Articles tagged with "battery-life"
Pebble reboots its thinnest smartwatch with the Pebble Round 2
Pebble has relaunched its thinnest smartwatch with the Pebble Round 2, a reboot of its 2015 Pebble Time Round model. The new watch retains a slim profile at 8.1mm thickness and features a larger 1.3-inch color e-paper touchscreen with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels, doubling the pixel count of the original. The device focuses on basic health and activity tracking such as steps and sleep but omits advanced features like a heart rate monitor to maintain a long battery life of 10 to 14 days. It runs on the open-source Pebble OS and includes dual microphones for speech input, though voice reply functionality is currently limited to Android, with iOS support coming soon in the EU. The Pebble Round 2 also offers physical side buttons for easy control without needing to look at the watch, allowing users to silence calls, control music, and navigate the interface. The watch sports a stainless steel frame, accelerometer, magnet
IoTsmartwatchwearable-technologyPebblee-paper-displayhealth-trackingbattery-lifePlaud Note Pro is an excellent AI-powered recorder that I carry everywhere
The Plaud Note Pro is a credit card-sized, AI-powered voice recording device designed primarily for professional users who need a discreet, portable recorder. Measuring just 0.12 inches thick and weighing 30 grams, it easily fits into a wallet or attaches magnetically to MagSafe-compatible phones. Unlike many wearable AI devices, the Note Pro operates independently without needing to connect to a phone, thanks to its 64GB of onboard storage. It features four MEMS microphones for 360-degree audio capture with an effective range of up to 16.4 feet, and includes advanced voice processing for noise suppression, voice isolation, and echo cancellation. The device boasts impressive battery life, offering up to 30 hours of continuous recording and 60 days of standby on a single two-hour charge via a proprietary USB-C charger. It includes a small screen that displays recording status and battery level, along with haptic feedback and a button to highlight important moments during recordings—features that also help signal to others when
IoTAI-deviceswearable-technologyvoice-recordingMEMS-microphonesbattery-lifeportable-recorderThe Google Pixel Watch 4 made me like smartwatches again
The author, who previously preferred analog watches or basic fitness bands due to limited need for constant notifications and daily charging, found renewed interest in smartwatches after testing the Google Pixel Watch 4. The watch’s circular, domed Actua 360 display with thinner bezels and higher brightness (up to 3,000 nits) impressed the author, making it easier to use outdoors. The 41mm model tested offered good battery life, often lasting over a day with light use, and fast charging capabilities—advertised as 0-50% in 15 minutes and 0-100% in 45 minutes—proved practical for quick top-ups during short breaks. In terms of fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch 4 was used mainly for pickleball and walking, but lacked specialized gym equipment modes, offering only general workout categories. While it supports cardio workout detection and running features, these were less useful in the author’s environment. Some tracking metrics, like floor count, were inconsistent
IoTsmartwatcheswearable-technologyfitness-trackingbattery-liferapid-chargingGoogle-Pixel-WatchTreat yourself: The best smart glasses to buy with your holiday gift money
The article highlights the growing practicality and sophistication of smart glasses, which have evolved from futuristic gadgets into versatile tools for communication, navigation, fitness tracking, entertainment, and gaming. It presents a curated list of notable smart glasses models available for purchase, catering to various needs such as everyday wear, sports, work, and immersive gaming experiences. The article also notes upcoming product launches, indicating a rapidly expanding smart glasses market. Key models discussed include the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses, which combine stylish design with advanced features like a 12-megapixel camera, open-ear speakers, AI voice commands, real-time translation, and up to eight hours of battery life, priced at $379. The Viture Luma Pro glasses stand out for their high-quality Sony micro-OLED display offering a 1200p image on a large virtual screen, 120 Hz refresh rate, and compatibility with multiple devices via USB-C, retailing at $499 (currently $449). Lastly, the premium Xreal
IoTsmart-glasseswearable-technologyaugmented-realityAI-featuresbattery-lifedisplay-technologyPebble’s founder introduces a $75 AI smart ring for recording brief notes with a press of a button
Pebble’s founder has introduced a $75 AI-powered smart ring designed primarily for recording brief voice notes and reminders with a press-and-hold button on its side. Unlike always-on voice assistants, the ring only records when actively pressed, ensuring privacy and preventing surreptitious recording. The device runs speech-to-text and AI models locally on the user’s smartphone, with all data stored on the phone rather than the cloud, eliminating the need for subscriptions. Made of stainless steel, the ring is water-resistant up to 1 meter, suitable for everyday activities like washing hands or showering, but not for swimming. It is not a fitness tracker or health monitor, and its primary purpose is to serve as an external memory aid for quick idea capture. The ring supports over 100 languages and can store up to five minutes of audio locally when out of Bluetooth range, syncing recordings later to the phone for transcription. Battery life is claimed to last years, with typical daily use involving 10 to 20
IoTwearable-technologyAI-smart-ringvoice-recording-deviceprivacy-preserving-techbattery-lifespeech-to-textLife360 ventures into pet tech with the launch of a new GPS tracker
Life360, known for its family safety app, is expanding into pet technology with the launch of its new Pet GPS tracker. Designed to attach to a pet’s collar or harness, the device provides real-time location updates for dogs and cats, aiming to give pet owners peace of mind. Priced at $49.99, it is Life360’s most expensive product but offers several advanced features, including geofencing for virtual boundary alerts, escape alerts, and access to a Pet Finder Network. This network leverages Life360’s community of over 88 million members to help locate lost pets by sharing details such as the pet’s name, image, breed, and emergency contacts. The Pet GPS tracker combines cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth technologies to deliver location updates every 2 to 4 seconds when the pet is away from home. Additional features include a built-in light for visibility in the dark, a chime noise function to call pets, and an IP68 rating for water,
IoTGPS-trackingpet-technologygeofencingBluetoothcellular-connectivitybattery-lifeAura introduces a $499 e-ink digital photo frame that lets you go cordless
Aura has launched a new 13-inch color e-ink digital photo frame called the Aura Ink, priced at $499, which allows for cordless use thanks to its long battery life of up to three months. The frame employs advanced Spectra 6 e-ink technology, capable of displaying six primary colors (white, black, red, yellow, green, and blue) with improved saturation and contrast, making it suitable for showcasing smartphone photos in a more natural, print-like appearance. Aura also integrated a subtle front light inspired by the Kindle Paperwhite to enhance contrast without the brightness of traditional LCDs, and developed a proprietary dithering algorithm based on classic newspaper printing techniques to blend colors effectively on the e-ink display. The Aura Ink frame features a 1600 x 1200 resolution with a 4:3 aspect ratio, a graphite-inspired bezel, paper-textured mat, and glass front, designed to resemble a traditional photo frame rather than typical tech gadgets. It supports both portrait and
IoTe-ink-technologydigital-photo-framewireless-displaybattery-lifecolor-displaysmart-home-deviceCycrown Verve Ebike Review - CleanTechnica
The Cycrown Verve e-bike is designed for power and stability, making it well-suited for hilly urban environments like the Bay Area. Its motor provides strong assistance, enabling riders to maintain about 10 mph on steep inclines with minimal pedaling and reach speeds up to 28 mph on flat terrain, placing it at the higher end of commuter e-bike performance. This makes it an attractive option for city commuters who need reliable power to navigate challenging hills efficiently. However, the bike’s powerful motor impacts battery life. While the manufacturer claims up to 60 miles per charge, real-world use—especially with high assist levels or throttle-only riding—reduces range to about 25-30 miles. Moderate assist combined with pedaling may extend range to 40-50 miles, but the 60-mile figure is optimistic for typical riding conditions. The ride quality benefits from wide 26-inch fat tires and front suspension, offering a stable and cushioned experience on city streets and light trails
energyelectric-bikebattery-lifemotor-powersustainable-transportatione-mobilitycommuter-bikeThe iPhone Air is so light, I forgot it was in my pocket
The iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest phone at just 5.64 millimeters and notably light at 12 grams less than the iPhone 17, impresses with its sleek, exquisite design and comfortable handling despite its large 6.5-inch screen. Its thinness makes it easy to carry—often forgotten in a pocket—and sturdy enough to withstand minor drops and accidental pressure without damage. While the phone’s build invites use without a case to preserve its slim profile, Apple offers a lightweight bumper case and a shoulder strap accessory for added protection. However, the iPhone Air’s slimness comes with trade-offs, particularly in battery life and camera capabilities. The phone tends to heat up during intensive gaming or video streaming, and while its battery suffices for moderate daily tasks like calls, video watching, and browsing, heavy users may need Apple’s $99 MagSafe battery pack to comfortably last through the day. The camera system is limited to a single 48-megapixel rear
IoTsmartphonesbattery-lifeMagSafemobile-technologyAppleportable-devicesMeta unveils its new Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses for athletes
Meta has introduced the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses, designed specifically for athletes such as runners and cyclists. Priced at $499 and launching on October 21, these glasses feature a large unified front lens with a 12-megapixel, 122-degree wide-angle camera capable of capturing video in up to 3K resolution. They include a programmable button for custom AI prompts via the Meta AI app, and all controls are positioned underneath the frames to accommodate helmet use comfortably. The glasses offer up to nine hours of battery life, six hours of continuous music playback, and come with a charging case providing an additional 36 hours of charge, with fast charging to 50% in 20 minutes. The Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses boast the most powerful open-ear speakers Meta has integrated into smart glasses, being six decibels louder than previous models, and a five-microphone array optimized to reduce wind noise during calls and voice commands. They have an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
IoTsmart-glasseswearable-technologyMetaAI-integrationsports-technologybattery-lifeHelp, I have been charmed by the iPhone Air
The article discusses the author’s unexpected attraction to Apple’s newly introduced iPhone Air, a significant departure from previous iPhone models. Unlike prior years when the author resisted upgrading, the iPhone Air’s ultra-thin, sleek design—reminiscent of the MacBook Air—has sparked genuine desire. Despite initial concerns that its slimness (5.5 millimeters thick) might compromise durability or performance, Apple demonstrated enhanced durability with a screen three times more scratch-resistant and a back glass four times more crack-resistant than earlier models. The iPhone Air also surpasses expectations with its powerful A19 Pro chip, touted as the fastest CPU in any smartphone, delivering MacBook Pro-level computing power. However, the phone’s compact size necessitates trade-offs, particularly in battery life. Without an optional $99 slim battery pack, the iPhone Air offers up to 27 hours of video playback (22 hours of streaming), which is still competitive but less than larger models. The camera setup is
materialssmartphone-technologybattery-lifeprocessor-performancedevice-durabilityApple-iPhone-Airmobile-devicesApple debuts the $999 ultra-thin iPhone Air
Apple has introduced the iPhone Air, a new ultra-thin and lightweight model priced at $999, replacing the iPhone Plus in its 2025 lineup after the iPhone 16 Plus underperformed. The iPhone Air features a titanium frame and measures just 5.6 millimeters thick, making it thinner than current iPhones and competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. It sports a large 6.6-inch 120Hz ProMotion display and is powered by the A19 Pro chip, matching the performance of the Pro and Pro Max models. The device is e-SIM-only, enhancing its sleek design and security. Despite concerns about battery life and camera capabilities, Apple unveiled a new 48-megapixel fusion camera system and assured all-day battery life. The iPhone Air benefits from iOS 26’s Adaptive Power Mode, which intelligently manages power usage, and comes with new accessories such as a slim MagSafe battery pack offering up to 40 hours of video playback
materialssmartphonebattery-lifetitanium-framee-SIMmobile-technologyAppleApple unveils Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3
Apple has introduced three new Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3. The Series 11 features a new hypertension alert system that analyzes blood vessel responses over 30-day periods to detect chronic high blood pressure, aiming to notify over a million undiagnosed users in its first year. It also introduces a Sleep Score that evaluates sleep quality based on multiple factors, 5G connectivity for improved coverage and battery efficiency, and offers up to 24 hours of battery life. The Series 11 is available in Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Space Gray, starting at $399. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts the largest Apple Watch display with a wide-angle OLED screen and introduces satellite connectivity for emergency communications and location sharing in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. It also supports 5G and hypertension notifications like the Series 11. The Ultra 3 comes in Black and Natural Titanium and starts at $799.
IoTwearable-technologyApple-Watch5G-connectivityhealth-monitoringsatellite-communicationbattery-lifeGoogle debuts Pixel Watch 4 with domed display, emergency Satellite Communication
Google has unveiled the Pixel Watch 4, featuring a domed Actua 360 display with a 10% larger active area, 16% smaller bezels, and a 50% brighter 3,000-nit screen. Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, the watch starts at $349 for Wi-Fi and $449 for LTE on the smaller model, with the larger version priced at $399 (Wi-Fi) and $499 (LTE). Notably, the LTE models support standalone emergency satellite communication, enabling users to contact emergency services even when off the grid, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform. The watch also introduces a wrist-raise gesture to access Google Assistant (Gemini) without voice commands or button presses, alongside AI-enhanced features like Smart Replies. Health and fitness tracking have been significantly improved, with 18% better accuracy in sleep cycle classification, a new skin temperature sensor, and dual-frequency GPS for precise route
IoTwearable-technologysatellite-communicationAI-health-coachfitness-trackingGPSbattery-lifePebble’s smartwatch is back: Pebble Time 2 specs revealed
Pebble’s original creator, Eric Migicovsky, has unveiled the final design and specifications for the Pebble Time 2 smartwatch, marking the company’s return to the market under the Pebble brand after regaining the trademark. Previously referred to as Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, the new watches will now be called Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2. The Time 2 features an updated industrial design and will debut in four colors, with buyers having input on the final choices. Key new features include a multicolor RGB LED backlight, a second microphone for potential noise cancellation, a compass sensor, and a screw-mounted stainless steel back cover, maintaining the premium feel of the Pebble Time Steel. The Pebble Time 2 retains many previously announced specifications, such as a 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper touchscreen, a quick-release 22mm strap, flat hardened glass lens, and an estimated 30-day battery life. It also includes
IoTsmartwatchwearable-technologyBluetoothsensorse-paper-displaybattery-lifeWeek in Review: Meta reveals its Oakley smart glasses
The article highlights several key technology and innovation developments from the past week. Meta has unveiled new Oakley smart glasses capable of recording 3K video, playing music, handling calls, and responding to Meta AI prompts, starting at $399 with improved battery life compared to Meta’s Ray-Bans. A limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN model will launch on July 11 for $499. In other tech acquisitions, Wix purchased Base44 for $80 million in cash, acquiring a profitable no-code AI tool for building web apps created by a single founder. Finland introduced an innovative, low-cost heating system for the town of Pornainen, using discarded fireplace soapstone sand to store heat for weeks, reducing carbon emissions without relying on complex lithium batteries. Additional highlights include VanMoof’s return with a new e-bike supported by McLaren technology, aiming for better reliability and smarter features after bankruptcy. Baiju Bhatt’s startup Aetherflux raised $60 million to develop space-based solar power,
IoTsmart-glasseswearable-technologyMetaAI-integrationbattery-lifesmart-devicesMeta unveils its Oakley smart glasses
Meta has officially launched its new smart glasses in collaboration with Oakley, called the Oakley Meta HSTN. These glasses feature double the battery life of Meta’s previous Ray-Ban models and can capture 3K video. The limited-edition version with gold accents is priced at $499 and available for preorder starting July 11, while the rest of the collection begins at $399 and will be released later this summer. The glasses include a front-facing camera, open-ear speakers, microphones, and support for music playback, calls, and photo/video capture. They also integrate Meta AI, allowing users to interact via voice commands for tasks such as checking weather conditions or recording videos. The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses offer up to eight hours of typical use and 19 hours on standby, with fast charging that reaches 50% in 20 minutes. They come with a charging case providing an additional 48 hours of charge on the go. Available in six frame and lens color combinations,
IoTsmart-glasseswearable-technologyMetaOakleyAI-assistantbattery-lifeUS Electric Vehicle Buyer Decisions Survey Results From Experian - CleanTechnica
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-lifehybrid-vehiclesconsumer-surveyEV-adoptioninfrastructureHeybike’s Alpha step-through e-bike is an affordable, all-terrain dreamboat
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