Wearables

Google launches the screen-less Fitbit Air

Featuring a premium Stephen Curry edition.

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Discreet wearables are finally a thing. Though huge screens are still thriving in the market, there is a growing demand for wearables that don’t make it obvious that they’re wearables. Besides smart rings, we now have screen-less fitness bands, highlighted by the new Google Fitbit Air.

Fitbit has been known as a wearable brand for a long time now. However, the wearable has since mellowed out since getting bought by Google, especially after the launch of the Pixel Watch. Now, Google is aiming for a resurgence of Fitbit in the screen-less market.

Today, Google is launching the Fitbit Air, a screen-less band that’s designed for subtlety and comfort, while maintaining the brand’s prowess in fitness tracking. On the outside, the new wearable presents itself as a modest customizable band. On the inside, a pebble-shaped device rests comfortably between the band and your skin. This little pebble packs all the tech that can give you a rundown of your fitness.

Since the Fitbit Air doesn’t have a screen, you can control everything via the new Google Health app. It also has automatic workout tracking which starts when the device detects activity. Users can then view their workouts afterwards on the app.

Besides workouts, the Fitbit Air has an optical heartrate monitor, a 3-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, an SpO2 monitor, and a temperature sensor. There’s also a vibration motor for alarms.

A single charge can reportedly last up to seven days. Plus, a five-minute charge is enough for a day’s worth of battery.

The Fitbit Air will ship starting May 26. It starts at US$ 99.99. A special Stephen Curry edition retails for US$ 129.99.

It comes in Obsidian, Fog, Berry, and Lavender. You can also get a sweat-proof Active Sport Band (US$ 34.99) or an Elevated Modern band (US$ 49.99).

Hands-On

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series Hands-on

And everything announced during Apple’s September 2026 Event

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The latest Apple event isn’t just about the shiny new Apple Duo. There’s a lot to talk about!

In this video, we break down everything Apple has announced during their September 2026 keynote.

First, there’s the updated iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. That’s alongside their design and color changes, battery and performance improvements. Even that massive camera upgrade.

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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Wearables

Smart lets you go phone-free with Apple Watch

Stay connected beyond your phone

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Smart Communications is expanding its smartphone-free connectivity options with Apple Watch, letting subscribers stay connected, track their health, and make payments from their wrist.

The latest Apple Watch lineup, including the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3, is now available through Smart Postpaid Plans with Device starting at Plan 999.

The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at P692 per month, while the Apple Watch Series 11 starts at P1,321 per month. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at P2,275 per month. Customers can also choose 0% installment plans through participating bank partners.

Smart Device Link lets Apple Watch users share their primary mobile number and plan with their smartwatch for P199 per month. This allows them to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data even when their iPhone isn’t nearby.

First-time Smart Device Link users can get a free six-month trial until September 30. Smart says activation instructions are available through its website.

Apple Watch

Beyond connectivity, Apple Watch offers health, fitness, safety, and wellness features that vary by model. These include heart rate and sleep tracking, ECG, Sleep Score, workout tracking, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS.

Users can also make secure, contactless payments directly from their Apple Watch with Apple Pay.

The Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on essential health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features. The Series 11 adds more advanced health and fitness capabilities, while the Ultra 3 is designed for demanding sports and outdoor activities.

Smart 5G further supports connectivity across Apple Watch, iPhone, and other digital services, whether users are at work or on the go.

Smart was also recently recognized by Ookla for having the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the first half of 2026. It posted a Video Score of 72.82, the highest among mobile operators in the country.

The Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3 are available through Smart’s Postpaid Plans with Device starting at Plan 999 via the Smart Online Store and Smart Stores.

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Wearables

The keyword for the Apple Watch Series 12 is heartrate variability

Plus, it has major advancements for Audio Intelligence.

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What goes well with a new iPhone? A new Apple Watch, of course.

Complementing the launch of the new iPhone 18 Pro series, Apple has also launched the new Apple Watch Series 12. Rather than completely reinventing the wheel, the new series aims to pack in more features into the wearable we all know and love.

This time, the Apple Watch Series 12 will focus on a key metric, heart rate variability (HRV). Also explaining the importance of tracking HRV, Apple maintains that the new watch is the best wearable for keeping track because it can automatically tell you when you should push and when to relax. Naturally, it can also tell you if something is wrong.

Armed with the new S11 chip, the Apple Watch Series 12 also boasts Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence and Audio Intelligence. Besides keeping track of their vitals, the wearable can also be an effective assistant for day-to-day tasks. For example, Live Rewinds tracks the past 15 seconds of a conversation so you could look back if you missed some important bits. Siri Recap then creates highly intelligent summaries of past conversations.

Naturally, you’re also getting the standard array of fitness tracking. The bigger story, however, is a redesigned Health app coming later this year. The new app comes with a Health Age feature which shows how healthy you are, relative to your age.

The watch will last up to 24 hours on a single charge or up to 10 hours during an outdoor workout. Plus, a 15-minute charging sessions gets you 50 percent of battery life back.

Price, availability

The Apple Watch Series 12 comes in a variety of colorway options including dark bronze, black, light gold, and space gray aluminum, and radiant gold and natural titanium. It also comes in pearl white and night blue for the ceramic version.

It starts at US$ 399 and will come out on September 18.

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