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Digital Trends
4 days ago
- Digital Trends
Our favorite mechanical keyboard is nearly $100 below MSRP right now
Just about everyone into desktop computing goes crazy about the world of mechanical keyboards. But which one should you get? Our team put together a list of the best mechanical keyboards late last year. And right now you can get the top entry, the Logitech G915 TKL, at an incredible price. The classic MSRP is $230, but now you can get the keyboard for $132, a discount of $98. Alternatively, you can also get the white version for $140. Both are available to you, now, by pressing the button below but feel free to read on to see why this keyboard fit at the top, some key insights given by our extended review of the keyboard, and all the basic info on this top-rated mechanical keyboard. Why you should buy the Logitech G915 TKL The Logitech G915 TKL is a tenkeyless board with a slim profile, low latency Bluetooth connection, and a 40 hour battery life for extended gaming and writing without being tethered by a cord. Its able to stay strong despite its thin profile due to a frame made of 'aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.' Interacting with your media is easy, too, as there's a scrolling wheel bar for precision volume controls on the fly alongside easy-to-reach media controls like start/stop and next. Plus, Logitech's Lightsync can make the keyboard's on-board RGB lights sync up to your content. This, combined with the excellent typing experience afforded by Logitech's GL switches makes this an 'awesome all-round model' — which is exactly why it made the top of our mechanical keyboard list, even though it is gamery in nature. Next, be sure to take a look at our Logitech G915 TKL review. It's a review with lots of heart in it, as our reviewer kept using the keyboard for months and months, after really liking it, saying that its Lightspeed connection made it impossible to tell the difference between wired and wireless modes, even with twitch games that require extreme to-the-second input readouts. Additionally, the Ghub software for the keyboard is logical and legitimately useful. The Logitech G915 TKL is now down to $132 for its black version, with a discount of $98 off of its usual $230 price point. You can also find the white version for $140 if you tap the button below. Get this great deal while you can.
Geeky Gadgets
7 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 continues to refine the foldable smartphone experience, blending style, durability, and functionality into a compact package. With its innovative design and practical features, it caters to users seeking a unique device that stands out in a crowded market. However, it does come with trade-offs, particularly in performance, battery life, and camera advancements. Below is an in-depth analysis of the device from Tech Spurt after one week of use, highlighting its key strengths and areas for improvement. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build: Compact Elegance with Robust Durability The Galaxy Z Flip 7's design is a testament to Samsung's commitment to innovation. Its slim, foldable form factor is not only visually appealing but also highly practical, fitting comfortably in pockets and small bags. The zero-gap hinge mechanism ensures a seamless folding experience while reducing dust accumulation, which enhances the device's longevity. Constructed with an armor aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the phone feels solid and premium in hand, offering a reassuring sense of durability. Samsung has also prioritized aesthetics, offering vibrant color options like sultry blue shadow and coral red, which appeal to users who value personalization. The combination of style and durability makes the Galaxy Z Flip 7 a standout choice for those seeking a balance between form and function. Display: Immersive Visuals with Enhanced Multitasking The Galaxy Z Flip 7 features a 4.1-inch cover screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth navigation and excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. This external display supports app usage, allowing users to perform quick tasks without unfolding the device. However, its sensitivity can occasionally lead to unintended inputs, which may require some adjustment. When unfolded, the 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers an immersive viewing experience with vivid colors, sharp contrast, and minimal crease visibility. Whether streaming videos, browsing the web, or multitasking, the internal display excels in delivering a high-quality visual experience. The foldable design also enhances productivity, allowing split-screen functionality that is particularly useful for multitasking enthusiasts. Performance: Efficient for Everyday Use but Limited for Gamers Equipped with Samsung's 3nm Exynos 2500 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 handles everyday tasks with ease. Apps launch quickly, and multitasking is generally smooth, making it a reliable choice for regular use. However, occasional UI lag can disrupt the experience, particularly when switching between resource-intensive applications. While the device performs adequately for casual gaming, it struggles with high-performance games, exhibiting frame rate drops and noticeable heating during extended sessions. This makes it less suitable for users who prioritize gaming or require top-tier performance for demanding tasks. For most users, however, the performance is sufficient for daily activities like browsing, streaming, and social media. Battery and Charging: Adequate but Falls Short of Expectations The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is powered by a 4,300mAh battery, which provides around 5-6 hours of mixed usage. While this is sufficient for moderate users, heavy users may find themselves reaching for the charger before the day ends. Charging speeds are capped at 25W for wired charging and 15W for wireless charging, which lags behind competitors offering faster options. This could be a drawback for users who prioritize quick charging and extended battery life. For those who use their devices primarily for light tasks, the battery life may suffice. However, power users or individuals frequently on the go may need to carry a portable charger to ensure uninterrupted usage. Camera: Reliable but Lacking Innovation The dual rear cameras on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 consist of a 50MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, both of which remain unchanged from its predecessor. While the camera system delivers reliable photo and video quality, it lacks significant upgrades that could set it apart from previous models. Video recording at 4K 60fps is smooth, with effective stabilization, making it suitable for capturing high-quality content. The 10MP selfie camera performs well in well-lit conditions but struggles in low-light environments, limiting its versatility. While the camera setup is adequate for casual photography, users seeking innovative camera technology may find it underwhelming. Audio: Clear and Immersive Sound The stereo speakers on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 deliver clear and loud audio, even in noisy environments. Whether listening to music, watching videos, or taking hands-free calls, the audio quality is consistent and satisfying. This makes the device a reliable choice for media consumption and communication, enhancing the overall user experience. Usability Features: Practical and User-Friendly The Galaxy Z Flip 7 excels in usability, offering features tailored to its foldable design. Tent mode is particularly useful for hands-free video calls or media playback, while Samsung's smart UI design enhances multitasking with split-screen functionality. These features make the device highly practical for everyday use. Face unlock is quick and reliable, providing a convenient way to access the device. However, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be less responsive when fingers are damp, which may cause occasional inconvenience. Despite this minor drawback, the overall usability of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is well-optimized for a seamless user experience. Key Advantages and Drawbacks Advantages: Compact and stylish foldable design that stands out. Durable construction with premium materials for longevity. Immersive internal display with minimal crease visibility. Enhanced multitasking features tailored to the foldable form factor. Drawbacks: Performance limitations for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. Battery life and charging speeds that fall short of competitors. Camera system lacks significant upgrades from previous models. Final Thoughts: Balancing Style and Functionality The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers a compelling blend of style, durability, and practicality, making it an attractive option for users who value portability and aesthetics. Its foldable design and usability features enhance everyday convenience, while the vibrant display and reliable performance cater to most daily needs. However, its limitations in gaming performance, battery life, and camera innovation may deter users seeking innovative technology or extended usage capabilities. For those prioritizing a unique and stylish device, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 strikes a balance between form and function, delivering a well-rounded experience. Uncover more insights about Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 in previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: Tech Spurt Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
WIRED
21-07-2025
- WIRED
HP's OmniBook X Flip 14 Can't Outlast the Competition
Convertible laptops continue to grow in popularity, likely because of the exceptional flexibility they offer to folks who want to switch up their use—shape-shifting among traditional notebook, tablet, and tappable entertainment device forms. The latest device to enter this fray is HP's OmniBook X Flip, available in both 16-inch and 14-inch versions, the latter of which is what I was sent to review. Its poor battery life and awkward design, however, make it fall short of being among the best 2-in-1 laptops I've tested, even if the price is quite attractive. Questionable Choices Photograph: Chris Null At first glance, it's an unremarkable device, completely clad in silvery aluminum, interrupted only by understated HP branding on the lid. But look closer and you'll soon see some design elements that might raise an eyebrow. It starts, oddly enough, with the underside of the laptop, which looks like an angled pedestal upon which the keyboard rests. It also makes the laptop appear thicker than it is, though at 19 mm (0.75 inches) thick, it's actually about average for the 14-inch category. (The 3.1-pound weight, however, is comparatively heavy, and it feels as such in the hand.) The other big twist is the keyboard. Rather than featuring the island-style keys ubiquitous today, the OmniBook X Flip has its keys all run together, with just a sliver of space between each of them. This makes each key just a bit larger than normal, and while that may sound helpful, I found it made for a slightly more difficult touch-typing experience as I accidentally hit two keys at once more often than expected. It also looks decidedly weird, too, a surefire love-it-or-hate-it retro appearance that distinctly reminded me of some computers from the 1980s. A Poor Performer Photograph: Chris Null HP swaps Intel for AMD on the 14-inch OmniBook X Flip (though the 16-inch model uses Intel CPUs), and the model reviewed is one of the higher-end configurations available, including an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU with AMD Radeon 860M graphics, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1-terabyte SSD.
Digital Trends
20-07-2025
- Health
- Digital Trends
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is excellent with two key flaws
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic MSRP $499.99 Score Details 'The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a new design that seamlessly blends the Classic design language with the Ultra form factor, introduces new health monitoring features, and features three hardware buttons. It has two key flaws, but is otherwise, an excellent smartwatch.' Pros The rotating bezel is easy to use Health features like vascular load New Antioxidant level check New BioActive sensor 1st watch to measure ectopic beats Action Button can be customized Great range of complications Cons New dynamic lug system is extremely awkward to use Smaller display than Watch 6 Classic Squared-circle design is polarizing Expensive Slow charging Instant Insight Samsung's biannual updates to the Classic lineup are usually among my favorites, thanks to the rotating bezel, which is also present this year and remains my preferred method of controlling a smartwatch. The display is vibrant, the watch is thinner than before, and the battery lasts for two days on a single charge. Recommended Videos The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a sizeable upgrade, but while many are positive, some of these changes aren't. There's a new design that's inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra, featuring a square body with a circular display, but this has already proven polarizing in online discussions. Personally, it's not my favorite design, but it's not a dealbreaker either. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic also introduces an entirely new dynamic lug system that makes it challenging to change bands, far more so than the best smartwatches. The lug system also isn't compatible with previous watch straps, meaning you'll need to start your strap collection from scratch. Look past these changes, which may not be a deal-breaker, and you'll get a polished smartwatch experience that is among the best smartwatches you can buy. It's not as clear-cut as previous Classic versions, but the battery life is solid (if not spectacular), the performance is great, and the health features are second-to-none. Samsung Health deserves special mention as it's one of the most polished health suites available on a wearable device today. The new features include an antioxidant index for testing the oxidant level of your skin, new tailored bedtime suggestions, and the ability to track the stress and pressure on your vascular system while you're asleep. It's also the first smartwatch to identify ectopic beats, a feature that will be life-saving for some users. An optimized software experience is also key to the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. It's the first smartwatch preloaded with Google Gemini — although it's also available for download for the Pixel Watch 3 lineup, which brings the ability to create multi-step routines, such as starting a run and a playlist simultaneously. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a smartphone that is enjoyable to use. There are some negatives — albeit some of these are very subjective — but this is a smartwatch that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It's pricier than the competition, but there's no smartwatch like the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, meaning this premium could be worth it. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Specs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Display 1.34-inch Super AMOLED 438 x 438 pixels, 327 ppi density Sapphire crystal protection Design Features Size: 47mm Dynamic Lug System Rotating Bezel MIL-STD-810HIP68 (up to 50m/5ATM) Health features FDA-Certified ECG Blood pressure monitor Antioxidant level check BioActive Health Sensor Advanced Glycation End-products (AGE) Processor Exynos W1000 Penta-core Memory 2GB RAM / 64GB ROM Battery 445 mAh Li-Ion 10W wireless charging Colors Black, White Price $499.99 (Bluetooth), $549.99 (LTE) Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Design & display divides opinion Quick take: A familiar yet divisive design and lug system change The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is instantly familiar if you used last year's Galaxy Watch or the previous Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. It features the same iconic rotating bezel that makes it easy to navigate menus on the smartwatch, and it still utilizes a circular display, although this is now set within a square-shaped watch. This brings us to the first major change: instead of the circular design used before, the Galaxy Watch 8 series now matches the Galaxy Watch Ultra — and the Apple Watch Ultra — with a cushion design, otherwise known as a round display on a square body. It's reminiscent of the icon shape commonly found on the best smartphones, especially with certain themes. The design is a little odd at first, but quickly becomes second nature and something you easily ignore. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic continues Samsung's recent trend of making things thinner. A re-engineered design allowed Samsung to make the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 0.3mm thinner than the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, but it is between four and ten grams heavier. It's also worth noting that it's still considerably thicker than the Apple Watch Series 10. I don't mind the cushion design, but the new dynamic lug system is extremely hard to use. I've tried many different lug systems — both proprietary and standard designs — and Samsung's new lug system is the hardest I've had to use. It's incredibly awkward to line up the lug properly with the casing, and even when you think you have, they don't connect. It took me over five minutes to attach one side of my band, which is a major issue that Samsung needs to resolve. I don't mind a new lug system, but I imagine that most average users will struggle with the current implementation. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic display has also changed. As part of the new design, the size has decreased from 1.5 inches to 1.34 inches, and the density has decreased from 453 pixels per inch to 327 ppi. However, the peak brightness under direct sunlight has increased by 50% to 3,000 nits, making it significantly more suitable for outdoor use. This smaller display is somewhat of a disappointment, as the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is only available in the 47mm size, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic features a larger 1.5-inch display in the same size watch. There's no smaller size for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, but the 1.34-inch display is quite similar in size to the 1.3-inch display on the 43mm Watch 6 Classic, although that display is considerably more dense. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic design mostly hits its mark, but falls short in introducing a new dynamic lug system that won't appeal to most customers. The display is smaller, and the device is slightly thinner, but unless the cushion design and custom action button are a must-have for you, the health features will likely appeal the most. Score: 8/10 The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's health features lead the way Quick take: Continuing to build from an excellent base When it comes to measuring your health, Samsung Health has a considerably larger suite of available features compared to Google Fit and Apple Health. Yes, the latter does have a wider range of third parties it can sync data with, and integration with your medical records provider, but Samsung Health is the most feature-rich. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic introduces the same featureset as the Galaxy Watch 7 and adds a few new features that will presumably be incorporated into future Samsung wearables as well. The existing features include the Advanced Glycation End-products (AGE) index, which is a precursor to more accurate glucose measurement, and Sleep Apnea detection. These features are paired with three key new ones. First, there's new tracking of your heart's stress while asleep, something that's particularly important to me, given that my heart attack happened while I was asleep. The new Vascular Load while Sleeping feature will track your vascular system's performance and provide you with an indicator of performance each morning. Then there's the new Antioxidant level check. Remove the watch, turn it over, and place your thumb on the LEDs on the back. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will then use the yellow, blue, violet, and IER LEDs to detect the carotenoids in your skin and provide recommendations on how to improve this. Data is not updated in real-time, as it can take considerable time for your skin to report changes in antioxidant levels. However, it's a useful feature that works fairly well, even if measuring from your thumb makes it less user-friendly. The last new health feature was announced in a small panel: the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the first smartwatch to measure ectopic beats. These are small, irregular heartbeats that are mostly harmless but can pose a problem if left undiagnosed and untreated for an extended period. Many smartwatches can display this as part of a regular ECG, but the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the first to identify it within the ECG results. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic introduces a range of new features to the Samsung Health ecosystem, while also offering the familiar features that previous Samsung users will be accustomed to. It does more than any other smartwatch, but certain features, such as recording ECGs and detecting Sleep Apnea, require the use of the Samsung Health Monitor app, which is only available in the Galaxy App Store on Samsung phones. Score: 9/10 The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is great for tracking sleep and energy Quick take: It's the most expansive sleep report you can find, at least among the major smartwatch makers, and covers a host of metrics you didn't even think to track. I've been on a mission to hack my sleep for years, and the sleep report provided by the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic goes a long way to providing the data necessary to do so. Like Apple Health — but unlike Google — these sleep reports are provided in full detail for free, and Samsung has confirmed that there are no plans to put these behind a paywall in the future. Sleep tracking on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is fairly accurate, and the resulting Energy Score matches the way you feel most of the time. Markers such as skin temperature while asleep have helped me identify when I'm feeling under the weather, while the tailored bedtime recommendations are prompting me to sleep much earlier, even though I haven't listened yet. While asleep, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic captures more data than any other wearable from a major phone maker. It is second only to dedicated trackers like the Whoop band or Oura Ring. Additional sleep data, such as heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep apnea, all help to ensure you have a detailed picture of your sleep. In the morning, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic provides an Energy Score designed to quantify your current state and offer helpful tips on whether to engage in strenuous activities or rest and recover. I've used this on previous Galaxy smartwatches, and I've found it's possible to improve my overall energy and mood by attempting to increase this Energy Score each day. That's entirely possible as there's a host of helpful explainers and tips to improve throughout the Samsung Health app. Score: 10/10 The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is built for fitness tracking Quick take: This is built for tracking activities and is ideal for runners. Naturally, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic also features a host of dedicated tracking capabilities that allow for a wider range of activities to be monitored with greater depth and accuracy. It mostly delivers here, although I've found that the heart rate monitor can sometimes report double the heart rate for a single reading erroneously. This is a problem that has existed in previous Samsung wearables, so it's fairly easy to dismiss, but it's still worth knowing, as it will skew some averages. Like the Sleep report, the features preloaded with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic are entirely free, and this includes Samsung's new AI-powered Running Coach. To start, you complete a 12-minute running analysis, and then Samsung Health assigns you a running level (on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is equivalent to a marathon runner). From here, there are over 160 training programs, ranging from four to six weeks, featuring custom routes, AI-powered route recommendations, and multi-step routines with Gemini, which allows you to start a new activity and your favorite podcast simultaneously. It's a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features, designed for all activities. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic proves to be accurate in automatically starting workouts, as well as allowing you to assign a specific new workout to the action button. Score: 9/10 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic software is top-notch Quick take: One UI Watch 8 on top of Wear OS 6 is slick, refined, and flawless The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic runs OneUI Watch 8 on top of Wear OS 6, and is one of the most optimized experiences you'll find on a Wear OS smartwatch. This is unsurprising, as Samsung worked closely with Google on building Wear OS, and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic demonstrates that Samsung knows how to integrate its elements with the core platform. Like every Wear OS smartwatch, you can swipe down from the home screen to access quick settings and swipe up to access your app menu. To the right, you'll find a range of different tiles — essentially, watch-sized widgets that contain pertinent information — that you can edit and add to. To the left of the home screen is a single hub for all your notifications. It's an instantly familiar layout that's easy to use, although I do find the available quick settings quite limiting on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is only compatible with Android phones — there's still no iPhone support — and requires several apps to run (some of which are preloaded on Samsung phones): Galaxy Wearable, Samsung Health, and Samsung Health Monitor (SHM). The first two are available on all Android phones, while the latter is only available for Samsung phones, but is only required for the most advanced health features. I've been testing the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with the new Galaxy Z Fold 7. Still, I've previously found that, aside from SHM-exclusive features, the experience and performance are mostly the same whether you're using a Galaxy Watch with a Samsung phone or another Android phone. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will receive four years of software and security updates, meaning it'll be supported until Wear OS 10 is released in 2029. Score: 10/10 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic battery and performance Quick take: Two-day battery life and slow charging aren't terrible, but are far from the best, while performance is excellent. If there's one area I could immediately improve about the Galaxy Watch 8, it would be the battery and charging. Neither is particularly bad, but the competition has already proven it's possible to offer much faster charging and longer battery life. Granted, many of these aren't as feature-rich, but this is still an area that Samsung can improve. The battery consistently lasts close to two days on a single charge with AOD turned on, automatic workout tracking, and no notifications. This is more than acceptable, but the Pixel Watch 3 lasts almost an additional day, while the OnePlus Watch 3 lasts for several days longer thanks to its dual architecture. The charging speeds are a key area for Samsung to improve, as the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic takes over an hour and a half to fully charge. This is almost double the charging speed of the OnePlus Watch 2 and slower than the Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3, which take around an hour. These speeds are achieved with battery charging optimization disabled, as well. Disabling this feature will further slow your charging and prevent the battery from charging above 90% to increase its longevity. Overall, the battery life is sufficient for most people, but the charging speeds are slower than expected, and Samsung needs to improve this aspect. The competition charges much faster and offers better battery life, which are two key areas in which the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic still falls short. Score: 7/10 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic price, deals, and availability Quick take: Fairly pricy, and more costly than the previous generation. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic starts at $499.99 for the Bluetooth version, while the LTE-enabled version costs $ 549.99. It's available in Black or White colors only, with Samsung forgoing the vibrant neon orange brand from the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Unlike the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, there's only one watch size to choose from. Like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 that it launched alongside, there are several Galaxy Watch 8 Classic deals worth considering. Samsung is offering up to $250 via trade-in, plus an additional $50 instant credit when you pre-order. Amazon is offering a $100 gift card with no further requirements. Then there are the carriers. AT&T is offering $100 off the wearable, but if you pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Galaxy Z Flip 7 — with savings of up to $1,100 with trade-in — you'll also save a total of $370 on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Verizon has a similar deal, while T-Mobile is offering $400 off the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic when you add a new line to the Galaxy Watch. This makes it just $150, which is an excellent price, although it requires a watch line with T-Mobile to qualify. Should you buy the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic? The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a fantastic watch, whether you're a first-time Samsung smartwatch user or seeking the ideal companion for your new Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Galaxy Z Flip 7 folding phone. The new design won't be for everyone, but it is stylish, and the single size means it's only suitable for larger wrists. The new health features ensure the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic remains one of the best smartwatches, but this comes at a cost. The battery life and charging are average compared to the competition, the new lug system makes changing bands considerably more tedious than it should be, and some advanced features require a Samsung phone, not just an Android phone. If these negatives don't deter you, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is probably the best smartwatch for most Android users. It's a fantastic wearable device and one that I'm going to keep on my wrist for the detailed sleep and health reports. Why not try…? If the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic doesn't appeal to you, then you should consider the Pixel Watch 3. Google is expected to launch a new Pixel Watch 4 in the coming weeks. Still, the Pixel Watch 3 is a fantastic wearable device with unique health features, such as measuring your cardio load and integrating with your Peloton bike. It's also available for $100 less than the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as it starts at $349 for the Wi-Fi model of the smaller version. Then there's the OnePlus Watch 3, and if you're looking for a wearable that prioritizes longevity over detailed health features, this is the one for you. A dual architecture featuring Wear OS and the simpler RTOS system for low-power tasks ensures that the battery can last for five days in full smartwatch mode, and up to 16 days in power-saving mode. It offers the best balance of battery and features of any smartwatch readily available in the US. Unlike phones, there are far more wearables available from global phone makers, and one of my favorites is the Huawei Watch 5. It runs the HarmonyOS platform — so there's no Play Store and limited third-party app support — but it has a fantastic design, a range of health features available with a single tap, and a comprehensive fitness tracking suite. The innovative X-TAP feature can also be used to capture a 60-second health check that's detailed, informative, and genuinely helpful. The Huawei Watch 5 is more expensive than the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic at $559, but it's a worthy alternative that's compatible with both iOS and Android. How we tested Samsung provided this Galaxy Watch 8 Classic unit for review purposes, but had no input into this review. I've worn the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for seven nights over the past nine days since its launch in New York City. This has involved several full charges, a few automatically tracked workouts, and keeping the Always-on-Display enabled. The homescreen also always had four auto-updating complications, and the display brightness was set to roughly half. I paired the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, although no notifications from the phone were passed through to the smartwatch. There was some light GPS use during workouts, but otherwise, this device was mostly used connected to Wi-Fi and within Bluetooth range of my phone.
Geeky Gadgets
14-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Supercharge Your iPhone: 10 Features You Need to Use NOW!
Your iPhone is more than just a communication device—it's a powerful tool packed with features designed to enhance productivity, improve privacy, and simplify your daily life. While many of these capabilities are well-known, others remain hidden, waiting to be discovered. By tapping into these lesser-known features, you can unlock your iPhone's full potential and make it work smarter for you. The video below from Proper Honest Tech gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. 1. Share Specific Text with Precision Your iPhone allows you to share only the most relevant portions of text, eliminating the need to copy and paste entire blocks. Whether you're reading an article, reviewing an email, or responding to a message, you can highlight the exact text you want to share and send it directly through apps like Messages, Mail, or even third-party platforms. This feature ensures clear communication and helps you avoid unnecessary clutter in your conversations. 2. Protect Your Photo Privacy When sharing photos, your iPhone gives you the option to remove location metadata, making sure that recipients cannot trace where the photo was taken. This is particularly useful for maintaining privacy and security when sharing images on social media or with unfamiliar contacts. Additionally, you can adjust your Photos app settings to disable location sharing by default, offering a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding your personal information. 3. Create Custom Vibration Patterns Custom vibration patterns allow you to identify callers without looking at your screen. By assigning unique vibrations to specific contacts, you can instantly recognize who's calling, even when your phone is on silent. This feature is especially helpful in quiet environments, such as meetings or libraries, where checking your phone might be disruptive. Setting up custom vibrations is simple and can be done through the Contacts app. 4. Share Lyrics from Apple Music Apple Music makes sharing your favorite song lyrics easy and personal. You can highlight specific lines from a song and send them directly to friends via Messages or social media. This feature not only enhances your music-sharing experience but also allows you to express emotions and creativity through meaningful lyrics. It's a great way to connect with others over shared musical tastes. 5. Use Advanced Photo Search The Photos app includes a natural language search feature that makes finding specific images or videos effortless. Instead of scrolling through countless albums, you can type descriptions like 'sunset at the beach,' 'birthday party,' or 'red car' to locate what you need. This feature saves time and ensures that your memories are always within reach. 6. Share Passwords Securely Your iPhone simplifies the process of sharing passwords securely. Using the built-in password-sharing feature, you can send login credentials to trusted contacts with ease. Updates to shared passwords sync automatically across users, making sure both convenience and security for shared accounts. This is particularly useful for families or teams managing shared subscriptions or services. 7. Track Your Health with the Health App The Health app is a comprehensive tool for managing your well-being. It allows you to log medications, set reminders, and record symptoms, creating a centralized hub for your health data. You can also share this information with healthcare providers, offering valuable insights during consultations. By using the Health app, you can take a more proactive approach to your health and streamline your medical management. 8. View Saved Wi-Fi Passwords Forget the frustration of trying to recall or share complex Wi-Fi passwords. Your iPhone lets you view saved passwords in clear text, making it easy to connect new devices or help guests access your network. This feature eliminates the need to repeatedly ask for or manually enter passwords, making sure seamless connectivity for everyone. 9. Customize Focus Mode Lock Screens Focus modes now offer the ability to customize your lock screen based on your specific needs. For example, you can add a 'Reduce White Point' button for Sleep mode to minimize screen brightness or include a quick-access Notes shortcut for Work mode. These customizations ensure that your iPhone adapts to your lifestyle, helping you stay organized and focused throughout the day. 10. Record and Transcribe Voice Memos The Voice Memos app has become more versatile with the addition of automatic transcription. You can record quick notes or ideas and have them transcribed into text, which is searchable for easy retrieval later. This feature is invaluable for capturing and organizing information, whether you're brainstorming, attending a meeting, or simply jotting down thoughts on the go. Maximize Your iPhone's Capabilities By exploring these hidden features, you can take full advantage of your iPhone's capabilities. From enhancing privacy and simplifying communication to improving productivity and personalizing your experience, these tools are designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily routine. Start using them today to see how they can make your life easier and more efficient. Uncover more insights about iPhone hidden features in previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: Proper Honest Tech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
