Latest news with #smartwatch
Phone Arena
a day ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Discounted by $261, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is just too good to pass up
If you've been thinking about getting the Galaxy Watch Ultra, now is the perfect time to grab one. A third-party seller on Amazon is offering an incredible $261 discount, letting you get one of the best smartwatches on the market for just under $390. Even though the offer isn't coming directly from Amazon, you still get a 30-day return window, so you can buy with confidence, knowing you have the option to return the device if needed. $261 off (40%) Score the Galaxy Watch Ultra at a $261 discount on Amazon! This tough smartwatch is built for anything, boasting standout features like FDA-approved sleep apnea detection and Samsung's advanced body composition tracking. Don't wait—save while you can! Buy at Amazon Of course, price matters, but what really makes this Samsung watch worth considering is its durability and premium design. It features a rugged titanium case and a sapphire crystal display, making it tough enough for everyday wear and even more extreme conditions. With IP68 and 10ATM ratings, it handles dust with ease, withstands up to 30 minutes in five feet of water, and even holds up during brief dives as deep as 328 feet. Beyond its tough build, it also delivers great battery life. You can get up to two days per charge with heart rate tracking enabled and the always-on display turned off. Plus, it's packed with advanced health features, including FDA-approved sleep apnea detection and Samsung's body composition functionality. All things considered, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the complete package, offering durability, a plethora of features, and solid battery life. Furthermore, it's a true bargain at its current price on Amazon. And while this $261 discount comes and goes, it creates an unmissable opportunity to up your smartwatch game every time. So, don't miss out! Tap the offer button at the beginning of this article and score one at a bargain price today!
Geeky Gadgets
a day ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: What to Expect
Samsung is preparing to unveil the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic at its highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event. While the smartwatch does not introduce innovative hardware changes, it focuses on refining its design, enhancing software capabilities, and improving the overall user experience. By building on the strengths of its predecessors, Samsung aims to solidify the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's position in the competitive wearable market. This approach highlights the company's commitment to delivering a polished and reliable product that caters to the needs of modern users. Watch this video on YouTube. Processor: Proven Performance with Reliability The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic retains the Exynos W1000 processor, a chipset already featured in its predecessor. Built on a 3nm process, this 5-core CPU offers a balance of reliable performance and energy efficiency. While some users may have anticipated a new processor, the Exynos W1000 remains a dependable choice for everyday tasks such as fitness tracking, managing notifications, and running apps. Its efficient design ensures smooth operation without compromising battery life, which is a critical factor for wearable devices. By sticking with a proven processor, Samsung prioritizes stability and consistency over unnecessary hardware changes. Software: One UI 8 Watch Enhances Usability and Personalization One of the standout updates in the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the introduction of One UI 8 Watch, Samsung's latest software tailored for wearables. This update brings a host of new features designed to enhance usability and personalization, making the smartwatch more intuitive and user-friendly. Key enhancements include: New app tiles for quick access to essential tools like the calculator, voice recorder, and Galaxy Buds controller. A dedicated shortcut for launching the voice recorder app via the side button, improving accessibility. A Material You-inspired design that offers a modern, cohesive, and customizable interface. These updates streamline navigation and align with broader trends in user interface design, emphasizing simplicity and expressiveness. For users, this means a more intuitive and engaging experience, allowing them to tailor the smartwatch to their preferences while enjoying seamless functionality. Design: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic introduces a hybrid square-circular design, combining traditional round watch elements with modern angular aesthetics. This subtle evolution in design aims to appeal to a broader audience by balancing classic elegance with contemporary style. The watch maintains its premium build quality, featuring durable materials and a refined finish that underscores Samsung's attention to detail. While the changes are not dramatic, they reflect a thoughtful approach to design, making sure the smartwatch remains visually appealing without losing its distinctive identity. This blend of tradition and modernity positions the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic as a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions. Battery and Charging: Small but Meaningful Gains The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers modest improvements in battery life, allowing users to rely on the device for longer periods without frequent recharging. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for those who use their smartwatch extensively throughout the day. However, the device retains its 10W charging capability, which, while functional, lags behind the faster charging technologies available in some competing devices. For users who prioritize convenience, this may be a consideration. Nevertheless, the improved battery efficiency helps offset the slower charging speed, making sure the smartwatch remains practical for everyday use. Integration and Ecosystem: Seamless Connectivity Across Devices Samsung continues to strengthen its ecosystem by enhancing the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's integration with other Galaxy devices. Features such as the Galaxy Buds controller allow users to manage audio settings directly from the watch, showcasing the smartwatch's role as a central hub for device connectivity. This seamless integration highlights Samsung's focus on creating a unified experience across its product lineup. For Galaxy device owners, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic becomes a valuable companion, offering effortless connectivity and functionality that enhances the overall user experience. Launch Context: A Strategic Addition to Samsung's Ecosystem The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will debut alongside other flagship devices, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7, at the Galaxy Unpacked event. This coordinated launch positions the smartwatch as part of a broader ecosystem of premium products, showcasing Samsung's commitment to innovation across multiple categories. By introducing the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic within this context, Samsung emphasizes its strategy of delivering interconnected devices that work seamlessly together, appealing to users who value a cohesive and integrated tech experience. Refinement Over Revolution The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic represents a thoughtful evolution of the smartwatch lineup, focusing on software enhancements, design refinements, and ecosystem integration. While the absence of significant hardware upgrades may not satisfy those seeking innovative advancements, the improvements in usability, personalization, and connectivity ensure the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic remains a compelling option. By prioritizing user experience and maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity, Samsung has crafted a smartwatch that caters to the needs of both loyal customers and new users looking for a reliable and stylish wearable. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Filed Under: Android News, Gadgets News, 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.
CNET
2 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Best Budget Smartwatches: Top Cheap Picks
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. There are plenty of affordable smartwatches out there, but few are actually worth your time. The sub-$100 category has become the wild west of wearables; crowded with imposters making big claims and delivering on very few. We haven't tested every bargain-bin watch on the market, but we've tested enough to know when we've found a rare gem. A watch that goes beyond just the basics, with solid health and fitness tracking, smartphone features that actually work, and a multi-day battery life that can outlast some pricier models. Here's our pick for the best smartwatch under $100, plus a couple that almost made the cut. And we also share a few tips on what to look for when shopping in this cluttered (and sometimes sketchy) category. Our Picks Best budget watch for Android Amazfit Bip 6 Jump to details $80 at Amazon Jump to details Best Memorial Day Deals CNET's team of shopping experts have explored thousands of deals on everything from mattresses and TVs to everyday essentials and outdoor fun so you can shop the best Memorial Day deals in one place. See now What's the best cheap smartwatch overall? The best budget smartwatch by a landslide is the Amazfit Bip 6. This is the kind of watch that makes you forget its sub-$100 price tag, packing features you'd normally expect from models that cost at least twice as much. This includes advanced health metrics like SpO2 (blood oxygen), wrist temperature tracking, stress levels and women's health insights. It also lasted more than a week on a single charge during our testing, and can be tweaked to stretch even longer with custom settings. Smartphone integration isn't as seamless as what you'd get from Wear OS or WatchOS smartwatches, since the Bip 6 runs its own proprietary system. But that also means it's compatible with both Android phones and iPhones. Just note that iPhone users won't be able to respond to notifications from the watch. The Bip 6 delivers where it counts, making it a great option for anyone prioritizing price and willing to spend a little more time setting it up to fit their needs. Vanessa Hand Orellana / CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 Amazfit Bip 6 Vanessa Hand Orellana / CNET Best budget watch for Android Amazfit Bip 6 Pros $80 price is much less than most watches Works with Android and iOS Great battery life (lasts a week with heavy use) Tracks a wide variety of fitness activities accurately Temperature tracking and advanced sleep monitoring Cons Single sizing option (44mm) UI and app are unintuitive Some health metrics are hard to interpret Voice assistant is unreliable Bluetooth range is short (especially on iPhone) The $80 Amazfit Bip 6 is the most affordable option on this list, and a rare standout in the budget smartwatch category because it delivers on all the basics (and more) without many compromises. The design and interface aren't as refined as what you'll find with pricier models, but that feels like a fair trade-off considering how much the Bip 6 gets right. It offers accurate fitness tracking, with customizable training tools like heart rate zones, plus advanced health features including SpO2 (blood oxygen); temperature and sleep tracking; and high and low heart rate alerts. Why we like it While its low price might be its main draw, the Amazfit Bip 6 is one of the few sub-$100 smartwatches that's actually worth your time. Beyond all the features mentioned above, we also like it for its weeklong (or longer) battery life and its compatibility with both iPhones and Android phones. Who it's best for The Amazfit Bip 6 is ideal for anyone looking to try out a smartwatch without making a major investment. It's a great fit for folks willing to do a bit of customization on the back end to make the watch work for their specific needs. ... Show more Get it now $80 at Amazon $80 at Walmart Specs & Configurations Compatibility Android and iOS Screen size and shape 44 millimeters, rectangular Health features Heart rate monitoring, SPO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, wrist temperature tracking, breathing rate, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, stress level Add to compare Factors to consider when choosing a smartwatch Picking a budget smartwatch can be trickier than it looks, mostly because of the sheer volume of bad options out there. This list is a great place to start, but it's worth thinking through your priorities (beyond just price) before you commit. Here's what to keep in mind when shopping under $100: Software and UI If reliability and user-friendly design matter to you, stick with more established brands like Samsung, Fitbit or even other Amazfit options. At this price, you can likely score some older models at a discounted rate or opt for fitness tracker hybrids like the Samsung Fit 3 or the Fitbit Inspire 3 with some smartwatch features that work well with your phone. Samsung pairs seamlessly with Samsung phones, while Fitbit and Amazfit options tend to work reliably across both iOS and Android. Design Design is often where budget watches cut corners. Many use plastic cases and silicone bands, which can feel bulkier and look less refined. Screen quality is another trade-off -- lower resolution displays can appear grainy or pixelated. If aesthetics matter, consider older models of premium brands or a fitness tracker with a sleeker look. Samsung's Galaxy Watch4 can often be found at a discounted rate for under $100. Lexy Savvides/CNET Battery Life Battery life claims can be misleading at this price. Make sure what's advertised for the specific watch reflects typical use, and includes some kind of stripped-down low-power mode that only shows the time. Always-on displays that often accelerate battery drain are rare on wearables under $100, but most watches should last 24 hours (at the bare minimum) using raise-to-wake mode. Connectivity and GPS Expect only Wi-Fi models in this range, meaning you won't be able to make calls or send texts without your phone nearby. Also, check the GPS capability; some watches, like the Bip 6, can track outdoor workouts independently, while others, like the Fit3, rely on your phone for mapping. Price You're already filtering for watches under $100, but even within that range, you'll find differences. Going closer to $50 usually means fewer features, but that could be fine if you don't need all the bells and whistles. If you're looking for something more well-rounded, the $80 to $100 range tends to offer better value overall. We put all our smartwatches through the paces of everyday life including at least one outdoor workout. How we test smartwatches With budget smartwatches, we follow the same rigorous testing guidelines as their premium counterparts, paying even closer attention to categories where we may see potential trade-offs like sensor accuracy and software support. The Basics: First, we evaluate how well these watches hold up to real-world use: notifications, texting (if available), and phone pairing. We also review the companion app experience, which is particularly important for budget watches, many of which rely on proprietary apps for health data and customization. Some may lack advanced phone integration -- especially for iPhone users -- so we flag those limitations in our reviews. Performance and navigation: While lower-cost models rarely have the processing power of premium options, we assess how smooth and responsive the interface is during typical use. That includes swiping between menus, launching workouts, syncing to the app and responding to notifications (when available). Design and durability: Affordability doesn't have to mean cheap build quality. We test for comfort, fit, and how the watch holds up to daily wear and tear. Most budget models don't come with military-grade durability or high water resistance ratings so we're not as 'rough' on these devices and only go up to what the rating allowed, but will fully acknowledge this trade off in the review. The Amazfit Bip 6 has new sensors under the hood that improve precision for health and fitness tracking. Vanessa Hand Orellana / CNET Battery life: Budget smartwatches tend to outperform premium ones when it comes to battery life because of the lesser-quality screen and power-hungry apps, but it's not always a given. We start our testing with a fully charged battery and then test how long a watch lasts with normal use. This includes sleep tracking, mirrored notifications from our phone and at least one outdoor (using GPS). Once it's drained, we'll time how long it takes to charge back up to 100%. We'll also flag any battery-saving tactics unique to that model, although our core testing is done at full capacity (not battery-saving mode). Sensor accuracy: Sensor quality can be hit or miss in this category, so we run side-by-side comparisons with gold-standard tools. For heart rate, we test against a chest strap during cardio workouts. For SpO2, we use a fingertip pulse oximeter. For watches with built-in GPS, we also assess how quickly the GPS locks in for outdoor workouts and compare its accuracy to a smartphone GPS (separate from the one it's paired to). We'll call out any obvious inconsistencies in route and tracking. Ultimately, we're looking for watches that deliver true value and not just a long spec sheet of half baked-features. The Amazfit Active 2 is a slightly more refined, and expensive version of the Bip 6 which is our favorite budget pick. Amazfit Other smartwatches we've tested We've also tested the Amazfit Active 2, which shares a lot of the same great features as the Bip 6 but comes in a smaller, circular design that feels a bit more premium thanks to its stainless steel frame and slimmer body. It's more expensive than the Bip 6, but at $100, it technically still makes the cutoff to land a spot on this list (barely). If you're looking to go with an even more affordable watch, the $60 Samsung Galaxy Fit 3, which we're currently testing, is proving to be a solid hybrid fitness tracker/smartwatch hybrid that pairs well with Galaxy phones. While it doesn't offer smart features like text replies, voice dictation or built-in GPS, it does include many of the same health tools as the Galaxy Watch and integrates seamlessly with Samsung's Health app. For a more full-featured option, the older Galaxy Watch 4 still holds up to today's standards with ECG and blood pressure tracking (but no skin temperature). It may not be as speedy as the newer models, but it will run the latest version of Wear OS and you can often find it for under $100 through third-party retailers like Walmart. The Galaxy Watch 4 still holds up, and can often be snatched up at a steep discount form third party sellers. Scott Stein/CNET
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Garmin Forerunner 970: A Very Close Look At Garmin's Latest Watch
Garmin Forerunner 970 The Garmin Forerunner 970 is now available, and could well become Garmin's most popular high-end watch of the year. As is the norm for the series, the Forerunner 970 combines high-end features with fairly pragmatic build, to avoid the additional cost and weight of high-end materials. Lots of titanium or steel is the top example, although this Forerunner does have a titanium bezel. I've recently started using the watch. Just a couple of tracked exercise sessions in, I took out the camera to get some ultra-close-up views of some of the watch's core features, for those out there considering the Garmin Forerunner 970 as a watch upgrade. This is one of the three colour variations currently available, white and yellow, while classic black and grey/indigo are your other options. Let's get (a lot) closer. Garmin Forerunner 970 bezel Here's a close look at the Garmin Forerunner 970's bezel. While the casing is mostly reinforced plastic, the screen surround is titanium. Front-on, it has a matt, brushed-style finish. Look closer and you'll see the side of this metal bezel is actually shiny, which lets it catch the light as you move your wrist around. This photo also gives you an idea of the curvature of the screen glass. The bezel offers no real protection for the screen, as it is not raised. But the glass is Sapphire Crystal, so should prove fairly hardy, Forerunner 970 LED flash This photo captures the top side of the watch, and the Forerunner 970's LED light. There are two white LEDs, one red one. If it appears there are nine here, it's a trick of the light caused by the diffuser lens covering here. See how it appears dithered? That layer helps to soften and spread the light. The red LED is there for when you want to be able to navigate without flooding the area with much light at all. When using the white mode, you have four intensity levels to pick from. Garmin Forerunner 970 Here's the other key piece of metal, bar the buttons and bezel, a colour strip of what I assume is aluminium. In the black version and the white finish seen here, it's this sort-of bright yellow-green (Garmin calls it Amp Yellow). It's indigo/purple in the grey Forerunner 970. You can also see here perhaps the most mysterious part of the watch, the black ring that sits within just one of the five outer buttons. I can't see anything behind there, but such a black cover layer is often used for IR transmitter tech. Here's another look: Garmin Forerunner 970 black button I've asked Garmin if there's any additional information available and will amend this article if anything is forthcoming. It could just be a style touch, or may be a sign of a future feature to come. Garmin Forerunner 970 speaker and microphone On the opposite side of the casing to the LED flashlight is this odd pair of holes, behind which the speaker and microphone live. The Garmin Forerunner 970 cant use ordinary mic and speaker ports because of the extended 5ATM water resistance. Garmin Forerunner 970 HR sensor This is the Garmin Forerunner 970's Elevate heart rate array. At this distance you can even see the little fresnel-style patterns in the LED housing, used to direct and spread the output of the LEDs. As in other recent watches, like the Fenix 8, this one has four light sensors and six LED light squares. The four outer ones are used during tracked exercise, to help improve signal stability when there's a lot of motion in the person wearing the Forerunner 970. And those shiny bits that make the square HR array into a circle? These are metallic pads, required for the ECG feature the Forerunner 970 supports. They effectively complete a circuit, when you (as instructed) place thumb and forefinger on the watch bezel when requested while using the ECG mode. Garmin Forerunner 970 buttons Garmin Forerunner 970 charging port Here's a final close-up look at some of the more familiar elements of the Garmin Forerunner 970. The trio of left-side metal buttons are just like those of other primarily button-operated Garmin watches. And despite experimenting with a new style of power connector in the Marq Gen 2 the better part of three years ago, the Forerunner 970 still has Garmin's classic 4-pin cable. Let's finish off with as close a peer as I can get to the super-bright Forerunner 970 OLED screen, a 454 x 454 pixel 1.4-inch panel I'd need to get a new lens for to get close to letting you see its sub pixels. Garmin Forerunner 970 screen pixels The Garmin Forerunner 970 is available now, for $749.99.
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
This Forerunner 165 Is The Cheapest Advanced Garmin Watch, Now at an All-Time Low on Amazon
The world of advanced smartwatches is now more accessible than ever, and right now, Amazon is making upgrading your wristwear even easier by providing a significant discount. Whether you are a runner, fitness fanatic or just looking for a reliable watch to wear every day, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is among the most affordable advanced smartwatches on the market now thanks to Amazon's large discount. Priced at only $199 down from an MSRP of $249, this feature-rich Forerunner 165 watch is a steal for what it offers. If you are looking for something a little more luxe, the Forerunner 265 is being sold at a discount as well for $349 down from $449, and even the Fenix 8 models are seeing their first-ever price cuts. See Forerunner 165 at Amazon 25 Built In Activity Profiles While the Garmin Forerunner 165 is designed for runners and active users, the features and functionality also extend well beyond the common daily jog. The watch comes with a full-color AMOLED touchscreen display that is clear in any light, traditional buttons to get to your favorite features quickly and a comfortable, lightweight 43 mm case for easy wear throughout your day whether at work, hitting the gym, or miles into a long run. With up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, you will seldom have to think about recharging. A major highlight of the Forerunner 165 is the integrated GPS, as it provides you accurate pace and distance tracking directly from your wrist. The Forerunner 165 includes wrist-based heart rate monitoring to provide you with real-time feedback about your effort and recovery. Each morning, you will wake up to a customized morning report detailing your sleep quality, recovery status, training outlook, weather, and heart rate variability. This Garmin watch also provides personalized daily suggested workouts based on your performance and recovery to help keep you motivated and on track. The Forerunner 165 is equipped with Garmin Coach and race-adaptive training plans and provides you with tailored workout recommendations whether you are training for a race or looking to improve your fitness improvements. The Forerunner 165 also includes training effect and training effect labels which consider the impact of each workout on your overall fitness level, and ideas for the primary benefit you have gained. With over 25 built in activity profiles, the Forerunner 165 is set for virtually any sport or workout. You will have detailed metrics and insights provided for every activity including running, cycling, HIIT workouts, strength workouts, etc. Included safety and tracking features include incident detection for select outdoor activities and an Assistance feature that will send your live location to emergency contacts when paired with your smartphone. There is definitely a lot to love about the Garmin Forerunner 165, and with the current promotion from Amazon, you can excel while spending like a novice. See Forerunner 165 at Amazon
