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Fitbit launches Versa 2 with OLED display, Alexa

But, there’s no compromise on battery life

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Fitbit acquired crowdfunded Pebble a few years back and used it to launch its own line of smartwatches. The Versa was the first actual smartwatch from the fitness-centric brand and it has received a lot of positive response from the users. In fact, Fitbit even launched a slightly stripped down version called the Versa Lite to offer a more affordable option.

Now, the brand has launched the Versa 2 and it plays a crucial role in their fight against Apple. Fitbit has struggled to gain a foothold in the smartwatch category as Apple and Samsung have cornered a bigger share of the market with more sophisticated devices.

It comes with a new OLED display that is brighter, more vivid, and the bezels have shrunken. Continuing the legacy, it can last up to five days on a single charge and users now also have the option of an Always-on Display mode.

In line with the Versa Lite, it features just one physical button and swipe gestures can be used for quick navigation. Amazon’s personal assistant Alexa is called by long-pressing the side button. It’s capable of answering a host of questions as well as operating other connected devices like the speaker. Keep in mind, the watch doesn’t have a speaker and you’ll have to depend on the display for Alexa’s response.

Obviously, like all Fitbit’s, Versa 2 has an active heart-rate sensor, automatic sleep tracking, and activity tracking. A special set of work-out modes have been provided and even third-party services can be installed.

Pricing and availability

The Versa 2 is priced at US$ 199. It’ll be available via a wide range of stores in the US starting September 15.

Fitbit’s also launching a new coaching and fitness guidance subscription service called Fitbit Premium. It will cost $10 a month or $80 a year and is not exclusive to the Versa 2. Users get personalized coaching including health reports, workouts plans, diet advice, and sleep features.

In the Philippines, it will retail for PhP 12,890 and will come in black with a carbon case, petal with a copper rose aluminum case, and stone with a mist grey case. Accessories range from PhP 1,790 to PhP 2,890. There’s also a Versa 2 Special Edition available  in navy and pink with a copper rose aluminum case and smoke with a mist grey case. It will retail for for PhP 14,590. Interested buyers may purchase from local retailers like Digital Walker and the Fitbit Official Store on Lazada.

In india the wearable will be on sale for INR 20,999.

The Versa 2 will be available in stores worldwide beginning October 3, 2019. Two exclusive editions — emerald and plum, both with a copper rose case — will also be available this fall, only on Fitbit.com and select retailers.

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vivo introduces refurbished versions of X300 FE, X300 Ultra for less

vivo offers consumers more affordable way of owning smartphones

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vivo is offering its market an affordable way to own its smartphones without necessarily purchasing a brand-new unit: vivo refurbished phones.

Unlike ordinary second-hand phones, the refurbished vivo units are brand-managed devices that undergo inspection, cleaning, and necessary repairs by vivo customer service professionals.

After undergoing such a process, the phones are then made available for resale. This gives consumers a more accessible way to own a vivo smartphone — with added assurance of professional quality checks and warranty support.

@vivo_philippines

vivo Refurbished Phones are NOW AVAILABLE! Get high-end flagship smartphones at a lower price and watch to learn what makes it different from second-hand devices. Meet the star of our refurbished lineup, the vivo X300 Ultra! https://bit.ly/vivoX300Ultra_refurbished More units COMING SOON! #vivo #vivoX300Ultra #fyp #foryoupage #viral

♬ original sound – vivo_philippines – vivo_philippines

vivo says the refurbished units include those previously used by KOLs or ambassadors, as well as store display and demo units. They will be divided into two main types: Pre-owned (LDU) and Near New.

Once these devices are returned, they are handled by vivo customer service professionals and undergo the necessary inspection, cleaning, and repair processes before being relisted for sale.

This gives consumers another option when looking for a vivo smartphone that fits their budget. Refurbished units can make selected vivo devices more accessible.

Furthermore, the units will still come with a standard one-year warranty, with the warranty start date determined according to the unit’s classification and available proof of purchase.

To purchase a refurbished vivo phone, consumers can visit the vivo official website. Currently available are the vivo X300 FE and vivo X300 Ultra.

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A casemaker just revealed the foldable iPhone Ultra ahead of time

The surprise is gone.

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As of now, we’re still around 12 hours ahead of the most anticipated event of the month, the launch of the iPhone 18 series. Besides the ubiquitous flagship lineup, the event is also heavily rumored to reveal the upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra. Well, while Apple has been secretive about the device itself, Dbrand has just spoiled the surprise for fans.

The often-sarcastic casemaker has just released a series of phone cases for the iPhone Ultra. The series doesn’t stray at all from Dbrand’s usual slew of designs. You’ll still get the traditional Teardown skins (which offers a peek into the iPhone’s internals) and the Leather skins (with real leather).

The main point here, of course, is that it’s already available ahead of the scheduled launch. As for looks, the cases confirm that the foldable will have the passport-style format popularized by the Galaxy Z Fold8. The device will also have a slightly elevated camera bump and two buttons on top of the bump.

Other than that, there’s still a lot to be revealed in the upcoming event. There are high hopes that the iPhone Ultra will fix the persistent pain points of the foldable segment. Unfortunately, it will likely come with a pretty exorbitant price tag, making it a much harder buy for regular iPhone users.

SEE ALSO: Apple set to launch new iPhones on September 9

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Sony resurrects the WH-1000XM4 with a refreshed model

The return of the king.

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For a lot of people (me included), the Sony WH-1000XM4 was the first taste of what Bluetooth headphones could be. It was the first time I desperately wanted a new pair of headphones. It took me until the current XM6 to get a pair, but I can’t forget what came before. And, apparently, neither can Sony.

Today, Sony is resurrecting the WH-1000XM4 with the refreshed WH-1000XM4C. Straying from the lineup’s usual releases, the WH-1000XM4C is the second generation of the universally acclaimed headphones, while the XM6 is still the current flagship model.

It’s not just a simple rerelease, too. Though it still rocks the QN1-based active noise cancellation, the new pair tweaks the sound profile to more closely match the modern standard. It also comes with 10-band and gaming-specific equalizer presets. It will have a slightly smaller battery but with better fast charging to juice up quickly.

The new WH-1000XM4C will be available in Lavender, Black, and Platinum Silver. It will also cost US$ 299.99 — 50 bucks cheaper than the first generation.

Besides the refreshed flagship, Sony is also launching the WH-CH730N, a midrange pair built for commuters, and the WH-CH530, an entry-level pair with more colorful colorway options.

The WH-CH730N will come in White, Pink, Blue, Black, and Oat. It sells for US$ 179.99.

Meanwhile, the WH-CH530 come in Black, Cobalt, Coral, Mint, White, and Pink. It sells for US$ 69.99.

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