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I replaced my Apple Watch Ultra with this flagship Garmin model - and didn't regret it

ZDNET's key takeaways The Garmin Venu X1 is available in two color options for $799.99. The big 2-inch display is fantastic, the LED flashlight is brilliant, the thin case and light band make it a joy to wear, and the calculator now has a tip button. The always-on mode reduces battery life significantly, the watch is expensive, and dual-band GPS is not installed. $799.99 at Amazon $799.99 at Crutchfield more buying choices I've been using Garmin sports watches for over a decade and have prett

Samsung Clears Out Galaxy Watch Ultra at All-Time Low, No Trade-In Needed but Extra Savings If You Do

There are a lot of smartwatches out there, but most people know that the two main contenders come from Apple or Samsung. If you’re an iPhone user, then getting one from Apple is often the right choice, but for Android users, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is currently the best option for the vast majority of users. A good smartwatch isn’t cheap though, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra starts at $650. Well, thanks to a great deal from Samsung directly right now, you can actually save $150 on the Galaxy Watch

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Watch Suddenly Drops to a Record Low, Let the Blazing Sun Keep It Charged

If you’ve taken your adventuring a little too far, or just taken a wrong turn off of an unfamiliar path, the last thing you ever want to see from your GPS-enabled smartwatch is a low battery alert. Now, before you go cursing that blazing sun that’s been broiling a big part of the country all week, if you have a Garmin Instinct 2 Solar smartwatch, you’ll never get that low battery alert. See at Amazon The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar smartwatch is a multi-satellite-enabled outdoor smartwatch with ad

This New Watch Is Being Purpose-Built for Space Exploration—and It's Not an Omega

When you think of space exploration and watches, one name immediately comes to mind: Omega. Since its Speedmaster chronograph was selected by NASA half a century ago it has become synonymous with space travel. The timing of a 13-second engine burn to save Apollo 13 cemented its role in space history, and Omega has not missed a single opportunity to deepen the partnership, from officially naming it the Moonwatch to creating endless commemorative limited editions (even if it is by no means the onl

Samsung needs to build a Galaxy Watch that looks as good as this mod

TL;DR A Redditor modified a mechanical watch body to fit the electronics from a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. The 40mm Watch 4 was supposedly the only one small enough to fit in the case, which appears to be from a Panerai Luminor watch. Even the crown button is reportedly functional. What’s the most customizable device you own? Plenty of us dress up our phones with a case intended to help it stand out, but we might argue that smartwatches place an even higher priority on customization. Alternate b

Don't make the same Apple Watch mistake as me - this is the band I'm buying instead

The weak link! Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET My Apple Watch Ultra 2 is, as of today, 626 days old, and apart from charging, it has been on my wrist pretty much continuously. It's accompanied me on many an adventure, been in several countries, found itself deep inside loads of car engine bays, been covered in dirt and mud, and it still looks like new. Regular readers will have seen it in countless photos here on ZDNET. Also: Why I replaced my Whoop band with this fitness strap (hint: there's no

This smart fitness product could be the perfect companion for Apple Watch

Update: Avelo Running is closer to arriving with an already funded Kickstarter campaign that doubled its goal within hours of launching. Learn much more about the project and pledge your support to join the race. Avelo Running is a fitness-focused startup that recently came out of stealth to unveil their first product. What the company is building has the potential to be the perfect running companion for Apple Watch. Any runner with a smartphone can benefit, though, without bringing a phone or

Two wearables are better than one, according to Amazfit’s latest launch

Amazfit TL;DR Amazfit has launched the new Balance 2 fitness tracking watch and screen-free Helio Strap. The devices are available now for $299.99 and $99.99, respectively, or bundled for $379.99 for users who want an integrated tracking experience. Highlights include the company’s new BioCharge scoring and no subscription fees. Amazfit has officially kicked off the summer with the launch of two new devices, the Balance 2 smartwatch and the Helio Strap, a screen-free tracker designed for tra

As a golfer, this is the smartwatch I recommend most on the course

ZDNET's key takeaways The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch is available now for $249. The watch has a vivid AMOLED display with sapphire glass, 21-day battery life, dual speakers, and advanced golf features. Subscription music services are not supported and the app store is still limited. View now at Amazon Late last year I bought a lovely Woodland Brown Amazfit Balance and still marvel at the look, feel, and performance of that $200 smartwatch. For the past couple of weeks, I've been using its s

Apple releases watchOS 26 beta 2

watchOS 26 is the next big software update coming to Apple Watch, and Apple has just released developer beta 2 for testing. watchOS 26 adds revamped Workout app, Liquid Glass, Apple Notes, more Apple Watch users will get a variety of new features this fall in watchOS 26, Apple’s next major software update. The Notes app is coming to your wrist in watchOS 26, plus a fresh ‘Liquid Glass’ design, the AI-powered Workout Buddy, and a variety of other changes. Apple released the first watchOS 26 b

Topics: 26 apple beta new watchos

Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right now

In September, Apple launched its latest smartwatch, introducing the Apple Watch Series 10 alongside a black rendition of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Each wearable has its own pros and cons, as does the second-gen Apple Watch SE, but the introduction of Apple’s newest wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before — and a lot more deals to be had. But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch

Take a good look at the Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra 2025

TL;DR Veteran leaker Evan Blass has posted renders showing the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. The images show that all three models have a squircle-shaped case and a round screen. Samsung is expected to launch its new foldable phones next month at its Unpacked event, and we’ve just seen leaked Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE renders via a trusted source. Now, this same source has revealed leaked renders showing off Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch models. Ve

Your Apple Watch is getting a big upgrade for free - 8 features I can't wait to use on WatchOS 26

Jason Hiner/ZDNET Your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Apple-owned devices are getting a big overhaul soon. The best part? You won't have to pay a dime for them. The tech giant recently rolled out all of the newest apps and updates coming to its devices over the next few months. Apple announced several new features coming to WatchOS 26 at its annual software conference, WWDC, earlier this month. The features touch everything from Fitness to Messages, and include a major design update across App

My Apple Watch band gave out before year two - and it could've been bad

The weak link! Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET My Apple Watch Ultra 2 is, as of today, 626 days old, and apart from charging, it has been on my wrist pretty much continuously. It's accompanied me on many an adventure, been in several countries, found itself deep inside loads of car engine bays, been covered in dirt and mud, and it still looks like new. Regular readers will have seen it in countless photos here on ZDNET. But the other day, something broke, and while it wasn't serious, it could ha

Kids' Smartwatches Might Be Better Phone Alternatives: Here's What to Look For

A big advantage of giving a child a smartwatch is that it saves you from having to buy a smartphone while still providing a direct line to your kid. This can be especially helpful for parents managing pickup and drop-off logistics or relying on other caregivers for transportation. Younger kids, in particular, may benefit from avoiding the distractions that come with a phone. The fact that a watch is strapped to their wrist is also a bonus, considering how many water bottles and sweatshirts end u

Watch this person play The Witcher 3 on their Galaxy Watch Ultra

TL;DR A Redditor has shown off GeForce Now running on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The user’s uploaded video shows them playing The Witcher 3 on the smartwatch. The smartwatch isn’t actually doing any of the heavy lifting, but it’s still a cool showcase. We’ve already seen people running retro games on their smartwatches thanks to emulators, but it turns out that you can also play full-fledged PC games on your Wear OS watch. Then again, I’m not sure why you’d want to do so in the first place. Red

I replaced my Garmin with this $150 smartwatch for a week - and didn't regret it

ZDNET's key takeaways The Amazfit Active 2 Square is available in a premium package for $149.99 that includes leather and silicone bands The watch is small, lasts up to 10 days, incorporates high end sapphire glass and stainless steel materials, and has a brilliant large 1.75-inch AMOLED display There is limited onboard storage for maps and music while the software may also be overwhelming. View now at Amazon I recently reviewed Amazfit's Active 2 Smartwatch, and it was one of my favorite wea

Mechanical Watch: Exploded View

Mechanical Watch: Exploded View In May 2022, someone posted to Hacker News Bartosz Ciechanowski's blog post explaining how mechanical watch movements work. Since then, his blog has been my absolute favorite corner of the Internet. His posts are not just well written and easy to follow, the accompanying interactive illustrations are magnificent. The first illustration in his blog post about mechanical watch movements allows you to "explode" a ticking mechanical movement and rotate it to inspe

Samsung’s entry-level Galaxy Watch 7 has returned to its best price to date

I jumped on the smartwatch bandwagon a bit late, but now I can’t go a day without mine. Beyond delivering helpful notifications, it’s perfect for setting timers, tracking workouts, and monitoring my sleeping habits (which are terrible). If you haven’t yet joined the smartwatch party or you’re looking to upgrade, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 is down to $199.99 ($100 off) in the 40mm / Bluetooth configuration at Amazon and Walmart. If you prefer a larger display, the 44mm model is on sale at Amazon st

The best Apple Watch of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

An Apple Watch isn't just an accessory or an excuse for a second screen around your wrist. After a year of testing out the Apple Watch, I've found it to be a helpful sleep tracker, the world's most convenient timer for when my hands are dirty in the kitchen, a phone-free text or call receiver/sender, and an exercise motivator and mid-workout monitor. The Apple Watch started out as a sleek fitness tracker and has evolved into an essential companion for iPhone users. Apple's smartwatches have an

'Sinners' Will Stream on Max in July. Here's When to Watch

It doesn't matter if you're going to watch Sinners for the first or the 21st time, the Ryan Coogler-penned original film is worth all your time, and it's coming to Max next month. Rich in blues music, culture, metaphors and Southern gothic vibes, the vampire flick stars Michael B. Jordan as a pair of twin brothers -- Smoke and Stack -- who come back to their Mississippi hometown with big plans. But they encounter a supernatural malevolence unlike anything they've ever seen, and it's threatening

A Sneak Peek at Samsung's Plan to Help Us Defy Aging With the Galaxy Watch

Samsung's Galaxy Watches are taking preventive care and healthy aging to the next level with personalized coaching and a new blood analysis feature you can use right from your wrist, no needle necessary. The update is part of a broader push by Samsung to help people take action on their health in the moment, to fend off chronic illness in the long run. I spoke with Dr. Hon Pak, Samsung's senior vice president and head of digital health, to get a closer look at what's coming to the Galaxy Watch a

I turned my Apple Watch into a dumbphone with this quick fix

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET It is a universal truth that we are spending far too much time on our phones. Dumbphones are becoming the solution du jour to the nationwide screen addiction issue. Search interest in the device -- whose primary capability is calling and texting (and not much else) -- has skyrocketed in the past year, according to data from Google Trends. Clearly, there's a heightened interest among tech enthusiasts and haters alike in an alternative to the endless pings, distractions, and

Finally, a $150 Android smartwatch I wouldn't mind putting away my expensive Garmin for

ZDNET's key takeaways The Amazfit Active 2 Square is available in a premium package for $149.99 that includes leather and silicone bands The watch is small, lasts up to 10 days, incorporates high end sapphire glass and stainless steel materials, and has a brilliant large 1.75-inch AMOLED display There is limited onboard storage for maps and music while the software may also be overwhelming. View now at Amazon I recently reviewed Amazfit's Active 2 Smartwatch, and it was one of my favorite wea

Scientists Scanned the Brains of Hardcore Gooners and Found Something Ominous

Image by Getty / Futurism Neuroscience/Brain Science Watching a whole bunch of smut has some major side effects — and no, we're not just talking about stained bedsheets. In a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers at the Chengdu Medical College in China found that people who watch a lot of pornography had lower cognitive performance and showed signs of neurological arousal akin to opioid addiction. It's new data in a swirling debate over whether watchi

Garmin vívoactive 5 Smartwatch Is Cheaper Than Last Prime Day and Matches Its Black Friday Price

The warmer weather is here, the suns out well into the evening—now is a great time to start doing your workouts outside. Hit the roads and the trails, get some miles under your belt, and track it all using a premium fitness smartwatch. This Garmin vívoactive 5 will make the perfect gift to yourself. It’s normally priced at $300, but right now you can get it for 33% off which brings it down to just $200, its lowest price ever. See at Amazon Designed for Your Lifestyle For those into fitness be

How I turned my Apple Watch into a dumbphone (and why you should, too)

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Dumbphones are becoming the solution du jour to the nationwide screen addiction issue. Search interest in the device -- whose primary capability is calling and texting (and not much else) -- has skyrocketed in the past year, according to data from Google Trends. Clearly, there's a heightened interest among tech enthusiasts and haters alike in an alternative to the endless pings, distractions, and social media doom readily accessible through their smartphones. Also: I repl

Galaxy Watch 4’s dreaded red screen of death may be getting worse

TL;DR Samsung’s aging Galaxy Watch 4 is vulnerable to a display failure where the screen turns solid red. The only solution for affected hardware seems to be a screen replacement. While failures have been happening for years, it’s hard to ignore a recent surge in reports. It’s sure looking like we could only be just a few more weeks away from getting our formal introduction to Samsung’s next-gen smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 8 series. And while we’re excited to check out the new design this

Why I recommend this $150 smartwatch to most people - including iPhone users

ZDNET's key takeaways The Amazfit Active 2 Square is available in a premium package for $149.99 that includes leather and silicone bands The watch is small, lasts up to 10 days, incorporates high end sapphire glass and stainless steel materials, and has a brilliant large 1.75-inch AMOLED display There is limited onboard storage for maps and music while the software may also be overwhelming. View now at Amazon I recently reviewed Amazfit's Active 2 Smartwatch, and it was one of my favorite wea

Your Apple Watch is getting a huge upgrade. Here are the 8 features I can't wait to use in WatchOS 26

Your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Apple-owned devices are getting a big overhaul soon. The best part? You won't have to pay a dime for them. The tech giant recently rolled out all of the newest apps and updates coming to its devices over the next few months. Apple announced several new features coming to WatchOS 26 at its annual software conference, WWDC, last week. The features touch everything from Fitness to Messages, and include a major design update across Apple's platforms for a more un