Hands-On

Fitbit Versa hands-on: A better smartwatch attempt?

Is this your next wearable?

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Fitbit’s second attempt at smartwatches is looking (and feeling) pretty good.

A sequel to the Fitbit Ionic, the Fitbit Versa is the company’s newest addition to its wearables roster. It has a more discreet look and the promise of an updated interface. Will this finally be Fitbit’s successful venture into the smartwatch space? I recently got hold of the device and here are initial reactions to the brand’s newest device.

The looks department

Let me cut to the chase: I love how the Versa looks.

My main gripe with the Ionic is that I simply hated how it looked. The Versa doesn’t share that same sentiment — this beautiful tiny thing sits perfectly on my wrist and I enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoy looking at it to check the time, steps, notifications, you name it.

It’s simple and sleek; some would argue it’s reminiscent of the Apple Watch, but whatever, it looks good and it comes with a rose gold face.

There’s also a black and gray face with matching serious-looking straps but, of course, I went for the more colorful option. This face usually comes with a pink silicone strap but the Limited Edition Versa comes with a lavender woven strap like this.

By the way, speaking of straps, there are so many strap options in different colors and materials! Unfortunately, not all regions have these straps in stores as of now.

Navigation

There are three buttons on the device: back button on the right and two shortcut buttons on the left.

Gestures are still a thing, but this has been tweaked from the previous device. A swipe down now brings you notifications, a swipe up gives you the day’s summaries, and a swipe right leads you to the menu where you can access different apps.

Everything is smooth, quick, and responsive. The screen has seamless transitions, colors are bright, and details are pretty crisp.

What can it do?

It still works the same way: Connect your Fitbit to the Fitbit app, set goals, and download apps to help you live that healthier lifestyle. The same Fitbit app functions are available — from here, track your sleep cycle, active minutes, steps, and even food intake. A health crowd favorite, the continuous heart rate monitor is another feature I love and battery time is estimated at a whopping three to four days, despite this running in the background.

Of course, the Versa allows for smartphone connectivity which also means you get alerts on your wrist, so long as the watch is paired with your phone. Also expect to be able to do quick replies with the Versa, a function that wasn’t previously available on the Ionic. This feature is coming as an update in May for both smartwatches.

What I’m pretty excited about is Fitbit’s newly announced Female Health Tracking. This feature supposedly ties in info specific to women (*ehem* like your monthly cycles *ehem*) to the info that the wearable gathers which will make for more accurate data and predictions health-wise. I cannot stress how long I’ve been waiting for a feature like this! Though this feature isn’t available yet as of writing, expect it to roll out in the coming months.

Unfortunately, not all of these devices are created equal as not all are equipped with NFC. In the US, only the Special Edition watches are NFC-enabled. Good news for the European and Asian markets, though: All versions are equipped with NFC.

Initial Thoughts

At a hundred dollars cheaper than the Ionic, are there any compromises to this device? Will the overall performance be as good, or even better than the Ionic’s? Who is this wearable designed for? I’d have to spend more time with this smartwatch to answer these questions.

But, it’s been a few days with the Versa and I’m loving it so far. When you plan to wear something 24/7, looks matter and Fitbit finally seems to have caught on to this truth.

Of course, it’s not only looks that matter so I’d still have to do a full review on the Versa’s performance, but if you ask me right now, it’s looking pretty good — literally and figuratively.

The Fitbit Versa retails for US$ 199.95 in the US and PhP 13,890 in the Philippines. At that price point, this watch is looking even better.

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Most of all, which apps support it (or not).

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30 days with the LG AeroMini

The upgrade my new space ~badly~ needed

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Moving into a new space comes with a long list of things to figure out, and lately, I’ve been paying more attention to something that’s easy to overlook: air quality.

After using the LG AeroMini for about a month, it has become a subtle but welcome addition to my space. It helps make the room feel fresher, while its compact and stylish design fits naturally into my setup. Here are the things that stood out to me most after living with it for a month.

360° purification for a fresher space

One of the things I appreciate about the AeroMini is its 360° air purification, designed to bring purified air in every direction.

For me, this is particularly useful in a new space where I’m spending a lot of time working, relaxing, and just settling in.

Combined with its True HEPA filter, which is designed to remove 99.999% of 0.01μm fine dust and allergens, it gives me added peace of mind about the air I’m breathing every day.

After a month, I can genuinely say that the space feels fresher with it running.

Surprisingly quiet

This is probably my favorite feature.

The LG AeroMini operates at just 26dB, and after using it for a month, what stands out is how easy it is to forget that it’s even running.

I can have it running while I’m working or sleeping without the noise becoming a distraction. For an appliance that’s designed to continuously improve the air around you, I think that’s a big deal.

Sometimes, the best feature is the one you barely notice.

Design that fits my space

Since I recently moved, I’ve been pretty conscious about what I bring into the space. I want things to be functional, but I also don’t want appliances that feel like they’re taking over the room.

The AeroMini’s slim and compact design makes it easy to incorporate into my setup. It doesn’t feel bulky or industrial, and I like that I can leave it out without feeling like I need to hide it away.

For me, that balance between functionality and aesthetics makes it feel more like part of the space rather than just another appliance.

Air quality at a glance

Another feature I’ve found convenient is its Smart Control. Through the app, I can monitor and control the AeroMini while getting real-time updates on the indoor air quality.

It’s a small convenience, but being able to check the air quality without having to interact with the purifier directly makes it easier to keep track of what’s happening in the room.

Easy to maintain

I also appreciate that the AeroMini is designed with an all-in-one dust and deodorization filter that makes replacement and maintenance easier.

That matters to me because the best home gadgets are the ones that don’t create another complicated chore. I want something I can set up, use regularly, and maintain without too much fuss.

After a month, would I keep it?

Yes, and mainly because it quietly fits into my everyday routine.

The LG AeroMini has helped make my new space feel fresher and more comfortable, while its compact design means it doesn’t compromise the look of the room. But if I had to pick just one thing I appreciate most, it’s still how incredibly quiet it is.

It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t demand your attention. It simply works in the background.

If you’re also looking to make your home a fresher and more comfortable space for yourself and your family, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/ to learn more about the LG AeroMini and how it can fit into your everyday life.

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Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series Hands-on

And everything announced during Apple’s September 2026 Event

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There’s even the ANC-infused AirPods 5 alongside the newer Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Plus, the latest software updates coming to both these wearables.

So, are these worth the upgrade?

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