News

Fitbit launches Versa 2 with OLED display, Alexa

But, there’s no compromise on battery life

Published

August 29, 2019

Shivam Vahia

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.

News

FIFA World Cup: Lenovo’s Referee View received positively by fans

Unique first-person perspective brings action closer to viewers

Published

July 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

Lenovo has revealed that technological advancements at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has made viewers “feel closer” to the action than ever before.

Surveying fans across Australia, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Lenovo bared that 87% say technology is improving the viewing experience.

Close-to-action camera perspectives have also help 84% of surveyed viewers, making them feel they’re right on the pitch.

Of course, Lenovo AI has introduced Referee View throughout the World Cup. This AI-powered technology gives viewers a first-person POV of the match from a referee’s perspective.

Lenovo Referee View has been featured on an average of three times per match across the tournament in over 220 countries and territories worldwide, according to preliminary FIFA data.

Through a lightweight camera mounted on the match official, the technology gives a first-person POV of the match.

And while raw footage is fast-moving and sometimes unstable, Lenovo’s AI-powered video analytics platform automatically transforms the clips into smooth, broadcast-quality video in real-time.

Other findings from Lenovo’s research include:

76% of viewers have seen or heard about Referee View
91% say the close-to-action Referee View POV is appealing
88% say smooth and stable footage is an important part of viewing sports footage
98% say clear picture quality has been important when watching the FIFA World Cup 2026
91% are interested in seeing more technology that creates immersive or close-to-action sports experiences

Apps

Netflix suddenly resurrects 30-day free trials

It’s available only in some countries.

Published

July 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Over the weekend, a report emerged about Disney+ allegedly considering a new tier offered to users for absolutely free. Apparently, Disney isn’t the only one. Netflix is now resurrecting its free trial program in select countries.

Back in the day, it was easy to get into Netflix. With a 30-day free trial, you can watch the shows you’ve always wanted to catch. If you liked what you saw, you can pay the monthly fee to access the entire library without constraints. Eventually, the platform got rid of this system to favor a cheaper ad-supported tier.

Perhaps not seeing the benefits of ad-supported tiers, Netflix has suddenly resurrected its free trial program. Spotted online (via Android Authority), some countries, including Brazil and India, are experimenting with the program again. New users can get 30 days of free Netflix access.

Because only regular users are spotting this (rather than an official announcement), we don’t have a list of where the free trials are available.

Still, it’s an interesting move. Cable isn’t a thing anymore so “cutting the cable” isn’t a popular phrase anymore, but people are definitely cancelling subscriptions over rising prices. Some even rely on short clips from YouTube to catch up with their shows. Having a free trial opens up more possibilities for users, but it remains to be seen whether it’s enough for users to return to Netflix.

Apps

Disney+ might get a free tier

What would you like to see in a free Disney+ tier?

Published

July 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

In a world disappointingly obsessed with increasing prices beyond our means, Disney+ has miraculously remembered the phrase, “free sample.” According to a report, the streaming platform is considering making a free subscription tier.

As of late, it’s been difficult to maintain a healthy collection of streaming services. When you have to pay the equivalent of a full-course meal every month for just a single platform, you start to evaluate which ones really matter.

Perhaps feeling the sting of users leaving the platform over pricing, Disney+ is reportedly experimenting with a tier that comes at no cost to users (via Business Insider). According to two sources, adding such a tier might help the platform reach customers more.

Now, it’s still a mystery how this tier might work. Disney+ already offers an ad-supported tier, so it’s unlikely to be another one like that.

One possibility is a heavily curated feed of content either designed specifically for free users or limited exactly to give users a free sample. For the latter, think of the limited content you get on a plane. Sure, you might get the first three episodes of The Mandalorian, but you’ll have to fork over cash if you want to see the rest of the story.

And for the former, you can imagine short-form content available for free. Going back to Star Wars, you might see a short anthology series like Star Wars: Visions.

Either way, it’s an interesting concept. If the tier does offer full content, it’s a great way to get into franchises you were thinking of trying without the need to spend for a taste.