Latest news with #wearabletechnology
Geeky Gadgets
3 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 Just Got Serious: Blood Pressure, Satellite, and 5G?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, expected to debut this September, introduces a range of advanced features aimed at enhancing health monitoring, connectivity, and durability. Building on the robust design of its predecessor, this latest model is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, health-conscious users, and tech-savvy individuals alike. With innovations such as satellite messaging, 5G connectivity, and hypertension detection, the Ultra 3 establishes itself as a leader in wearable technology. The video below from SaranByte gives us more details about the rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3. Watch this video on YouTube. Durability and Functional Design The Ultra 3 retains its signature titanium casing, designed to endure extreme conditions while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic. Its flat sapphire crystal display offers exceptional scratch resistance and ensures clarity even in challenging environments. The oversized action button, a hallmark of the Ultra series, provides quick and intuitive access to essential functions, particularly useful during outdoor activities. A redesigned metal rear panel not only enhances the watch's structural integrity but also improves charging efficiency and antenna performance. These updates make the Ultra 3 a reliable companion for those who demand both durability and practicality in their wearable devices. Enhanced Display Technology The Ultra 3 introduces the LTPO3 OLED display, an innovative technology that delivers brighter visuals and improved readability, even under direct sunlight. This advancement ensures that users can easily view notifications, maps, or health data in any lighting condition. In addition to its visual improvements, the LTPO3 display optimizes power consumption, contributing to better overall battery efficiency. Whether navigating rugged trails or managing daily tasks, the Ultra 3's display ensures clarity and reliability without compromising energy performance. Performance and Efficiency with the S11 Chipset At the core of the Ultra 3 is the S11 chipset, a significant upgrade that enhances both performance and energy efficiency. This advanced processor supports the integration of new features while maintaining a battery life of approximately 36 hours. The S11 chipset also enables the seamless operation of additional components, making sure the Ultra 3 remains at the forefront of wearable technology. Its improved processing power allows for faster app performance, smoother transitions, and a more responsive user experience. Connectivity for Every Environment One of the standout features of the Ultra 3 is its satellite messaging capability, which ensures communication in areas without cellular coverage. This feature is particularly valuable for outdoor adventurers and individuals in remote locations, offering peace of mind during emergencies. Additionally, the inclusion of MediaTek's RedCap modem brings 5G connectivity to the Ultra 3. This upgrade delivers faster data speeds and low power consumption, allowing seamless communication, streaming, and app usage even in demanding scenarios. Comprehensive Health Monitoring The Ultra 3 takes health tracking to the next level with its hypertension detection system, which monitors blood pressure trends and provides early warnings for potential health concerns. This feature complements existing tools such as ECG monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and atrial fibrillation alerts, creating a comprehensive health management toolkit. These innovations empower users to take a proactive approach to their well-being. Whether tracking fitness goals or monitoring critical health metrics, the Ultra 3 provides actionable insights to support a healthier lifestyle. Battery Life and Charging Improvements While the Ultra 3 maintains a battery life of approximately 36 hours, the combination of the S11 chipset and LTPO3 display introduces subtle efficiency improvements. These enhancements ensure that users can rely on the device for extended periods without frequent recharging. The redesigned rear panel also enables faster charging, allowing users to quickly power up their device and spend more time using its features. This improvement is particularly beneficial for individuals with active lifestyles who require a dependable and efficient wearable. Who Should Consider the Ultra 3? The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an ideal choice for a variety of users. First-generation Ultra owners seeking meaningful upgrades in health, safety, and connectivity will find the new features compelling. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate its rugged design, satellite messaging, and enhanced outdoor visibility, while health-conscious individuals will benefit from its expanded monitoring capabilities. With its versatile features and robust design, the Ultra 3 appeals to anyone looking for a reliable and innovative wearable device that seamlessly integrates into both everyday life and extraordinary adventures. Pricing and Availability The Ultra 3 is anticipated to launch in September alongside the iPhone 17, with a starting price expected to remain at $799. This competitive pricing, combined with its advanced features, positions the Ultra 3 as a strong contender in the premium wearable market. Its blend of innovation, practicality, and durability makes it a compelling option for users seeking a high-performance smartwatch. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Apple Watch Ultra 3. Source & Image Credit: SaranByte Filed Under: Apple, Mobile Phone 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.
CNN
5 days ago
- Health
- CNN
Samsung's big plan to compete with the Apple Watch: keeping you healthy as you age
Healthcare costs are expected to rise in 2025 and older adults are increasingly looking to age in place — trends Samsung is targeting to get a bigger piece of the digital health market. And the company's upcoming smartwatch update is another step in that direction, says Hon Pak, vice president and head of the digital health team for Samsung's mobile business. 'You have an aging population with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and then you have costs going up,' Pak said in a CNN interview. 'And so all of those pressures are leading to care shifting to the home where we happen to be.' Samsung wants to use digital health as a way to catch up to – and maybe beat – Apple in wearable technology. Both companies are expanding their wellness offerings as they hope to lock in long-term customers amid slowing smartphone sales. A beta version of the software will be available this month for Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 and newer models, although certain functions will only be available for the company's latest models. Pak believes the company may have an edge over its competitors in bringing health into the home because it's already there in the form of appliances and home entertainment products, he said. Samsung is the world's largest smartphone maker by market share, according to estimates from leading market research firms. But Samsung faces steeper challenges in smartwatches, as it only accounted for roughly 6% of that global market in the first quarter of 2025, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), while Apple took the top spot with about 20% of the market. Apple has done a better job at marketing the Apple Watch as a compelling smartphone companion than Samsung, says Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager for the IDC. '(Apple is) closest to making the smartwatch a 'must have' than any other brand or ecosystem,' Ubrani told CNN in an email. Samsung hopes to differentiate itself by focusing on preventative advice — i.e. helping users eat right or get enough sleep before developing health conditions. Yet it also faces competition from smaller health tech companies like smart ring maker Oura, which takes a similarly proactive approach to health tracking that tech giants like Google have also emulated. 'As a physician, we collect about, probably less than 1% of the patient data, and we use that 1% data to make diagnostic and treatment decisions,' said Pak, who was the chief medical officer for 3M Health Information Systems before joining Samsung. 'We don't know if the patient's exercising … if they are eating right.' The smartwatch update will include a new feature for measuring whether wearers are eating enough antioxidants. It works by shining LED lights at different wavelengths on the wearer's skin, which it says can estimate their levels of beta carotene, a type of antioxidant found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. To operate the feature, the user takes off the watch and presses the sensor on the back. Pak notes that the feature estimates if users have enough antioxidants in their system rather than qualify their vegetable intake. He said the feature went through clinical trials that involved measuring beta carotene levels in the blood. The update also includes bedtime recommendations and a 'running coach,' which creates training programs to help wearers hit their running goals. It comes after Apple announced its own Apple Watch coach on June 9 called Workout Buddy. Pak says Samsung has an AI-powered health chatbot in the works but couldn't share more details with CNN since there hasn't been an announcement on a project launch. Apple is also said to be working on a similar tool, according to Bloomberg. Beyond watches, Pak thinks AI-powered smart glasses present an opportunity for new types of health features, particularly meal logging. He says new technology may soon tell whether a person is eating too fast or if their meal has allergens by analyzing their plate using AI models working in conjunction with glasses. Developers have already created services that claim to analyze nutritional contents of food by snapping photos and analyzing them through ChatGPT or Google's Gemini models. 'I don't think it's a technology problem,' said Pak. 'I think it's just a packaging of the technology capabilities that we have today.' Samsung previously said it was developing a pair of smart glasses to run on Google's new Android XR software. But Samsung's smartwatches don't work with iPhones, a challenging limitation since Apple owns nearly 20% of the market. Samsung stopped making its watches compatible with iPhones several years ago, likely a move to convince users to remain loyal to its own phones. However, Pak hasn't ruled out the possibility of working with Apple again. 'I think there are always discussions about this,' he said. 'There are active discussions, but I think no decision has been made in terms of timing.'
CNN
5 days ago
- Health
- CNN
Samsung's big plan to compete with the Apple Watch: keeping you healthy as you age
Healthcare costs are expected to rise in 2025 and older adults are increasingly looking to age in place — trends Samsung is targeting to get a bigger piece of the digital health market. And the company's upcoming smartwatch update is another step in that direction, says Hon Pak, vice president and head of the digital health team for Samsung's mobile business. 'You have an aging population with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and then you have costs going up,' Pak said in a CNN interview. 'And so all of those pressures are leading to care shifting to the home where we happen to be.' Samsung wants to use digital health as a way to catch up to – and maybe beat – Apple in wearable technology. Both companies are expanding their wellness offerings as they hope to lock in long-term customers amid slowing smartphone sales. A beta version of the software will be available this month for Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 and newer models, although certain functions will only be available for the company's latest models. Pak believes the company may have an edge over its competitors in bringing health into the home because it's already there in the form of appliances and home entertainment products, he said. Samsung is the world's largest smartphone maker by market share, according to estimates from leading market research firms. But Samsung faces steeper challenges in smartwatches, as it only accounted for roughly 6% of that global market in the first quarter of 2025, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), while Apple took the top spot with about 20% of the market. Apple has done a better job at marketing the Apple Watch as a compelling smartphone companion than Samsung, says Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager for the IDC. '(Apple is) closest to making the smartwatch a 'must have' than any other brand or ecosystem,' Ubrani told CNN in an email. Samsung hopes to differentiate itself by focusing on preventative advice — i.e. helping users eat right or get enough sleep before developing health conditions. Yet it also faces competition from smaller health tech companies like smart ring maker Oura, which takes a similarly proactive approach to health tracking that tech giants like Google have also emulated. 'As a physician, we collect about, probably less than 1% of the patient data, and we use that 1% data to make diagnostic and treatment decisions,' said Pak, who was the chief medical officer for 3M Health Information Systems before joining Samsung. 'We don't know if the patient's exercising … if they are eating right.' The smartwatch update will include a new feature for measuring whether wearers are eating enough antioxidants. It works by shining LED lights at different wavelengths on the wearer's skin, which it says can estimate their levels of beta carotene, a type of antioxidant found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. To operate the feature, the user takes off the watch and presses the sensor on the back. Pak notes that the feature estimates if users have enough antioxidants in their system rather than qualify their vegetable intake. He said the feature went through clinical trials that involved measuring beta carotene levels in the blood. The update also includes bedtime recommendations and a 'running coach,' which creates training programs to help wearers hit their running goals. It comes after Apple announced its own Apple Watch coach on June 9 called Workout Buddy. Pak says Samsung has an AI-powered health chatbot in the works but couldn't share more details with CNN since there hasn't been an announcement on a project launch. Apple is also said to be working on a similar tool, according to Bloomberg. Beyond watches, Pak thinks AI-powered smart glasses present an opportunity for new types of health features, particularly meal logging. He says new technology may soon tell whether a person is eating too fast or if their meal has allergens by analyzing their plate using AI models working in conjunction with glasses. Developers have already created services that claim to analyze nutritional contents of food by snapping photos and analyzing them through ChatGPT or Google's Gemini models. 'I don't think it's a technology problem,' said Pak. 'I think it's just a packaging of the technology capabilities that we have today.' Samsung previously said it was developing a pair of smart glasses to run on Google's new Android XR software. But Samsung's smartwatches don't work with iPhones, a challenging limitation since Apple owns nearly 20% of the market. Samsung stopped making its watches compatible with iPhones several years ago, likely a move to convince users to remain loyal to its own phones. However, Pak hasn't ruled out the possibility of working with Apple again. 'I think there are always discussions about this,' he said. 'There are active discussions, but I think no decision has been made in terms of timing.'
CNN
5 days ago
- Health
- CNN
Samsung's big plan to compete with the Apple Watch: keeping you healthy as you age
Healthcare costs are expected to rise in 2025 and older adults are increasingly looking to age in place — trends Samsung is targeting to get a bigger piece of the digital health market. And the company's upcoming smartwatch update is another step in that direction, says Hon Pak, vice president and head of the digital health team for Samsung's mobile business. 'You have an aging population with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and then you have costs going up,' Pak said in a CNN interview. 'And so all of those pressures are leading to care shifting to the home where we happen to be.' Samsung wants to use digital health as a way to catch up to – and maybe beat – Apple in wearable technology. Both companies are expanding their wellness offerings as they hope to lock in long-term customers amid slowing smartphone sales. A beta version of the software will be available this month for Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 and newer models, although certain functions will only be available for the company's latest models. Pak believes the company may have an edge over its competitors in bringing health into the home because it's already there in the form of appliances and home entertainment products, he said. Samsung is the world's largest smartphone maker by market share, according to estimates from leading market research firms. But Samsung faces steeper challenges in smartwatches, as it only accounted for roughly 6% of that global market in the first quarter of 2025, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), while Apple took the top spot with about 20% of the market. Apple has done a better job at marketing the Apple Watch as a compelling smartphone companion than Samsung, says Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager for the IDC. '(Apple is) closest to making the smartwatch a 'must have' than any other brand or ecosystem,' Ubrani told CNN in an email. Samsung hopes to differentiate itself by focusing on preventative advice — i.e. helping users eat right or get enough sleep before developing health conditions. Yet it also faces competition from smaller health tech companies like smart ring maker Oura, which takes a similarly proactive approach to health tracking that tech giants like Google have also emulated. 'As a physician, we collect about, probably less than 1% of the patient data, and we use that 1% data to make diagnostic and treatment decisions,' said Pak, who was the chief medical officer for 3M Health Information Systems before joining Samsung. 'We don't know if the patient's exercising … if they are eating right.' The smartwatch update will include a new feature for measuring whether wearers are eating enough antioxidants. It works by shining LED lights at different wavelengths on the wearer's skin, which it says can estimate their levels of beta carotene, a type of antioxidant found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. To operate the feature, the user takes off the watch and presses the sensor on the back. Pak notes that the feature estimates if users have enough antioxidants in their system rather than qualify their vegetable intake. He said the feature went through clinical trials that involved measuring beta carotene levels in the blood. The update also includes bedtime recommendations and a 'running coach,' which creates training programs to help wearers hit their running goals. It comes after Apple announced its own Apple Watch coach on June 9 called Workout Buddy. Pak says Samsung has an AI-powered health chatbot in the works but couldn't share more details with CNN since there hasn't been an announcement on a project launch. Apple is also said to be working on a similar tool, according to Bloomberg. Beyond watches, Pak thinks AI-powered smart glasses present an opportunity for new types of health features, particularly meal logging. He says new technology may soon tell whether a person is eating too fast or if their meal has allergens by analyzing their plate using AI models working in conjunction with glasses. Developers have already created services that claim to analyze nutritional contents of food by snapping photos and analyzing them through ChatGPT or Google's Gemini models. 'I don't think it's a technology problem,' said Pak. 'I think it's just a packaging of the technology capabilities that we have today.' Samsung previously said it was developing a pair of smart glasses to run on Google's new Android XR software. But Samsung's smartwatches don't work with iPhones, a challenging limitation since Apple owns nearly 20% of the market. Samsung stopped making its watches compatible with iPhones several years ago, likely a move to convince users to remain loyal to its own phones. However, Pak hasn't ruled out the possibility of working with Apple again. 'I think there are always discussions about this,' he said. 'There are active discussions, but I think no decision has been made in terms of timing.'
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Six tips for using wearable fitness trackers to help you stick to your workouts
The hardest part of any workout regime is sticking with it. Around half of those who start an exercise programme stop within six months. But our recent study found that using wearables (such as a smartwatch) not only makes people more likely to start working out, they're also seven times more likely to still be active after six months compared to those who didn't use a smartwatch. Our study focused specifically on adults who had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Physical activity is a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes management, as it helps regulate blood sugar, supports cardiovascular health and improves quality of life. Yet around 90% of people with type 2 diabetes fall short of weekly physical activity recommendations. Common barriers include low motivation, uncertainty about what activity is safe and a lack of tailored support. Our study tested a new approach using wearable technology and remote coaching to overcome these barriers. We found that people who followed a smartwatch-supported remote coaching programme were ten times more likely to start a workout regime than those who received remote coaching alone. The study involved 125 adults aged between 40 and 75 from the UK and Canada who had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. All participants worked with an exercise specialist to co-design a personalised six-month physical activity plan. The focus was on gradually increasing both moderate-to-vigorous exercise (with a target of 150 minutes per week) and daily lifestyle activity. Support was delivered remotely through phone or video calls. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to use wearable technology to support their personalised activity plans. The smartwatch had movement and heart rate sensors, a mobile app to track activity and personalised text messages based on their recent progress. They could also message their coach, receive real-time feedback and adjust their activity plans accordingly. The results were striking. Compared to the control group, those who were given a smartwatch were ten times more likely to start working out regularly, seven times more likely to still be active after six months and three times more likely to remain active one year later – even after support had ended. At the end of the programme, over 50% of the smartwatch group were meeting recommended activity levels. In comparison, only 17% of the control group were. Feedback from participants showed that the flexibility of plans, personalised messages and smartwatch data were key motivators. While some faced early challenges with the technology, most adapted quickly. These findings support growing evidence that wearable technology can help people become – and stay – more active. While our study focused on people with type 2 diabetes, similar benefits have also been observed in the general population. For example, one trial found that inactive adults (aged 45-75) who were given pedometers and walking advice increased their daily step count by around 660 steps after 12 weeks compared to a control group. Those given a pedometer were also more active three years later. Since then, wearable technology has advanced. Modern smartwatches now capture a wider range of metrics beyond steps – such as heart rate and activity intensity. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis, which analysed more than 160 randomised controlled trials, found that fitness trackers and similar devices were effective at increasing physical activity by an average of around 1,800 steps per day. Importantly, the most sustained improvements occurred when wearables were paired with personalised feedback or behavioural support. Together, these studies suggest that wearables can be powerful tools for long-term behaviour change and may help us better stick to our fitness goals. Wearable fitness trackers can extremely helpful – but only if you use them purposefully. Our research, along with findings from other studies, shows that wearables are most effective when they help you apply proven behaviour-change strategies. Here are some evidence-based tips to help you get the most out of your device: 1. Set realistic, specific goals Plan exactly when and how you'll move. Apps can help you set daily or weekly targets. Research shows that breaking down big, vague intentions – such as 'get fit' – into small, concrete steps makes it easier to stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 2. Schedule activity and stick to it Use reminders or calendar prompts to build a regular routine. Consistency builds habits, and scheduled activity reduces the chance of skipping workouts due to forgetfulness or lack of planning. 3. Track your progress Monitoring your activity helps you stay motivated and accountable. This feedback boosts motivation by showing that your efforts are making a difference, increasing your sense of control and accountability. 4. Use small rewards Many devices include features such as badges or streaks, which reinforce progress. Celebrating small wins triggers feelings of accomplishment, which encourages you to keep going and helps build long-term habits. 5. Share with others Whether it's a friend or coach, sharing your progress can boost commitment. Knowing others are aware of your goals can increase motivation, provide encouragement, and help you overcome challenges. 6. The tracker is a tool, not the solution It won't change behaviour on its own. Its value lies in how it supports your goals and helps you build lasting habits. These techniques don't just encourage short-term change – they build motivation, self-belief and routine, which are key for maintaining healthy habits over time. Our research shows that when wearable tech is used as part of a structured, supportive programme, it can make a real difference – especially for people managing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. By combining wearable technology with personalised coaching and proven behaviour change techniques, you might just have a better chance of sticking with your physical activity goals. Matthew Cocks is an Reader in Exercise Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University. Katie Hesketh is a Assistant Professor in Exercise Prescription at the University of Birmingham.
