Latest news with #healthTracking
Geeky Gadgets
14-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
watchOS 26: 30 Ways Your Apple Watch Just Got Smarter
Apple's watchOS 26 brings a comprehensive suite of updates aimed at improving health tracking, customization, communication, and overall performance. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a professional seeking seamless integration across devices, or someone who values accessibility, this update introduces features designed to meet diverse needs. Below is an in-depth look at the most notable enhancements in a new video from Brandon Butch. Watch this video on YouTube. Health and Fitness Tracking Health and fitness tracking in watchOS 26 receives significant upgrades, offering users more precise and actionable insights into their well-being. These improvements include: Advanced heart rate monitoring for detailed insights into your cardiovascular health. for detailed insights into your cardiovascular health. Enhanced sleep tracking with comprehensive sleep stage analysis to better understand your rest patterns. with comprehensive sleep stage analysis to better understand your rest patterns. Real-time hydration tracking to help you maintain optimal hydration levels throughout the day. to help you maintain optimal hydration levels throughout the day. New workout modes, including niche activities like pilates, hiking, and even dance-based exercises. Refined calorie burn estimations for more accurate fitness data tailored to your activity level. These tools empower users to set and achieve personalized health goals, whether training for a marathon, improving sleep quality, or maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Customization and Watch Face Enhancements Personalization takes center stage in watchOS 26, allowing users to tailor their Apple Watch to their unique preferences and needs. Key updates include: A broader selection of watch faces, styles, and colors to suit any occasion or mood. to suit any occasion or mood. Dynamic complications that adapt to your activities, such as showing weather updates during outdoor workouts or displaying reminders during work hours. that adapt to your activities, such as showing weather updates during outdoor workouts or displaying reminders during work hours. Improved layouts for complications, allowing you to prioritize the most relevant information at a glance. These enhancements ensure your Apple Watch not only reflects your style but also delivers essential information in a visually appealing and functional manner. Messaging and Communication Tools watchOS 26 introduces a range of communication upgrades, making it easier than ever to stay connected. Notable features include: Enhanced dictation accuracy for faster and more reliable message creation. for faster and more reliable message creation. Context-aware smart reply suggestions to streamline your responses. to streamline your responses. Improved call quality, making sure clearer audio during phone conversations. Support for group audio messages, simplifying communication with multiple contacts simultaneously. These tools enhance the Apple Watch's role as a communication hub, whether you're sending quick replies or engaging in detailed conversations. Device and Service Integration watchOS 26 strengthens the Apple ecosystem by enhancing integration across devices and services. Key improvements include: Smoother transitions between your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac, allowing you to start tasks on one device and continue them seamlessly on another. between your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac, allowing you to start tasks on one device and continue them seamlessly on another. Improved compatibility with Apple services such as Fitness+, Apple Music, and iCloud, delivering a more cohesive user experience. These updates ensure that your Apple Watch works harmoniously with other Apple devices, enhancing productivity and connectivity. Performance Optimization and Bug Fixes Performance enhancements in watchOS 26 focus on delivering a faster, more reliable user experience. Key updates include: Reduced app load times , providing quicker access to your favorite features. , providing quicker access to your favorite features. Improved battery life, allowing extended usage without frequent recharging. Numerous bug fixes to address previous issues, making sure greater stability and reliability. These optimizations make the Apple Watch more efficient and dependable for daily use. Accessibility Features Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity with new accessibility features in watchOS 26. These updates ensure the Apple Watch remains usable for individuals with diverse needs: Enhanced VoiceOver functionality for improved navigation and interaction. for improved navigation and interaction. Larger text options to enhance readability for users with visual impairments. to enhance readability for users with visual impairments. Customizable gestures, simplifying device control for users with motor challenges. These features reaffirm Apple's commitment to making technology accessible to everyone. Expanded App Functionality and Developer Tools watchOS 26 introduces new tools and APIs for developers, paving the way for more powerful and innovative apps. For users, this translates to: Support for more complex workflows within apps, enhancing productivity and functionality. within apps, enhancing productivity and functionality. Deeper integration with system features, making sure a seamless user experience. Access to a broader range of apps designed to improve daily life, from entertainment to health management. These advancements expand the Apple Watch's capabilities, offering users more ways to enhance their routines. User Interface Enhancements The user interface in watchOS 26 has been refined to improve navigation and usability. Key changes include: A redesigned Control Center for quicker access to essential features. for quicker access to essential features. More intuitive app layouts, simplifying navigation and reducing the learning curve for new users. Smoother animations, creating a polished and enjoyable user experience. These updates make interacting with your Apple Watch more efficient and visually appealing, making sure a seamless experience for all users. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on watchOS 26 features. Source & Image Credit: Brandon Butch Filed Under: Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Telegraph
13-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Garmin Vivoactive 6 review: The tailored training and week-long battery life has impressed me
What is the Garmin Vivoactive 6? Fitness trackers have come a long way since just tracking steps, and Garmin can be thanked for a lot of this progress, having been a leader in the market since 2003. Its newest all-rounder model, released in April this year, is designed to blend health tracking with everyday life. Priced from £260, The Vivoactive 6 is top of the midrange. To put it into perspective, Garmin watches range from £80 to £1,599.99 – but most sit below £400. The new smartwatch claims to monitor how much energy is running in your body, plus there's a new personalised sleep coach. With more than 80 preloaded sport activities to track, advanced safety tools like incident detection and up to 11 days of battery life, it's an excellent option whether you're a casual athlete or just health-conscious and wanting to track fitness and sleep, without the luxury price tag. JUMP TO How we test fitness trackers I've tested several fitness trackers from the Garmin Venu 3S to the Whoop 4.0 and the new Whoop MG, and I track my health and fitness each day with a smart watch. I always spend around a month wearing a tracker, taking it running and wearing it during HIIT sessions, yoga classes and sleep. I wanted to see how accurately the Garmin Vivoactive 6 tracked my activity, sleep and recovery levels. I also tested how long the battery life lasted and the charging time. I considered how comfortable the tracker was to wear, both during the day and as I slept. As none of this wear would be useful if the app wasn't easy to understand, I also thought about how easy the data was to digest and how accurate it was by comparing it to other smart watches. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Design, display and controls Score: 9/10 I'll admit, the look of my fitness watch matters a lot to me, and if you feel the same, this model will impress you. There's a thinner and lighter design than before, with a lightweight aluminium bezel and a choice of four colours: green, white, black and pink. Like other Garmin watches, it offers both a responsive touchscreen and physical buttons for easy navigation. The 1.2-inch AMOLED display (a type of thin, bright display technology) is bright and clear, making it simple to check stats like steps, sleep and heart rate with just a swipe. The two side buttons are intuitive: the bottom returns you home, while the upgraded round top button starts and stops activities in just a few clicks. I wore it day and night; its silicone strap is comfortable, though it can rub after prolonged wear. At night, the watch's sleep mode ensured no bright light from the screen disturbed my rest, making it a great all-day companion. Score: 9/10 Having my health stats instantly accessible on my wrist was genuinely useful – I often found myself swiping down to check steps, calories burned and my body battery (an estimate of your energy reserves throughout the day, decided by a combination of heart rate, stress level, activity and sleep quality). While I didn't use the Garmin app as obsessively as some might, it proved helpful after intense workouts or when chasing a specific goal. The watch supports tracking for up to 80 preloaded sports, and I appreciated being able to add favourites like walking, running, strength and cardio to the main menu for quick access. In terms of detail, the tracking isn't quite as comprehensive as the Apple Watch. It provides key stats such as calories burned and heart rate zones during HIIT sessions, but lacks in-depth visualisations. However, running metrics are more robust, with pace and distance on the watch and further details like cadence (the number of steps taken per minute) in the app. Notably, Garmin's new Pace Pro feature helps structure training plans by acting like a coach on your wrist, helping you to pace yourself throughout a race or training run, though setup could be more intuitive. Sleep tracking is another highlight, offering a sleep score, consistency insights and a sleep coach that recommends optimal rest based on your activity. The body battery and daily reports are excellent additions, helping you gauge when to push harder or take a well-earned rest. Other lifestyle features Score: 8/10 Much like Garmin's Venu 3S, this watch offers Garmin Pay, enabling contactless payments directly from your wrist. While setting it up through the Garmin Connect app took a little time, the four-digit PIN adds a reassuring layer of security. You can also download playlists from apps like Spotify, and this model boasts increased storage compared to previous versions, making it even more convenient for workouts. Although I initially skipped email and text notifications, adjusting these settings later via the app was straightforward. Android users can even reply to texts directly from the watch - a handy feature for staying connected on the go. For added peace of mind, Garmin includes safety and tracking features that can alert your emergency contacts if you feel unsafe or experience an incident while exercising. Overall, these smart features make the watch versatile enough for both fitness and everyday life. App and connectivity The watch pairs seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth, while Wi-Fi is required for accessing email and text notifications. It also integrates smoothly with fitness platforms such as Strava, MyFitnessPal and Apple Health, making it easy to transfer data like body mass and sleep metrics across your favourite health apps. All your activity data syncs automatically to the Garmin Connect app, which provides a more detailed breakdown of your health and fitness statistics. While the app isn't quite as intuitively designed or comprehensive as the Whoop 5.0 app, for example, I found myself checking it daily for deeper insights into my workouts and sleep patterns. The In Focus section on the homepage offers a concise overview of your fitness and sleep, while the At a Glance section displays key daily stats, including heart rate and calories burned. As a runner, I found the extra detail, such as lap times and stride charts, particularly valuable, though a more user-friendly app refresh would be welcome. Battery life Score: 10/10 Once fully charged, this fitness tracker boasts an impressive battery life of around 11 days – one of the longest I've encountered. As I'm used to charging my Apple Watch daily, I found it refreshing to only need a weekly top-up. Naturally, after particularly intense workout days or extended GPS use, the battery drained faster but still comfortably lasted about a week. A thoughtful design feature is the battery indicator, prominently displayed when you swipe down on the watch face, showing both percentage and estimated days remaining – an improvement over the Garmin Venu 3S. Charging is straightforward via a USB-C cable that magnetically attaches to the back, taking roughly an hour to reach full power. Overall, this model marks a significant upgrade from Garmin's usual five to seven-day charge cycle, making it a strong contender for those looking for longevity in a fitness tracker. Technical specifications The Garmin Venu 3S is a Telegraph Recommended Best Buy, but although it's more expensive, how does it compare to the Vivoactive 6's other features? Should you buy the Garmin Vivoactive 6? I loved the Garmin Vivoactive 6 for its smart design and ease of use. Some features, like the running tools, were tricky to set up, but the personalised sleep advice and morning reports felt genuinely helpful. The app isn't as intuitive as Apple's, but the watch puts key stats right at my fingertips. At just under £300, it offers great value with plenty of data and functionality. Yes, if: You need personalised health advice, such as how much sleep is enough for you You are a mid-range runner and you're looking to push yourself with pace or get a PB You need a long battery life No, if: You need a running-specific watch – other Garmin watches, such as the Forerunner range, have more detailed stats You just want basic health stats – a cheaper watch could be a better option for you £279 Buy now Price at John Lewis Garmin Vivoactive 6 FAQs What are the key upgrades from Vivoactive 5? Slightly lighter and more compact, it offers running features like Pace Pro, along with improved GPS accuracy and enhanced movement sensors. What's the battery life? Up to 11 days, dependent on GPS use. Does it support wireless charging? No, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 does not support wireless charging. Does it have a barometric altimeter for elevation tracking? No, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 does not have a barometric altimeter for elevation tracking. Instead, it relies on GPS data to estimate elevation, which is less accurate and means features like stair tracking and precise elevation gain are not available on this model What sensors does the Vivoactive 6 have and what do they track? Optical Heart Rate sensor for heart rate, blood oxygen sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation, GPS for outdoor activities and a Gyroscope sensor to accurately track movement.
Geeky Gadgets
07-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple's Next Big Thing? The Applet Ring Rumors You CAN'T Ignore!
Apple might soon be heading into a new category of wearable technology, the smart ring, with the much-rumored Apple Ring. While the company hasn't officially confirmed any plans, a steady stream of patent filings, industry analysis, and expert commentary continues to fuel speculation that an 'Apple Ring' could be in development. For those keeping a close eye on innovations in health tracking and wearable computing, this potential device has become a hot topic—and for good reason. From enhanced biometric sensors to seamless integration with other Apple products, the rumored Apple smart ring could introduce a new wave of hands-free convenience and digital interaction. In this article, we'll break down the expected features, possible release timeline, pricing, and how it could fit into Apple's growing ecosystem. When Will the Apple Ring Be Released? As of mid-2025, there has been no official word from Apple about a smart ring product. However, industry insiders believe the device could launch as early as late 2026, based on Apple's typical R&D timelines and the complexity of bringing a miniaturized wearable to market. This estimated timeline aligns with a series of recently discovered patents that describe ring-shaped devices with embedded sensors, gesture controls, and wireless communication features. While patents don't guarantee a product launch, they strongly suggest Apple is actively exploring the smart ring form factor. If you're eagerly awaiting an Apple-branded ring, patience will be key. Even so, the technology is advancing rapidly, and Apple may surprise us sooner than expected. Expected Price of the Apple Ring Although pricing is purely speculative at this stage, most analysts agree that the Apple Ring would sit in the $300 to $500 price range. This would position it similarly to high-end fitness trackers like the Oura Ring or lower-tier Apple Watch models. Given Apple's reputation for premium design and tightly integrated software experiences, a higher price tag wouldn't be unexpected. The cost would likely reflect the advanced sensor suite, seamless compatibility with other Apple devices, and high-end materials. What Features Could the Apple Ring Offer? If Apple enters the smart ring market, you can expect a highly refined and purpose-driven product. Based on existing patents and Apple's product philosophy, the ring would likely focus on three core pillars: advanced health tracking, intuitive interaction, and deep ecosystem integration. 1. Advanced Health Monitoring One of Apple's biggest focuses in recent years has been personal health. The Apple Watch already tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and even alerts users to potential heart conditions. A smart ring could build on that foundation by offering 24/7 passive monitoring in a form factor that's even easier to wear at night or during intense physical activity. Potential health features include: Sleep tracking with granular detail Resting heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) Skin temperature monitoring for illness detection Blood oxygen saturation Stress and recovery metrics These features would likely sync directly with Apple Health, offering users a consolidated and insightful view of their overall wellness. 2. Precision Sensors in a Small Package Fitting powerful sensors into a device the size of a ring is no small feat, but Apple's expertise in custom silicon could make it possible. We may see components such as: Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for heart rate and blood flow Skin temperature sensors for metabolic and wellness tracking Accelerometers and gyroscopes for gesture recognition and movement analysis Apple's advantage lies in its ability to optimize hardware and software together. A ring with Apple-designed chips could provide long battery life, real-time data analysis, and accurate results without needing daily charging. 3. Gesture-Based Interaction and Discreet Control Smart rings are ideal for subtle, screen-free interactions. Imagine twisting or tapping the ring to control volume, pause music, or trigger a smart home scene—all without pulling out your phone. With gesture support, the Apple Ring could allow: Media playback control for iPhone, iPad, or Mac Apple TV navigation through subtle hand movements Smart home commands for lights, thermostats, or locks via HomeKit Silent notifications via haptic feedback These interactions could make the ring an ideal companion during workouts, meetings, or other moments when screen use is inconvenient. Apple Ring Design: Sleek, Durable, and Comfortable If there's one thing Apple is known for, it's industrial design. The Apple Ring would almost certainly reflect the company's aesthetic values—clean lines, minimalism, and premium materials. Expect a lightweight, comfortable design, possibly crafted from titanium, ceramic, or recycled aluminum, similar to other Apple wearables. The ring would likely come in multiple sizes and finishes to suit different users and style preferences. More than just good looks, the design will also prioritize durability and daily wearability, including water resistance for sleep and workout use. Ecosystem Integration: The Real Power of the Apple Ring Apple's ecosystem is one of its greatest strengths, and the smart ring could act as a seamless extension of that interconnected experience. Rather than functioning as a standalone device, the Apple Ring would likely augment and enhance your use of other Apple products. Examples of integration might include: Unlocking your Mac or iPhone just by approaching it with the ring Apple Pay authentication with a quick gesture Switching audio between iPhone and AirPods automatically Fitness+ enhancements , including real-time metrics during workouts HomeKit control with simple taps or hand motions Siri integration, potentially triggered by a tap or movement Such capabilities would turn the ring into a quiet powerhouse for everyday convenience, especially appealing to users who want to stay connected without being distracted by screens. Is the Apple Ring Really Coming? While there's no official confirmation yet, the growing body of evidence suggests that Apple is at least actively experimenting with smart ring technology. Between the company's health ambitions, wearable expertise, and patent activity, the Apple Ring is more than a distant possibility—it's an increasingly plausible reality. It's clear that if Apple does move forward, the Apple Ring won't just be another wearable. It could redefine how we interact with technology in a more natural, less obtrusive way—something that fits so comfortably into your life, you almost forget it's there. Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
04-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Your Apple Watch Might Not Be as Accurate as You Think, New Study Finds
The first thing that always crosses my mind when testing fitness wearables is how accurate the data is. Smartwatches and fitness trackers aren't cheap, and if you're using them to monitor something as crucial as your health, then accuracy matters. Everyone and their brother wear some sort of fitness tracker, whether it be an Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Oura Ring or Whoop. It's estimated that one in three Americans uses a wearable device for health and fitness tracking features. That brings me back to whether these things can be trusted. If they're not accurate… What's the point? Should we all go back to analog? Researchers from the University of Mississippi conducted a meta-analysis of 56 studies that compared the Apple Watch with reference tools when measuring factors like heart rate, step count and energy burned. While there's always some expected error, we have a more definitive answer for how much stock you should put in the numbers you see on your watch. Apple Watches are good at measuring steps and heart rate The meta-analysis findings show that the Apple Watch accurately measures your heart rate and step count. We know this based on the mean absolute percentage error measurement (the standard way to measure accuracy) reported for each health metric. Heart rate had a percentage error of 4.43%, while step count had an error of 8.17%. Anything below 10% is considered excellent, so you should feel pretty confident in what your Apple Watch says your heart rate and step count are for the day. However, you shouldn't rely on the energy expenditure metric The same can't be said for energy expenditure or calories burned. The percentage error for this metric was 27.96%. That's a significant jump in inaccuracy. Researchers found energy expenditure inaccurate across all activities tested, including walking, running, mixed-intensity workouts and cycling. This isn't a new problem. Several studies have found that smartwatches and trackers don't do a great job of calculating calorie burn. They can be off by 40% to 80%. A different study revealed that the Apple Watch Series 9 can vary in energy expenditure and heart rate measures across skin pigmentation. While this study was specific to Apple Watches, I expect similar trends across other devices because they often measure similarly. One study found that the Fitbit Surge had a mean error of 27% when measuring calories burned. Smartwatches calculate how many calories you burn throughout the day, using factors such as your movements, heart rate and data from the sensors inside the watch. Other factors, such as your age, weight and gender, are also included in this calculation. None of them will be 100% accurate. Where does this leave you and your data? This news doesn't scare me as a smartwatch wearer who uses my daily data to track my workouts and sleep. I still think the data smartwatches give us is a great way to stay motivated. I've used the Google Pixel 3 watch to monitor my heart health thanks to the cardio load metric. When it comes to sleep, I've noticed some inaccuracy when it comes to when I fall asleep and wake up, though it's not a huge difference. Most trackers use your heart rate and movement to track your sleep, so it's unsurprising to see some degree of error. There's always some error, and for my use, that's OK. I use my data for trends of my progress, rather than extremely granular data. Though if you're a serious athlete who tracks down to the calorie, it's essential not to rely on your smartwatch for this number. Your smartwatch is a tool to guide you through your wellness journey. Use it to build habits and make meaningful changes, not diagnose medical conditions. That said, I wouldn't count out smartwatch features like Apple's Vital app, fall detection or the loss-of-pulse detection feature that Google Pixel watches are getting. Apple and other brands continuously release updates to improve their tech over time. And if you're wondering which smartwatch you should get for the best accuracy, it's hard to say. They all have their own tracking methods, even if they often overlap. None of them are perfect, so it's best to choose which one fits your budget and vibe best.
