Wearables
Apple enhances Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 2 for water sports
Bigger screens, new apps, more insights
Apple has officially announced the new Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which can now be preordered. The latest Apple Watch additions will be available on September 20.
The Apple Watch Series 10 features the biggest display and the thinnest design on an Apple Watch product yet. It sports a wide angle OLED display with up to a 30% more screen area.
This expansive screen helps users see more lines of texts on apps like Messages. It is likewise better for typing quick responses or passcodes, or simply navigating the watchOS 11 UI. Moreover, it is 40% brighter when viewed from angles as it emits more light.
And while the display is larger and brighter, the Apple Watch Series 10 doesn’t compromise power consumption. In fact, it supports up to 18 hours of all-day battery life on a single charge.
Furthermore, using OLED for its screen allows the Apple Watch Series 10 to support always-on display, wherein the seconds hand is visible even when the user’s wrist isn’t raised.
To complete the look, a Reflections watch face with a distinctive shimmering dial has been integrated. This reacts to user movements, complementing the reflective titanium cases.
Aside from its redesign, the Apple Watch Series 10 boasts of the fastest charging yet on an Apple Watch, offering up to a 80% recharge in just 30 minutes.
Detect signs of Sleep Apnea
Also debuting on the Watch Series 10 is a Breathing Disturbances feature to help users detect signs of sleep apnea. This joins various health monitoring functions.
The metric uses the accelerometer to detect small movements on the wrist associated with interruptions to normal respiratory patterns during sleep.
Every 30 days, the Apple Watch will analyze breathing disturbance data and notify users automatically if it shows consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Breathing Disturbances can also be uses to assess the restfulness of sleep. It can be influenced by alcohol, medications, sleep position, and more. Viewing this metric nightly on the Health app will allow users to check if the metric is elevated or not.
The 4-core Neural Engine on the Apple Watch Series 10 also makes it smarter. Among enhanced features are the double tap gesture, on-device Siri, dictation, and automatic workout detection, as well as important safety features such as Crash Detection and Fall Detection.
Great for water activities
As for workouts, there are many ways the new offering can make physical activities better. First off, it’s easier to read workout metrics on the larger display. Next, its swim-proof design has a 50-meter water resistance rating.
Plus, the Watch Series 10 can automatically detect swimming strokes and count laps. Custom Workouts for pool swims have also been added to watchOS 11.
Moreover, a depth gauge and water temperature sensor have been added so the wearable becomes a better companion when in water. These sensors will also display such metrics, providing vital information in real-time.
For water activities, the new Tides App comes in handy. Users can access seven rolling days of forecasted tidal information for coastlines and surf spots around the globe. This includes information on high and low tides, rising and falling tides, sunrise and sunset, ad many more.
To top it off, the Oceanic+ app also debuts on the Watch Series 10. Developed in partnership with Huish Outdoors, this app has features for snorkeling. It can easily find popular snorkeling locations nearby and provide relevant information.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has been fortified to make water sports experiences even better as well. It has a Titanium Milanese Loop band, designed specifically for water activities as it is corrosion resistant.
The second generation Watch Ultra also has the most accurate GPS in a sports watch. It has precision dual-frequency GPS, utilizing advanced satellite and signal models, custom positioning algorithms, and Apple Maps data.
Like the Apple Watch Series 10, the Watch Ultra 2 runs on watchOS 11 and brings new features, including the Tides app, Vitals app, and sleep apnea-related notifications. It can also last up to 36 hours on regular use, or 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
That’s not all. The second generation Watch Ultra is also great for cyclists, hikers, and runners. For cyclists, workout metrics may be viewed live on an iPhone while it is mounted onto their bikes.
Hikers can enjoy enhanced trail experiences with offline maps too, complete with turn-by-turn directions. They can also access features like Waypoints. They can even create and save custom hiking routes in iOS 18 when synced to the watch.
What’s great about the Watch Ultra 2 is its 3,000 nits maximum brightness, providing users a clear view of what’s on the display, no matter what the scenario is.
The customizable Action button also makes it easier for users to start a workout. They can even switch between workout types during Multisport workout. When not using it for physical activities, users may customize the Action button to access Stopwatch, Flashlight, Voice Memos, Shazam, and more in an instant.
Price, availability
The Apple Watch Series 10 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes in jet black, rose gold, silver aluminum, and titanium in natural, gold, and slate. The models come with a Sport Loop, Braided Solo Loop, or updated Milanese Loop.
The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at US$ 399. In addition, the Apple Watch SE retails starting at US$ 249.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced starting at US$ 799 in natural and black titanium. The Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2, in particular, costs US$ 1,399.
What comes next after the smartphone? For years, brands hunted for an answer. Apple, for example, placed its bet on the Vision Pro, a wager that hasn’t paid off yet. Samsung, on the other hand, is betting on a different horse: augmented reality.
In a new earnings call (via Seeking Alpha), Samsung’s Seong H. Cho, the brand’s head for mobile marketing, confirmed that they will experiment more with “diverse form factors such as next-generation AR glasses.”
Samsung has been teasing a pair of glasses for a while now. However, with an impressive lineup already in the works (including the brand’s first trifold smartphone), it’s understandable that hype for the teased glasses took a bit of a backseat.
But, with an official word now about the wearable, the game is once again on to create an impressive pair of smart glasses.
The only question here is the “next-generation” part. Since Samsung doesn’t really have a pair out in the market right now, it’s a bit difficult to determine what the next generation might mean.
Of course, it could simply be a marketing term that implies smart glasses are the next generation of technology. If it pertains to what’s already out in the market, it could mean a pair that comes with a camera or even a display. Of note, most smart glasses today (or, at least, those accessible to most users) use only audio for its smart functionalities.
SEE ALSO: Samsung teases anti-shoulder surfing privacy feature
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 7i, featuring AI noise cancellation, is coming to the Philippines on February 2. It promises a sub-PhP 5,000 asking price, and an advanced noise cancellation for earbuds under the segment.
Of course, users are also assured of immersive audio, pro-level call clarity, and more features in one sleek, modern package.
At the wearables’ core is Dynamic ANC 4.0. This is capable of an average full-band noise reduction depth of 28 dB and up to 55 dB maximum noise cancellation.
The earbuds focus on average full-band performance rather than isolated frequency peaks. This way, the noise reduction experience is more natural and consistent — aligning with how the human ear perceives sound.
The advanced system is powered by an ultra-large 8 mm² rear vent and super-sized air guide cavity. These are designed to absorb and slow down external noise more effectively. They also detect and cancel noise faster and more accurately.
Moreover, the HUAWEI Freebuds 7i also boast of an advanced six-microphone system that can suppress up to 90 dB of ambient noise.
Combined with a bone-conduction mic, Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), and AI call noise reduction, users are ensured of stable and clear calls, wherever they may be.
New dimension of immersive sound
Beyond the ANC capabilities, HUAWEI’s latest offering is equipped with a newly added Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for Unlimited Spatial Audio with six-axis sensor and head tracking.
This creates a dynamic 3D soundstage that adapts naturally as users move. Unlike traditional spatial audio systems, the feature works independently of device type or content source.
Inside are 11mm quad-magnetic dynamic drivers paired with Hi-Res Audio certification. The balanced sound signature features punchy bass and bright yet delicate treble. Such is suited for several scenarios, including music, gaming, videos, and calls.
Other features include IP54 dust and water resistance, as well as dual-device connectivity and full compatibility with both Android and iOS.
The buds last up to 35 hours along with their charging case. Fast charging support also offers hours of listening for just a brief 10-minute charge.
Sony has officially announced the Sony LinkBuds Clip, giving consumers a new open-clip truly wireless earbuds option instead of the usual in-ear variant.
Designed with customer feedback in mind, the LinkBuds Clip combines a natural listening experience and situational awareness. They feature a unique, rounded, and ergonomic open shape that fits comfortably in any ear.
The C-shaped design doesn’t intrude the ear canal and securely and easily fits various ear shapes. The main body and upper band provide a wide fitting range and excellent stability as well.
Matching-colored Air Fitting Cushions are also included, allowing users to adjust the fit by changing the band’s position. This socially friendly design also enables listening while talking naturally to people around.
Of course, the new product does not compromise on Sony’s renowned audio quality. There are three listening modes: Standard, Voice Boost, and Sound Leakage Reduction. Listeners can expect clean and balanced bass, mids, and trebles for both music and podcasts.
Digital Sound Enhancement restores high-frequency details to deliver sound closer to the original recording.
Moreover, clear calls with advanced voice pickup technology also isolates and enhances voice for scenarios which need them.
Sony leveraged AI for this feature’s noise reduction algorithm to help with clear speech across a wide range of environments.
The Sony LinkBuds Clip offers up to 37 hours of battery life and an IPX4 water resistance, among other useful features like 360-degree audio and custom settings via the Sound Connect app.
The LinkBuds Clip come in four colors: Lavender, griege, green, and black, with the charging case also customizable with different color pieces. Sony’s latest wearable costs US$ 229.99.
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