Month: June 2024
Smartwatches in 2024: the biggest launches so far and what’s coming next
As we hit the mid-way point of 2024, here’s a look back at the biggest smartwatch launches of the year so far –and what’s coming next.
While much of the tech world’s focus has been drawn to AI in 2024, smartwatches and fitness trackers continue to become more and more important to our everyday lives. As we hit the halfway point of the year, it’s time to look back at the biggest smartwatch launches so far in 2024 – and what’s coming in the next six months.
Whether it’s new software features like watchOS 11 or Polar’s big Vantage 3 update, or new hardware altogether like the OnePlus Watch 2, smartwatch makers have been working hard this year.
That does have the knock-on effect of making it tough to keep up, which is why we’ve rounded all of the biggest smartwatch releases you need to know about this year –followed by some of the most exciting ones we’re expecting to land in the next six months.
Thinking about buying a new smartwatch? Read on for a HIIT-style tour of this year’s highlights to help you decide your plan of action…
Smartwatches in 2024: what have been the biggest launches so far this year?
(Image credit: Future)
Considering we’re still expecting some big releases soon (more on those shortly), 2024 is looking like a stacked year for smartwatches.
March saw the arrival of Garmin Forerunner 165 a much more affordable smartwatch from the company that’s taken the industry by storm in recent years. Despite the lower price tag, it’s still a great-looking device with an AMOLED display and 13 days of battery life – read our Garmin Forerunner 165 review for an in-depth tour of its strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking of cheaper options, we’ve already seen two fantastic contenders for our best cheap fitness tracker list – the Honor Band 7 and the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro – if you want something more minimalist than a smartwatch. The former has great battery life and a nice big, bright AMOLED panel, but it lacks built-in GPS. The latter adds GPS support, and costs $99.99 / £60 / AU$95 (though it’s possible to find it for far less).
Back to smartwatches, and the undoubted Wear OS highlight of the year has been the OnePlus Watch 2 (below). It landed a couple of months ago and has already forced its way into our guide to the best smartwatches. We called it “the comeback king” in our OnePlus Watch 2 review for its full functionality with Google’s Wear OS, the slick look, and its excellent dual-frequency GPS tracking.
(Image credit: OnePlus)
Looking for an alternative to a Garmin that’s fitness first and smartwatch second? The new Suunto Race is a much better smartwatch effort from the Finnish company. It’s a premium-feeling device that, despite some UX quirks, is well worth a look – and is cheaper than its rivals. Check out our Sunnto Race review for our full verdict.
Lastly, Samsung gave us a little taste of what’s to come in 2024 with the surprise launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE in June. It’s Samsung’s answer to the Apple Watch SE and costs $199 for the Bluetooth-only model (there’s no international pricing yet, but that equates to around £160 / AU$300). The LTE version, meanwhile, will set you back $249 (around £190 / AU$360).
You can read our early thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, but our attention will soon be focused on the likely launch of its pricier siblings…
Smartwatches in 2024: what launches are we expecting during the rest of the year?
(Image credit: Samsung)
We’ve seen plenty of good smartwatch launches this year, but the ‘big three’ are yet to show their hand. That’s about to change.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Google Pixel Watch 3
Apple Watch 10
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Samsung is expected to launch its Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 very soon, most likely at its next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event on July 10. As is so often the case, most of the details have leaked ahead of time.
Expect a 3-nanometer chipset and AI-focused features, as well as health sensor improvements. Samsung is also expected to debut the higher-end Galaxy Watch Ultra this year, with better battery life, a new colorway, and the potential for a larger display.
What about the current king of our best smartwatches guide, Apple? As sure as death and taxes, we’re expecting a new Apple Watch model this year to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the product line’s reveal.
(Image credit: Apple)
Sources can’t quite get a handle on what it’ll look like, or what it’ll offer, but the Apple Watch 10 (or Apple Watch X, as it’s also been referred to) is expected to have a slightly larger display. It may not come with a blood oxygen sensor, though, but we’ll cover that shortly.
An Apple Watch Ultra 3 has also been mooted, but it appears that upgrades could be slim after the microLED that was reportedly planned was seemingly scrapped.
Finally, the Google’s Pixel Watch 3 is likely to be revealed at a recently announced event in August, and it could be larger than its predecessor. That’s got us hoping for more sensors, or at least a bigger battery.
Smartwatches in 2024: what other news did you miss?
(Image credit: Future / Srivatsa Ramesh)
Remember when we said that blood oxygen monitoring may not be a part of Apple’s 2024 lineup? That’s because late last year the company was banned from selling its wearables due to a dispute between Apple and Masimo, a company that claims to have a patent over blood oxygen sensor tech like the one in Apple Watch.
While the ban was lifted, the legal battle continues on, and so Apple is unlikely to make a big deal about the sensor in its expected September event. While things could change before then, it remains to be seen whether it’ll add the sensor but leave it dormant ahead of a subsequent software update, or remove it entirely.
Speaking of software updates, WWDC brought new Apple Watch features with watchOS 11. Expect a new Vitals app for measuring any potential deviance from your body’s standard data points, as well as Training Load to finally help you work out when it’s best to have a rest day. You can finally pause your Apple Fitness rings, too, and use the Apple Watch to track gestational pregnancy (yes, really).
Things aren’t quite as positive for owners of older Samsung fitness trackers, as the manufacturer recently confirmed it’ll end support for Tizen-based models. Essentially, if your Galaxy Watch is older than the Galaxy Watch 4, there’s a good chance it’ll be sunset, with content support slowing down until September 30 next year, when it’ll officially end support.
Finally, the OnePlus Watch 2 we mentioned earlier holds an impressive distinction of offering two operating systems on the same device. Wear OS 4 and RTOS both run on their own chips, and the device switches between them as needed. OnePlus calls it “dual engine architecture”, and as we covered earlier, it’s made the Watch 2 one of the best releases of the year so far.
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Grab this ’80s cartoon-inspired video game for $10 off on steam
For a limited time, you can score the Steam key to Mythforce, an 80s cartoon-inspired game for only $19.
TL;DR: Pay only $19 for the Steam key of MythForce, a fantasy video game inspired by classic ’80s cartoons, for a limited time.
There’s nothing like those Saturday morning cartoons from your childhood to whisk you down memory lane. And ’80s cartoons just hit different. (If you aren’t old enough to remember them, you’ll have to take our word for it that they were truly awesome.) Sure, you could look them up online and binge-watch a few episodes, but why not dive headfirst into a new fantasy universe and play a game inspired by them instead?
Inspired by beloved ’80s classics like He-Man and ThunderCats, MythForce is a PC game that lets you step into the shoes of virtual cartoon heroes. And for a limited time, you can snag it for less than what you’d fork over on Steam — pay only $19 instead of the usual $29.99 retail price.
This video game lets you don your virtual cape armor and become a hero in a Saturday morning cartoon fantasy world. You’ll get to engage in thrilling first-person combat challenges in a rogue-like adventure, or you can band with your friends to take on the Castle of Evil. You have the option to brave the game alone as Victoria the Valiant Knight or join forces with Rico, the Charming Rogue, Maggie, the Wise Mage, and Hawkins, the Deadly Hunter. Join forces, and together you’ll form MythForce.
Check it out in action:
Whichever you choose, fresh adventures await you throughout the game. There’s a replayable dungeon packed with treasure, traps, and terrors to keep things exciting every time. And just to keep you on your toes, every defeat sends you back to the very beginning, but don’t fret — each playthrough only makes you stronger.
Defeat malevolent minions, outsmart tricks, and uncover traps. MythForce normally retails for $29.99, but you can grab the game on Steam for only $19 for a limited time — no coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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10 best kids’ movies on Netflix streaming right now
Check out the best Netflix films for kids. Netflix offers a rotating selection of original, animated, and live-action kids’ movies for the whole family. “Paddington,” “The Mitchells vs. The Machines,” and more!
Seeking kid-friendly entertainment that is sure to satisfy? Netflix has a ton of options, but frankly, they can be overwhelming. We’ve made things simple by highlighting 10 excellent films that’ll delight children — or those who are still children at heart.
Whether you want a stellar movie musical, a madcap adventure, a spooky treat, or something to get you in the holiday spirit, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the 10 best kids’ movies now streaming on Netflix.
1. Over the Moon (2020)
Credit: Netflix
Young Fei Fei is enchanted by the story of the moon goddess Chang’e and the legend of her lover. Still mourning the death of her mother, Fei Fei takes unkindly to her father finding new love and decides to build a rocket to the moon to find Chang’e. She finds a magical world beyond her imagining and must reconcile the fantasy of the moon with the life that awaits her on Earth. Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, and Sandra Oh star, so yes, Over the Moon is a powerhouse lineup of Asian American acting talent. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Over the Moon is now streaming on Netflix.
2. Nimona (2023)
Set in a world that madly mixes the medieval with pop futurism, Nimona tells the story of the good-hearted knight named Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed), who pulled himself up by his commoner bootstraps to become a valiant protector of the Kingdom. Unfortunately, somebody with old-school ideas of the class system doesn’t much like the look of all that upward mobility, and Ballister finds himself framed for the murder of the realm’s much beloved Queen Vaerlin (Lorraine Toussaint).
Enter Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a rascally teenage outcast with the magical ability to shape-shift, who’s embraced everyone’s fear of her powers to play at being the bad-ass. Seeing Ballister’s downfall, Nimona thinks she’s found a partner in her little league of villainy. Claiming his innocence, Ballister vehemently disagrees. But he needs her help, and the two end up hitting it off despite their differences as they dodge the law.
Queer as all get out — Ballister’s got himself a boyfriend, and Nimona’s shape-shifting is Trans Representation 101 – this wondrously exciting and funny adventure from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (based on ND Stevenson’s 2015 graphic novel) had a tortured path to the screen, all because of its big, beautiful rainbow-colored heart. But this is one that will withstand the test of time and bigotry, because it’s simply a rippingly awesome yarn, told with masterful panache and deep wells of emotion. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Nimona is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Klaus (2019)
Credit: Netflix
It might be a Christmas movie, but Netflix’s own original about spoiled postman-in-training Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), who happens upon an old toymaker, is a lovely and rewatchable film year-round. He becomes the go-between for the toymaker, Klaus (J.K. Simmons), and the local children who write him letters hoping for toys. The story spins out to become the origin of Santa Claus and a humbling journey for Jesper. — P.K.
How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.
4. Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016)
Speaking as a person whose sense of humor and entire life outlook were profoundly shaped in childhood by Paul Reubens (RIP king) via his iconic character of Pee-wee Herman in the 1980s, I pray that parents are still gifting their children with the same unfettered joy and madcap lunacy that I got. And while Reubens’ last spin in the gray suit and red bow-tie isn’t quite as universally beloved as his earlier Big Adventure or Playhouse antics, 2016’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday is way underrated and a heaping helping of fun.
A road-trip movie much in the vein of Pee-wee’s first transcontinental outing in search of his stolen bicycle, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday sends our favorite boy-man on a much happier kind of adventure — he’s got to get to his new best friend Joe Manganiello’s birthday party in New York City! Yes, Joe Manganiello of True Blood and the Magic Mike movies, here playing a world-class goofball version of himself. And the big muscly lunk is a natural comedian. Who knew?
Along the way, Pee-wee must overcome all sorts of madcap roadblocks, including Farmer Brown and his nine daughters, a trio of Russ-Meyer-flavored bad-girl car-thieves, and a layover in an Amish community that involves the world’s most hilarious balloon gag ever. It’s the silliest bunch of nonsense and an absolute blast for kids of all ages. — J.A.
How to watch: Pee-wee’s Big Holiday is now streaming on Netflix.
5. The Willoughbys (2020)
Credit: Netflix
Based on an outlandish book by Lois Lowry, this Netflix original centers on a deeply dysfunctional family in need of some wild changes. Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby have four adorable, eager, and talented children, whom they utterly despise. Thus, life is very hard for eldest Tim (Will Forte), dreamer Jane (Alessia Cara), and oddball twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B (Seán Cullen). That is, until they concoct a wacky scheme that sends their parents off on a perilous vacation, from which they may not return! However, the siblings’ deadly plan for independence is challenged when a plucky nanny (Maya Rudolph) arrives at their door. Soon, agonies and antics give way to the jubilant adventure of a lifetime.
Director Kris Pearn’s sharp design style and a snarling narration from Ricky Gervais pairs with Lowry’s dark plot line to give this outrageous animated feature a cheeky yet charming edge.* — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor
How to watch: The Willoughbys is streaming on Netflix.
6. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
Credit: Netflix
Sony Pictures Animation has given audiences such daring and dynamic animated movies as Surf’s Up, Hotel Transylvania, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This zany 2021 release centers on a family who’s battling back the robo-apocalypse with togetherness, internet savviness, and a walleyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).
The Mitchells’ adventure into chaos begins when daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is poised to go off to college. Desperate for one last family-unifying road trip, her dad (Danny McBride) piles the whole family into his beater of a vehicle, unknowingly charting a fateful route into heroics. Director Mike Rianda infuses Katie’s excitable perspective throughout the film by working in internet memes, social media-style reactions, and blitz of bonkers visuals. It’s a bold move that might alienate some viewers but has largely won the acclaim of critics and kiddos.* — K.P.
How to watch: The Mitchells vs. the Machines is streaming on Netflix.
7. Paddington (2014)
Inspired by Michael Bond’s beloved children’s books, Paddington is a critically heralded romp that blends a crackerjack live-action cast (Hugh Bonneville! Sally Hawkins! Julie Walters! Peter Capaldi!) with an adorable CGI bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw), who wears a blue coat and cherishes marmalade. Traveling from the jungles of Peru to London, the titular bear is reluctantly taken in by the Brown family. But as cultures collide, Paddington’s freedom —indeed, his very life! — are threatened by an overzealous taxidermist (a gamely over-the-top Nicole Kidman), who is ruthlessly determined to make him her next specimen! Full of whimsy, wit, and warmth, Paddington is a jolly delight that demands rewatching. — K.P.
How to watch: Paddington is streaming on Netflix.
8. Nightbooks (2021)
Credit: Netflix
From David Yarovesky, the director of Brightburn, comes a spooky tale that’ll thrill on family night. Based on the horror-fantasy novel of the same name by J. A. White, Nightbooks centers on a Brooklyn bookworm (Winslow Fegley) who is kidnapped by a wicked witch (Krysten Ritter). Held captive in her magical apartment, he’s forced to tell her a new scary story each night in exchange for his survival. Thankfully, he’s not alone. A hard-nosed fellow prisoner (Lidya Jewett) not only helps him avoid the pitfalls of this precarious prison, but also helps him unlock the secrets that could get them both out!
Peppered with PG-level scares and plenty of style (we’d die for Ritter’s witch wardrobe), Nightbooks is a rollicking good time for kiddos (and grown-ups) who appreciate a good bump in the night.* — K.P.
How to watch: Nightbooks is streaming on Netflix.
9. The Lego Movie (2014)
Hard to believe this one is a decade old at this point! But before directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller could make animated magic with their two (to date) Spider-Verse films (the second of which is also streaming on Netflix), they turned their scrappy eyes toward Legoland in 2014 and made this wickedly fun and pop-referential adventure about a lowly builder named Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt) who somehow manages to save the day.
And what about that animation? The herky-jerky movement of all the Lego people, which remains true to their stiff plastic origins, never fails to amuse. And, it doesn’t seem to come up much, but this movie definitely laid the groundwork for what Greta Gerwig accomplished with Barbie – turning a corporate property into sly movie magic. But even though the Lego-verse has expanded exponentially over the past decade, what with the Lego Batman and Ninjago movies all battling for our attention, the best remains the first because it remains the simplest. Pure playtime fun. — J.A.
How to watch: The Lego Movie is now streaming on Netflix.
10. Finding ‘Ohana (2021)
Credit: Netflix
If you grew up watching The Goonies, then you’ll treasure sharing this gem with your kiddos. Director Jude Weng channels Spielberg’s brand of awe for an exciting tale of Hawaiian legend and childhood heroics. Raised in New York City, siblings Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono) feel like fish out of water when their mother brings them to Oahu. But soon enough, they’re making friends and setting forth on a quest for a legendary lost treasure. Along the way, there’ll also be teen romance, family drama, and local lore come to life. Seeking something fun and thrilling? Look no further. — K.P.
How to watch: Finding ‘Ohana is streaming on Netflix.
UPDATE: Jun. 28, 2024, 5:09 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on June 25, 2022. It has been updated to reflect the current steaming options on Netflix.
I’m a camera expert and here’s how the iPhone 16 could raise Apple’s pro-photography game
I think the iPhone 15 Pro Max gets humbled at phone photography by the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but here’s how Apple could fight back.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple’s most advanced phone to date and there are many reasons why it’s one of the best phones in the world at the moment. Unfortunately, I don’t think the camera is one of those reasons.
On paper, when compared to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Apple’s flagship phone looks woefully inadequate. The primary cameras on both offer comparable resolutions but the 14 Ultra has a variable aperture. The resolution of the 14 Ultra’s three other rear cameras boast a 50-megapixel resolution, whereas the iPhone drops all the way down to 12MP. The iPhone also lacks a middle range telephoto.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max camera system is by no means poor when it comes to optics but it’s certainly in danger of slipping behind the technological advances that we’re seeing from Xiaomi or even the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Are changes coming?
(Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)
As a result, I’m waiting with baited breath to see what Apple does with its iPhone 16 series of phones that are likely to be launched and released in September 2024. Considering an increasing number of pro photographers and videographers are turning to their phones for their work, Apple won’t want anyone jumping ship in the search for better quality.
I don’t think it’s too late for Apple, though. The Cupertino company has a habit of keeping loyal customers for a long time after iPhone features have slipped behind the competition. There is something about Apple’s design and the ecosystem that keeps people coming back again and again. Despite that, I would like to see a number of improvements to the rumored iPhone 16 Pro‘s cameras.
The changes that Apple needs to make
One of the main improvements would be to increase the resolution across the iPhone cameras, both front and back. 12MP is fine for shooting snaps of your family but isn’t great for pro work. Increasing all the cameras to 48MP would communicate a real sense of commitment to Apple’s serious phone photography users.
I’d also love to see the introduction of a true variable aperture. I love this feature on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, as it gives me the ability to more accurately control the amount of light that hits the sensor and how that impacts the bokeh. I’m less concerned about Apple increasing the Pro iPhones’ rear cameras from three to four but if it manages it, then I certainly wouldn’t object.
This is a pivotal time for Apple. If it doesn’t improve in the iPhone 16 series, then Xiaomi will no doubt push further ahead of the pack, in my opinion at least. Only time will tell whether Apple sees the camera hardware as vital for development or whether other priorities like Apple Intelligence will take centre stage at when we see the next-generation iPhones, likely at an Apple event in September.
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The Center for Investigative Reporting is suing OpenAI and Microsoft.
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