't super precise. One of my favorite things about rocking a smartwatch while hiking is being able to check in on our stats on the fly, mid-trek. Of course, a bright screen, preferably AMOLED, is a must if you want to be able to read your watch's screen in direct sunlight without some serious squinting. The crème de la crème of bright and beautiful smartwatch displays are on devices like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, but even sub-$100 smartwatches boast impressive screens in 2025, including the Amazfit Active 2. Durability is another factor worth considering, especially if you're like me and prone to bumping and scraping your wearables against everything from car doors to rocks. While most modern smartwatches have scratch and shatter-resistant glass protecting their displays, devices like the Instinct 3, T-Rex 3 and Galaxy Watch Ultra have the added protection of an oversized bezel. Many of the highest-end outdoor adventure smartwatches feature the ability to save map regions for offline navigation when you're off-the-grid/outside of cell range. Garmin and Polar's offline maps are the gold standard when it comes to ease of use, in my experience, with turn-by-turn directions, topographic maps and points of interest marked. However, Garmin saves the feature for only the brand's highest-end models, like the Fenix and Enduro Series, which will both set you back a pretty penny. Polar makes the barrier to entry a bit more reasonable. The Polar Vantage M3 has offline maps and starts at around $400. Budget-friendly models like the $99 Amazfit Active 2 and T-Rex 3 also offer support for offline maps, but the user interface is a bit rough around the edges, and the usability is nowhere near as good as Garmin's or Polar's.
