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Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Major Leaked Upgrades Detailed
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, anticipated to debut in September 2025, is poised to redefine the landscape of wearable technology. With six major enhancements, this next-generation smartwatch promises a blend of sleek design, advanced functionality, and innovative connectivity. These upgrades aim to cater to a wide range of users, from fitness enthusiasts to tech-savvy professionals. Below is a detailed look at the most anticipated features and their practical benefits in a new video from Matt Talks Tech. Watch this video on YouTube. A Thinner, More Comfortable Design The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to be 10-15% slimmer than its predecessor, marking a significant improvement in both aesthetics and comfort. This reduction in thickness makes the device more lightweight, which is particularly appealing for users who wear their smartwatch throughout the day. Despite its streamlined profile, the Ultra 3 is expected to retain the rugged durability that defines the Ultra series, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and active users. The thinner design also enhances its compatibility with various outfits and occasions, making sure it remains a versatile accessory. Upgraded Display Technology The Ultra 3 is set to feature a wide-angle OLED display with an edge-to-edge design, offering a more immersive visual experience. By reducing bezel size and maximizing the display area, this upgrade enhances usability and aesthetics. Improved color accuracy and viewing angles ensure that notifications, fitness metrics, and apps are easier to read and interact with. This advancement underscores Apple's commitment to delivering a premium user interface, making the Ultra 3 a standout device for those who prioritize both functionality and style. Satellite Connectivity for Emergencies One of the newest features of the Ultra 3 is its rumored satellite connectivity. Building on the Emergency SOS feature, this upgrade will enable users to send emergency messages even in areas without cellular coverage. Whether you're hiking in remote locations or traveling in regions with limited network access, this feature ensures you can stay connected during critical moments. This advancement is particularly beneficial for adventurers and individuals who prioritize safety and reliability in their wearable devices. 5G Connectivity for Faster Performance The inclusion of 5G connectivity represents a significant leap in network performance for the Ultra 3. With faster speeds and more reliable connections, users can enjoy seamless app downloads, uninterrupted music streaming, and quicker data syncing. This feature positions the Ultra 3 as a future-ready device, capable of using the expanding global 5G infrastructure. For professionals and tech enthusiasts who rely on their smartwatches for productivity and communication, this upgrade ensures a more efficient and connected experience. Next-Generation S11 Chipset At the heart of the Ultra 3 lies the new S11 chipset, designed to deliver enhanced performance and energy efficiency. This advanced processor ensures smoother multitasking, faster app responsiveness, and support for more complex features. While the thinner design may slightly reduce battery capacity, the S11 chip's efficiency is expected to offset this, maintaining competitive battery life. This balance between power and longevity makes the Ultra 3 a reliable companion for both daily use and demanding activities. Potential Blood Pressure Monitoring Health tracking remains a cornerstone of the Apple Watch, and the Ultra 3 could introduce a blood pressure monitoring sensor to its suite of health features. This addition would complement existing metrics like heart rate and blood oxygen levels, providing a more comprehensive view of cardiovascular health. However, reports suggest this feature may face delays and could be reserved for future models. If included, it would represent a significant advancement in wearable health technology, further solidifying Apple's position as a leader in this space. Release Date and Pricing The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to be unveiled during Apple's annual event in early September 2025, with pre-orders likely opening shortly after. Retail availability is anticipated by mid-September. Despite the numerous upgrades, Apple is expected to maintain the current price point of $799, making it a competitive option in the premium smartwatch market. However, regional pricing may vary due to factors such as tariffs and currency fluctuations, so potential buyers should stay informed about local pricing details. Part of Apple's Expanding Ecosystem The launch of the Ultra 3 will coincide with other major product announcements, including new iPhones and the AirPods Pro 3. This integration within Apple's ecosystem ensures a seamless experience for users who own multiple Apple devices. Features like satellite connectivity and 5G support highlight Apple's focus on enhancing convenience and safety, making the Ultra 3 a valuable addition to its product lineup. For users already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Ultra 3 offers an opportunity to further streamline their digital lives. What It Means for You The Apple Watch Ultra 3 represents a significant evolution in smartwatch technology. From its thinner, more comfortable design to its advanced display and innovative connectivity features, this device is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern users. Whether you're drawn to its health tracking capabilities, its ability to keep you connected in remote areas, or its seamless integration with other Apple devices, the Ultra 3 offers something for everyone. As the September 2025 launch approaches, keep an eye out for official announcements to confirm these exciting upgrades. Below are more guides on Apple Watch Ultra 3 from our extensive range of articles. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Technology 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
3 days ago
- CNET
I Tried This $40 Smartwatch: It Was Meh, but Not a Complete Waste of Time
I wasn't expecting much when I first strapped the WITHit Giga Smartwatch onto my wrist, and at least it delivered on that. This $40 smartwatch does the basics: shows notifications, counts your steps, tracks your heart rate (sort of) and lets you take calls from your wrist. But the execution of all these features is where it all starts to fall apart, and I found myself getting exactly what I paid for. After spending a week testing it, I came away with this: If you just want a basic smartwatch that works with both Android and iPhone, tells the time, tracks your steps and surfaces notifications, this will get the job done, just don't expect accuracy. But if you can stretch your budget even a little, something like the $75 Amazfit Bip 6 offers more accurate tracking, a more refined design and more reliable performance. The $40 WITHit Giga looks like an Apple Watch Ultra knock-off. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Design and UI: big, bulky, and basic The WITHit Giga is about as no-frills as smartwatches come. It looks like an Apple Watch Ultra impersonator: metallic frame around a rectangular screen, rounded edges and even Apple Watch-like icons inside. But that's where the similarities end. If your wrist is on the smaller side like mine (I have a 6-inch wrist), brace yourself because this is going to look huge. The Giga's 48.5mm case is overpowering, and there's no smaller size option. On my wrist, it felt bulky and out of place, and the thick, textured silicone bands definitely didn't help matters. The 2.04-inch AMOLED display is decent with a 386x448 resolution, but the screen brightness isn't adaptive. You'll need to manually adjust it, which means it's almost too bright at night and borderline unreadable in direct sunlight unless you increase the brightness manually. This watch runs its own proprietary system, syncs to the WITHit app and works with both Android and iOS. You'll get notifications, basic fitness tracking, an always-on display (which in my testing drained the battery fast) and a speaker/mic combo for answering calls. The UI is straightforward but lacks polish. Swiping right opens your favorites and the side button lets you quickly launch a workout. Animations feel slow and longer text scrolls in awkwardly to fit the screen. The non-adaptive screen on the WITHit Giga is nearly unreadable outdoors unless you manually crank it to full brightness. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Battery life: Not bad but there's a catch Battery life is one of the few things that holds up well here. I got about three days of use with the raise-to-wake option, and roughly a day and a half with the always on display enabled. That's not bad for the price, and it's actually better than even some flagship smartwatches. But the manual comes with a big red flag: "Avoid fast chargers" and don't overcharge. That's not something you want to see in 2025, especially because at this point in my smartwatch charger collection I don't know which one is fast, and which one is not, and the vague warning makes me think it's going to explode if I make the wrong choice. Charging from an empty battery to full takes about two hours with the included magnetic charger. But once I left it charging overnight and I approached it with terror the next morning thinking I'd broken the "don't overcharge" rule. Luckily, I came out unscathed. Health and fitness tracking: lower your expectations Workout tracking and wellness is where the cracks really show. Yes, the Giga technically tracks heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), sleep, stress and menstrual cycles. But the accuracy is questionable at best. During workouts, heart rate measurements were consistently off when compared to a chest strap and even other wrist-based trackers. The post workout HR average was close enough, but the metrics during the workout were noticeably off. For example, as I was sitting on my Pilates reformer (completely sedentary) starting a workout on the watch, the screen already read "100bpm", while the chest strap and Apple Watch had me at 65 bpm. This made me skeptical of even the resting heart rate readings. Sleep tracking only works between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., meaning night shift workers or anyone with an irregular schedule (like this late-night writer) is out of luck. Sleep stats are also confusing; instead of clear sleep stages or hours of sleep, you get odd comparisons like "fewer than 26% of people in your age group go to sleep this late." Not exactly sure what I should do with this information. Menstrual tracking is purely manual, based on averages, with no biological marker detection like temperature tracking. You can't even log a period directly from the watch and have to do it from the app. Other smartwatch features Calls: As long as your phone is within range, you can answer and make phone calls from the watch with its speaker and mic, but clarity is an issue. Texting: You can see texts from messaging apps, but you can't reply or even send a prewritten response (when paired to an iPhone). Voice Assistant: Technically available, but is basically just a shortcut to activate your own phone's assistant. You tap, and Siri or Google Assistant opens on your phone, not the watch. Not helpful. Quick settings: Save your recently used apps in quick settings, which actually made flipping between features like workouts and music controls more convenient — this is a win. Should you buy it? The WITHit Giga does the bare minimum you'd expect from a smartwatch, but at the expense of accuracy and attention to detail. For $40, it's a functional notification mirror with step tracking, call support and a splash of health features (if you're looking for a general overview at best). But if you can stretch your budget, something like the $80 Amazfit Bip 6 offers far better value, accurate health tracking, cleaner UI and better battery life. Bottom line: If you keep your expectations low, and you're just dipping your toes in the smartwatch waters for the first time, this might suffice. Otherwise, it's worth paying more for something that feels less like a toy and more like a tool.
CNET
15-07-2025
- CNET
This Affordable 2-in-1 Laptop Is My Everyday Workhorse, and It's One of the Best Laptop Deals I've Found
I've been testing tablets and laptops here at CNET for years, which means I've tried pretty much every size, shape and style of device you can imagine. I'm always on the lookout for a model that meets all of my daily needs in one package, including when I'm traveling or commuting. My search was essentially over when I found the incredibly inexpensive Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook. I've found that I turn to this two-in-one laptop for my personal, everyday use more than any other device I own. I especially appreciate the versatility of the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook. It has an 11-inch touchscreen paired with a detachable keyboard cover, a rear cover with a kickstand and, if you want, you can pair it with an active pen for drawing or writing on the screen. Better yet, at less than $400, it's one of the best laptop deals around. It's currently just $325 on Amazon. It's $379 at Lenovo, but if you're a first-time buyer, you can get a $100 discount with an email subscription, bringing the price down to $279. Why I like this tablet There are two main reasons this device works better for me than most standard laptops. First is its compact, lightweight size. Second is that it's multifunctional. Since I regularly commute to work by train, both of these factors make the Duet Chromebook especially convenient. On occasions when I do need a bigger screen or a wider keyboard for faster typing, I'll usually switch to my standard laptop. But the Duet 11, which functions both as a laptop and tablet, is the machine that fits my daily life the best and most often. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. On the surface, you might think it's no different than an iPad or any number of Android tablets. But the big differences are the operating system, ChromeOS, and its price. If you've never used ChromeOS, it's sort of a mix between a traditional desktop OS, such as Windows or MacOS, and a mobile OS that your phone uses, such as Android. The combination makes it easier for me to get work done with a keyboard and trackpad or mouse, but it also uses apps from the Google Play Store, so it has a mobile device feel too. The only hiccup might be if your work or school relies on software available only for MacOS or Windows. That's never been an issue for me, as there's typically a web or mobile app I can use in its place. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 specs Price $399 Display size/resolution 11-inch 1,920x1,200-pixel, LCD touchscreen CPU 2.6GHz MediaTek Kompanio 838 Memory 8GB LPDDR4X Graphics Integrated graphics Storage 128GB eMMC Networking Intel Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 Ports USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (x2), 3.5mm combo audio jack Operating system ChromeOS The Duet 11 helps me stay busy during my train commute The Duet's size is really nice for my train commute, letting me easily edit docs or respond to emails on my way to work. It has a fantastic front-facing 5-megapixel camera, too, so I can use it for a Zoom chat when necessary, and the camera has a physical privacy shutter to block it out the rest of the time. I especially like its zippy performance. It wakes as soon as I drop the keyboard open, and I can quickly tether to my Pixel phone for an instant internet connection. Battery life is strong at up to 11 hours in my use of it. Using the Duet on your lap can be a little bit of a balancing act, but it's doable. Its compact size makes it ideal for cramped coffee shop tables and other places where a full-size laptop might be awkward. It weighs only about 2 pounds with all of its accessories. Read more: Why a Chromebook Is Probably All You Need Like a lot of people, I unwind on my commute home with some entertainment, and the Duet shines for that. Pop off the magnetically attached keyboard and ChromeOS switches to a more touch-friendly experience. The tablet supports cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, which means that with a strong web connection, you can play all kinds of games. I love to play mobile games on it from the Play Store too. The Duet 11 also works as an e-reader In addition to being ideal for commuting and cramped spaces, the Duet is also a good e-reader. I use it for reading manga with the Viz and Shonen Jump apps, and I regularly dip into my library's collection of ebooks and magazines via the Libby app. The device is also good for streaming video and music, though I prefer Bluetooth headphones over the tablet's little speakers. While I mainly use it for travel and on my commute, the Duet is equally great around the house. I wouldn't recommend the Duet as your only laptop unless you simply don't need to do more than basic home office work and can connect to a larger display, keyboard and mouse. The 11-inch touchscreen, while great-looking, is a little too small for all-day, everyday use. But as a secondary device to a larger, more powerful desktop or laptop, it's just about perfect. If you're interested in checking out more ChromeOS devices, here are CNET's top picks for the best Chromebooks on the market. And if you're curious about what other models you can grab on the cheap right now, don't miss our roundups of the best Chromebook deals and the best laptop deals.
Digital Trends
15-07-2025
- Digital Trends
If you're itching for an HP OMEN MAX gaming laptop, this deal will save you $500
We've recently published a stunningly positive review of the HP OMEN Max 16. It's got a list of 'Pros' a mile long. The single, obligatory con is 'Thick and heavy.' Considering that it's a gaming laptop, that's practically the equivalent of saying a flashlight is too bright to look at. Thick, and a bit heavy, just comes with the territory. All of this is to say that the review was great and we're fans of the HP OMEN Max 16. As a deal hunter it made me want to go and see if I could find a deal on the HP OMEN Max 16 and I did, sort of. Right now you can get a customizable HP OMEN Max 16t — a laptop that, if it didn't have a separate store page, I would think is identical to the one we reviewed — with a $500 discount, no matter what settings you choose. With the base settings of the laptop, that discount brings it from $2,100 to just $1,600, but you're free to upgrade to your heart's content. Tap the button below to start customizing to your whimsy or keep reading for some advice on how to do so and what to expect from the 16t. Why you should buy the HP OMEN Max 16t The HP OMEN Max 16t is a gorgeous gaming laptop, giving off excellent professional vibes with only subtle RGB usage and a nods to its use for gaming. It is designed for excellent cooling and has an internal fan-cooling system that will keep your gear at max cool for longer. However, it's largely what's on the inside, and the screen, that counts. At its base (all of this is upgradeable) the laptop's 16-inch screen has a 2K resolution and is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 series processor with an NVIDIA Ge Force RTX 5060 laptop GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. But what should you upgrade? It's completely up to you, but here are some tips: If you're unsure, HP is ready to help. The 'Recommended Configurations' are a sort of Basic / Advanced / Expert slider you can't go wrong with. Color: The 'Shadow Black' version looks cool, but the 'Ceramic White' version is out of this world. However, I notice when I click on it that it doesn't simply raise the price by $10, as it suggests it will, and instead raises the base price. The 'Shadow Black' version looks cool, but the 'Ceramic White' version is out of this world. However, I notice when I click on it that it doesn't simply raise the price by $10, as it suggests it will, and instead raises the base price. Processor and Graphics: Remember that this is the laptop version of the GPU. Remember that this is the laptop version of the GPU. Memory: There are two 16GB options, one with 2 x 8GB RAM sticks and one with a single 16GB stick. They both cost the same. If you're unsure, just stick with the dual one that's ticked by default, as it'll be best for most people. There are two 16GB options, one with 2 x 8GB RAM sticks and one with a single 16GB stick. They both cost the same. If you're unsure, just stick with the dual one that's ticked by default, as it'll be best for most people. Display: The upgrade from 2K to WQXGA is just $60, but the WQXGA with OLED is $190. That's a pretty substantial cost. Check the basic $60 WQXGA to start, and if the overall price of your laptop isn't too high at the end of customization, grab the OLED option then. The upgrade from 2K to WQXGA is just $60, but the WQXGA with OLED is $190. That's a pretty substantial cost. Check the basic $60 WQXGA to start, and if the overall price of your laptop isn't too high at the end of customization, grab the OLED option then. Network: After the 'Memory' and 'Storage' sections there are a lot of software bundles and tech support options that many of you will skip. Don't miss out on the opportunity to go from Wi-Fi 6e to Wi-Fi 7 for just $10. It might seem like too much futureproofing, but so did Wi-Fi 6 not long ago. This is an easy to miss $10 upgrade. After the 'Memory' and 'Storage' sections there are a lot of software bundles and tech support options that many of you will skip. Don't miss out on the opportunity to go from Wi-Fi 6e to Wi-Fi 7 for just $10. It might seem like too much futureproofing, but so did Wi-Fi 6 not long ago. This is an easy to miss $10 upgrade. Finally, remember to double-check your order. If you want to start customizing your gaming laptop, getting great freedom over what you get, go ahead and tap the button below. Remember, it drops the base model from $2,100 to $1,600. However, if you still aren't able to get what you want, you should also consider checking out these laptop deals for more options.
Phone Arena
14-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy A36 5G: Expected differences
The Galaxy A36 5G is Samsung's top mid-range phone in the U.S. right now, priced at $399 and offering a respectable mix of display quality, software support, and battery life. But with the Galaxy S25 FE expected to arrive later this year, many might be wondering — should you spend more and go for Samsung's Fan Edition instead?With the S25 FE expected to deliver a flagship-grade chipset, wireless charging, more RAM, and a much more capable camera system, this shapes up to be a classic value vs performance comparison. The A36 is already a well-rounded budget phone, but it comes with compromises in camera quality, speed, and design. The S25 FE, on the other hand, aims to be a premium-tier device at a more approachable price than the Galaxy S25 .Let's dive in and explore the expected differences across performance, display, software, and camera quality to help you decide which of these phones fits your needs and budget better. $150 off (38%) The Galaxy A36 is finally here! You can buy this affordable model with a brilliant Super AMOLED display and a 50 MP main camera at the official store. You can save up to $150 with a trade-in. Alternatively, you can save $50 with Samsung Instant Savings. Buy at Samsung Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy A36 expected differences: *rumored/expected Table of Contents: Design Display Performance Camera Battery Specs Summary Read more: Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy S25 Plus Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy S24 FE The Galaxy A36 5G sticks to a functional design with a plastic frame and a 'Key Island' camera bump that sets it apart visually from other Samsung phones. While it's certainly distinctive, it feels a generation behind in terms of design. The Galaxy S25 FE, by contrast, is expected to maintain the flagship-grade build of its predecessor, with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back and a sleek, flat-sided aluminum frame. It will also be noticeably thinner and slightly lighter than the A36, making it feel more premium in the hand. *rumored/expected The S25 FE will likely have an IP68 water and dust-resistance certification, while the A36 is a tiny bit limited at with an IP67 certification (not a great difference, though). Color options on the A36 include Black, White, Lavender, and Lime. The S25 FE's colorways are still unknown, but we expect similarly bold options. Display Differences Both phones use 6.7-inch AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates, but the S25 FE is expected to offer much higher brightness at 2600 nits peak vs 1748 nits on the A36 (based on our 20% APL test). That could make a major difference in direct sunlight or high-dynamic range content. *rumored/expected While both will likely share vibrant colors and good sharpness, the A36's panel doesn't match the flagship-tier polish of Samsung's S-series phones. Color accuracy was decent in our tests, but not use under-display fingerprint scanners and offer face unlock, though only the fingerprint sensor is secure enough for authentication. The Galaxy A36 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, a 5nm chip that performs similarly to last year's Exynos 1380. It's fine for casual tasks, but our tests showed stutters, slow app loading, and lag under heavier use. It's strictly an entry-level performer by modern standards. The S25 FE is expected to come with the Exynos 2400 chip, a 10-core processor used in some versions of Samsung's flagship Galaxy S24. That alone puts it in a different performance class, and it's paired with 12 GB of RAM versus 8 GB on the A36. *rumored/expected In software, both phones will run Android 16 with One UI 7, but the S25 FE benefits from Samsung's promise of 7 years of updates vs 6 years for the A36. The A36 includes a lighter AI suite called Awesome Intelligence, while the S25 FE will support the full Galaxy AI experience with features like Live Translate, Generative Edit, and more. The Galaxy S25 FE is expected to feature a triple-camera system that mirrors its predecessor: a 50 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultrawide, and 8 MP 3x telephoto camera. In contrast, the Galaxy A36 uses a simpler setup with a 50 MP main camera, 8 MP ultrawide, and 5 MP macro shooter. *rumored/expected In our review, the A36's camera performance was mediocre. The main shooter tended to overprocess images, the ultrawide was soft, and video quality was below average — especially in difficult lighting. There's no true zoom camera on the A36, and the macro lens adds little value. The S25 FE, by contrast, is expected to offer flagship-grade stills and video with advanced computational photography and better dynamic range. If camera quality matters to you, it's not a close race. The Galaxy A36 5G has a 5000mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging, which is a huge win in this price range. It lacks wireless charging, however. Battery life in our tests was solid, especially for browsing, but video playback and gaming drained it faster than Galaxy S25 FE is expected to have a slightly smaller 4900mAh battery, but also supports 45W wired and 15W wireless charging — giving it more flexibility and flagship-like convenience. *rumored/expected If you value charging versatility, the S25 FE holds the edge, despite the slightly smaller battery. Here's a quick overview of the expected Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy 36 specs: *rumored/expected The Galaxy A36 is a solid mid-range phone that's on the more affordable side and gets the basics right — especially the display and battery life — but cuts back on performance and camera quality. If your needs are modest and your budget is tight, it offers a decent value at $399. The Galaxy S25 FE, on the other hand, is expected to deliver a flagship-grade experience for less than $700. With a much faster chip, a superior camera system, wireless charging, and more RAM, it's a major upgrade across the board. Not to mention that it comes with Samsung's full AI package of features. If your budget can stretch beyond $400, the Galaxy S25 FE should be worth the wait and the more premium price tag.
