Category: Wearables

Pebble intros three new wearables for the active user

Kevin Bruce Francisco

Pebble has introduced three new models in the wearable segment targeted towards individuals with an active lifestyle — the Pebble 2, Pebble Time 2, and Pebble Core.

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For the exterior, the Pebble 2 features a rectangular Gorilla Glass “anti-scratch lens coating” display to better reinforce the device against damages. The company embedded it with a heart rate monitor so you could keep track of your activity for the whole day. It also carries a 10-day claimed battery life and is water-resistant up to 30 meters. The Pebble 2 comes with a built-in microphone for voice replies and taking down notes.

Running on an updated Pebble Timeline software, it is the company’s most affordable watch yet at only $99 on Kickstarter and will later on retail for $129.

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Next up is the Pebble Time 2. Just like the Pebble 2, it has a heart rate sensor, a microphone, and a 10-day battery life. What’s different is that it is now made of premium materials in gold, silver, and black color variants and sports a color e-paper display 50% bigger than its predecessor.

It has a Kickstarter price of $169 and will sell for $199 with the same updated Pebble Timeline software.

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Finally, we have the Pebble Core. This wearable reminiscent of the old Instagram logo  clips to your clothes so that you may no longer bring your smartphone when you go out for a run. It basically tracks your pace and distance using GPS and provides entertainment through Spotify. It also listens to you when you need to jot down notes and works with a SIM card for functions on a cellular network.

It can be ordered right now through Kickstarter for $69 and will soon sell for $99 in January of next year.

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ASUS VivoWatch Review

Kevin Bruce Francisco

Designed to focus on the user’s overall fitness and wellness, ASUS launched its VivoWatch that promises round the clock heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and exercise recording — all in your wrist.

Design and Construction

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The VivoWatch still has the same curved Gorilla Glass 3 display seen on the ASUS ZenWatch and ZenWatch 2. What’s different is that the VivoWatch has a smaller screen size at 1.28 inches compared to ZenWatch’s 1.63-inch display. Screen resolution is also brought down a notch at 128 x 128.

Another major implementation on the VivoWatch is the use of a black and white memory LCD which is known for its high contrast but low power consumption so the watch could last longer on a single charge.

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The company went for the familiar curved edges that give the device a touch of elegance — meaning it could also be worn during formal events and not only when exercising.

Initial startup would require you to pair the VivoWatch with a smartphone through ASUS’ HiVivo app (available for free on both iOS and Android).

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The display’s edges are protected using a stainless steel frame with a glossy finish. It gives the device a nice accent although we noticed that it’s a bit prone to smudges and hairline scratches.

Also seen here is the one and only shortcut button that unlocks the screen among its many other functions.

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The VivoWatch has a standard-sized 28mm strap which is interchangeable as long as they have the same size. Due to the intended active use of the device, its strap is made from plastic so it’s easier to clean compared to cloth or leather bands.

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Turning it over and you’ll be greeted by the heart rate sensor which is something that not all fitness bands have. This built-in optical sensor dismisses the need for chest straps which basically deliver the same results. Having one embedded the watch simply means that your heart rate is comfortably monitored 24/7.

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Just like its cousins, the VivoWatch charges using a cradle that snaps to its body. It then has a microUSB port where you can plug in and connect to a power source.

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Other specs that make up the VivoWatch are its 3-axis accelerometer, Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless pairing and connectivity, and IP67 certification that makes it able to go underwater at 1 meter for 30 minutes straight. This simply means that you can still use the device when you’re running under the rain or taking a shower.

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Navigation is pretty simple and the HiVivo app is where we could see all the data recorded — this includes steps made, calories burned, hours of quality sleep experienced, a score that rates your overall lifestyle, and more.

Next page: Features

The post ASUS VivoWatch Review appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

5 Reasons Why Virtual Reality Headsets Are The Next Big Thing

Louie Diangson

Virtual Reality headsets are starting to become common nowadays with smartphone brands even offering it as freebies. As these devices become increasingly available to more consumers, it really has the potential to be the next big thing after smartphones. Here are five reasons we can think of.

1. It can improve the way we communicate and share experiences.

Although current VR devices are focused on entertainment, it is also a great platform for communicating with other people over the internet. Video calls will no longer just be through a static webcam or smartphones, VR headsets can put people in a same virtual location and communicate like they’re face-to-face even though their miles apart.

VR headsets can also improve social experiences like sharing a 360-degree view of your location or activity. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg also considers the Oculus VR as a communication platform. “By feeling truly present, you can share unbounded spaces and experiences with the people in your life. Imagine sharing not just moments with your friends online, but entire experiences and adventures.”, he said.

2. It can make entertainment more immersive

Speaking of entertainment, this is what most VR headsets are targeted at the moment. It paves the way to a more immersive digital experience like gaming wherein gamers are put inside the digital world instead of just sitting in front of a monitor. When watching movies, users can have a theater like experience from the comforts of their homes or without the need for big and expensive TV sets. VR owners may also enjoy at its fullest the 360-degree videos uploaded on YouTube. Even the porn industry is starting to make videos catered to VR headset users.

3. It’s good for tourism and educational tours

With VR, people can see and look around places before or without leaving their homes, making it a good tool for tourism. Want to see the insides of a house you want to buy but don’t have the time to visit it personally? How about a view of Google’s Data Center? Or the White House? Or inside CERN’s Large Hadron Collider? No problem, just wear your VR headset and take a 360-degree VR tour.

4. It’s a good teaching/training tool

Microsoft has demonstrated this kind of capability during their Build Developers Conference last month. With the help of developers and devices like the Microsoft HoloLens, schools can make learning interactive and easier to understand. Companies can also utilize VR to train their employees such as engineers, scientists, pilots, etc.

5. It’s readily available

As mentioned at the start of the article, VR devices can be as cheap as free like the bundled Gear VR when you purchase a Samsung Galaxy S7 or Lenovo’s ANT VR headset when you purchase the new Vibe X3 or Vibe K4 Note. There’s Google Cardboard for $15 or you can make your own. CD-R King also has its own for Php888. Or you can go with the more expensive Oculus VR or Sony’s PlayStation VR. With that said, Virtual Reality technology is here. All you need now is the budget.

The post 5 Reasons Why Virtual Reality Headsets Are The Next Big Thing appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

5 Reasons Why Virtual Reality Headsets Are The Next Big Thing

Louie Diangson

Virtual Reality headsets are starting to become common nowadays with smartphone brands even offering it as freebies. As these devices become increasingly available to more consumers, it really has the potential to be the next big thing after smartphones. Here are five reasons we can think of.

1. It can improve the way we communicate and share experiences.

Although current VR devices are focused on entertainment, it is also a great platform for communicating with other people over the internet. Video calls will no longer just be through a static webcam or smartphones, VR headsets can put people in a same virtual location and communicate like they’re face-to-face even though their miles apart.

VR headsets can also improve social experiences like sharing a 360-degree view of your location or activity. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg also considers the Oculus VR as a communication platform. “By feeling truly present, you can share unbounded spaces and experiences with the people in your life. Imagine sharing not just moments with your friends online, but entire experiences and adventures.”, he said.

2. It can make entertainment more immersive

Speaking of entertainment, this is what most VR headsets are targeted at the moment. It paves the way to a more immersive digital experience like gaming wherein gamers are put inside the digital world instead of just sitting in front of a monitor. When watching movies, users can have a theater like experience from the comforts of their homes or without the need for big and expensive TV sets. VR owners may also enjoy at its fullest the 360-degree videos uploaded on YouTube. Even the porn industry is starting to make videos catered to VR headset users.

3. It’s good for tourism and educational tours

With VR, people can see and look around places before or without leaving their homes, making it a good tool for tourism. Want to see the insides of a house you want to buy but don’t have the time to visit it personally? How about a view of Google’s Data Center? Or the White House? Or inside CERN’s Large Hadron Collider? No problem, just wear your VR headset and take a 360-degree VR tour.

4. It’s a good teaching/training tool

Microsoft has demonstrated this kind of capability during their Build Developers Conference last month. With the help of developers and devices like the Microsoft HoloLens, schools can make learning interactive and easier to understand. Companies can also utilize VR to train their employees such as engineers, scientists, pilots, etc.

5. It’s readily available

As mentioned at the start of the article, VR devices can be as cheap as free like the bundled Gear VR when you purchase a Samsung Galaxy S7 or Lenovo’s ANT VR headset when you purchase the new Vibe X3 or Vibe K4 Note. There’s Google Cardboard for $15 or you can make your own. CD-R King also has its own for Php888. Or you can go with the more expensive Oculus VR or Sony’s PlayStation VR. With that said, Virtual Reality technology is here. All you need now is the budget.

The post 5 Reasons Why Virtual Reality Headsets Are The Next Big Thing appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

Michael Kors outs Android Wear-powered smartwatch

Louie Diangson

American luxury fashion brand, Michael Kors, has entered the smart wearable arena with the announcement of their Android Wear-powered smartwatch – the Michael Kors Access.

The Michael Kors Access comes in two designs – glamorous for women and sporty for men. It features a touch screen display that shows exclusive Michael Kors display faces as well as interchangeable leather and silicone wristbands.

Like most Android Wear smartwatches, it has built-in fitness tracking, voice-activated Google, and can display social media updates, text and e-mail alerts, app notifications, and Smart help from Google.

The Michael Kors Access smartwatch will retail starting at $395 and will be available in Michael Kors stores, MichaelKors.com and select department and specialty stores in fall 2016.

source: Michael Kors
via: Engadget

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