When Humane unveiled the Ai Pin wearable on Thursday evening, we already knew everything about it. The specs, features, and price of the Ai Pin had leaked hours before the official announcement. Still, we lacked context and needed to see exactly how Humane pitched the device and whether that $699 price tag would be worth it.

After seeing Humane’s display-less AI-based smartphone vision for the future, I can safely say that I’ll never replace my iPhone with something like the Ai Pin. Never, ever, not in a thousand lifetimes. Not in this form.

The biggest problem with the device is the lack of a screen, which will make everything more difficult. Humane’s desire to eliminate displays is noble, don’t get me wrong. And I’d love to reduce my iPhone screen time with the help of AI. But we’re not quite in a place where that can happen.

That said, I immediately thought about one use case scenario for the Humane Ai Pin where I’d have no trouble relying on an AI gadget rather than taking the iPhone from my pocket. It’s running and walking sessions for me, but it could fit well with outdoor fitness activities.

I already told you how I use ChatGPT to improve my running, from picking better equipment to actually devising a training plan for running a half-marathon. And it worked. I’m running faster than ever, and I’ve completed one official race, ran two additional half-marathons, and ran and walked several hundred miles this year. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Humane Ai Pin comes with a laser projector. Image source: Humane

Also, I use the Apple Watch to track my performance, but I always bring the iPhone with me. By now, you might have realized where I’m going with this. I’d rather clip something like the Ai Pin to my clothing when running and walking and leave the smartphone at home.

The reason I carry the handset has to do with communication. I didn’t get a cellular Apple Watch, so I need to be able to answer calls if the need arises. I could upgrade the Apple Watch and leave the iPhone at home. Considering the Ai Pin’s price tag, that’s the better option.

But then Humane also demoed a few interesting features for the Ai Pin that the Apple Watch can’t offer. The Pin can take hands-free photos and videos, which is something I could have used while running my half-marathon race. I could take pictures more often and even record entire running sessions.

Humane Ai Pin supports touch gestures and voice. Image source: Humane

Since running and walking takes a lot of time, I might be out at odd hours of the day. With winter setting in and days getting shorter, that also means running well after dark. And while it’s generally safe around me, the Ai Pin could help with my peace of mind. After all, accidents happen, and I’d need to be able to call for help.

Not only that, but again, the Ai Pin lets you quickly record videos and take photos. It could be a handy bodycam that I’d hope to never have to use.

Maybe I get ideas I want to remember while I train, and the Ai Pin could help me easily save those notes. I’d just have to talk to the AI or touch it to get started. The AI could also answer questions I might have, and it would automatically translate foreign languages. Also, I think the AI could help out if I get lost. It could be faster than loading up Google Maps on the iPhone.

A person wearing the Humane Ai Pin. Image source: Humane

The Humane wearable could also help with entertainment. I often have music, a podcast, or even a Netflix documentary playing while I run and walk. I usually select those before I leave the house. But with the Ai Pin, I could do it on the fly. Too bad Humane doesn’t do apps. This means the Ai Pin doesn’t work with all the services I’d subscribe to.

I’d also take advantage of the AI’s ability to recognize food and beverages and calculate the intake of calories. When running longer distances, I pack water and gels. When walking, I stop for food. An AI that sees the food I consume could come in handy, helping me make the process more efficient. That would be especially good during official races.

Finally, I can’t help but wonder whether an AI like the ones powering the Ai Pin could actually help monitor my progress. There could be AI models that could take into account data coming from the Ai Pin to give me on-the-fly stats about my running. The AI could compare what I’m doing with past races and maybe point out issues with how I run.

At the very least, the AI could keep track of my chosen routes and then map them out inside map apps.

Accessing Humane Ai Pin content on a computer. Image source: Humane

I will also point out that Humane’s commitment to strong user privacy is a great Ai Pin feature. I’d be more willing to collect all that data about myself during my runs, knowing that the data won’t be fed to the AI or sold to third parties for ads.

Unfortunately, most of what I’ve described above will eventually require a display. I’d need a screen to go through the data the Ai Pin collects. I would need to load an app on a smartphone or a website to see the photos, videos, notes, calories, and other health stats the AI might help me collect. And I’d only be able to do that when I return home.

Is all that worth $699 and a separate $24/month phone encryption? Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Not to mention that the Ai Pin isn’t available in Europe, and from the looks of it, it’s not coming anytime soon. A better bet would be getting a first-gen Apple Watch Ultra and wait for Apple’s AI to roll along.

The post I can only think of one use for the Humane Ai Pin, and even that isn’t worth it appeared first on BGR.

Not long after Apple announced the Vision Pro at WWDC, rumors about its inevitable follow-up began to spread. In June, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in his newsletter that a second-generation headset was already in the works and that it would add several major new features. We’re still months out from the launch of Apple Vision Pro, but now MacRumors has shared a report of its own spoiling even more Vision Pro 2 details.

According to MacRumors, Apple’s second-generation headset “bears striking resemblance to the first-generation Vision Pro.” It’ll feature the same curved aesthetics and button placement as the original device, but the speaker will have a new home. MacRumors also claims that the device is known internally as Project Alaska and device identifier N109.

Sources say that early designs of the new headset do not include the rounded areas that house the speakers on the current model. Instead, Apple has placed “temples that are flat and uniform throughout their entire length” on the headset.

MacRumors’ sources apparently saw documentation from Apple about the next Vision Pro as well. Those documents contain references to an audio accessory but don’t provide any details. MacRumors suggests it could be an external speaker. They also reveal that Apple considered two designs for the top vents, “one being the same as the vents on the first-generation ‌Apple Vision Pro‌, and the latter featuring two clusters of tiny speaker-type holes.”

Another potential change is simpler rear straps that look more like “flat straps commonly found on laptop bags or backpacks.” Plus, the sources suggest that Apple might be sticking with the external battery pack, which will also be available for the Vision Pro.

MacRumors also provided a list of key hardware components for Project Alaska:

• 2 micro-OLED displays
• 1 TrueDepth camera
• 4 computer vision (CV) cameras
• 2 RGB cameras
• 2 low light infrared illuminators
• Semi-automatic interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment
• Compass, ambient light sensor, magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope

The second-generation Apple Vision Pro is reportedly scheduled to enter the product validation testing (PVT) stage of development in 2025. That would align with a late 2025 or early 2026 release date for the next-generation headset. Of course, Apple’s plans could change depending on a variety of factors, such as the success of the first-gen Vision Pro.

The post Apple Vision Pro 2 leak unveils new features and changes appeared first on BGR.

Fourteen years after Facebook withdrew operations from China, the company is heading back into the market. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the company has reached a preliminary deal with Chinese gaming giant Tencent that will bring the company back to Chinese customers.

While the company is re-entering China, it doesn’t appear that it will be doing so with Facebook — at least at first. According to the report, the first product that Meta will offer to customers in China will be a new low-cost version of its Quest headset.

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

While details about the headset are unclear, there are rumors that it will pack a lower resolution display when compared to the Quest 3 but come with a more powerful GPU than the last generation Quest 2. The report says that sales of the low-cost headset will begin in “late 2024” but we don’t yet know what pricing will look like.

The agreement with Tencent Holdings will make the world’s largest videogame company the exclusive seller of Meta’s headsets in China, people familiar with the matter said, offering the U.S. technology giant a major new market as it looks to boost tepid global demand for its niche gear. Tencent will start selling the headset beginning late 2024, with the two companies reaching a deal after about a year of negotiations.

The announcement comes as Meta recently launched its new Quest 3 mixed reality headset. The Quest 3 is a big update compared to the Quest 2, especially since it can achieve full color passthrough mixed reality. It features a 40% slimmer optic profile and, while it is slightly heavier than the previous generation, is supposed to still be more comfortable to wear due to its better weight distribution. The headset features a display of 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, a bump compared to the Quest 2’s resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels. It also packs new built-in speakers.

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

The Quest 3 comes packed with the second generation of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 processor, which the company says is twice as performant as the second-generation headset which uses the first-gen XR2. It is expected to achieve between two to three hours of battery life, features removable batteries in the redesigned controllers, and can also pair with the company’s new optional charging dock.

While I’m interested to see what Meta can accomplish with a lower-cost headset in China and other markets, I’m personally okay with the price the company has set for the Meta Quest 3. It’s an impressive headset and a big upgrade over the Quest 2 which I also owned. It is also astonishingly seven times cheaper than Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset — making it by far the best value in VR and AR.

The Meta Quest 3 launched on October 10th and starts at $499 for the 128GB configuration or $649 for the 512GB configuration. We’ll have to see what the low-cost model costs in China and the “other markets” that Meta plans to sell it as we get into next year. Perhaps we’ll have another Quest announcement at Meta’s Connect event in September 2024!

The post Meta is heading back to China with a cheaper new Quest VR headset appeared first on BGR.

Are you looking for a deal on an Apple Watch? I have been keeping track of Apple Watch prices and discounts since Apple launched its first smartwatch back in 2015, and there are some great ones and some average ones available this month.

You can save on the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and even the entry-level Apple Watch SE. But there are a couple of deals that aren’t too enticing, and I’m going to point that out. Plus, the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have finally launched and are both available to order — the Series 9 also just got its first big discount!

The Apple Watch Series 8 is on sale starting at $299, and that’s the best price of the season. Or, you can get the latest Apple Watch SE on sale for $217. There are also some other Apple Watch deals you need to know about. I’ll cover all the best Apple Watch deals in this extensive guide.

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band…

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band -…

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport…

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Indigo Alpine…

If you want the best of the best, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently on sale starting at $774. That’s only a $25 discount though, so it might be a good idea to wait for a deeper discount if you want this model. Or, you can save even more by picking up a renewed Apple Watch Ultra 1 on sale instead. Prices start at just $569 right now, which is the lowest price I’ve ever seen for the Apple Watch Ultra.

Plus, a few of Apple’s new bands that launched with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are currently discounted for the first time ever.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s break down each model and dive into the best deals on every smartwatch that Apple makes.

New for 2023: Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Ultra 2

Image source: Joe Wituschek for BGR

Apple held a huge iPhone 15 event on September 12, 2023, during which it finally took the wraps off its latest and greatest iPhones. But if you ask me, the new Apple Watch models Apple unveiled at the show were way more exciting than Apple’s new iPhones.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are impressive upgrades — and they’re already on sale with discounts.

The Series 9 has an all-new S9 SiP that gives it a big power boost. Plus, the display is way brighter, but it’s not only about brightness this time around. In addition to Apple’s boost in brightness, the new Series 9 display can also get much darker than older models. With the always-on display option enabled, the screen can drop to just 1 nit of brightness. That’ll have a big impact on battery life.

There are also so many new features to enjoy in watchOS 10. Tons of new sensors mean you’ll get even more accurate health data. And let’s not forget that crazy new double tap pinch gesture… how cool is that?!

Thanks to its first-ever discount, prices start at $349 for the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS model in 41mm, and the 45mm version starts at $379. Ahead of Black Friday 2023, you can save $50 on just about every Apple Watch Series 9 model and band combination.

That means you can also pick up the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular model starting at $449 for the 41mm model and $479 for the 45mm model. Again, those are both $50 discounts.

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band…

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band…

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 41mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight…

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight…

As great as Apple’s new Series 9 models are, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an even more impressive update.

The new Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an insanely bright new OLED display that can reach an eye-popping 3,000 nits of brightness. But it’s also great for battery life because it can drop all the way down to just 1 nit in low-light conditions.

On top of that, this model also has the new S9 SiP and all the same new health sensors as the Series 9 model. That means faster performance, better efficiency, and that awesome new double-tap feature that lets you control the watch just by pinching your thumb and pointer together twice.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Indigo Alpine…

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 costs $799, just like its predecessor, and it comes with a bunch of new band options. It’s currently on sale with a $25 discount on Amazon, even though it was just released.

Apple Watch SE price drop

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

There haven’t been many noteworthy Apple Watch SE deals this year, which is a bummer. I think the Apple Watch SE often gets overlooked, but it shouldn’t. This model is Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, and it makes Apple Watches accessible to people who otherwise couldn’t afford one.

The bad news is that most of the impressive deals we saw earlier this month have either ended or sold out. It’s a shame, but there’s always a chance that the sales will return soon. After all, the current crop of Apple Watch Series 8 deals began at the same time, and they’re still available now.

Read our Apple Watch SE review for more info about this model, and keep your eye on the listings below to see which colorways are on sale right now. Prices start at $216.78 at the moment, which is the best price we’ve seen this season.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport…

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Silver Aluminum Case with Winter Blue Sport…

Sometimes people scoff at the Apple Watch SE because it doesn’t garner quite as much fanfare as Apple’s flagship smartwatches. But of all the models Apple sells, the Apple Watch SE is by far the best value.

Yes, the SE lacks some of the more complex features that you’ll find on the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8. But all of the core features are there, and it runs all the same apps. If you want to spend less time fishing around on your iPhone but don’t want to pay $399+, the Apple Watch SE is definitely a great buy.

Apple Watch Series 8 deals

Image source: Jonathan Geller, BGR

Following a few sellouts during Prime Day this year, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 are both now back in stock and available to ship immediately.

The new Apple Watch Series 8 is definitely the more popular of the two models. It comes with new features such as crash detection and body temperature monitoring, as well as the sleek redesign Apple introduced on the previous-generation Series 7 lineup.

You can read our Apple Watch Series 8 review for more info on this awesome new model.

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band -…

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 45mm] Smart Watch w/ (Product) RED Aluminum Case with (Product) RED S…

These deals slash up to $80 off the Apple Watch Series 8 in so many different color and band combinations. Prices start at just $299, which is a nice big $100 discount.

Apple Watch Series 8 has been the best-selling smartwatch among our readers since it was first released. It’s packed with great features like an always-on display, blood oxygen sensor, heart rate sensor, ECG, sleep tracking, crash detection, fall detection, and so much more. Plus, it obviously runs all the awesome watchOS apps you might want.

Of note, these deals are no longer available at Best Buy, where this sale started a few days before it did on Amazon. That likely means there’s a good chance the sale will also end soon at Amazon.

Also, since the Series 8 is no longer in Apple’s lineup, there’s a good change that these deals will be gone for good once they sell out.

Apple Watch Ultra is on sale

Apple Watch Ultra is currently available with discounts of up to $50 off. Image source: Jonathan S. Geller

The hot new Apple Watch Ultra was first released on September 23, 2022, and it has rarely been discounted since then. But right now, you can actually get Apple’s new flagship Watch model without paying full price.

Check out just about any retailer, and you’ll see that the Apple Watch Ultra costs $799. It doesn’t matter if you buy it directly from Apple or from a big store like Walmart. In either case, you’re going to pay $799 plus tax. But if you head over to Amazon right now, you can save some cash.

Amazon is currently selling the Apple Watch Ultra with discounts of up to $120 off, which is the deepest discount I have seen in about a month for this model. That means now is a great time to get Apple’s most impressive smartwatch yet.

Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smart Watch w/Rugged Titanium Case & Orange Alpine Loop…

If you want to save even more money on Apple’s biggest and best smartwatch ever, renewed Apple Watch Ultra models are on sale starting at $599.99. Considering how expensive the Apple Watch Ultra is compared to other models, this is a fantastic opportunity to save a lot of cash.

Importantly, renewed Ultra models are guaranteed to look and function like new, or you have 90 days to get a refund. That’s a great policy, of course, because it means you have nothing to lose.

Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Titanium Case with Green Alpine Loop, Medium (Renewed)

I told a good friend of mine about Amazon’s renewed Apple Watch Ultra deals the last time they were available. He ended up buying one, and he texted me as soon as it arrived to thank me. He said that the one he got looked brand-new like it was the first time it was ever removed from the box. The only difference was that he paid about $100 less than he would’ve if he bought a new Apple Watch Ultra instead of a renewed one.

And right now, there are renewed Apple Watch Ultra models on sale for even less than what my friend paid!

The only caveat here is the same caveat we always warn our readers about when it comes to deals on renewed products. Inventory is obviously going to be very limited, and the best deals usually sell out fast once we’ve let the cat out of the bag.

Apple Watch Series 7 deals and discounts

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

The Apple Watch Series 7 models sometimes have deep discounts on Amazon and from other retailers.

We know what you’re thinking… Apple already released the new Apple Watch Series 8, so why buy an old model?

The answer is pretty simple: the new Series 8 isn’t necessarily a big upgrade. It has the same design, the same specs, the same processor, and the same features other than the addition of a body temperature sensor that only works when you’re sleeping.

Do you really want to spend all that extra money on a body temperature sensor? You can also read our Apple Watch Series 7 review here if you’re deciding what model is better for you.

Compared to earlier models, the Series 7 features a refreshed design with a larger display that almost reaches the edges of the watch face. It’s the same as the new Apple Watch Series 8. The old Apple Watch can also run watchOS 9, the brand new operating system that’s now available on the Series 8.

The Series 7 model also has impressive specs, of course. In fact, there really isn’t anything new on the Series 8 that makes it a big upgrade.

Of note, multiple colorways have gotten price cuts lately, but most deals have already sold out. One example is a huge $356 discount on the Apple Watch Series 7 Cellular model. If you don’t see the discount anymore, be sure to check back in a few days. Amazon has started and stopped this deal half a dozen times in the past few months.

Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] Smart Watch w/Graphite Stainless Steel Case with Aby…

Of note, you should only take advantage of these Apple Watch Series 7 deals if the discount is at least a few hundred dollars. Otherwise, you should definitely skip this sale. The aforementioned Apple Watch Series 8 deals are far more attractive.

Best Buy

The front entrance of a Best Buy store. Image source: Best Buy

Some people prefer to shop exclusively at Best Buy for their electronics, including Apple products. If you’re in that camp, there are a few Apple Watch deals at Best Buy that you’ll want to know about.

The Apple Watch Ultra isn’t discounted at all right now at Best Buy, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if that’s the model you have your eye on. Apple’s other two smartwatches are both currently on sale, however.

• Apple Watch Ultra (1nd-Generation): $719 (reg. $799)
• Apple Watch Series 8: $299 (reg. $399)

Those are both previous-generation Apple Watch models, but not everyone wants to pay top dollar for the latest and greatest releases. That’s especially true this year since the Ultra 2 and Series 9 models really aren’t huge upgrades. If you don’t care about the new sensors and tweaked displays, do yourself a favor and save some money on the previous-generation models.

If you want to check for other Apple Watch deals that might pop up at Best Buy, you’ll find them all right here.

Our favorite Apple Watch bands

An Apple Watch is shown with one of Apple’s Sport Loop bands. Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

One of the best parts of owning an Apple Watch is the fact that you can customize any model with a wide range of Apple Watch bands. That includes tons of different first-party bands that Apple sells, of course. I not only swap bands daily, but I went so far as the buy a storage case for all of them. Once you swap, you can’t stop!

However, in addition to Apple’s own bands, there are countless third-party Apple Watch bands that you can get to separate yourself from the pack. Prices range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, and there’s a practically endless variety of options to suit every style, color, and taste.

Here are some of our favorite Apple Watch bands that you can get right now to customize your Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra, or any other Apple Watch model you might own.

6 Pack Sport Bands Compatible with Apple Watch Band 38mm 40mm 41mm 42mm 44mm 45mm 49mm,Soft Sil…

Sport Band Compatible with Apple Watch Bands 49mm 45mm 44mm 42mm, Soft Silicone Wristbands Repl…

Marge Plus Compatible with Apple Watch Band Series 9, Ultra 2, SE, Ultra 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 38mm 4…

Braided Solo Loop Compatible with Apple Watch Band 38mm 40mm 41mm Women Men, Adjustable Stretch…

Lerobo Sport Bands 45mm 44mm 42mm 49mm Women Men,Soft Silicone Breathable Replacement Band Comp…

Adorve Compatible with Apple Watch Band 45mm 44mm 49mm 42mm 41mm 40mm 38mm for Men Women, Stret…

Adorve Compatible with Apple Watch Band 45mm 44mm 49mm 42mm 41mm 40mm 38mm for Men Women, Stret…

EDIMENS Leather Bands Compatible with Apple Watch 45mm 44mm 42mm Band Men Women, Vintage Genuin…

Fullmosa Compatible Apple Watch Band 49mm 45mm 44mm 42mm 41mm 40mm 38mm, Stainless Steel iWatch…

NewWays Metal Band Compatible with Apple Watch Ultra 2 Band 49mm Series 9 Series 8 45mm Series…

I own several of these popular Apple Watch bands myself, so I can vouch for how good they are. Apple sells plenty of great Apple Watch bands as well, but we think they’re way overpriced. Some fabric straps that Apple sells cost as much as $99.

That’s crazy, especially when you can get practically the same bands for a fraction of the price when you buy similar bands that aren’t made by Apple. Or, if you’re looking for other designs, the Apple Watch band deals we listed above are all great options.

FAQ

The post Best Apple Watch deals for Black Friday 2023 appeared first on BGR.

The Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch is one of the most advanced devices that Fitbit has ever released. I’ve tested it myself, and there is no doubt in my mind that if I wasn’t an Apple Watch user, I would definitely get this great Fitbit smartwatch.

If there’s one complaint that people have about this particular Fitbit model, it’s the somewhat high price tag. $300 is actually cheaper than the most affordable Apple Watch Series 8, but it’s still more than some people want to spend. Good news: a Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch deal on Amazon slashes the price to just $198 instead of $300. That’s an excellent deal, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new smartwatch that costs much less than Apple’s Series 8.

Fitbit Sense 2 Advanced Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Tools to Manage Stress and Sleep, EC…

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band -…

As I mentioned earlier, I’m an Apple Watch user. At this point, I’m not sure there’s anything that would get me to ditch my Apple Watch Series 8. It looks fantastic, and it has all the health features I want. Plus, it offers deep integration with my iPhone which simply cannot be found on any other smartwatch.

If you’re interested in a new Apple Watch Series 8, Series 9, Ultra 2, or any other model, there are tons of discounts that you can get right now. Check out BGR’s guide on the best Apple Watch deals to see all the deepest discounts.

But if you’ve been searching for a fantastic alternative that has tons of great features for even less money, Amazon’s current deal on the Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Fitbit Sense 2 Advanced Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Tools to Manage Stress and Sleep, EC…

The Fitbit Sense 2 is definitely the most advanced smartwatch I’ve ever tested that wasn’t made by Apple. It features so many of the same features as the Apple Watch Series 8, yet it costs much less money — especially while it’s on sale with a $102 discount.

Just like Apple’s latest watch models, the Sense 2 has a built-in ECG feature as well as a new blood oxygen sensor. You also get things like sleep monitoring, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, GPS, and the Fitbit stress management features that people love so much. Plus, it’s a smartwatch so you get things like message notifications, call notifications, and other standard smartwatch features.

At $300, this model is already $100 less than the cheapest Apple Watch Series 8 — even while the Series 8 model is $100 off. At $198 on Amazon, the Fitbit Sense 2 is an unbeatable deal.

Fitbit Luxe Fitness and Wellness Tracker with Stress Management, Sleep Tracking and 24/7 Heart…

Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker with Built-in GPS, Stress Management Tools, S…

If you’re interested in a new Fitbit, but you’re focused on health-tracking features as opposed to smartwatch features, there are two other deals for you to check out.

The Fitbit Charge 5 is down to $119.95 instead of $150 right now, which is a 20% discount. Or, you can save 38% on the Fitbit Luxe and get it for just $79.95.

The post Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch hits $198 on sale, $101 less than Apple Watch S8 appeared first on BGR.

Humane will unveil the Ai Pin later on Thursday, but we have a last-minute leak that seems to answer almost all of the remaining questions we had about the wearable device. That includes the gadget’s price, as it looks like the previously rumored $1,000 Human Ai Pin price tag was much higher than the final price. Still, $699 will be a high price for a device described as a smartphone that lacks a display.

On top of that, you’ll have to pay $24 per month to Humane, with the subscription covering cellular access to T-Mobile’s network, unlimited AI access, and cloud storage for photos and videos. The Ai Pin will deliver a personal AI experience that relies, at least in part, on Microsoft and OpenAI software. That means ChatGPT might be actually involved in the AI features available from the Ai Pin.

The last-minute revelations come from The Verge . The blog saw documents that detail “practically everything” about the device:

What they show is that Humane, the company noisily promoting a world after smartphones, is about to launch what amounts to a $699 wearable smartphone without a screen that has a $24-a-month subscription fee and runs on a Humane-branded version of T-Mobile’s network with access to AI models from Microsoft and OpenAI.

The hardware

Humane doesn’t want you to see the device as a smartphone accessory, even though it might feel like one. But you will need to access a tool online called Humane.center to set up the wearable for the first time. It’s unclear if this will be just a website or an app on the phone. But this is where you’ll go to access photos, videos, and notes.

Humane Ai Pin showed up during an event at the Paris Fashion Week show. Image source: Humane

The report notes that the Ai Pin attaches magnetically to clothes and other surfaces. That much we knew from Humane’s previous teasers. The new report indicates that the clip on the other side of a piece of clothing is more than a magnet. It’s actually an external battery pack. Or “battery booster.” The Ai Pin comes with two such boosters.

This seems like the kind of accessory that you might be able to buy separately if you need more of them. But that’s just me speculating.

The Ai Pin will feature an unspecified Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. It’ll also pack a camera paired with depth and motion sensors. The device can track and record surroundings. The wearable also packs a built-in speaker, which Humane calls a “personic speaker.” Support for Bluetooth is also built-in.

The laser projector we saw in Humane’s first Ai Pin demo earlier this year lets you project information on your hand and other surfaces. But, again, there’s no screen for additional interaction with the device.

Humane communicator has a built-in projector. Image source: Humane

The software

The main way to talk to the Ai Pin is by voice, something we also saw in that demo. The Pin supports gestures, as it features a touchpad on the front. The Verge reports that the wearable isn’t always recording. You have to activate it in some way manually. On the front, there’s a “Trust Light” to inform others you are recording.

The Ai Pin will run an operating system called Cosmos. It’s not going to run standalone apps, per the report. Instead, Human has devised a more seamless system that calls up different AIs. That’s similar to ChatGPT and its plugins and gives credence to reports that OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model will be part of the Ai Pin experience.

The AI powering the Pin will let you write messages that sound like you. It’ll also summarize your inbox, a demo that we saw from Humane earlier this year. The Pin can translate languages, identify food items, and then provide nutritional information. Again, we saw these features in action. Furthermore, the Ai Pin will support streaming from Tidal, including an AI DJ feature.

When it comes to photography, The Verge describes an AI-centric photosystem, though it’s unclear what that means.

All of that sounds somewhat exciting. But the Ai Pin might be a tough sell, no matter how exciting ChatGPT and generative AI tech might be right now.

The post Last-minute leak says Humane Ai Pin is basically a $699 smartphone without a display appeared first on BGR.

Apple unveiled the Vision Pro at WWDC 2023 this past summer. That’s when it said the spatial computer will launch early next year in the US. The ambiguous release window wasn’t a surprise. Apple needs time to get the developers on board, as third-party apps will be key to defining the Vision Pro experience. It also needs time to promote the device and make the $3,500 price tag easier to swallow. Not to mention that manufacturing issues can always hinder the spatial computer’s launch.

As we approach 2024, Apple has yet to start a big marketing campaign for the Vision Pro. It’s unclear what “early 2024” means. Apple could take its time to announce a firm release date. The Vision Pro could come out in March or April, and it would still qualify as “early 2024.”

While I can’t wait to get my hands on the Vision Pro, a new report indicates that I might not be able to buy one anytime soon. That’s because Apple will focus on the US market first, and I live in Europe. The Vision Pro might not start hitting international markets until late 2024. If that were to happen, I might change my mind and skip the 1st-generation model.

The news comes from Mark Gurman’s recent Power On newsletter. The Bloomberg reporter says the Vision Pro is unlikely to be the next big thing for Apple when it comes to driving revenue.

Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at that during last week’s earnings call when addressing plans for launching the spatial computer. Apple will opt for a “go-slow” approach, which means it won’t be able to move the Vision Pro in large volume anytime soon. Not that we ever expected Apple to sell many Vision Pros. The most optimistic estimates said Apple might sell one million units in the first year.

“There’s never been a product like the Vision Pro. And so we’re purposely bringing it out in our stores only, so we can really put a great deal of attention on the last mile of it,” Cook said. “We’ll be offering demos in the stores, and it will be a very different process than the normal grab-and-go kind of process.”

The top Apple exec did not provide specific details. But Gurman notes that he previously said Vision Pro buyers will need to make appointments to pick up the Vision Pro. That’s also when they’ll be able to try the device.

Vision Pro’s M2 and R1 chips. Image source: Apple Inc.

The Vision Pro is a complex product that buyers will need to customize when buying one. We’re looking at different headband sizes and prescription lens attachments, when needed. The Vision Pro has to be as comfortable as possible. Trying the headset in stores might be the only way to ensure a good fit once you order one.

Gurman points out that Apple also required in-store appointments for the Apple Watch initially. But Apple quickly moved to the traditional “grab-and-go” process for the wearable. Soon after that, the Apple Watch was available from Best Buy and Target. That’s not something that will happen with the Vision Pro. At least, not anytime soon.

More troubling for me and any other Vision Pro fan outside the US, is the staggered international rollout. Gurman says the Vision Pro is heading to the UK and Canada “as early as the end of the year.” That late-2024 release date is an estimate for those two markets only. It could be sooner or later than that. But if accurate, it means the Vision Pro might take even longer to reach the rest of Europe.

In a scenario where the Vision Pro doesn’t launch across Europe until sometime in 2025, I might skip buying the first generation. Gurman also said a few months ago that Apple is eying late 2025 as a potential release window for a cheaper Vision Pro and an updated second-gen version of the flagship Vision Pro.

All of this is based on rumors at this point, of course. But Gurman has a good track record. If his timeline is accurate, I might skip the first Vision Pro generation entirely and wait for one of its successors.

The post If this Apple Vision Pro rumor is true, I might not buy one anymore appeared first on BGR.

I told you to turn off most notifications on Apple Watch when I gave you tips and tricks to improve battery life. I said at the time that I don’t need all that notifications nonsense on my wrist. Instead, I’m very selective about the kind of apps whose notifications can go through to the wearable. That’s because I’m usually carrying the iPhone with me. That’s how I deal with most notifications that do come in.

There’s another reason to reduce notifications on Apple Watch, and it has to do with work. You don’t want to be checking your wrist at all times, especially if you’re in meetings or working with others. However, there is a brilliant trick you can use. You can have your Apple Watch vibrate only when you receive messages and calls from select contacts. That way, you’ll know you might have to take a call or answer a text as you might be dealing with emergencies.

The trick involves using a Focus mode on the Apple Watch, but not on the iPhone, to get the job done. It comes from Redditor AeroRanchero. The user only wanted the Apple Watch to buzz when his wife messaged him or certain people called him.

To make that happen, he first set up a new Focus mode on the iPhone. You do that by going to the Settings app and then selecting the Focus menu. Here, you’ll want to customize the People section to allow only specific contacts to message and call you.

Focus mode lets you enable notifications from specific people. Image source: Chris Smith, BGR

Once you’re done with the Focus mode, you have to go to the Watch app on the iPhone. In there, look for the Focus menu in the General section. Turn off the Mirror my iPhone feature.

What this does is allow you to use different Focus modes on your iPhone and Apple Watch. Allowing notifications from only specific contacts hinges on this setting being turned off.

Disable Focus mode mirroring for the Apple Watch. Image source: Chris Smith, BGR

Next, head on to the Apple Watch, tap the Side button, and then tap the Moon symbol, which stands for Focus mode. In here, select the Focus mode you created on the iPhone above. The one that only lets notifications from your favorite contacts reach the device.

That’s all you have to do to reduce the notification clutter on your Apple Watch. With your special Focus mode in place on the wearable, you’ll only get vibrations (or sounds) when the people you’ve selected call or text you. That way, you’ll know you’re dealing with an important notification you might need to address immediately.

You can have different Focus modes set on the iPhone, as the Watch won’t mirror them.

The post How to set up your Apple Watch so you only get message notifications from certain people appeared first on BGR.

The Apple Watch SE is to smartwatches what the iPhone SE is to smartphones. Long story short, it offers the best overall user experience of any device in its price range. And right now, the price range of the Apple Watch SE is even lower than normal thanks to some great sales ahead of Black Friday 2023.

Apple’s entry-level smartwatch has a regular retail price starting at $249, and it’s a terrific value at that price. This week, however, you can pick up an Apple Watch SE for as little as $216.78 for the 40mm model or $239 for the 44mm version. These discounts are available at both Amazon and Best Buy, so you can order from whichever retailer you prefer. But I will note that Amazon’s prices are slightly lower than Best Buy’s on most models.

These deals match the lowest prices ever for the 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE, other than the Prime-exclusive deals we saw during Prime Day.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport…

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smart Watch w/Silver Aluminum Case & White Sport Band - M/L…

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band -…

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Indigo Alpine…

The latest versions of the Apple Watch can cost as much as $1,500, depending on which model you choose. But part of the beauty of Apple’s smartwatch lineup is that there’s truly something for everyone. Just take a look at our guide on the best Apple Watch deals, and you’ll see how wide Apple’s price range is.

If you don’t want to shell out a lot of cash, you don’t need to spend $1,500+ on an Hermes model, $799+ on an Apple Watch Ultra, or even $399+ on an Apple Watch Series 8. Instead, Apple offers the 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE, which starts at just $249.

And right now, you don’t even need to spend that much on an Apple Watch SE.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport…

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smart Watch w/Silver Aluminum Case & White Sport Band - M/L…

Just like the iPhone SE, the Apple Watch SE is a simplified version of the flagship Apple Watch Series 8. It forgoes many of the bells and whistles in order to make the price much more attractive.

But the Apple Watch SE is still packed full of all the core features that make Apple Watches great. Examples include fitness and sleep tracking, Crash Detection, heart rate monitoring, water resistance, a gorgeous Retina display, and support for all the watchOS apps you love.

Amazon is offering a discount on every Apple Watch SE model in every available size and color. You’ll save up to $40, depending on which model you choose.

Prices start at $216.78 for the 40mm GPS version, which normally sells for $249. Or, if you want the larger 44mm GPS model, the deals start at $239 instead of $279.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS + Cellular 40mm] Smartwatch with Silver Aluminum Case with Storm…

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS + Cellular 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midn…

If you’re one of the many people out there who also want cellular connectivity, you can still save $30 on either size. The Apple Watch SE [GPS + Cellular] is down to $269 instead of $299 for the 40mm version or $299 instead of $329 for the bigger 44mm model.

The only difference between Amazon’s deals on the cellular model and the deals on the GPS version of the Apple Watch SE is your color selection. The GPS-only models are available in all sizes and colorways. Meanwhile, the discounts on Apple’s GPS + Cellular watches can only be found in a few colors and sizes.

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band -…

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Indigo Alpine…

And finally, there are a few other Apple Watch models on sale right now at all-time low prices.

The biggest news is that the Apple Watch Series 8 is currently up to $100 off. That means prices start at just $299 instead of $399 for the entry-level aluminum model. On top of that, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is up to $25 off right now.

The post Apple Watch SE 2nd-Gen drops to $217 ahead of Black Friday appeared first on BGR.

In a long article detailing Apple’s health initiatives over the past decade, Bloomberg reports that the 2024 Apple Watch might have a few new sensors as it aims to expand its care initiatives.

According to Mark Gurman and Drake Bennett, Apple has an “enticing road map for 2024, including hypertension and sleep apnea detection for the watch and hearing aid capabilities for AirPods.” For sleep apnea detection, the watch would use sleep and breathing patterns to estimate whether someone has the condition and then direct users to see a physician.

For the blood pressure sensor, Apple will do the rollout in phases. In the first iteration, it will just tell a user if their blood pressure is trending upward and offer a journal for the user to note what he was doing when hypertension occurred.

Image source: Apple Inc.

At all times, this function will tell users to talk to a doctor or check their blood pressure with a traditional cuff, Bloomberg report. A future version of the system, on the other hand, will have the ability to provide exact numbers, even diagnosing related conditions, but it remains “far off.”

In favor of releasing new health features, Apple reportedly plans to launch these new capabilities as “good-to-know” functions, just like it did with the oximeter sensor. It shows a person their blood oxygen percentage – or the blood pressure trending upward – but not what the data means, as it’s not intended for medical use.

That said, Apple might seek health regulatory approval for blood oxygen and temperature sensors to expand further than fertility data and sense a fever, for example.

The blood glucose sensor is still a few years away from landing on the Apple Watch

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

Bloomberg explains that Apple might use short-wave infrared absorption spectroscopy for the blood glucose sensor for a future Apple Watch.

“This technique involves shining lasers through the skin into the interstitial fluid between the blood vessels and the cells they serve. The intensity of the light’s reflection back, researchers have found, can be used to calculate the glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid and, by extension, in the bloodstream — and the only thing that has had to penetrate the body is light,” the publication explains.

However, since a non-invasive system needs to see through a wide range of skin tones and analyze various blood types, Apple still struggles to get all the data it needs. The company plans to use AI to sift the raw data and generate a prediction for when a person may develop diabetes.

That said, what Apple might launch before the full blood glucose sensor is a function that monitors how a person’s blood sugar is trending and warns users of prediabetes.

Wrap up

Now, 2024 seems to be a big year for the Apple Watch. If these features can land on the device, the upcoming Apple Watch (Series) X might be an enticing update, and it will show that Apple still has lots more to deliver with its wearable devices.

The post 2024 Apple Watches could detect sleep apnea, hypertension, and more appeared first on BGR.