Infinix 32Y1 Plus El televisor inteligente se lanzó en India el martes 4 de junio. Lleva un panel LED de 32 pulgadas y está equipado con un chipset de ocho núcleos combinado con 4 GB de memoria incorporada. El televisor inteligente también cuenta con puertos HDMI y USB para conectividad, así como un puerto LAN. Se puede ver con un diseño delgado y biseles, pero con una barbilla un poco más gruesa, donde está grabada la marca. El televisor inteligente estará disponible en el país a finales de este mes.
Precio y disponibilidad de Infinix 32Y1 Plus Smart TV en India
El precio del televisor inteligente Infinix 32Y1 Plus en India tiene un precio de Rs. La empresa confirmó 9499 en una nota de prensa. Estará disponible para su compra en el país a través de Flipkart a partir del 24 de junio.
Especificaciones y características de Infinix 32Y1 Plus Smart TV
El televisor inteligente Infinix 32Y1 Plus tiene un panel LED de 32 pulgadas que ofrece 250 nits de brillo y biseles ultradelgados. Se afirma que esta pantalla ofrece imágenes nítidas y vibrantes y un alto contraste entre colores claros y oscuros.
El televisor inteligente Infinix 32Y1 Plus funciona con un chipset octa-core no especificado emparejado con una memoria interna de 4 GB y se ejecuta en WebOS.
El televisor inteligente Infinix recientemente lanzado también está equipado con parlantes estéreo con 16 W de salida de audio y compatibilidad con Dolby Audio. El Infinix 32Y1 Plus viene preinstalado con Jio Cinema, Hotstar, Prime Video, YouTube, Zee5, ErosNow, AajTak y más. El control remoto suministrado tiene un diseño delgado y viene con teclas de acceso rápido dedicadas para aplicaciones de transmisión específicas. Las opciones de conectividad del Infinix 32Y1 Plus incluyen dos puertos HDMI, dos puertos USB, un puerto LAN y un conector para auriculares.
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Infinix fabrica buenos teléfonos inteligentes en la subcategoría. Rango de precios de 10,000 y también ofrece buen hardware. La marca lanzó el Infinix Smart 7 HD en abril pasado y ahora ha actualizado el modelo con el último Infinix Smart 8 HD. El nuevo teléfono tiene algunos cambios estéticos y tiene 3 GB de RAM en lugar de los 2 GB del Smart 7 HD del año pasado. Hemos probado el dispositivo exhaustivamente y en este artículo le diremos si este teléfono inteligente básico vale su dinero.
Precio de Infinix Smart 8 HD en India
el Infinix Smart 8 HD Con un precio de Rs. 7,990 y viene con 3 GB de RAM y 64 GB de almacenamiento. Tiene cuatro opciones de color: Crystal Green, Timber Black, Shiny Gold y Galaxy White. Nos dieron la opción de color Crystal Green para que la revisemos. La caja incluye el teléfono inteligente, un estuche transparente, una estación de carga, un cable de carga USB tipo A a USB tipo C, una guía del usuario y una herramienta para expulsar SIM.
Revisión de Infinix Smart 8 HD: diseño
El smartphone no se diferencia mucho de su predecesor. Cuenta con un panel posterior mate con la marca Infinix apenas visible y un módulo de cámara que sobresale ligeramente con rieles laterales de policarbonato mate. La principal diferencia entre el Smart 8 HD y el 7 HD es la textura del panel posterior, que ahora tiene este diseño brillante único en lugar del panel posterior de policarbonato. El teléfono inteligente utiliza un lector de huellas dactilares de montaje lateral en lugar del lector de huellas dactilares de montaje trasero que se utiliza en el 7 HD. A pesar del uso intensivo de policarbonato, el Infinix Smart 8 HD se siente bien en la mano gracias a sus lados planos y su grosor de 8,5 mm.
El Infinix Smart 8 HD no se ve tan diferente de su predecesor
Distribución de peso decente. Con 184 gramos, tampoco resulta voluminoso. Utilicé el smartphone como teléfono secundario durante un breve periodo de tiempo y llevarlo con mi conductor diario en el mismo bolsillo no fue un problema para mí. Los biseles del Smart 8 HD son bastante gruesos, pero está bien considerando su precio. La cámara frontal utiliza un corte perforado, lo cual es refrescante de ver en un teléfono inteligente de nivel básico. Sin embargo, no tiene una clasificación IP oficial ni protección contra salpicaduras, por lo que no es aconsejable llevarlo a nadar. La inclusión de una tarjeta microSD dedicada es conveniente para quienes necesitan más espacio de almacenamiento pero aún necesitan usar dos tarjetas SIM 4G.
Revisión de Infinix Smart 8 HD: especificaciones y software
El teléfono inteligente viene con un SoC Unisoc T606, que es un procesador de nivel básico que puede realizar tareas livianas con facilidad. Se puede utilizar este teléfono inteligente para realizar llamadas VoIP diarias, consultar correos electrónicos, responder mensajes de texto en WhatsApp y navegar fácilmente por sitios web con facilidad. Cuando tuve este dispositivo, tenía la tarjeta SIM 4G secundaria y la recepción que obtuve fue decente. Las velocidades de Internet no son tan buenas como las que se pueden obtener en un dispositivo 5G, pero considerando que se trata de un teléfono inteligente 4G, hace el trabajo.
Para un teléfono inteligente en esta categoría de precio, es bueno ver que la marca cambia a un puerto USB tipo C en lugar del puerto micro USB habitual. Hay un lector de huellas dactilares de montaje lateral, lo cual es excelente en este rango de precios. Los usuarios también pueden usar el desbloqueo facial, pero no lo recomiendo porque no es seguro. El Infinix Smart 8 HD tiene una batería de 5000 mAh y se puede cargar utilizando el módulo de carga de 10 W disponible. Se ejecuta en el sistema operativo XOS 13 de Infinix, basado en Android 13 Go. Utiliza una característica dinámica similar a una isla, denominada Anillo Mágico de Infinix, con funcionalidad limitada. La marca no ha prometido nada en cuanto a futuras actualizaciones de software, lo que puede resultar un poco preocupante para aquellos a quienes les gusta conservar su smartphone durante mucho tiempo.
Revisión de Infinix Smart 8 HD: rendimiento
Dado que es un dispositivo de nivel básico, mis expectativas sobre su rendimiento no eran muy altas. De todos modos, realicé todas las pruebas necesarias en el dispositivo y los resultados fueron lo suficientemente buenos para un teléfono inteligente en este rango de precios. Obtuvo 2,32,007 puntos en AnTuTu v10.2.1, y en Geekbench 6, obtuvo 379 puntos en pruebas de un solo núcleo y 1,322 puntos en pruebas de múltiples núcleos. El Infinix Smart 8 HD cuenta con una pantalla LCD HD de 6,6 pulgadas con una frecuencia de actualización de 90 Hz, lo que suena nuevo para este segmento de precios, pero Xiaomi Redmi A3 También ofrece lo mismo. La pantalla ofrece buenos colores cuando se ve desde el frente, pero cuando se mira desde un ángulo, los colores comienzan a desvanecerse. En interiores, el smartphone es bastante bueno en términos de niveles de brillo, con un brillo máximo de 500 nits. Pero si lo sacas al aire libre, la pantalla es un poco decepcionante.
La pantalla Infinix Smart 8 HD apenas se puede leer en exteriores
El altavoz situado en la parte inferior del smartphone proporciona una calidad de sonido aceptable, aunque con un volumen mínimo. A veces, a todo volumen, puede aparecer claridad, lo que requiere un ajuste de volumen para mejorar la claridad durante la reproducción.
La edición Android 13 Go es mucho más ligera que la versión completa y eso ha funcionado bien a favor de este teléfono inteligente. El teléfono inteligente no se sintió lento ni retrasado al desplazarse por su interfaz de usuario, pero sí un poco lento al iniciar aplicaciones de terceros. A pesar de su precio, el Infinix Smart HD 8 funciona muy bien. Este no es un dispositivo de juego, pero puede manejar bien juegos casuales básicos. Subway Surfers funciona bien, sin retrasos, y la tasa de respuesta táctil de este teléfono inteligente también fue decente.
Teniendo en cuenta su procesador básico, me sorprendió que el teléfono se calentara después de 15 a 20 minutos de juego casual. El problema de calentamiento también persiste cuando se usan aplicaciones de cámara, pero las tareas cotidianas como la navegación web y el uso de aplicaciones de mensajería como WhatsApp funcionan sin ningún problema.
El teléfono inteligente logró alcanzar 20 horas y 10 minutos en la prueba del anillo de batería. Después de un día completo usándolo para llamadas, transmisión de videos e incluso haciendo clic en algunas fotos desde la aplicación de cámara predeterminada, al final del día me quedaba aproximadamente un 30 por ciento de batería, lo cual es decente para un teléfono inteligente a este precio. En la prueba de carga de la batería, el teléfono inteligente se cargó sólo el 4 por ciento en 30 minutos, el 27 por ciento en 1 hora y la carga se completó en 3 horas. Esto puede parecer un poco lento, pero la mayoría de los teléfonos inteligentes a este precio ofrecen lo mismo.
Revisión de Infinix Smart 8 HD: cámaras
El Infinix Smart 8 HD cuenta con una configuración de cámara trasera dual con una cámara principal de 13 megapíxeles con apertura f/1.8 y otra cámara auxiliar de 0.08 megapíxeles. El teléfono inteligente utiliza una cámara de 8 megapíxeles para tomar selfies. La interfaz de usuario de la cámara es simple y no hay elementos divertidos. Obtienes los controles básicos para fotos y videos que normalmente se ven en los teléfonos inteligentes Infinix.
El Infinix Smart 8 HD tiene una cámara a la que puede acceder un único usuario
La cámara principal de 13 megapíxeles toma buenas fotografías a la luz del día. La foto final tarda solo un segundo en aparecer en la Galería, pero el resultado es muy diferente de lo que ves en el visor de la aplicación Cámara cuando la tomas.
Foto diurna desde la cámara trasera principal (haga clic en la imagen para ampliar)
La cámara procesa mucho en segundo plano, pero los resultados son normales. Las imágenes tienen buenos niveles de saturación pero carecen de detalles resueltos. Tomé varias fotografías a la luz del día, algunas con sujetos en movimiento y otras con objetos estacionarios, y los resultados fueron buenos para un teléfono inteligente a este precio. Esta cámara maneja bien las situaciones de contraluz en modo retrato y tiene una buena detección de bordes, lo que suele ser el caso de los teléfonos inteligentes de este rango de precios.
El teléfono inteligente utiliza un zoom digital de 2x que produce imágenes más suaves con mucho procesamiento, pero puedes obtener tomas utilizables, siempre que haya mucha luz. Como era de esperar, el smartphone tiene dificultades para disparar con poca luz.
Foto tomada a la luz del día con zoom digital de 2x (haga clic en la imagen para ampliarla)
El modo nocturno produce imágenes más nítidas con colores decentes. Un detalle que me llamó la atención es la imposibilidad de ajustar la exposición cuando se utiliza el modo nocturno dedicado, lo que puede provocar una mala toma que tendrás que volver a tomar. En resumen, el rendimiento en condiciones de poca luz no es lo que uno esperaría de un teléfono inteligente a este precio y no es del todo confiable.
Foto en modo nocturno de la cámara trasera principal (haga clic para ampliar)
La cámara frontal del Infinix Smart 8 HD no funciona bien con poca luz
La cámara para selfies de 8MP es lo suficientemente buena para tomar fotografías a la luz del día. Las tomas tienen un buen nivel de detalle y son lo suficientemente nítidas. La cámara frontal lo pasa mal con poca luz, tomando fotografías suaves con mucho ruido. El Infinix Smart 8 HD puede grabar videos de hasta 1080p a 30 fps desde la cámara principal. Los resultados son casi igual de buenos, siempre que sea constante. Empiece a moverse o hacer una panorámica, pero el vídeo tiembla demasiado y no se puede utilizar. El rendimiento del vídeo con poca luz no es excelente, ya que el vídeo grabado sale muy suave y genera mucho ruido. La cámara frontal toma buenas fotografías a la luz del día, tanto en situaciones estáticas como en movimiento, lo cual es una ventaja.
Revisión de Infinix Smart 8 HD: veredicto
el Infinix Smart 8 HD Es un buen dispositivo si quieres un teléfono secundario con buena duración de batería pero con un presupuesto limitado. Sin embargo, tiene sus inconvenientes, como la compatibilidad con una carga extremadamente lenta de 10 W, un rendimiento deficiente de la cámara con poca luz y una pantalla ilegible en exteriores y con ángulos de visión muy limitados. Por lo tanto, es más adecuado para llamadas y uso de aplicaciones muy básicas, pero no mucho más. No hay duda de que no hay muchas opciones en este segmento de precios, pero Xiaomi ofrece algo similar. Redmi A3 Desde Rs. 7299 en adelante. Tiene un mejor procesador, más variantes de RAM y una pantalla de frecuencia de actualización de 90 Hz. También se puede mirar Redmi 13C (desde Rs 7699), que es un poco más caro pero ofrece una mejor pantalla y cámaras.
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Acer Mostró los nuevos televisores inteligentes Acerpure en su reciente evento de lanzamiento en Bengaluru el jueves (16 de mayo). La nueva gama de televisores inteligentes Aspire y Swift de Acerpure, filial de Acerpure, se ejecuta en Google TV y viene en cuatro tamaños de pantalla: 32 pulgadas, 43 pulgadas, 55 pulgadas y 65 pulgadas. Cuenta con una frecuencia de actualización de 60 Hz con soporte HDR 10 y un ángulo de visión de 178 grados. Los televisores inteligentes Acerpure cuentan con opciones de visualización Full HD, Ultra HD y HD. La versión de gama alta con panel de 65 pulgadas ofrece resolución 4K. Tiene biseles delgados y múltiples opciones de conectividad. Los televisores inteligentes también incluyen Chromecast y Google Play Store.
Aún no se han anunciado los detalles de los precios de los nuevos televisores inteligentes Acerpure Aspire y Swift. Seguramente estará disponible en el país en los próximos meses. La marca taiwanesa ha revelado que busca presentar nuevos televisores inteligentes OLED y mini LED y consolas de juegos inteligentes en el mercado indio. Junto con los nuevos televisores, Acer presentó algunos productos para el hogar inteligente de su filial Acerpure durante el evento.
Especificaciones de Acerpure Aspire Swift TV
El televisor Acerpure Aspire viene en tamaños de pantalla de 32 y 43 pulgadas, mientras que la serie Acerpure Swift está disponible en opciones de pantalla de 55 y 65 pulgadas. Como se mencionó anteriormente, se ofrece en resoluciones HD, Full HD y UHD con biseles mínimos y 178 ángulos de visión. El televisor Acerpure Swift de gama alta con panel de 65 pulgadas ofrece resolución UHD (2160 x 3840 píxeles). El conjunto admite tecnología HDR 10 y una frecuencia de actualización de 60 Hz.
Los nuevos televisores inteligentes Acerpure están cargados con Amazon Prime y Netflix. Se ejecuta en Google TV y los usuarios podrán acceder a muchas aplicaciones a través de Google Play Store. Tienen Google Chromecast integrado que permite a los usuarios transmitir películas, programas, fotos y más desde sus teléfonos directamente a sus televisores. Las variantes superiores admiten audio Dolby Atmos 3D, mientras que los modelos HD de 43 pulgadas y Acerpure Aspire HD de 32 pulgadas están equipados con Dolby Audio. Incluye un chipset A55 de cuatro núcleos con 2 GB de RAM y 16 GB de almacenamiento.
Acer ha incluido un control remoto inteligente con asistencia de voz en sus televisores inteligentes Acerpure. También es compatible con el modo ambiental. El conjunto cuenta con tres puertos HDMI y dos puertos USB 2.0. Admite Wi-Fi de doble banda y Bluetooth 5.
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En un abrir y cerrar de ojos te fuiste, Google Ella adelantó lo que parece ser un próximo proyecto de gafas inteligentes, uno que podría estar construyendo con ayuda. Samsung Quizás incluso Qualcomm.
Podrías ser perdonado por no quedarte hasta el final. E/S de Google Un discurso de apertura de tres horas para ver un vídeo promocional de Gemini AI que aparecía en varios anuncios importantes. Fue muy difícil, pero apretar todos los clips para mirar dentro de un par de anteojos fue indudablemente inteligente.
En el video (ver gif a continuación), alguien agarra un par de anteojos gruesos con montura negra. Aunque nunca lo vemos en el rostro de nadie, sigue lo que parece ser el punto de vista de alguien a través de las lentes.
(Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
Le pregunta al usuario qué está mirando, que parece ser un dibujo en una pizarra de un par de gatos: uno vivo y otro muerto. La IA responde con voz y texto que podemos ver frente a nosotros: “El gato de Schrödinger“.
Obviamente, no sabemos si lo visual es real y si Google realmente tiene la intención de ofrecer gafas inteligentes con pantallas de realidad aumentada integradas. Esto no es algo que veamos en competidores como Meta (Rayo de Meta Wayfarers) Y Amazonas (Neumáticos ecológicos Amazon).
imagen 1 a 2
(Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
(Crédito de la imagen: futuro)
Sin embargo, Google tiene una rica trayectoria en el campo de las gafas de realidad aumentada. gafas de Google (RIP) Cuenta con una pequeña pantalla diseñada para superponerse a su mundo real. La pantalla era tan pequeña que todos los que la usaban parecían ridículos, pero la tecnología ya tiene una década. Estamos en 2024 y hay nuevas posibilidades de chips, realidad aumentada, pantallas pequeñas e inteligencia artificial que podrían ayudar a impulsarlo.
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Por supuesto, esta es la clave del éxito potencial de Google Smart Glass: la integración Géminis ai (como el Gemini Nano), lo que podría hacerlo mucho más útil de lo que alguna vez fue Google Glass.
No sabemos nada más que lo que nos dicen esos pocos segundos de vídeo. Tal vez tengamos la historia completa mañana cuando Google lance su discurso de apertura de Google I/O: The Return.
The world of smart TV software options on the best TVs is only getting more complicated over time. Some TV makers use their own software and keep it strictly on their own TVs, but you’ve also got the likes of LG webOS, Roku TV, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV all competing to be on TVs from other manufacturers. And now there’s another name in the ring: Titan OS.
After an in-depth demo session, I found Titan OS interesting not because of the new features it brings to the table but because of the lack of them – or, rather, the lack of complexity in the system. The focus here is on making it take less time to get you actually watching something by making a fast operating system with fewer clicks on the remote needed to find the stuff you like.
That includes not just on-demand stuff from the big streaming services, but also making better use of free streaming channels right in the main interface. Based on the time so far, I like the look of it.
Speaking of the look, there’s nothing revolutionary going on here. It looks like nearly every other smart TV software, and I think that’s a good thing. You’ve got a row of advertising for new shows at the top (creating/designing a new TV interface has to pay for itself somehow), then a list of app favorites you can use to launch services, and then rows of recommendations from your apps, or for channels you watch regularly. Easy, works well, and if you’ve used smart TV software recently, you’ll probably be able to transfer your navigation skills to Titan.
Titan will learn what you like, and tweak recommendations to match. (Image credit: Future)
At the top are tabs to switch between a few key options, such as live TV channels, a list of available apps, or over on the right are some options for accessing Settings. It actually reminds me a lot of the PS5 Home screen in that way.
But what impressed me most about this Home screen is the speed. Hitting ‘Resume’ to watch something on Netflix had the movie playing within a couple of seconds, with no extra hassle or time spent looking at a loading symbol. Even my Apple TV 4K, which has the processing power of a lightweight laptop, doesn’t manage that. When I played more with the platform, it became clear that speed is an advantage overall – it seems like it might be just less frustrating to navigate and use than many smart platforms. Even Amazon Fire TV, with such a powerful company behind it, has lag issues, especially on cheaper TVs.
Titan won’t arrive with in-depth smart home integration or anything like that, but I think it’s probably on the right lines with this: I suspect that if you asked most people if they want a faster TV system or one with loads of extra features, they’d say the former.
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However, it does have some extra smarts that sound good – but again, focused on what you’ll watch. For a start, Titan promises that the platform will learn what you watch and get better at making recommendations over time, hopefully making it quicker to actually find something to watch, which is genuinely one of the big hurdles of TV viewing today.
But also, Titan does a smart thing of integrating any free live streaming channels you can access right into the main channel guide, along with any broadcast channels you’ve tuned it into. In the UK, that means you can have channels like Pluto TV alongside your Freeview channels, and they’re all just treated as channels you can scroll through and watch. There’ll be no big distinction between them, so you’ll just have a larger, richer selection of channels to choose from.
Streaming and broadcast channels, together as one. (Image credit: Future)
Titan will also include Freely integration by the time it launches later in the year, with this streaming alternative to Freeview all supported right from the program guide too.
To make all of the above easier. Titan actually comes with all of its available apps pre-installed – you don’t have to hunt in an app store and create an account to find services or to update them. Go to the Apps tab and just browse what’s there – and if anything you don’t like appears on the Home screen, it’s easy to just remove it and put it out of sight.
Again, I think this is a positive move – it might make people more likely to try free streaming services they wouldn’t bother with otherwise.
However, the downside of Titan right now looks to be its range of streaming services. In the UK, the current range of streamers is the following:
Netflix
Prime Video
Disney+
BBC iPlayer
iTVX
ALL 4
My5
Freeview Explore
YouTube
Rakuten TV
Pluto TV
Now, I use Shudder and Mubi to name just two missing from here, and the lack of BFIPlayer and Kanopy, among others, will also be a shame for hardcore movie lovers – while the lack of things like HAYU and Britbox may be a frustration for others. And then there’s no Apple TV or Google Movies for those who have libraries there.
However, Titan is months away from launch, so there’s time for this to be fixed. Some of the services I mentioned above are quite niche, so not everyone will mind – but when I spoke to people behind the development of Titan, one of the big reasons for its existence is to make sure that people who buy TVs from the brands Titan is used on don’t feel disappointed long-term by their TV’s smart platform. If it doesn’t have services they might grow to want, then it may still fall foul of that.
The remote control of the demo TV included shortcut buttons for several services, including the Titan Channels integrated program guide. (Image credit: Future)
There’s also no deep voice control planned currently – if a TV has Alexa support, you could use this to dictate into search fields, but there won’t be the option to say “Titan, play One Piece on Netflix.” Again, some people won’t like the lack of this, some might be delighted to kick voice assistants to the kerb.
Titan is expected to appear on Philips TVs and some JVC TVs in the UK later in 2024. The company is focused on Europe and South America at first but may look to launch in North America in the future.
The humble bathroom scale has long been overdue to learn some new tricks. After all, who needs to devote precious real estate to a device whose purpose is merely to tell you your weight? The “smart scale” category sprung to life in the early days of the internet of things, but early models weren’t always the best, hampered by connectivity issues and general usability problems. As such, the category has largely stagnated; only a handful of companies are now making the devices, and some haven’t updated their product line in years.
Only recently has that started to change, as newer, faster, and all-around better products have begun to hit the market again. Not only can newer smart scales track a bevy of health metrics for multiple members of your household via sophisticated mobile apps, but they’ve also ironed out all the kinks, so it’s easier than ever to track your weight.
Just how smart can a scale be? And which should you buy? If an accurate weight is what’s most important to you, don’t sweat the decision too much. All of these scales I’ve tested are quite accurate. My highest and lowest weight never varied by more than 0.6 pounds across all of them—that means getting one of the cheaper models will suffice. But if you’re serious about weight loss or physical training, you’ll probably want to get further into the weeds and consider the accuracy of the additional body metrics, the wireless format, and the overall usability and robustness of the hardware and software. It’s here where I’ve spent the bulk of my testing time to find the best smart scale. With all that in mind, I have some thoughts.
How Do Smart Scales Work?
Smart scales come in two basic flavors: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The former connects directly to your phone to sync its readings. The latter uses your home’s wireless network to sync readings straight to the cloud, which your phone’s app can then access. Wi-Fi scales are more expensive but more versatile. While older scales often featured erratic wireless connections, newer models have had many of their kinks worked out—and firmware updates have improved connectivity.
Virtually all smart scales use the same type of system to gauge your additional vitals: bioelectrical impedance analysis, which involves sending a minuscule electric current up one leg and measuring what happens when it comes down the other side. Some mathematical magic converts all of this into any number of derived measurements about things like your body’s percentage of fat, water, and bone; body-mass index; and, sometimes, arcana like your basal metabolic rate, a measure of your body’s energy consumption at rest. All the scales I tested can sync data with Apple Health and Google Fit or Health Connect, either directly or by passing data via the app.
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Apple’s “Let Loose” event kicks off today at the unusual time of 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and we’re expecting to see an iPad-focused event with new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company’s TV app across various platforms. We…
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Apple today announced that iOS 17.5 will be released to the public “soon,” following over a month of beta testing. While the software update is relatively minor, it does have a few new features and changes, as outlined in the list below. “The new Pride Radiance watch face and iPhone and iPad wallpapers will be available soon with watchOS 10.5, iOS 17.5, and iPadOS 17.5,” said Apple, in its…
Apple at its “Let Loose” event today announced a new Magic Keyboard for the latest iPad Pro models, with a thinner, lighter design. Apple says the Magic Keyboard has been redesigned to be thinner and lighter, while maintaing the same floating design. Two colors are available that match the new iPad Pro. New features include a function row with screen brightness controls, an aluminum…
Apple will be holding its first event of the year this Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube. How long will the event be? In his newsletter today, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the video will have a runtime of “around 35 minutes.” Apple is expected to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, along with updated Apple Pencil…
While the iPhone 16 series is still months away from launching, an early rumor about an all-new iPhone 17 model has now surfaced. In a research note with investment firm Haitong this week, analyst Jeff Pu said Apple is planning a so-called “iPhone 17 Slim” model that would replace the Plus model in the lineup. Pu said this model will feature around a 6.6-inch display, a slimmer design, an…
Apple today held the first event of 2024, debuting new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and accompanying accessories. While the event was faster than normal and took 40 minutes, we’ve condensed it down even further for those who want a quick overview of everything that was announced. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We’ve also got a full recap of all of the coverage…
Smart rings vs. smartwatches: which is the best choice? As smart rings become more popular and enter the public consciousness, many people are asking this question. but there’s no straightforward answer. Both devices serve similar purposes, but are made for different people with different preferences. In this guide, I’ll help you decide which is right for you.
Many tech reviewers have suggested that smart rings could signal the end of smartwatches. But based on my extensive testing of the best smart rings, I can confidently say they won’t suit everyone. While it might seem that wearing a tracker on your finger could be more comfortable and convenient, this isn’t always the case. You’ll also need to consider accuracy, design, price, and tracking features.
It may also be helpful to consider some of the best fitness trackers on the market. There’s an overlap between the best smartwatches and fitness trackers: although smart rings are gaining popularity, many find that budget-friendly fitness trackers can offer a more reliable and straightforward way to monitor health, sleep, and fitness.
Drawing from my years of experience testing smart rings and smartwatches, I’ve created this guide so you can decide whether a smart ring or a smartwatch is right for you based on your budget, preferences, and priorities.
The Circular Ring Slim has a sleek design, but we’re not sure about that big white logo on the front. (Image credit: Becca Caddy)
Smart ring vs smartwatch: Comfort, design and durability
Choosing between a smartwatch and a smart ring largely depends on personal preference. Smartwatches offer adjustable straps for a perfect fit and can be customized by swapping out straps with different materials and colors.
However, if you find wearing something on your wrist uncomfortable, a smart ring might be a better alternative. While smart rings don’t offer adjustable sizing, many companies will send you a sizing kit with plastic dummy rings to help you find the ideal one for you. Most of the ones I’ve tested so far have been incredibly comfortable with a snug fit.
They’re designed to be comfortable enough to wear overnight, whereas many people dislike wearing watches to bed.
Although these rings are fixed in design, they tend to be more discreet and resemble jewelery, bringing you a sleeker, less sporty look compared to most smartwatches and fitness trackers. However, many do still seem bulky when you compare them to regular rings, especially on smaller hands – don’t let the marketing messages that they’re all incredibly slim and dainty fool you.
Like all wearable technology, smart rings are also susceptible to wear and tear. During my tests, those with matte black finishes, like the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Circular Ring Slim, showed significant signs of scratching after just a few days. More premium smartwatches, on the other hand, are designed with durability in mind.
Smart ring vs smart watch: Screens, apps and smartphone features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is our pick of the best Apple Watch smartwatches. (Image credit: Future)
If you prefer a device with a screen, you’ll need to choose a smartwatch or a larger fitness tracker. Smart rings are designed to be more passive – though some models now include added features, like vibrating alarms. This makes smart rings an excellent choice if you’re trying to reduce your screen time but still want to monitor your health. Alternatively, you could consider a screenless wrist-based tracker, like the Whoop 4.0, which focuses purely on fitness tracking without digital distractions.
While the lack of a screen might be part of the smart ring appeal, consider whether you might miss this feature during activities like running, using apps or when you want to control music playback from your phone. For many, the desire to disconnect from screens is strong. But if you’re moving from a smartwatch or fitness tracker to a smart ring, it’s worth thinking about whether this will impact your lifestyle, especially if you’re keen on tracking specific activities from your wrist in real-time, like workouts.
On the other hand, smartwatches, especially those with LTE connectivity, offer a world of possibilities. They can function as standalone devices, capable of sending SOS alerts and making calls. Many also feature physical controls, built-in voice assistants, and apps, making them much more than just fitness trackers. Think of them as your comprehensive digital companions.
Smart ring vs smart watch: Sleep tracking, energy and wellbeing
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is a solid sleep tracker. (Image credit: Becca Caddy)
One significant advantage of smart rings is their accuracy in sleep tracking thanks to the data they collect, like heart rate, movement and even temperature. For those who find wrist-worn devices uncomfortable at night, a smart ring might also be a more suitable option. Generally, I’ve found the smart rings I’ve tested to be more comfortable for overnight wear, though it’s worth noting that a poorly fitting ring or flashing sensors can disrupt sleep.
Many top smart rings are primarily designed to monitor sleep and give you information about your energy levels and overall well-being rather than focusing primarily on fitness. This makes them an excellent choice for those prioritizing a holistic view of their health, although most high-end smartwatches and fitness trackers also track these metrics too.
Oura and Ultrahuman offer detailed feedback on your daily energy levels and readiness for exercise in their apps, as well as giving you information about the best time to eat, sleep and drink caffeine. This type of feedback isn’t unique – for example, Garmin offers similar suggestions about energy levels – but it does highlight how smart rings are differentiating their offerings from other devices.
It’s important to mention that while many smartwatches and fitness trackers, like the best Apple Watches, are just as effective at sleep tracking, they may require nightly charging, which can be really inconvenient. Just like smartwatches, battery life varies significantly among smart rings: for example, the latest Oura Ring Generation 3 lasts up to 7 days on a single charge, whereas the Circular Ring Slim needs recharging after just 2 days.
Smart ring vs smart watch: Fitness tracking, sensors and accuracy
The Garmin Forerunner 265 and the Garmin Fenix 6X are two of the best running watches. (Image credit: Future)
Many of the leading smart rings can track your movement, and they’re getting better at monitoring your workouts – especially when you add activities manually via their app. However, smartwatches and fitness trackers currently provide the best solution for detailed data on speed, heart rate, laps, and other specific metrics.
While some may claim that smart rings can perform all the functions of smartwatches and fitness trackers, they fall short in delivering comprehensive fitness data and (obviously) cannot display this information in real-time, because there’s no screen.
This is probably why some people combine their wearable gear, using a dedicated fitness tracker, like a top-tier running watch, for specialized activities while wearing a smart ring for continuous, everyday wear. Although mixing and matching wearables is an option, it may not be feasible for everyone, particularly those on a budget or those who prefer simplicity.
There’s a big debate about whether smart rings or smartwatches are more accurate. Some data suggests that a smart ring’s placement on your finger might yield more precise readings for heart rate and temperature, but this accuracy depends on several factors, including the quality of the sensors, the algorithms used for data interpretation, and, importantly, the fit of the device. For instance, one smart ring I’m currently reviewing fits like the others I’ve tested at first, but shifts around during the night, causing the sensors to lose contact with my skin.
Smart ring vs smartwatch: Price, subscriptions and risk
The Oura (3rd gen) is one of our top choices if you’re looking for a reliable sleep tracker. (Image credit: Future)
There are many different smartwatches available, from the eye-wateringly expensive Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799 / £799 / AU$1,399) to the incredibly affordable CMF Watch Pro from Nothing ($69 / £69 / AU$131). It’s a similar story with fitness trackers, from the high-end running watch, the Garmin Epix Pro ($899.99 / £829.99 / AU$$1,529) to the super budget Huawei Band 7 (£49.99 / AU$159).
In comparison, the best smart rings aren’t quite as pricey as the most high-end models, but are still a significant investment. For example, the Oura Gen 3 is $299 /£230 / AU$420 and the Ultrahuman Ring Air is $349 / £280 / about AU$537.
Some reviewers claim that smart rings are available on a budget, but in my experience, these affordable options compromise on quality. In contrast, budget fitness trackers might lack some of the same slick aesthetic appeal but often offer greater reliability. If cost is your primary concern, choose one of the best budget fitness trackers. Things are changing fast, but right now it’s hard to make a good smart ring on a budget, which has led to a surge in the market of low-quality, cheap smart rings.
What’s more, there’s been a significant buzz around smart rings. I’ve met people who were initially enthusiastic about owning a smart ring, only to find it uncomfortable, excessively scratched, or simply annoying to use. If you have a more generous budget and enjoy experimenting with the latest gadgets, these issues might not deter you. However, for those who are more cautious, it might not be the ideal time to invest in a smart ring.
It’s worth noting that certain leading smart rings, like the Oura, come with subscription plans. While some users might find these services and their benefits appealing – such as upgrades and integration with third-party apps – it’s essential to evaluate whether the ongoing expenses after the initial purchase are in your budget.
Finally, some smart rings seem rushed to market. Features aren’t ironed out, design flaws are evident, and the apps don’t read or work as well as they should. In comparison, more established devices, like smartwatches, tend to offer a more polished experience, benefiting from years of user feedback and iteration.
Smart ring vs smartwatch: which is the best?
The CMF Watch Pro from Nothing is our top pick of the best smartwatch on a budget at only $69 / £69 / AU$131. (Image credit: Luke Baker)
There’s no definitive answer as to whether smart rings or smartwatches are better. Each type of wearable caters to different preferences and needs, with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
A smart ring could be an excellent choice for those with a larger budget who are keen on trying the latest technology and don’t require detailed fitness tracking. Smart rings are also particularly effective for monitoring overall wellness and sleep; many of the best ones are very light and comfortable. However, as a category, smart rings are still in their infancy, and will improve with time.
If you value having apps at your fingertips, require detailed fitness metrics, or want a proven, reliable device, a smartwatch is the way to go. Alternatively, if apps are not a priority and cost is a concern, consider opting for one of the top fitness trackers.
While they may not have the aesthetic appeal of the newest smartwatches or the novelty of smart rings, they’re great at tracking fitness metrics accurately without any fuss.
Your first apartment after graduation is probably not your forever home, but you can make it something you’re proud of with gadgets that do your bidding. You can automate your lights, keep an eye on your pets and clean up your floors more efficiently with relatively affordable devices that won’t eat up too much of your paycheck. We’ve tried out a lot of smart home tech over the years and here’s what we recommend for newbies and those with tight budgets
Amazon
You can think of the Echo Show 5 as the command center for your automated home. Amazon tweaked their smallest display in 2023 to be a little faster and a little bassier than its predecessor, and it’s still a good smart display for a compact space. It shows footage from your connected cameras and grants voice control over your smart plugs and other devices. Plus, it’ll play your music or podcasts, tell you the weather and even stream your favorite show (just note that the Netflix app isn’t supported).
Connected bulbs might be the easiest way to turn your analog home into a “smart” one. A single smart light can ensure you never walk into a dark apartment again. You can set schedules for your daily routines or make it look like you’re home when you’re not. Being able to turn things off with just your voice or via an app can save you from getting out of bed when you’re ready to crash. Our senior commerce editor, Valentina Palladino tested a number of bulbs for our guide and thinks TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Bulbs give you the best value. Installation will be easy, even for those new to smart devices, thanks to Kasa’s clean and simple app. It’s worth noting that voice control is only available with Alexa or the Google Assistant; Siri is unfortunately incompatible.
Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K turns any screen with an HDMI port into a smart TV for under $50. Our commerce writer, Nicole Lee, likes Roku’s straightforward interface and the fact that it supports universal search so you can find out which service a given show is playing on. Unlike some streaming sticks, Roku works with all the major voice assistants: Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. You can even control your TV by saying “hey Roku” to the included remote or through the Roku app. The same app turns your phone into a second remote and enables private listening through your headphones as well. The 4K dongle is made for high-resolution screens, but if you don’t have a 4K TV and want to save more money, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite is our favorite budget option.
An indoor security camera can give you eyes on your pets when you’re out, or just some peace of mind when you’re away for the weekend. The updated Blink Mini 2 camera now packs a spotlight, offers better night vision and is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. The price went up $10 as a result, but it still ranks as one of the more affordable smart security cameras out there. Blink is an Amazon brand, so the camera should sync easily with Echo Show displays, but will also send video feed to your phone or Fire TV. A built-in mic and speaker let you hear and talk to anyone in the room, nice for confusing the cat or freaking out your guests.
Whether it’s traffic exhaust in the city, pollen in the suburbs or wildfire smoke everywhere, it’s not always ideal to throw open your apartment’s windows to get some fresh air. An air purifier can help keep your indoor air healthier when you’re shut inside, and we like this small-space unit from Levoit. The Core 300S smart air purifier is an app-compatible gadget that can automatically adjust its fan speed depending on how much particulate matter it detects in the air. We found it to be nearly silent running on low and not too distracting when on high. Plus it’s relatively affordable and the replacement filters only cost around $35.
I found the tackiest, most amazing lamp in the lobby of one of my first apartment buildings and I still cherish it to this day — but its rotary switch is extremely hard to turn. I’ve since plugged it into one of Kasa’s EP25 Smart Plugs and now it automatically comes on just before sunset and goes off when I say goodnight to Alexa (or ask it to turn off the “ugly lamp”). Many smart plugs out there will do this, but the EP25 is the top performer from our guide because we found it connects easily, works reliably and is compatible with all four major smart home platforms.
Nobody’s knocking Christmas lights as decor, but strip lights are a slightly classier way to add flair to your space. You can use them to light up bookcases, create ambiance for your streaming setup or turn your bedroom into a color-coordinated haven. Govee makes many different smart LED strips, but the one senior commerce editor Valentina recommends in our guide is the M1 RGBIC. She was impressed by the light’s brightness and wide spectrum of available hues. You can control different segments independently and the app has an “effects lab” that offers pre-programed lighting presets like sunsets, starry nights and movie-themed color palettes.
Engadget’s Valentina Palladino has tested more than a dozen robot vacuums and recommends iRobot’s Roomba 694 to anyone looking to keep their floors clean without spending too much money (or time). The company’s companion app is simple and probably the 694’s biggest selling point, guiding you through installation and programming. The vacuum can handle hard floors and carpet, and it runs for about 45 minutes on a charge, which should be enough for most smaller apartments. You’ll have to help it out when it gets snagged on a cable and empty the bin when it’s full, but other than that, it’s a fairly hands-off way to get cleaner floors.
The Sonos Roam is both a smart and portable speaker, packing a decent amount of utility into a $180 package. While not the cheapest around, it’s relatively low-cost for Sonos, a brand known for quality audio. The Roam will play whichever music service you prefer, delivering clear highs and impressive bass for its size. Alexa is built in and you can access the Google Assistant too, which means you can use the speaker to order around your compatible smart home devices. And when it’s time to relax, you can ask Roam to play just about any song you can think of.
Thick walls, weird layouts and other factors can make home WiFi reception spotty. If you’re experiencing dead zones in your apartment, a WiFi extender might help. TP-Link’s AC1200 RE315 is our favorite budget pick: it covers 1,500 square feet and delivers speeds of up to 1,200Mbps – plenty fast for streaming and working from home. It also has a built-in Ethernet port, which should provide an even more reliable connection to essential tech like your TV or game console.
Cooking for yourself is one of the bigger adjustments of adulting – it certainly was for me. Luckily a big batch of beans and rice can keep most humans alive for much longer than you’d think. The Instant Pot Duo cooks beans without soaking and makes fluffy rice; add a jar of salsa and you have a fairly well-rounded meal. Of course, it can cook more elaborate stuff too: search for Instant Pot recipes and you’ll get a lifetime’s worth of ideas. We recommend a larger version in our guide to kitchen gadgets, but this three-quart model is both more affordable and a better size for just one or two people.
You do, however, need to pay a monthly subscription fee to get accurate notifications and to be able to see the timeline of when the door is locked and unlocked, and by who. Otherwise, you’ll just get a notification that the lock was used without specifying what exactly it did. The app will show you if the lock is currently locked or unlocked, but vague notifications and lack of a history aren’t exactly helpful. I also had a connection drop at a random hour of the night. Seeing a vague notification that something happened at 12:30-something in the morning completely scared me that my home had been robbed overnight. It hadn’t, but I didn’t know that until I signed up for a subscription to see my history.
Photograph: Nena Farrell
After that incident, I chose the Standard Plan ($7 a month) that’s designed for self-monitoring my home. There’s also the Pro Plan ($25 a month) that includes a professional monitoring service, but that’s designed for Abode’s larger smart-home systems rather than just the lock.
Speaking of, while you don’t need to use the Abode Lock with Abode’s other security setups and hubs, it can add onto those as an accessory. Abode has three security hubs and starter kits to choose from: the basic Abode Kit ($140), the Smart Security Kit ($280), and the Iota All-in-One Security Kit ($330). Each of these has a different type of hub—the main differences are that the cheapest hub doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit, and the iota has a built-in camera. All three work with the same accessories, though, so you could upgrade down the line and reuse any accessories you received. Adding a hub lets you create automations within the Abode app, so I could set up the Abode Lock to unlock when I arrived home.
You can also use the Abode Lock with smart home systems without needing a hub, but you’ll still need one of the subscription plans. Amazon’s and Google’s ecosystems work with all three hubs, as do Sonos and Bose products, but you’ll need one of the more expensive hubs if you want it to work with Apple HomeKit.
Door Stoppers
Photograph: Nena Farrell
The Abode Lock, for all it can do, can’t tell you whether your door is closed–just if the lock is in the locked position. Some smart locks come with door sensors so you can see whether your door is both locked and closed in one place.
Abode’s lock can’t do this, but all of its hubs come with a Mini Sensor ($25) that can be used on doors and windows, so any hub package could help solve this issue to a certain degree. It certainly isn’t as seamless as being a single device that can do both, though, if it’s something you’re worried about. My door, crappy rental that it is, has a loose knob that sometimes doesn’t believe in closing until we re-screw it together, so this missing feature is a bigger issue for me than most folks with better (or just normal) doors.
Since Abode’s main business is its full security system, it makes sense to have some features you can access only by going all-in on Abode. Still, you can enjoy several features right out of the box with just the Abode Lock alone, and no one outside your home will be the wiser.
