Latest news with #Ultra2
Nikkei Asia
13 hours ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Chinese brand catches tailwind with powerful, pricier handheld fans
Cool business: Jisulife's Ultra 2 handheld fan, left, and the Pro 1S, which features an LED display and offers up to 40 hours of battery life. (Jisulife) CK TAN TOKYO -- A Chinese manufacturer is finding success after turning cheap, toy-like portable fans into sleek gadgets priced several times more, in an example of how brands from the world's No. 2 economy are raising their game and establishing themselves globally. Capitalizing on China's lithium-battery dominance and e-commerce prowess, Shenzhen-based Jisulife offers its handheld fans in over 40 countries, with exports accounting for 80% of sales.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I walked 7,000 steps with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Venu X1 — and the winner is clear
The new Garmin Venu X1 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have a lot in common. Both are flagship smartwatches with big square touchscreens, sleek titanium cases, cutting-edge wellness and fitness tracking tech and $800 price tags. These sporty, oversized wearables also come jam-packed with safety features, workout training and recovery tools, useful sleep insights and handy communication features. However, only the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is cellular compatible. But which one tracks your fitness more accurately? That's what I set out to find out in this Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Garmin Venu X1 walking test. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the best full-featured smartwatches money can buy, boasting a tough-as-nails design with 100 meters of water resistance, a programmable Action button, loads of holistic and fitness tracking tools, a virtually endless number of third-party apps, first-rate communication and safety features, and the best battery of life of any Apple Watch. The Garmin Venu X1 is the brand's latest high-end smartwatch, sporting the largest screen of any Garmin wearable to date, along with the thinnest case design. Like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it offers plenty of workout and wellness tools, along with safety features and some smart features. Where it beats the Ultra 2 is in training and recovery tools. It also tracks a much wider range of workout types. I've already covered how the Garmin Venu X1 could finally be the Apple Watch Ultra 2 alternative I've been hoping for, though further testing of the former is needed to confirm its bona fides. That said, one key advantage the Ultra 2 might have over the Venu X1 is when it comes to location tracking accuracy. This is because the Apple Watch has a comparatively more sophisticated multiband GPS antenna versus the single-band GPS in the Garmin. Multiband is especially helpful when using GPS in locations with obstructed skies, like cities or forests. And as a resident of Seattle, Washington, I'm fortunate to have access to both via a short walk out my door. I'm also fortunate to have just gotten my hands on a Garmin Venu X1 review unit, which means that it's time for a classic Tom's Guide smartwatch walk test showdown between two titans of the wearables world: Apple versus Garmin. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Most of you probably know the drill by now, but for any newcomers, the following is how we test smartwatch tracking accuracy head-to-head. One device is worn on either wrist; in this case, the Garmin was on my left and the Apple Watch on my right. The main metric we're comparing here is step count accuracy, followed by distance and elevation gain. As a control for the first, I manually count each step taken during my walk. With my left foot only taking odd-numbered steps and my right foot taking only even-numbered ones, I keep tally until the total hits on hundred. Then, I click my old-timey manual tally counter and start the process over again at one. Meanwhile, Strava (run on a trusty iPhone 12 mini) acts as a control for distance and elevation data. So which of these two powerhouses turned in the more accurate set of metrics, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or the Garmin Venu X1? Check out the table below for results, followed by my analysis. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Garmin Venu X1 Control Step count 6,959 steps 7,056 steps 7,000 steps (manual count) Distance 3.74 miles 3.77 miles 4.07 miles (Strava) Elevation gain 458 feet 486 feet 478 feet (Strava) Average pace 17 mins, 17 secs per mile 17 mins 26 secs per mile 15 mins, 46 secs per mile (Strava) Average heart rate 125 bpm 125 bpm n/a Max heart rate 158 bpm 159 bpm n/a Total calories burned 547 calories 445 calories n/a Device battery usage 5% 12% n/a Across the board, this was a very close one, with both smartwatches performing admirably. However, with a total step count that's just 41 steps shy of my actual total, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 beats the Garmin Venu X1, which overcounted by a still reasonable 56 steps. For what it's worth, Strava bested both devices with a step count total of 7,004 steps. Apple and Garmin both measured roughly the same distance covered, which is — interestingly and oddly enough — a full quarter-mile less than Strava's metric. Meanwhile, Garmin's elevation gain data more closely aligns with the control, with just 8 feet separating the two; Apple undercounted by a more notable 20 feet. Pace data is also roughly the same between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Garmin Venu X1, while Strava's elapsed pace metric is quite a bit faster. This makes sense given Strava calculated a further distance covered in the same amount of time as the other two. Heart rate data is additionally a near match between these two premium wearables, while the Apple Watch noted slightly more calories burned during my roughly one-hour walk. On the flip side, Garmin burned through more than twice the battery capacity as Apple, using GPS to track my trek. As predicted, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 had a slight upper hand when it comes to tracking accuracy. However, both devices produced step count totals that I'd consider well within a margin for error. More importantly, across the board, both the Garmin and Apple Watch largely produced the same data, from heart rate to pace. There are a few exceptions. This is far from the first time I've encountered an Apple Watch that undercounts my climb data compared to the competition. Still, I'd consider either smartwatch to be a rock-solid fitness tracker and more than worthy of your wrist. Which wearables should I test head-to-head next? Let me know in the comments below.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Ultra 2 fully revealed in leaked renders
Samsung's annual Summer Galaxy Unpacked event is merely two weeks away, where we expect to see the company's updated smartwatches in the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. But if you can't wait that long, regular leaker Evan Blass just shared new renders that show all three watches off from every angle. About the only thing we don't know at this point is what other colorways and straps might be available. We expect Samsung to launch three models this year. The base model will be the Galaxy Watch 8, seen above. It looks like the Watch 8 will get a slight redesign to something more squircle-esque look comparable to the Watch Ultra from last year. Though it still seems fairly round. Two is a coincidence, but three is a pattern, and with Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, it looks like Samsung is sticking to a two-year release pattern for the Classic variant, as the last versions were the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and Watch 6 Classic. This year's Classic combines the physical rotating bezel with an Ultra-esque looking design. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The strap looks to have a more leather texture, which indicates to me that it'll be the watch you want for a more refined look, versus the Ultra, which is geared for more of an active lifestyle. We're calling it the Ultra 2, but in this leak and a previous one, it's been labeled as the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025), so it's possible that might be the convention Samsung uses. As in the last leaked image, the Ultra 2 looks the same as the 2024 version. The big difference is the new blue colorway, which was not available last year. All three watches should feature the same BioActive sensor. The Classic and Ultra 2 share a two-button and digital crown design, while the Watch 8 sticks with the two side buttons. We've yet to see pricing leaks for the new watches; however, if recent leaks regarding pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are to be believed, we might be in for a price increase. We'll know more on July 9 when Samsung unveils foldable phones, wearables and maybe more.
Tom's Guide
15-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
watchOS 26 preview: 5 new Apple Watch features I can't wait to try
Your Apple Watch is about to get a major (free) update — at least if you own an Apple Watch Series 6 or later. During last week's WWDC, we got our first detailed look at watchOS 12… I mean, watchOS 26. Going forward, Apple's latest operating system release will reflect the last two digits of the coming year. This change affects not just watchOS but all Apple operating systems for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and so forth. While the introduction of a new 'liquid glass' aesthetic — borrowed from visionOS — is easily the most visually impactful change to the Apple Watch operating system in years, it's not the improvement I'm most excited about. In fact, it doesn't even make my top five list. Nope. As someone who reviews smartwatches for a living, these are the five new Apple Watch features coming in watchOS 26 I'm most excited to try in 2025. Ever since Apple introduced its "shake to shuffle" feature on iPod, I've been hooked on the concept of gesture controls for gadgets. Presently, the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2 also support Apple's Double Tap gesture control, where users can press their index finger and thumb together on the watch-worn hand to trigger a customizable action. Essentially, it will free you from having to interact with the screen when you're otherwise distracted. Now Apple is adding even more gesture control in the form of "Wrist Flick." With the release of watchOS 26, this action will allow you to silence alarms, dismiss calls and messages, turn off timers and quiet pings. Essentially, it will free you from having to interact with the screen when you're otherwise distracted, or in the case of sleeping, don't feel like opening your eyes. Unfortunately, this seemingly super-useful new gesture will only be available on the Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2 models. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Speaking of annoying pings and notifications, watchOS 26 should make your Apple Watch feel a little less intrusive during the day-to-day. The new operating system introduces smarter notifications that take a hint from your surroundings. Rather than let the entire library reading room or train quiet car know that you've received a message from a friend, your Apple Watch will now measure the ambient noise levels of your surroundings and adjust the notification sound volume accordingly to be less irritating to those around you. Last year's watchOS 11 release introduced on-wrist translations. Now, Apple is taking the concept a step further with 'Live Translation' in the messaging app. This new tool, available on the Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2, will automatically translate incoming texts into a user's default language. I could see this feature being particularly useful when traveling abroad, especially if you're the type of person who easily makes friends while on holiday, language barriers be damned. This also seems like a super handy tool for communicating with friends and family members partial to a language other than your own. Now I can visually scan my shopping list — created on my iPhone hours prior — mid grocery run via a glance at the wrist. I use Apple's Notes app for a wide range of tasks, from jotting down grocery and to-do lists, to recording dreams, article concepts, date night ideas and so much more. Now, finally, Apple is bringing this simple yet oh-so-useful app to the Apple Watch. Users will be able to record notes either via dictation, the tiny virtual keyboard or through Siri. Of course, you don't need to create the note on your Apple Watch. As always, a user's notes get shared across all connected devices, meaning now I can visually scan my shopping list — created earlier on my iPhone — mid-grocery run via a glance at the wrist. Rumors strongly suggested some sort of AI-powered workout coach coming to Apple Watch, and they turned out to be true. Apple's new AI "Workout Buddy" feature — available on Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2 — is designed to deliver personalized words of encouragement, wellness insights and more mid and post workout. These messages — delivered via Bluetooth audio — are based on factors like your current heart rate, pace or speed, as well as Activity Ring history and personal workout milestones. Once you're done, the Workout Buddy sums up your efforts with key stats, along with some final thoughts to gas you up for your next session. While it sounds a tad cheesy to me (do I really need a computer-generated voice giving me a pep talk before my next bike ride?), I'm cautiously optimistic that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to AI-powered health features on Apple Watch. The watchOS 26 developer beta is available now, while the public beta — which anyone can try — is set for a July release. As with previous updates, the full release of watchOS 26 is expected in the fall. All Apple Watch models Series 6 and later are eligible for the upgrade, as well as both SE and Ultra models.
Phone Arena
13-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is unusually affordable in brand-new condition for a limited time
Do you know that outstanding Apple Watch Ultra 2 Woot deal from just a couple of days ago? The Amazon-owned e-tailer is now running another sale on the same 2023-released rugged smartwatch, and some of you dear readers might find this one even more compelling than the previous offer, even though you have to spend a little more money today (and today only). That's because your $669.99 will buy you a brand-new, unused, unopened, and undamaged Apple Watch Ultra 2 unit this time around instead of a "grade A" refurb. The refurbished promotion is actually gone already, so I should probably stop talking about it and focus more on comparing this price with what Amazon itself is currently charging for a new Ultra 2 with a full 1-year manufacturer warranty included. $129 off (16%) GPS, Bluetooth, Cellular Connectivity, Always-On Retina Display with Up to 3000 Nits of Brightness, Apple S9 Processor, 1000m Water Resistance, Double Tap Gesture, ECG, Blood Oxygen Sensor, Sleep Apnea Detection, High and Low Heart Rate Notifications, Irregular Rhythm Alerts, Temperature Sensing, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Siren, Up to 36 Hours of Battery Life, 49mm Titanium Case, Two Color Options, New, 1-Year Apple Warranty Included Buy at Woot GPS, Bluetooth, Cellular Connectivity, Always-On Retina Display with Up to 3000 Nits of Brightness, Apple S9 Processor, 1000m Water Resistance, Double Tap Gesture, ECG, Blood Oxygen Sensor, Sleep Apnea Detection, High and Low Heart Rate Notifications, Irregular Rhythm Alerts, Temperature Sensing, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Siren, Up to 36 Hours of Battery Life, 49mm Titanium Case, Multiple Colors and Band Options Buy at Amazon That's around 70 bucks more than Woot, mind you, after a much humbler $60 discount from a $799 list price. Now, it's highly debatable if the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is worth eight whole Benjamins with a potentially vastly improved sequel likely right around the corner, but at $670, the value for your money is essentially unbeatable if you're an iPhone owner with a passion for the great outdoors. If you hurry, you can opt for a black titanium model with a matching black trail loop or a rugged titanium version with a blue ocean band at the exact same $669.99 price. The impressive new Woot deal is technically scheduled to go away at the end of the day as far as both those models are concerned, but due to their younger age and arguably classier look, the all-black units could well go out of stock even sooner. As such, I can't stress enough how important it is to pull the trigger as soon as possible... if you're sure this is the best smartwatch for you. The Apple Watch Series 10 is obviously still a lot more affordable, but it's also much less robust and nowhere near as well-equipped to handle an adventurous lifestyle. Oh, and did I mention the Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with built-in cellular connectivity as standard too?
