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Wear OS could make Google Wallet transactions a little trickier
Tap-to-pay transactions may require a PIN
Read update
The Google Wallet app has undergone a few changes over the last several weeks. Last month, the app added an extra layer of verification for transit payments. Not much later, Google began asking Wallet users on Android phones to re-verify their identity after three minutes, regardless of whether the phone was in use or not. It now looks like this phenomenon could also spread to Wear OS devices, at least based on multiple user reports on Reddit.
4 ways your Wear OS watch already outperforms the Humane AI Pin
Devices like the AI Pin might be the future. But today, they're no better than a smartwatch
The Humane AI Pin started hitting the hands of reviewers last week, and to call the launch disappointing would be an understatement. Journalists and first-wave buyers have reported slow response times, overheating, and missing features in the AI Pin's early days. For the uninitiated, Humane wants to build a computing device that you wear and can interact with while living life. The goal of the AI Pin is to leverage AI, a tiny and wearable form factor, and a projected screen in order to help you spend less time on your smartphone. But when you think about it, doesn't a great smartwatch already achieve that goal?
Samsung Galaxy Ring: News, leaks, and release window
Everything we know about Samsung's upcoming smart ring
Samsung tipped us off that it's working on a new wearable, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, at Unpacked back in January. In the weeks that followed, we picked up on some enticing rumors, and, eventually, some official info straight from the horse's mouth. Here's everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy Ring, plus what we hope to see.
Garmin offers a range of smartwatches and fitness trackers with health features, class-leading battery life, and durability. Garmin also offers contactless payments from your wrist. When checking out at the store, you don't need to pull out your bank card or your phone to complete payments. Garmin Pay is available on most of its wearables and supports major financial institutions worldwide. If you use a compatible Garmin wearable and bank, set up Garmin Pay after pairing it to your phone. Read along to learn to use Garmin Pay.
It's taken a few years, but Wear OS smartwatches can now compete with the best wearables in the business — including the Apple Watch. The software has gone through multiple levels of refinement, with Wear OS 4.0 bringing better performance and stability. It offers intuitive features that aid fitness, provide notifications, and enhance everyday usability, making it the perfect companion for today's best Android phones.
The Pixel Watch companion app could soon get an option to automatically sync app permissions between your watch and your phone. As reported on the Google News Telegram, a recent update to the Pixel Watch Android app added a hidden flag that, when enabled, can lead you to a toggle labeled Sync permissions from phone.
Garmin has established itself as a perennial player in the smartwatch arena, especially when it comes to models that excel in tracking exercises at a higher level. Athletes training for marathons or to raise their game in whatever sport they play look for accuracy and reliability to know where they stand. Garmin has fantastic running watches, watches for endurance athletes, rugged watches, and even options catering to golfers and women to stay on top of any and all activity.
Losing my phone while abroad nearly cost me my health
These days, losing your phone can be life threatening, especially when you're a diabetic
What happens when you lose your phone abroad? For most people, the answer is fairly uncomplicated: either use a backup phone or go to a store and buy a replacement. However, my recent experience at MWC 2024 proved anything but, and provided me with some valuable lessons about the relationship between health and technology along the way.
More Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 specs have leaked ahead of its launch
The Bluetooth capabilities of the wearable have been made public
While Samsung may be more synonymous with its phones than any other device, the South Korea-based tech giant has not given up on improving its other products. That being said, the company remains focused on its line of Galaxy smartwatches, which now offer everything from fitness tracking to sleep monitoring. Ahead of the release of the Galaxy Watch 7, more specs on the device have leaked, and recent details point to its connectivity capabilities.
These are the major US retailers that accept Apple Pay
Apple Pay is more secure than your debit card. Here's who accepts it and who does not
Apple Pay is everywhere. Restaurants, stores, and gas stations have the Apple logo next to their payment terminals, inviting iPhone users to tap their devices and be on with their day. Google Pay is less ubiquitous in the United States, but NFC technology means even the cheapest Android phones can use Apple Pay terminals. So how does it work, and who accepts Apple Pay in the United States?
Google Wallet on Wear OS isn't as convenient as it could be
It takes two hands to use tap-to-pay on Wear OS
Of all the tech-enabled conveniences we've come to take for granted, tap-to-pay in wearables is, for my money, one of the most satisfyingly futuristic — the very idea of using your wristwatch to pay for something flatly didn't exist until relatively recently. Even now, nearly a decade into living with watches that are also wallets, I still get a little techy satisfaction any time I pay for something using my Pixel Watch. But as much as I appreciate the ability to use my wrist computer to pay for coffee, I think the Google Wallet experience on Wear OS could be significantly improved with what seems to me like a simple UX tweak.
Best Pixel Watch 2 deals: Buy one get one free at AT&T
Or choose from several other trade-in and carrier promos
The Pixel Watch 2 combines the best of Google and Fitbit to offer an experience you won't find in any other smartwatch. The external differences between it and the original Pixel Watch are minimal, with a lighter aluminum body and thinner glass, but the internal upgrades are fairly significant. The Watch 2 features a much better processor, a new multi-path HR module for more accurate heart rate readings, temperature and body-response sensors for advanced stress management, and improved battery life.
Unbeatable deal brings the Pixel Watch down to its lowest price yet
The original Pixel Watch gets a huge price drop so get it while you can
If you've been thinking about buying a smartwatch, chances are, you've taken a look at what's available, and found that the sheer number of options astounding. While it can get a little confusing, if you're looking for some of the best smartwatches, there's really only a handful that are really going to check all the right boxes. Of course, you're going to be paying quite a bit for these models, and while they're worth every penny, it might not be a good option if you're looking for something affordable.
Best Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 bands in 2024
Set your new watch up with one of the best bands you can find
Smartwatches have almost reached the same level of commodity as the smartphone, selling more than ever. One of the best available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. It comes with all of the health sensors you'd expect, like heart rate, skin temperature, body composition, blood oxygen, blood pressure, and ECG. That versatility is backed up with style; the round Galaxy Watch 6 looks as elegant as any conventional timepiece. Thankfully, Samsung uses the traditional 20mm standard for straps, so you can do just that if you want to give your Watch 6 some flare.
How to turn off Apple Watch's passcode feature
Disabling the Apple Watch passcode offers convenience, but it comes with several caveats
Apple prompts users to add a passcode to their Apple Watch to protect their personal information. When you manually lock the Apple Watch, reboot the system, or remove the wearable from your wrist, you'll enter a passcode to get past the lock screen. If tapping four digits on your Apple Watch screen is inconvenient, use the tips below to turn off a passcode. Although you can use Apple's wearable with an Android phone, we use the iPhone as an example in the guide below.
Smart rings are on the cusp of having their iPhone moment — finally becoming mainstream after years of struggling and trying to carve a space for themselves. There are many reasons for this, including Samsung's entry into this nascent market with the Galaxy Ring. Regardless, it’s an interesting time if you care about fitness trackers. The RingConn Smart Ring is one product that hopes to ride this new wave of interest.
4 reasons why smart rings are the next big thing in fitness tracking
Putting a ring on it will soon have a whole different meaning
Smart rings have been around for a while, but considering their compact build, they’ve been a niche wearable device with very specific functions. But this year, when Samsung teased its first smart ring at the Galaxy S24 launch stage, it gave the entire smart ring category legitimacy and a fair chance of going mainstream. Given how quickly smart rings are evolving to do far more things than they could only a few months ago, they could soon be your default fitness tracking device. Here is what gives these new-age smart rings an edge over some of the best smartwatches out there.
This Reddit user turned their smartwatch into a gaming handheld
Strap a watch to a controller and you get... something
Occasionally, we stumble upon intriguing creations on the internet that leave us in awe of human ingenuity. These instances, though not uncommon, are a testament to the boundless creativity that thrives in online communities. This time, a Reddit user has crafted something that's sure to pique the interest of gamers: a knockoff smartwatch ingeniously integrated with a gaming controller.
The OnePlus Watch 2 learns a key trick from the Pixel Watch
Now you can switch the watch to a new phone without having to reset it
The OnePlus Watch 2 has been known for giving a pretty good smartwatch experience, but there's been one big issue that's been bugging users for a while: you couldn't transfer your health data easily. If you switch to a new phone, all your workout stats and health information stored in the OHealth app will be gone. OnePlus is now fixing that with a new update to the app, finally listening to what users have been asking for.
Google Home can now help you catch up on your daily Fitbit stats
Find out how you slept last night before running out the door in the morning
If you have a Fitbit wearable, you may rely on it to help you keep tabs on your health and physical activity levels. Depending on the device you have, you can stay on top of your sleeping habits, the length of your runs, how many calories you’ve burned, and more. When Google purchased Fitbit, many device owners expected the integration process to be beneficial. Although integration has been slow, there are finally signs of it paying off for Fitbit wearable users.