News
Apple Watch Series 6 launches with Blood Oxygen Sensor
And a few other improvements
If you ask most tech reviewers, the Apple Watch is the consensus best smartwatch right now. Such a distinction doesn’t stop the company from making it even better with the Apple Watch Series 6.
Blood Oxygen
New to the Apple Watch Series 6 is the addition of blood oxygen or SpO2 sensor. It’s a feature that’s been a staple into some smart bands and other smartwatches since 2019. It also plays a key part in our battle against COVID-19. Doctors say you should be concerned if SpO2 levels drop below 92-93 percent.
The Blood Oxygen sensor employs four clusters of green, red, and infrared LEDs. This compensates for natural variations in the skin and improve accuracy This is also aided by four photodiodes on the back crystal of Apple Watch, to measure light reflected back from blood.
Apple Watch then uses an advanced custom algorithm built into the Blood Oxygen app, which is designed to measure blood oxygen between 70 percent and 100 percent. On-demand measurements can be taken while the user is still, and periodic background measurements occur when they are inactive, including during sleep.
All data will be visible in the Health app, and the user will be able to track trends over time to see how their blood oxygen level changes.
Most importantly, Apple will work closely with investigators at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at the University Health Network. It is one of the largest health research organizations in North America. This will help the company better understand how blood oxygen measurements and other Apple Watch metrics can help with management of heart failure.
Improved performance
The Apple Watch Series 6 is running a dual-core processor based on the A13 Bionic chip. This means it’ll run 20% faster than the previous generation while maintaining the same promise of an 18-hour battery life.
It also has the U1 chip and Ultra Wideband antennas for short-range wireless location. This supports features like next-generation digital car keys. Other improvements include faster charging and longer battery life for tracking certain workouts like indoor and outdoor runs.
The Always-On Retina display is now 2.5 times brighter than the Series 5 outdoors. Users can now also access Notification Center and Control Center with their wrists down.
There’s also a n always-on altimeter. It allows for detection of small elevation changes above ground level, up and down to the measurement of one foot, and can be shown as a new watch face complication or workout metric.
Apple Watch Collection
Of course, it’s not Apple Watch without new colors, designs, and straps to choose from.
For the first time, a new blue color joins the silver, space gray, and gold aluminum case options, along with a (PRODUCT)RED Apple Watch with exclusive matching bright red bands.
Stainless steel models are now available in graphite — a rich gray-black hue with a striking high-shine finish — and an updated classic yellow gold color. Apple Watch Edition is available in natural and space black titanium.
There are also three new band styles: Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, and Leather Link wraps.
watchOS 7
The new hardware will be accompanied by watchOS 7. There are new watch face options, new health and fitness features, sleep tracking, automatic hand washing detection, and new workout types.
Also new is Family Setup. It extends Apple Watch to the entire family by allowing kids and older family members of the household who do not have an iPhone to benefit from all it has to offer.
Pricing and availability
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) starts at $399 and Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) starts at $499.
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 27 other countries and regions.
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 21 other countries and regions.
- Apple Watch Nike is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and more than 27 other countries and regions. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-watch-nike or nike.com/applewatch.
- Apple Watch Hermès is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US and more than 14 other countries and regions. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-watch-hermes or hermes.com/applewatchhermes.
- New Apple Watch bands are available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18. Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop in (PRODUCT)RED will be available in late October. Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop are compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
- watchOS 7 will be available for Apple Watch Series 3 and later on September 16, and requires iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14. Not all features are available on all devices.
Gaming
Razer, JOOLA partner for limited-edition pickleball paddle
1st-ever crossover between gaming, pickleball
Razer has ventured into the world of pickleball, partnering with JOOLA for a limited-edition JOOLA Razer Perseus Pro IV 16mm paddle.
The paddle will officially be available on December 9. It is co-branded with Razer’s triple-headed snake trademark, as well as signature green accents.
The paddle already made its competitive debut at the 2025 Pickleball World Championships in Dallas. There, it was wielded by Ben Johns, who is widely regarded as the world’s top pickleball pro.
He also happens to spend his free time gaming, making the partnership very apt for him on a personal scale.
This groundbreaking crossover bridges the energy of esports with the fast-growing sport of pickleball. It unites two elite forces in competitive performance: JOOLA for pickleball pros and Razer for the gaming community.
And as part of the launch celebration, fans will have the chance to win a paddle signed by both JOOLA CEO Richard Lee and Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan.
The raffle will be done through a social media giveaway hosted by both JOOLA and Razer.
Game on with the JOOLA Razer Perseus Pro IV 16mm
The JOOLA Razer Perseus Pro IV 16mm is crafted for high-stakes rallies and fast-paced exchanges. Its raw carbon surface enhances spin control and dwell time. This allows players to shape their shots with precision and finesse.
A balanced swing weight also supports quick transitions and reactive play, making it ideal for competitive athletes.
Bringing smart tech to the court, each paddle is also embedded with an NFC chip that connects to the JOOLA Infinity App, unlocking exclusive content, pro tips, and extended warranty.
Only a total of 1,337 units of the limited-edition paddle will be made. The number 1,337 is a nod to gaming culture, where “1337” or “LEET” means short for elite and is used to signify top-tier skill and mastery.
The pickleball paddle will retail officially for US$ 299.95 and will be available exclusively via JOOLA.com.
Insta360 is expanding its presence in the Philippines with the launch of the X4 Air. It’s a new ultralight 8K 360 camera designed for creators who want portability without losing image quality. The company says the X4 Air continues the X Series legacy of intuitive design and accessible 360 storytelling, now in a smaller and more travel-ready body.
Weighing only 165 grams, the X4 Air is the lightest 8K 360 camera Insta360 has released. It uses dual 1/1.8-inch sensors and updated image processing to capture sharper 8K detail with richer color. The camera is aimed at beginners, travelers, and anyone looking to explore 360 content creation for the first time.
Sharper imaging and smarter performance
Insta360 says the X4 Air improves on the X4 by focusing on real-world usability. AdaptiveTone and Active HDR work together to balance highlights and shadows, while Portrait Mode smooths skin tones naturally for people-focused shots. Updated low-light algorithms also deliver cleaner images after sunset.
The camera introduces user-replaceable lenses with a tougher optical coating that doubles drop resistance. It is waterproof up to 15 meters and includes FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock for steady footage in any direction.
Compact build with flagship features
At 165 grams, the X4 Air is built to be carried anywhere. It stays light enough for one-handed use while still maintaining Insta360’s fifth-generation panoramic imaging technology. Despite its compact form, it shares the X5’s 8K 30 fps 360° video and replaceable lens system, and it supports most X5 accessories.
All-in-one creative tool
The X4 Air records in 360 degrees so creators can shoot first and reframe later. InstaFrame Mode saves both a share-ready flat video and a full 360° version at the same time. The camera also supports the Invisible Selfie Stick for drone-like shots, as well as smooth POV footage for daily vlogs.
Twist to Shoot, Gesture Control, and Voice Control let users start recording hands-free, making it easier to capture moments during solo shoots, group scenes, or sports runs.
Faster editing and seamless sharing
Editing is handled through Insta360’s AI-powered mobile app. Features like Auto Edit, FlashCut, and AI Frame automatically generate polished videos. The camera integrates with Apple, Garmin, and Huawei devices for performance overlays, while Insta360+ Cloud storage keeps files backed up. Every X4 Air purchase includes a one-year 200 GB cloud subscription for a limited time.
Pricing and availability
The Insta360 X4 Air is now available in Graphite Black and Arctic White from official offline and online retailers, including Shopee and Lazada. The Standard Bundle is priced at PhP 21,990. The Starter Bundle costs PhP 24,990 and includes a 114 cm Invisible Selfie Stick, Lens Cap, and an extra battery. Both bundles come with a complimentary one-year Insta360+ subscription for a limited time.
The company has expanded from seven to seventeen retail locations since June, adding stores in SM Dasmariñas, SM Lipa, SM Pampanga, SM Clark, Ayala Market!, Glorietta, SM Aura, Ayala Harbour Point, Marquee Mall, and SM La Union. Thirteen more branches are planned before the end of the year.
News
Samsung will reportedly delay Galaxy S26 launch to late February
The delay might be because of Galaxy AI.
January is always a month to remember because of Samsung. The smartphone brand usually launches the year’s Galaxy lineup. For example, the current Galaxy S25 series launched on January 22 this year. However, next year might be a different story. According to a new report, Samsung will hold its first Galaxy Unpacked event in late February.
Based on a report from the Korean outlet Money Today, Samsung is letting the Galaxy 26 series marinate a tiny bit more because of Galaxy AI. The brand is even hosting the event in San Francisco, the supposed center for AI technology.
The report also states that Samsung is evaluating its current lineup. This year, the brand launched the Galaxy S25 Edge. However, the new model’s sales have been reportedly lackluster, potentially prompting a return to the old model next year. The Galaxy S26 series might have the more traditional three-piece lineup consisting of the basic, the plus, and the ultra models.
Now, ahead of the new lineup’s launch, a lot of rumors are already going around about the Galaxy S26’s chipset. The brand is supposedly going all-in once again on Exynos. The upcoming Exynos 2600 can go up against Apple’s A19 Pro, if the reports are to be believed.
SEE ALSO: Samsung might bring a stronger Exynos to the Galaxy S26 series
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