With the influx of smartwatches available today, it sometimes gets confusing to choose which specific device suits your needs. Although they all have a common purpose, some of these wearables cater to specific audiences. There are the straightforward variants that simply track your activities, or smartwatches with unique designs that will cost you. There are also those that boast built-in features.
This is where the LG Watch Sport comes in as it runs on the latest Android Wear 2.0 OS and comes with goodies not usually seen on normal smartwatches.
Minimalist design
The LG Watch Sport doesn’t have the rotating bezel of the Samsung Gear S3 or the textured strap of the Fitbit Ionic. No, it flaunts a plain design for the bezel with a simple strap devoid of anything eye-catching.
Still, I personally like how it’s made. The watch itself is a bit thick, but nothing out of the ordinary when you compare it against other smartwatches.
The 1.38-inch circular P-OLED display has pleasing colors even under sunlight and viewing angles are decent.
On its right side, there are three buttons with the main crown having the ability to rotate. The top button launches Google Fit in an instant while the bottom is for Android Pay.
When you turn it over on its belly, you’ll be introduced to its heart rate sensor. It’s also worth noting that since this is activewear, the body is sealed to have an IP68 certification. This means it can withstand sweat, a shower, and even being submerged in up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes.
The Watch Sport charges wirelessly through its included cradle. Just plug the USB-C cable and dock the watch to charge. This has always been my preferred charging setup — better than fumbling while trying to connect the cable to the device.
A smooth experience
As mentioned earlier, the Watch Sport already runs on Android Wear 2.0. It now comes with design updates and needed features that make the experience more enjoyable as a whole.
A selection of watch faces are fun to switch around from time to time, and standalone apps make the watch easily accessible in just a few taps.
One press of the middle button and the available apps come as a scrolling list. Apart from swiping the display to browse through them, rotating the crown scrolls through the selection which gives the experience a more tactile feel.
The LG Watch proves to be responsive when you’re swiping across the display, but tapping on selections sometimes need be done knowingly — precise and with a bit of effort.
Overall, it’s been pretty easy to navigate through its menu and submenu, even if the user isn’t familiar with the Android ecosystem.
Google Fit is your friend
Onto fitness tracking. The Sport in its name should be a dead giveaway that it focuses on your activities. Google Fit is a capable assistant during training or workout sessions as it works in tandem with the heart rate sensor to give users real-time info like BPM and calories burned.
The standalone app is accompanied by vast selections of exercise trackers ranging from backcountry skiing to kickboxing. If you’re just in the gym lifting weights, Strength Training mode is the way to go; it will give you a summary of how your workout went.
I’d say that a big chunk of why I appreciate this smartwatch is the fact that it’s somehow centered around Google Fit. The one-press button to launch and scrolling to browse through its activity features make it easy to just have it on your wrist when you hit the gym.
Extra features to enjoy (depending on where you are)
The Watch Sport isn’t just useful when you’re sweating it out. LG also made it capable to be used for everyday payments through Android Pay. Although there’s already a fair number of countries that support this system, it’s still not available widely so that’s one thing to consider.
Another thing is that the watch accepts a nano-SIM card which allows users to still be connected without using a phone. The problem is, it works only in the US, as other countries don’t currently support full features (like NumberSync).
Battery life could be better
But then again, most smartwatches don’t excel in this department. This is because it’s always been a challenge to equip watches with a large capacity pack while at the same time making the shell as thin as possible.
In real-life use, taking it off its charging cradle in the morning will last you for about 10 hours, so you’ll barely make it in time back to your place to charge. Activate its always-on display and expect battery life to drain almost twice as fast.
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is easily a friend to gym buffs and fitness freaks, if you have the US$ 300 budget. It might not help list down your caloric or water intake, but it will be with you every step of your training.
It does all the things that a usual smartwatch does, but it’s just a bit of a downer that you have to be in select places to fully take advantage of its features (although I still enjoy mine with no Android Pay and SIM connectivity).
At the end of the day, it’s your routine and what you do that dictates your need for devices like this.
Is the LG Watch Sport your GadgetMatch?
Accessories
OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam
Fold the Flip for further protection
Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.
Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.
Foldable and pocketable
Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.
Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.
That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.
Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.
Other camera features include:
- 4K video recording / 30fps
- 1080p recording / up to 60fps
- HDR support for challenging lighting
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
- 4x digital zoom
- f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments
Beyond just video calls
The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.
The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.
Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.
The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.
With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.
Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.
Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:
- Directional Mode / solo calls
- Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
- Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
- Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording
AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.
OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.
Pricing and Availability
The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.
Accessories
CASETiFY drops Samsung Galaxy Z8 series collection
Tailored for the latest foldable devices
CASETiFY, as expected, has dropped its latest ecosystem tailored for the new Samsung Galaxy Z8 series devices.
The lineup caters to all devices under the series: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, Z Fold8, and Z Fold8 Ultra. Accessories under the lineup range from US$ 20 to US$ 70. They are available across more than 70 CASETiFY Studio locations worldwide.
The latest collection reimagines the relationship between hardware and style, effortlessly bridging heavy-duty, military-grade protection with a modular network of magnetic add-ons and deeply personalized visuals.
Recognizing that the hinge is the most fragile component of a foldable device, CASETiFY is introducing a precision-engineered, smooth-gliding hinge protection mechanism for the very first time.
This is fortified to be incredibly tough and resilient against daily impacts for uncompromised 360-degree defense.
At the same time, CASETiFY still promises a seamless open-and-close movement each time to make the phone secure, clean, and easy to carry.
The CASETiFY Samsung Galaxy Z8 series lineup includes:
Impact Magnetic Case
The signature case introduces a breakthrough, smooth-gliding hinge cover that fully encases the device’s moving parts — minus the bulk. It is fortified with EcoShock technology and protective raised bezels.
Impact HD Screen Protector
This ultra-responsive defense layer is crafted from surface-strengthened 9H tempered glass. It features advanced anti-fingerprint and antimicrobial coatings.
Impact Camera Lens Protector
This scratch-proof tempered glass shield keeps your camera safe from every angle. It is also precision-engineered to prevent flash light haze to preserve original photo quality.
16 Personalities Print Collection
In addition, CASETiFY is giving enthusiasts a way to show who they are with the brand-new 16 Personalities Print Collection.
This typography-centered collection turns a four-letter personality personality archetype into a high-design visual manifest.
The highly collectible print collection expands far beyond the Galaxy Z8 series. It will be available across a wide selection of iPhone silhouettes and compatible lifestyle options.
CASETiFY has unveiled a new Marvel collaboration inspired by Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The collection marks the brand’s first Spider-Man release since 2023. It also arrives alongside Sony Pictures’ upcoming film, which opens later this month.
The lineup includes phone and tablet cases, MagSafe accessories, earbuds cases, watchbands, laptop sleeves, and wireless chargers. It is headlined by two premium phone cases. The Aluminium Spider-Man Mask Case costs US$84, while the 2.5D Silicone Case sells for US$78. Both are available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Fans can also choose from five printed phone case designs: Spider-Man New Mask, Spider-Man Poster, Spider-Man Medley, Spider-Man Medley (Dark Version), and Spider-Man New Suit. CASETiFY also lets buyers personalize select phone cases and MagSafe wallets through its Custom Sticker feature.
More Spider-Man accessories
The collection goes beyond phone cases. It also includes MagSafe Grip Stands, Cardholder Stands, Wallets, a 2-in-1 Charging Stand, Earbuds Cases, Watchbands, Camera Lens Protectors, Laptop Cases and Sleeves, Tablet Cases, and Wireless Chargers. Prices start at US$24 for the Camera Lens Protector and go up to US$92 for the 2-in-1 Charging Stand.
The Marvel Spider-Man: Brand New Day x CASETiFY collection is now available through CASETiFY’s website, the Co-Lab app, and CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.
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