Fitness Trackers
Video: Review of the ASUS VivoWatch SP
ASUS’ new VivoWatch SP is the company’s intelligent wearable health tracker that offers 24/7 health and fitness monitoring and insights to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and achieve your fitness goals. The watch comes embedded with ECG and PPG sensors that track real-time health data including pulse transit time (PTT) info, heart rate, body harmony index, pulse O2 level, sleep, activity and de-stress level to help you stay informed about your health.
Inside the box, the ASUS VivoWatch SP comes with a charger, an extra watch strap, and some paperwork that includes the quick start guide. The watch is charged using a clip-like charger that gets plugged into a power adapter with a micro-USB cable. The VivoWatch SP is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
The body of the watch is made up of stainless steel and the display is made up of a 1.34-inch colour LCD screen with always-on display. VivoWatch SP comes with dimensions of 53.5-by-46.5-by-14.2mm and 320-by-300 pixel screen resolution, weighing around 36 grams without the strap. The ASUS VivoWatch SP comes with 22mm watch straps. You can use any 22mm watch straps that come in many colours.
In order to connect the watch to your smartphone, you need to download the ASUS HealthConnect app. This is an intuitive and friendly app that allows you to manage blood pressure, heart rate, the female period, medicating reminders as well as share health data with your family or doctor. The HealthConnect app also used the ASUS HealthAI technology that offers personalised health advice, and health management tips, based on health measurements and your personal habits.
The VivoWatch SP also comes with a built-in GPS and altimeter. This allows you to track workouts and view activity maps and stats, such as speed, distance, altitude, and duration. The watch also features a quick-release watch strap, up to 14-day battery life, and a swim-proof design – this means the VivoWatch SP can be used safely up to depths of 50 meters, without any worries.
The user interface and the overall design of the VivoWatch SP is quite simple. There is just one button on the watch – the crown of the watch can be used to activate the display from a locked position and two sensors – one on the top-right edge and one on the bottom left edge.
To access the features of the VivoWatch SP, you just need to scroll left and right on the screen. And in each menu, you can scroll up or down to reveal more features that are related to the main one. The watch comes packed with 1GB of RAM and a 1.15-GHZ processor. You also get a 200 MAH battery, which lasts for up to 10 days for regular usage, and 14 days in power-saving mode.
The optical heart rate sensor at the side is paired with an ECG at the back. The device can do both heart rate sensing and ECG to give you a clear picture of your heart’s health. It takes 15 seconds to get a detailed analysis of your heart rate. There is also an indicator for Arterial stiffness which calculates pulse transit time along with the user’s skin resistance, and can also be used to evaluate an individual’s emotional states like stress, anxiety, fear, happiness, or relaxation.
When you keep this watch on your wrist, it will learn your behaviour all the time and give you tips on how to live a healthier life. If you wear it for seven days, the device starts offering suggestions on the types of exercises you can do in order to have a healthier heart. The watch also tracks how you sleep, including how many times you turn from side to side each night.
The ASUS VivoWatch SP can also tell how your heart rate evolves while you are in sleep. You will receive a detailed report which tells about how much time you spent in light sleep or deep sleep, and how much you were awake. You can even check out pulse O2 levels. All of this info is synced automatically to the ASUS HealthConnect app.
All of these features make the ASUS VivoWatch SP a fully functional smartwatch and a premium fitness tracker that offers lots of bells and whistles. These include ECG, PPG, built-in GPS, exercise companion, Health Insights (using HealthAI), and many more.
The watch can track your heart rate, measure the amount of oxygen present in the blood, and also track your sleep. The ASUS VivoWatch SP also charges very quickly and boasts a battery life of 14 days with normal usage. If you are on the market for a smartwatch that offers a very good range of fitness features, the ASUS VivoWatch SP is something you should definitely check out!
Price: AED 1180
ASUS VivoWatch SP AED 1180
Summary
The body of the watch is made up of stainless steel and the display is made up of a 1.34-inch colour LCD screen with an always-on display. VivoWatch SP comes with dimensions of 53.5-by-46.5-by-14.2mm and 320-by-300 pixel screen resolution, weighing around 36 grams without the strap. The ASUS VivoWatch SP comes with 22mm watch straps. You can use any 22mm watch straps that come in many colours.
User Review
( votes)Earbuds
Xiaomi Unveils the New Redmi Note 13 Series
Xiaomi has launched the much-awaited Redmi Note 13 Series in the UAE, highlighting the company’s commitment to bringing innovative products to the market. At the event, the company launched four new models such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and the Redmi Note 13, with starting prices of AED 749. Alongside the smartphones, the company also took the wraps off its new Redmi Watch 4, Redmi Buds 5 Pro, and Redmi Buds 5.
The Redmi Note 13 Series marks a significant advancement in camera technology, design, display quality, and processing power, narrowing the gap between mid-tier and high-end smartphones. These devices offer outstanding durability, an excellent user experience, and superior photographic capabilities at an accessible price point.
The series introduces a revolutionary camera system that transforms mobile photography. The professional models, including the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 13 Pro, are equipped with a remarkable 200MP camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and 2x/4x lossless zoom, allowing for incredibly detailed and precise photography. The camera system is enhanced by a large 1/1.4″ sensor, advanced image processing, and cutting-edge technologies like Tetra2 pixel, ensuring superb image quality even in low-light conditions.
The standard models, the Redmi Note 13 5G and Redmi Note 13 come with a 108MP primary camera that includes 3x lossless zoom and filmCamera filters for personalization. The triple camera array and a 16MP front-facing camera, powered by the Xiaomi Imaging Engine, provide state-of-the-art computational photography and strong image processing.
In addition to its impressive photographic capabilities, the Redmi Note 13 Series stands out with its modern design, featuring ultra-thin bezels and vivid AMOLED screens that support refresh rates up to 120Hz. This blend ensures a top-notch user experience with fluid scrolling and enhanced visual quality for a more pleasurable viewing experience.
The Redmi Note 13 Series emphasizes resilience, incorporating Corning Gorilla Glass Victus to significantly improve protection against drops and scratches. Select models, like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, go beyond by securing an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring greater reliability in various environments.
Internally, the series is equipped with state-of-the-art processors that deliver both power and efficiency. The premier model, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra chipset and features a 5,000mAh battery. It also debuts the 120W HyperCharge technology, achieving a full charge in a mere 19 minutes. In the realm of wearables, the Redmi Watch 4 shines with its large 1.97″ AMOLED screen, sleek design, and advanced health tracking capabilities.
The Redmi Buds 5 and Redmi Buds 5 Pro revolutionize the listening experience with active noise cancellation (ANC) and extensive customization through the Xiaomi Earbuds app. The Redmi Buds 5 Pro, supporting LDAC and various EQ settings, enhances the audio experience, providing a rich and tailored sound landscape. The Redmi Note 13 Series goes beyond the norms of typical smartphones, offering a holistic and cutting-edge mobile experience that includes superior imaging, elegant design, robustness, and the latest technological advancements.
The Redmi Note 13 Series presents an array of models, each with unique storage options and a palette of colours. The top-tier Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is offered in Midnight Black, Moonlight White, and Aurora Purple, with a 12+512GB storage option, beginning at 1599 AED. The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is available in Midnight Black, Ocean Teal, and Aurora Purple, featuring a 12+512GB storage variant, at 1399 AED.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro comes in Midnight Black, Lavender Purple, and Forest Green, offering two storage configurations: 12+512GB starting at 1159 AED and 8+256GB from 969 AED. The Redmi Note 13 is up for grabs in Midnight Black, Mint Green, and Ice Blue, with a single storage model, starting at 749 AED.
Additionally, the Redmi Watch 4 is priced at 379 AED, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro at 319 AED, and the Redmi Buds 5 at 179 AED, rounding out a full range of products. The entire series, including the wearable devices, will be available in the UAE from January 19th via official Xiaomi outlets.
Accessories
HUAWEI Launches the WATCH FIT Special Edition and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2
Huawei has announced the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT Special Edition, a fashionable and lightweight smartwatch for the active and adventurous youth, and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2, the wireless earbuds that offer everything you need at an attractive price. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT Special Edition features a large 1.64-inch AMOLED square screen, resulting in a screen-to-body ratio of 70%, making the watch spectacular to look at from any angle.
The exciting thing about the HUAWEI WATCH FIT Special Edition is that it works seamlessly with both iOS and Android smartphones. So, it doesn’t matter what kind of phone you use; you can still enjoy the wholesome features of this amazing fashionable wearable. HUAWEI WATCH FIT Special Edition supports fast charging, enabling you to use it for two days with just five minutes of charging and fully charge it in just 45 minutes.
In addition, the watch supports up to 9 days of battery life, up to 6 days for normal use, and up to 3 days for AOD mode. The new watch packs a wide range of health and fitness features at a wallet-friendly price, including respiratory monitoring, heart rate tracking, and more. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT Special Edition is available in Starry Black, Nebula Pink and Forest Green for AED329 from Huawei Experience stores, e-shop and select retailers across UAE.
Whether you are listening to music, watching videos, or making calls, the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 will deliver an exceptional audio experience with long battery life, a lightweight and compact design, fast charging and more. With the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2, you can enjoy up to 40 hours of music playback with a fully charged charging case. The earbuds themselves can last for 9 hours on a single charge.
And if you ever need a quick boost of power, you can get 3 hours of music playback with just a 10-minute charge. What’s more, these earbuds work seamlessly with Android and iOS devices as well. The HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 is IP54-rated for water and dust resistance. Whether you are working out at the gym, jogging in the park, or commuting in the rain, you can use these earbuds without any worries.
The HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 will be available from available starting from August 25th in Isle Blue and Ceramic White for AED179 from Huawei Experience stores, e-shop and select retailers across UAE.
Accessories
Review: Fitbit Versa 4
Fitbit has been a part of my daily routine for years now. I have been using the Fitbit Charge 5 since November 2021 and I have been more than happy with the device. The company recently announced a slew of new devices, one of which was the Versa 4. So when the company sent me the Versa 4 for review, I immediately switched over to it. I have been using the Versa 4 for a month and in this review, I will explain why the Versa 4 shines.
In terms of design, build quality, and even some of the features, the Fitbit Versa 4 is very similar to the Sense 2. While Fitbit was purchased by Google, the company is still using Fitbit’s Fitbit OS instead of the Wear OS 3. The Fitbit Versa 4 comes with a nice-looking touchscreen AMOLED display on the top that measures 1.58 inches, very similar to the one found on the Sense 2. In addition, both watches offer the same resolution of 336-by-336 pixels.
Furthermore, the Versa 4 and the Sense 2 come packed with 4GB of storage, and support for wireless technologies such as Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and NFC. In terms of sensors, both of them accompany a gyroscope, an ambient light sensor, a heart rate sensor, a barometer, GPS, and a compass. There, however, are two sensors missing on the Versa 4 – the EDA sensor and the ECG sensor – both of which are available on the Sense 2.
The Versa 3 features a haptic button – Fitbit this time around has changed that. The Fitbit Versa 4 now comes with a side-mounted physical button, which I think is far better than the haptic button used in the predecessor. According to Fitbit, it will be easier for users to use a physical button, especially when they’re sweaty after an hour or two’s worth of exercise.
In terms of colour options, you can choose from Black / Graphite Aluminum, Waterfall Blue / Platinum Aluminum, Pink Sand / Copper Rose Aluminum, and Beet Juice / Copper Rose Aluminum. The variant we received for this review was the Waterfall Blue / Platinum Aluminum version. The watch is very handsome to look at and it certainly has a heft to it, pointing at the top-notch build quality.
The strap used on the Versa 4 is a silicone Infinity band variant, while Fitbit also offers some premium watchstraps, including options such as sports straps, woven leather bands, Horween leather bands, woven bands, Hook & Loop bands, Pendleton woven bands, and even a vegan leather option. So, there’s a multitude of options to choose from, if you would like to personalise the Versa 4 to your liking.
The Versa 4 counts steps, measures your heart rate, tracks your sleep pattern, tracks your SpO2 levels, tracks elevation using an altimeter, and can also deliver high and low heart rate notifications. The only things missing in the Versa 4 when compared with the Sense 2, as mentioned earlier, are an EDA Scan app for stress management and an ECG app for heart rhythm assessment.
The Versa 4 also tracks your mindfulness, manages stress, offers a readiness score, tracks your exercise, tracks health metrics, and so on.
And if you are using Fitbit Premium, you get a lot more stats and advice based on the logged numbers, such as snore and noise detection while sleeping, sleep profile, wellness report, recipe inspiration, video workouts, and more. The Versa 4 also offers Alexa as the voice assistant of choice and Fitbit Pay, which can be managed through the Fitbit app.
The battery life is also very good on the Fitbit Versa 4. On a single charge, we were able to clock a week’s worth of battery life, which is amazing. In addition, you can also perform quick replies to messages and the watch also supports Google Assistant, Maps, and the revamped Google Wallet, which is coming soon. As with previous Fitbit watches, iOS support is also present with integration provided by the Fitbit app.
For a price of AED 999, the Fitbit Versa 4 is not just a capable fitness tracker that offers a boatload of features and does an amazing job at tracking your health. The Fitbit Versa 4 thus comes across as highly recommended.
Price: AED 999
Fitbit Versa 4 AED 999
Summary
The Versa 4 counts steps, measures your heart rate, tracks your sleep pattern, tracks your SpO2 levels, tracks elevation using an altimeter, and can also deliver high and low heart rate notifications.