April 24, 2025 • By Kyle Kucharski

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a fitness tracker available for $55 on Amazon. It features a compact design, a 1.62-inch AMOLED display, and up to 21 days of battery life. The device tracks physical activities, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep, and pairs with phones to support notifications. However, it lacks GPS, a mic, and a speaker, and requires manual tuning for some features. The Mi Fitness app is straightforward and accessible, making it a great option for kids, teens, and those new to fitness tracking. The Smart Band 9 is a solid entry-level device, but may not fit everyone due to its small size, and the display can be difficult to navigate during exercise. Overall, it's a great choice for those looking for a basic fitness tracker with a slim form factor.

April 24, 2025 • By Nina Raemont

The Apple Watch has revolutionized health technology since its introduction in 2015. It has features such as tracking steps, maintaining connections, and saving lives. Some of the most impactful features include the Move, Stand, and Exercise rings, which encourage daily activity, and the ECG app, which can detect irregular heart rhythms. The Apple Watch also has a Fall Detection feature, which calls 911 in case of an accident or life-threatening event, and a Sleep Apnea Detection feature, which can diagnose sleep apnea at home. Additionally, the Research app allows users to participate in medical studies, and the Vitals app monitors sleep and alerts users to any irregularities. Other features include Training Load, which guides users through their workouts, and Apple Pay, which allows for NFC payments. These features have made the Apple Watch a lifesaving device, with many users sharing stories of how it has helped them in emergency situations.

April 24, 2025 • By Jowi Morales

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for creating flexible materials that are strong and stiff. They used a microscopic double-network design, combining struts and a woven architecture, to create a material that can stretch four times its size before breaking. This technique can be applied to various materials, including glass, ceramics, and metals, and has potential applications in semiconductors, allowing for the creation of flexible chips that can be installed in wearable accessories. The material's flexibility comes from the knots and entanglements of the thread structure within the lattice frame, which absorbs stress and prevents cracks from propagating. The research team is exploring the use of different materials for the structure, including polymers that react differently to temperature. This technology has the potential to enable the creation of smart clothing and advanced wearables powered by flexible chips in the future.

April 24, 2025 • By Precedence Research

The global health and wellness market is expected to reach $571.31 billion in 2025 and $1,086.21 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%. The market is driven by a shift towards natural and organic products, a rising focus on mental health, and increasing awareness of preventive healthcare. The Asia Pacific region dominated the market in 2024, with China, India, and Japan being major contributors. North America is expected to grow rapidly due to technological advancements and increasing consumer awareness. The products segment, including vitamins and dietary supplements, held a prominent position in the market, while the services segment, including fitness centers and programs, is expected to grow with the highest CAGR. Key players in the market are focusing on developing health and wellness platforms to reduce healthcare costs and risks.

April 24, 2025 • By Paul Ridden

Sightful has launched Spacetop for Windows, a software system that creates a virtual 100-inch computer screen. The system no longer requires a dedicated hardware component due to advancements in AI laptops with built-in neural processing. It works with laptops having a NPU/CPU/GPU architecture, such as Microsoft Surface Laptop for Business and Lenovo's Yoga Slim. The $899 bundle includes AR glasses and a year's subscription. Users can enjoy a virtual workspace with multi-window visuals and intuitive keystrokes. The software is compatible with consumer and business apps and offers private immersive sessions. Spacetop for Windows is available today, and the system is also being launched in Germany in partnership with Deutsche Telekom.

April 24, 2025 • By Luke Dormehl

The Apple Watch was launched on April 24, 2015, after a seven-month wait following its unveiling in September 2014. Apple CEO Tim Cook described it as the "next chapter in Apple history." The device came in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, and three models: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition, with prices starting at $349, $549, and $10,000, respectively. The Apple Watch featured innovations like the Digital Crown and Taptic Engine, and was designed to be a personal device for tracking daily activity, receiving notifications, and interacting with the world. The launch marked a significant moment for Apple, as it was the company's first major new product line to launch in the post-Steve Jobs era. The Apple Watch was seen as a signal of the arrival of wearables, with Apple design chief Jony Ive considering the wrist as the natural place for technology to move onto the body. Since its launch, the Apple Watch has become a major hit, with an estimated 100 million wearers and a commanding 36% market share. The device has evolved over time, with new features like health and fitness tracking, an always-on display, and advanced health sensors. Apple continues to refine the design and add new features, with the latest models feeling more like standalone devices rather than iPhone accessories.

April 24, 2025 • By Ateneo de Manila University

Filipino scientists have discovered a simple and affordable method to create dynamically adjustable water-based lenses. They coated a glass slide with specially prepared polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, creating a hydrophobic surface that can hold a water droplet in a dome shape. By adding or removing water from the droplet, they can change and control the magnifying power of the lens with minimal loss or distortion. This discovery has potential applications in education, research, optics, and portable devices, such as science classrooms, remote areas, research labs, cameras, microscopes, and wearable tech. The lenses are low-cost, simple to make, and easy to use, making them a promising tool for various fields.

April 24, 2025 • By D. Griffin Jones

The Apple Watch has come a long way since its launch 10 years ago. It was the first major product introduction under Tim Cook's reign as Apple CEO, and it has grown into a successful business with breakthrough technology. The watch has transformed from a stylish accessory to a powerful health, fitness, and communication tool, with 15 different generations released and over 100 million units sold. It has undergone several design changes and gained new features, becoming central to many people's digital lives. A new Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to arrive in fall 2025, along with new Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, but details remain secret.

April 24, 2025 • By Wayde Robson

Samsung has patented UWB (Ultra-Wideband) headphones and earbuds, which could potentially offer high-bandwidth wireless streaming and low latency. UWB technology has the capability to stream uncompressed, lossless, and hi-res audio, exceeding the quality of current Bluetooth codecs. Samsung's patent includes diagrams of over-ear headphones and in-ear monitors using UWB, with an initial Bluetooth connection establishing the UWB connection. The technology has the potential to overcome the limitations of Bluetooth, but it also faces challenges such as interference from physical barriers and body blocking. Other companies, like Focal and NAIM, have already developed UWB audio applications, and PSB had announced a wireless UWB headphone project, but it is currently on hold. Apple had also explored UWB audio, but instead developed a proprietary 5-GHz wireless protocol for its AirPods Pro 2. The development of UWB audio technology is ongoing, and it may take time for it to become widely available and adopted by the consumer electronics industry.

April 23, 2025 • By insider@insider.com (Jennifer Gonick)

Two popular Fitbit models, the Inspire 3 and Charge 6, are on sale at Amazon. The Inspire 3 is a budget-friendly option with a slim design, 10-day battery life, and basic connectivity to track sleep, workouts, and more. The Charge 6 is a mid-range model with additional features like built-in GPS and Google Wallet connectivity. Both models have received hundreds of five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers, praising their ease of use, comfort, and reliability. The Inspire 3 is available for $79, while the Charge 6 is available for $120.

April 23, 2025 • By Tim Kohut

Apple is offering significant savings on various products, including watches, AirPods, and headphones, on Amazon during the spring season. The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 10 are available at discounted prices, with the latter being almost 20% off. AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 are also 20% off, while Beats headphones and earbuds have discounts ranging from 30% to 45% off. Additionally, the 10th-generation Apple iPad is 20% off, and the latest MacBook Air is available for 15% off. These deals are a great opportunity to upgrade or purchase Apple products at a lower price, especially considering the potential tariff price hikes.

April 23, 2025 • By Julian Hayes II, Contributor, Julian Hayes II, Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/

The article discusses the importance of self-care for high-stakes leaders. It highlights three scalable self-care habits that can help leaders manage their energy and avoid burnout: 1. Protecting peak energy blocks: Leaders should schedule their most important work during their natural cognitive high points and protect that time. 2. Delegation: Effective delegation can help leaders remove themselves from low-leverage decisions and protect their mental and emotional bandwidth. 3. Decision architecture: Leaders can design their environment and routines in advance to reduce friction and protect their attention. The article cites examples of successful leaders, such as Disney CEO Bob Iger and Apple CEO Tim Cook, who prioritize self-care and energy management. It emphasizes that self-care is not optional for leaders and that operating from overflow rather than depletion is essential for optimal performance. By managing their energy and prioritizing self-care, leaders can optimize their performance and create a positive impact on their business and stakeholders.

April 23, 2025 • By Kyle Kucharski

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a fitness tracker available for $55 on Amazon. It features a compact design, a 1.62-inch AMOLED display, and up to 21 days of battery life. The device tracks physical activities, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep, and pairs with phones to support notifications. However, it lacks GPS, a mic, and a speaker, and requires manual tuning for some features. The Mi Fitness app is straightforward and accessible, making it a great option for kids, teens, and those new to fitness tracking. The Smart Band 9 is a solid entry-level device, but may not fit everyone due to its small size, and the display can be difficult to navigate during exercise. Overall, it's a great choice for those looking for a basic fitness tracker with good battery life and accessible features.

April 23, 2025 • By Nina Raemont

The Apple Watch has revolutionized health technology since its introduction in 2015. On its 10th birthday, the device has proven to be a game-changer with features such as the ECG app, Fall Detection, and Sleep Apnea Detection. These features have saved lives and improved users' health. The Apple Watch has also introduced other innovative features like the Move, Stand, and Exercise rings, which encourage daily activity, and the Research app, which allows users to participate in medical studies. Additionally, features like Crash Detection, Training Load, and Vitals app have further enhanced the device's capabilities. Overall, the Apple Watch has made significant contributions to the field of health technology, and its impact will continue to be felt in the years to come.

April 23, 2025 • By Japan Trends

A new gadget, the Cheero NeckCharge, has been introduced to solve the issue of keeping devices charged on the go. This wearable power bank, designed by Osaka-based Cheero, embodies Japanese design philosophy with its sleek, bendable design and ability to be worn comfortably around the neck. The NeckCharge features both USB-C and USB-C PPS outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, and has a 7,000 mAh battery capacity. It also has IP43 water and dust resistance and intelligent charging capabilities to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating. The device combines form and function seamlessly, making it a comfortable and reliable companion for all-day wear. The Cheero NeckCharge is a uniquely Japanese approach to keeping devices powered up, freeing hands, minds, and lifestyles.

April 23, 2025 • By Ellen Smith

The Oura Ring 4 is a wearable health tracker that features a slimmer, more ergonomic design and expanded sizing options for enhanced comfort and usability. It integrates a proprietary sensing platform to deliver accurate health metrics, including sleep, activity, and readiness scores. The ring provides a personalized approach to wellness tracking, signaling a shift towards unobtrusive, design-forward wearable tech. This innovation has implications for the wearable technology, health technology, and consumer wellness industries, as it positions products like the Oura Ring 4 as premium tools in the wellness ecosystem.

April 23, 2025 • By Christine Colby, Forbes Staff, Christine Colby, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/

The article discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in sleep products, such as smart rings, mattresses, and pillows, to improve sleep quality. Experts caution against overreliance on data from these devices, as it may not be diagnostic or accurate, and recommend discussing findings with a medical provider. AI-powered devices can track sleep trends, detect snoring, and provide personalized recommendations for improvement. Some recommended products include the Oura Heritage sleep tracker ring, the Bryte smart mattress, and the Nitetronic Z6 Anti-Snore Pillow. The article also highlights the importance of ensuring robust privacy protection for personal health data. Overall, AI has the potential to improve sleep hygiene, but users should be aware of the limitations and potential inaccuracies of these devices.

April 23, 2025 • By Nina Raemont

The Apple Watch has revolutionized health technology since its introduction in 2015. On its 10th birthday, the device has made significant contributions to healthcare, with features such as the ECG app, Fall Detection, and Sleep Apnea Detection. These features have been lifesaving for many users, with stories of the Apple Watch calling 911 after a bad fall or accident. The device has also encouraged daily activity, with the Move, Stand, and Exercise rings providing a quick and digestible display of daily activity. Other notable features include the Research app, Vitals app, Training Load, and Crash Detection. Overall, the Apple Watch has become an essential tool for monitoring and maintaining health, with its innovative features and seamless integration with everyday life.