The Fitbit Edge's 1.34-inch display gives it a clear advantage over the screenless Air, particularly during outdoor workouts. Wearers can check metrics, control music and follow Google Maps directions from the wrist. The reviewer found the Performance Loop band could pop loose during adjustment, and a stuck locking button needed fixing. The Edge offers up to seven days of battery life and works with both iOS and Android. It is also Fitbit's first repairable tracker, with a replaceable battery. Added health features include monthly blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, and ECG with atrial fibrillation detection.
Garmin fitness watches, which often cost more than $1,000, are now available for less in several discounted models. The Vivoactive 5 is listed at $198, down $102, and offers in-depth fitness metrics, sleep coaching and stress tracking. The Forerunner 165, priced at $197, has a bright touchscreen, five buttons and battery life of up to 11 days. The Venu 3, at $299, features a stainless steel bezel, built-in speakers and microphone, and an ECG sensor.
Nirva has raised a further $25 million in a pre-Series A round, bringing its total funding to $33 million. The startup, founded in 2025 by former Meta Reality Labs employees Wei Lyu and Jason Chen, is building a pendant that can also be worn as a bracelet. The device weighs about eight grams, runs for up to three days on a charge and costs $249. Nirva says it filters out other voices and does not keep audio or transcripts by default. Orders open in November, with early users expected to receive devices by the end of the year.
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Amazon is betting on ambient computing rather than apps as the future of personal AI, according to devices chief Panos Panay. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, Panay said devices working quietly in the background could help users get tasks done without giving instructions. Amazon's new Bee devices include a wristband, a detachable pendant and a credit-card-sized gadget that attaches to a smartphone. They record audio, process it in real time and delete raw recordings, with transcripts encrypted. Panay said he expects smartphones to remain important, with new device types adding intelligence.
Google has claimed its new Fitbit Edge case is 45 per cent lighter than the Apple Watch Series 12. The AUD $269 tracker has a larger AMOLED display, built-in GPS and a replaceable battery. Google says the battery lasts up to seven days, or about two days with the always-on display. Pre-orders are open in Australia ahead of a 27 October release. The Edge is thicker than the Apple Watch, measuring 11.5 mm against 9.7 mm, and lacks NFC contactless payments.
Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a fitness tracker that sits between the Pixel Watch 5 and the Fitbit Air in price and features. It has a compact pill-shaped display, an on-device GPS, and heart and blood oxygen sensors. The device lasts about seven days on a charge, or about two days with the always-on display turned on. It is available for preorder now and will ship on October 27, starting at $180 with the basic band.
Ambi, a startup led by former Plaud executive Peter Mo, says it has raised $26 million across several funding rounds. The company is releasing apps for iPhones, Macs and Apple Watch that can listen throughout the day and offer suggestions during meetings. Ambi says ambient capture is off by default and can be turned off at any time. Mo said the industry has not yet solved how to tell other people when their conversations are being recorded.
Amazon Prime Day is offering discounts on wearable devices, including the Apple Watch Series 12, Google Pixel Watch 5, and Samsung Galaxy Watch models. The Apple Watch SE 3 is also on sale, along with the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro and Casio Pro Trek PRG340B-3. The deals are available for a limited time, with some products at their lowest prices yet.
Amazon Prime Day is offering discounts on wearable devices, including the Apple Watch Series 12, Google Pixel Watch 5, and Samsung Galaxy Watch models. The Apple Watch SE 3 is also on sale, along with the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro and Casio Pro Trek PRG340B-3. The deals are available for a limited time, with some products at their lowest prices yet.
