Latest news with #Strava
Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
Nothing's CMF Watch 3 Pro debuts with ChatGPT and larger display, but leaves mixed signals
The latest smartwatch from Nothing's CMF Watch 3 Pro launched globally on Tuesday under its affordable CMF sub brand. It improves the heart rate sensor, battery life of up to 13 days, ChatGPT integration and GPS tracking capabilities of its predecessor but it gives up on some of its customisability. Priced at $99 (approximately ₹ 4,999) and currently available for $79 (around ₹ 3,999), the CMF Watch 3 Pro is aimed at budget smartwatch users looking beyond basic step counts and call alerts. It looks ambitious at first glance, but in practice, the watch feels caught between trying to be smart and playing it safe. The CMF Watch Pro 3 keeps a familiar look, much like the Watch Pro 2, but brings a few small changes. The 1.43 inch AMOLED display is slightly larger than the previous 1.32 inch, giving about a 10% bump in screen to body ratio. It also supports an always on display, comes with a metal case, and has silicone straps. That extra bit of screen space does help, especially when glancing at data or navigating through tiles. The standout feature of the CMF Watch 3 Pro is its ChatGPT integration, which lets users speak to the watch for quick responses like weather updates, setting timers, or general queries. Since there's no speaker, replies show up as text on the screen. This makes the interaction feel more like a visual shortcut than real voice assistance. Still, it remains a rare feature at this price. The dual band GPS makes a real difference, especially in crowded or signal prone areas. Nothing says this is a big step up from the Watch Pro 2, helping it hold a stronger signal and follow routes more clearly even in places where regular GPS might struggle. The smartwatch takes about 99 minutes to completely charge. Nothing says it can last up to 13 days with regular use, which is about two days more than the last model. With heavier health tracking, battery life drops to around 11 days. If you keep the always on display turned on, expect around 4.5 days of use. Health tracking on the CMF Watch 3 Pro covers the basics well, offering heart rate, sleep, stress, and menstrual cycle tracking, along with 130 workout modes. Smartwatch users can now manage these features using the updated Nothing X app, which brings a cleaner interface and support for syncing with Strava, Apple Health, and Google Health Connect. Nothing also confirmed that previous models like Watch Pro and Watch Pro 2 will gradually move to the same app environment. The battery life of this smartwatch is said to last up to 13 days with basic usage and about 6 to 7 days with regular health tracking. A full charge takes about 90 minutes using the magnetic cable. The CMF Watch 3 Pro gets some key things right. The sharper display, better GPS, and ChatGPT support do lift the experience in small but clear ways. ChatGPT is fun to show off, but you'll likely stop using it after the first few days. Still, the software keeps it in check. You can't reply to messages, store music, or use third-party apps. It looks smart and does the basics well, but for those expecting full smartwatch depth, it's not quite there yet.
Engadget
3 days ago
- Engadget
Nothing's $99 CMF Watch 3 Pro offers better battery life and AI fitness coaching
CMF, the budget-friendly sub-brand from Nothing , has announced its latest smartwatch . Billed by its maker as the ideal entry-level fitness watch, the $99 Watch 3 Pro is the most advanced CMF wearable to date, promising updated health tracking and various built-in AI coaching features. The Watch 3 Pro introduces dual-band GPS, which should make its route tracking more accurate, as well as a new four-channel heart rate sensor that Nothing says offers "improved accuracy across all skin tones and workout intensities." You can choose from 131 sports modes, which is 11 more than its predecessor, with a personalized AI coach providing post-workout summaries and guidance. This includes long-distance running endurance predictions to help you train for that looming 10K. In addition to the updated heart rate and sleep tracking, the Watch 3 Pro is also capable of blood oxygen (SpO₂) monitoring, stress tracking, guided breathing exercises, hydration and inactivity reminders, as well as women's health tracking. On-wrist ChatGPT integration allows you to ask questions and set reminders using "natural language" voice prompts, and there's a voice recorder with autotranscription for when you want to quickly log a mid-run thought. You can also use AI to generate custom watch faces using the Watch Face Studio, in which you'll find more than 120 styles premade out of the box. Widgets can be applied for fitness, weather, music or reminders, with a full-screen option available. CMF's latest wearable has a 1.43-inch AMOLED, always-on display, and you're getting a 10 percent increase in screen-to-body ratio compared to the Watch Pro 2 before it. Battery life is 13 days with "typical" use, which Nothing says is a two-day improvement over its predecessor. If you're hitting the tracking hard you can expect around 11 days of juice on a full charge. With the always-on display enabled, battery life unsurprisingly takes a significant hit to around 4.5 days. Nothing says the Watch 3 Pro and all other smartwatches in the CMF lineup now use the Nothing X app, with the new control centre promising improved stability and a more intuitive UI. It also plays nice with Strava, Apple Health, and Google Health Connect You're getting a fair bit of bang for your buck, then, but we'll have to wait and see how the Watch 3 Pro fares against pricier alternatives where everyday performance is concerned. When TechRadar reviewed the Watch 2 Pro earlier this year, it had lots of positive impressions of the watch, but noted some spotty fitness tracking and sensor detection. 9to5Google was even more critical, finding fault with the heart rate tracking and concluding that the product felt unfinished. And while the Watch 3 Pro covers a lot of the bases for fitness watches with its various sensors, it still lacks NFC for payments, which could be a deal-breaker for some people. Available in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange colorways, the CMF Watch 3 Pro costs $99 (a not insignificant $30 bump on the Watch Pro 2) is available to buy now. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
The Verge
3 days ago
- The Verge
Nothing's new CMF smartwatch drops swappable bezels for a bigger display
Nothing has launched a new smartwatch under its affordable CMF subbrand that improves upon the heart rate sensor, battery life, and GPS tracking capabilities of its predecessor, but gives up on some of its customizability. The Watch 3 Pro is available globally starting today for $99 (currently reduced to $79). The 1.43-inch OLED display provides a ten percent increase in screen-to-body ratio compared to the Watch Pro 2's 1.32-inch display. It comes in three color options — dark gray, light gray, and orange — but notably drops the Watch Pro 2's swappable bezel that allowed users to customize the appearance of their watch. The 3 Pro features 131 sports modes, a new four-channel heart rate sensor for better accuracy, and AI-powered coaching and post-workout summaries that offer personalized running plans and fitness insights. Nothing describes the Watch 3 Pro's new dual-band GPS as 'a major leap forward' from the Watch Pro 2, providing better signal stability and precision for 'faster and more accurate route tracking in any environment.' The new smartwatch fully charges in around 99 minutes and delivers up to 13 days of battery life 'under typical use,' according to Nothing, a two-day increase compared to the previous model. This is reduced to 11 days with heavier tracking, or around 4.5 days with the always-on display enabled. Users can manage the Watch 3 Pro features via Nothing's X app control center, which has been refreshed with a new UI and supports Strava, Apple Health, and Google Health Connect integrations. Nothing says the older CMF Watch Pro and Watch Pro 2 models will also be transitioning to the Nothing X app. One other gripe, aside from the lack of customizable bezels, is the inconsistent naming between the Watch Pro 2 and the new Watch 3 Pro. This is becoming something of a habit for Nothing's CMF brand, given the differing format also seen in its Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2 Plus earbuds.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I walked 4,000 steps with the Pixel Watch 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — here's the winner
I just walked 4,000 steps with the Google Pixel Watch 3 on my right wrist and the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 on my left to determine which is the more competent fitness tracker. To keep things fair, I manually counted my steps as the primary control for this showdown; I also ran Strava on a separate device (iPhone 12 mini) as a control for distance, elevation and pace data. After 4,000 steps and roughly 2.3 miles, one smartwatch proved (slightly) more accurate in this match-up of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Google Pixel Watch 3. Read on to find out which. But first, here's a quick look at how these two flagship models compare. Both run Google's Wear OS platform, and neither plays nicely with the iPhone. The Galaxy Watch 8 is Samsung's new release for 2025, while the Pixel Watch 3 represents Google's 2024 model; we'll likely get a Pixel Watch 4 model in August, if rumors prove true. Design-wise, the Galaxy Watch 8 features a "cushion" case design, borrowed from 2024's Galaxy Watch Ultra, compared to a circular case for the Pixel Watch 3, though both feature circular displays. The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm; the latter is represented here. The Galaxy Watch 8 standard model similarly comes in a smaller, 41mm, and larger, 44mm option. There's also a 46mm Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with a rotating bezel, used for this comparison. The standard Galaxy Watch 8 models start at $349 for the 40mm model, which is the same starting cost as the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 (though you can score one on sale right now, link below). Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Google Pixel Watch 3 in 45mm is my favorite long-lasting smartwatch for Android, offering two full days of battery with normal use during my testing. It also has Google's ground-breaking and possibly life-saving new Loss of Pulse Detection, and is loaded with other insightful wellness tools and helpful smart features. I'm still in the process of testing the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, available for preorder as of this writing and shipping July 25. But I've found a lot to like, including the design — I'm a huge fan of the rotating bezel and customizable Action button — as well as its impressive suite of holistic tools, including some of the most in-depth sleep insights you'll find on a smartwatch. Both smartwatches feature handy safety tools and access to the same enormous app library. Each is also brimming with wellness and fitness features, including deep insights into sleep quality, helpful workout training recovery tools, and potentially life-saving health-monitoring apps. The Pixel Watch 3, for instance, is the only smartwatch on the market with Loss of Pulse Detection. Similarly, Samsung's new cardiovascular load monitoring tool is only available on the latest Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra models. Still, either can perform an ECG, check your heart rate, or monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels. Nuances aside, these two devices are remarkably well matched. So, which came out ahead in this walk test? In my previous article, where I walked 5,000 steps with the Apple Watch 10 vs. the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Cupertino took home the trophy. Can Samsung score some redemption? Find the results of my walk test with the Pixel Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch 8 below. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Pixel Watch 3 XL Control Step count 4,044 steps 4,042 steps 4,000 steps (manual count) Distance 2.30 miles 2.33 miles 2.33 miles (Strava) Elevation gain 151 feet 157 feet 143 feet (Strava) Average pace 14 mins 42 secs per mile 15 mins 4 secs per mile 14 mins 29 secs per mile (Strava) Average heart rate 133 bpm 132 bpm n/a Max heart rate 158 bpm 158 bpm n/a Total calories burned 247 calories 339 calories n/a Device battery usage 10% 6% n/a Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 8 each produced step count totals within 50 steps of my actual total. This is a very impressive level of accuracy and well within a reasonable margin for error. Strava also measures step count, and was even more spot-on with a total of 3,990 steps. All three devices also essentially measured the same distance covered and similar amounts of elevation gained; the 14 feet separating Strava's tally from Google's is equivalent to 1.5 flights of stairs, i.e., not enough for concern. The Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 8 produced step count totals within 50 steps of my actual total. This is a very impressive level of accuracy. Average pace data additionally matches nicely; I was moving fairly quickly for the duration of this walk and made minimal stops, except for one or two traffic lights. Strava measured the fastest moving time, but also provides an averaged elapsed pace, which came out to 15 minutes and 17 seconds per mile. Both Samsung and Google wearables have a well-earned reputation for accurate heart rate data — something I can attest to based on reviewing numerous devices from each — and the results from this walk test are in near-perfect agreement with not only each other, but also my expectations based on numerous prior tests. Finally, Samsung calculated fewer calories burned during my roughly 35-minute walk, but coincidentally, also burned nearly twice the amount of battery tracking my trek as the Pixel Watch 3. And the winner of this challenge is... the Google Pixel Watch 3. That said, this is about as close as these walk tests come to being called a tie. Over the years, I've probably written 25-plus head-to-head comparisons of this type, and I can't think of another time where the winner was determined by just two steps. Stay tuned for more testing on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, including my full review where I'll share the inside scoop on the device's newest features, like Run Coach, bedtime reminders, antioxidant tracking and Vascular Load monitoring. Which smartwatches or fitness trackers would you like to see me test head-to-head next? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, happy walking!
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
I swapped the StairMaster for hill running — here's what it did for my mind and body
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The StairMaster is a popular gym machine that offers a hefty lower-body workout. On those revolving steps, you build strength in your quads, glutes, and calves while challenging your cardio and burning calories. That's all fine and well until you get bored three minutes in, staring at the plain white gym wall in front of you, wishing you had downloaded something on Netflix to pass the time as you count down the remaining steps. There are certainly ways to spice up your StairMaster sessions; for example, my colleague Sam tried the 25-7-2 TikTok workout for a week. The challenge involves setting your StairMaster to level seven, stepping for 25 minutes, and completing the workout twice a week. But I'm a sunshine worshipper, and if I can work out outdoors instead of indoors, I will. So, while trying to figure out how I could get benefits similar to those offered by StairMaster, I decided to ditch the StairMaster and the gym altogether and take to my local hills to work out. Here's what happened. Modern technology makes it easy to find hilly locations I felt a bit like a grandma saying 'technology is great, isn't it,' but it really did help when I started looking for good hill running spots. After moving to my new area, I used Strava's route maps (part of its premium features) and played around with filters like elevation and distance to find hilly routes other local runners were using. For my first session, I didn't follow a set plan. I just wanted to see how I handled the elevation. If you already know your local hills, you could turn them into a short workout, like a set of sprints with jog-back recoveries. Being surrounded by nature was a great distraction It sounds a bit cliché, but I genuinely feel a rush when running up a steep hill, surrounded by greenery with even bigger hills looming in the background. Breathing in fresh air instead of the recycled, sweaty air from the gym is also a huge bonus. Hill running is undeniably hard, but being outdoors helps to distract you from how tough it is. Plus, it's easier to take walking breaks without messing around with machine settings. You can just ease off when you need to and get going again when you're ready. I know I'm lucky to live right at the foot of some scenic hills, and not everyone will have easy access to this. But you definitely don't need to live near mountains to give hill running a go. A steeper path in your local park can work just as well, and apps like Strava are great for spotting popular hill routes nearby. If you're heading off-road like I did, I'd highly recommend wearing a pair of the best trail running shoes for adding grip and stability on uneven ground. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is built for rugged terrain, with grippy soles that keep you stable on uneven trails and a cushioned feel that helps soften steep climbs and descents. They're light, comfortable, and designed to handle hills with Deal The glute burn was real Just like the stairmaster, hill running really puts your glutes to work. It mainly activates the gluteus maximus, which plays a key role in hip extension and powering you forward as you climb. The steeper the gradient, the harder those muscles fire to keep you moving. I usually notice it the day after, not an overwhelming soreness, but a solid, satisfying ache that feels like progress. In short, hill running is a practical way to build glute strength using just your body and the terrain. What the science says about hill running Hill running is not just a tough workout but one with real benefits. A recent study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences looked at hill runners' fitness, body composition, and performance. It found that better aerobic capacity and lower body fat were linked to stronger hill running performance. The study also noted that hill running pushes you close to your maximum effort, which is a sign of an effective cardiovascular workout. However, it's important to note that another key takeaway from the study was that many hill runners might be burning more energy than they take in, so fueling properly is important if you increase your hill running sessions. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Best fitness trackers New study says these workouts don't just build strength — they improve your sleep, too Don't own a smartwatch? Strava's app update just made phone tracking way better
