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Bloomberg reports Apple is running an early 'technology investigation' into a screen-less fitness band, described as a thin fabric strap with a sensor-equipped computing module. Multiple prototypes reportedly exist, but any product would not launch before 2028. Apple has not commented; TechCrunch says it reached out for details.
NPR's Planet Money traced the origins of the real-time order-tracking animation now common across delivery and service apps back to Domino's, which built the Pizza Tracker in the mid-2000s after dropping its 30-minute delivery guarantee. The tool launched before the 2006 Super Bowl and let customers watch their order's progress from placement to delivery. Design director Shuya Gong told NPR the pattern has since been adopted by companies like Uber and repair shops, and that she has designed similar trackers for banks and TurboTax.
Bloomberg reports Apple is prototyping a screenless fitness tracker with a fabric band and sensor-equipped module, similar to Whoop's wearables. The device is described as being in early development, with a possible release no earlier than 2028 if Apple proceeds. Whoop's existing products include a medical-grade EKG variant and batteries lasting over 14 days.
Garmin CIRQA owners report that workouts started directly from the wearable disappear when they tap 'End' from the Activity in Progress prompt in the Garmin Connect app. Garmin has confirmed the bug, is investigating, and is contacting affected users for more details.
An Entrepreneur analysis describes how a manufacturing launch team once built a manual tracker and weekly reconciliation process to patch unreliable information flow between departments. Even after the underlying system improved and the original problem was solved, staff kept maintaining both the new process and the old workaround because removing it felt riskier than continuing it.
Prediction market platform Kalshi reportedly took down a tool tracking AI compute prices after the U.S. Commerce Department raised national security objections. Details on the exact nature of the concern have not been fully disclosed, but the removal followed direct government pushback.
A developer released Kadō, a free and open-source (MIT license) habit tracker for iPhone and iPad built entirely with native Apple technologies like SwiftUI and SwiftData. Instead of a binary streak counter, it calculates a non-binary habit score using an exponential moving average, an approach borrowed from Android's Loop Habit Tracker, so a single missed day doesn't erase progress. The app requires no account, has no subscription or telemetry, stores data locally, and offers optional iCloud sync plus lossless JSON/CSV export.
Smart-ring maker Oura revealed financial details as part of its move toward going public, showing it has become profitable. The company reported 74% revenue growth for the nine months ending in June compared with the prior year.
WIRED's latest sleep tracker roundup highlights the Google Pixel Watch 4 as a budget-friendly option when discounted, the screenless Whoop MG for detailed sleep coaching, the Apple Watch Series 11 for those already in Apple's ecosystem, and Garmin's pricier Epix Pro for advanced biometric sleep data. Each device varies in accuracy and price, with testers noting some trackers overestimate actual sleep duration.
Google is rolling out three new travel tools inside AI Mode in Search: a built-in airfare tracker that lets users set price-change alerts, a hotel search-and-compare tool that supports direct booking through partners like Booking.com, Marriott, Hilton and Expedia, and a feature to help travelers understand the value of points and miles. The rollout begins in the US in English, with global expansion planned.
Some Fitbit Air users are removing the tracker from its wristband and taping it directly to their skin, with placements reported on the bicep or inside a sock on the ankle. Users say this unofficial method still tracks activity normally despite the device being designed for wrist wear. The trend emerged from posts shared on Reddit and was later compiled by 9to5Google.
Google and the Pokemon Company are releasing a limited Fitbit Air variant priced at $129, featuring a deep blue woven band with a Pikachu etching and Pokemon-themed packaging. The device pairs with Pokemon Sleep, the mobile game that turns bedtime into a collectible-monster experience, and shares the lightweight, swappable-band design of the standard Fitbit Air launched earlier this year. Google confirmed the exclusive band will not be sold separately from the tracker.