Tag Archives: limits

Apple Watch Series 11 Review: Extended Battery Life Lets You Push Your Limits without Worry

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The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces a highly requested feature: extended battery life.


Aside from that, the new model serves as a direct successor to the Series 10, retaining its design, dimensions, and features. Most enhancements are software-based, solidifying its position as one of the top smartwatches available, despite limited physical changes.

Starting at just 369 pounds in the UK (449 euros/$399/$679), the Series 11 sits below the watch SE at the low end and 749 pounds Ultra 3 at the high end.




The Series 11 is available in Space Gray, a hue first seen with the iPhone 5s in 2013. Old trends make a comeback. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Similar to last year’s Series 10, this new version is only 9.7mm thick, making it comfortable to wear at night and easily tucked under cuffs. It’s lightweight and user-friendly.

The vibrant 2,000 knit OLED display is bright for indoor and outdoor use, and remains legible from various angles. The glass is reportedly twice as scratch-resistant as its predecessors, though it doesn’t quite match the hardness of the sapphire used in more expensive titanium models.

The new watch incorporates the same S10 chip as previous versions, now with optional 5G connectivity, ensuring strong reception for outdoor activities. Battery capacity has increased by 9% for 42mm models and 11% for 46mm models.

In sleep tracking tests without exercise, the 46mm version lasted two days. Most users can expect around two days and nights before needing a recharge, which takes 66 minutes with a power adapter over 20W (not included), reaching about 70% in just 30 minutes. During a run, it tracks for roughly eight hours—enough for one or two marathons.

Specifications

  • Case Size: 42 or 46mm

  • Case Thickness: 9.7mm

  • Weight: Approximately 30g or 37g

  • Processor: S10

  • Storage: 64GB

  • Operating System: WatchOS 26

  • Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 ATM)

  • Sensors: HR, ECG, SpO2, Temperature, Depth, Microphone, Speaker, NFC, GNSS, Compass, Altimeter

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 4, NFC, UWB, Optional 5G

WatchOS 26




The Flow Watch face is engaging, though reading the time at a glance can be challenging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Series 11 ships with WatchOS 26, compatible with all models from the Series 6 onward. A new liquid glass design introduces semi-transparent elements and two additional monitoring interfaces: a large digital face called Flow that reacts to movement, and an Analog Face that segments hours, minutes, and seconds into custom dials.

One of the standout features is the wrist flick gesture. This allows you to quickly twist your wrist to dismiss notifications and return to the watch face without lifting your wrist to look at it, enabling you to silence alarms with a satisfying motion.

Hypertension, Sleep, and AI Workouts




Hypertension alerts utilize the optical sensor located on the back, the same one used for heart rate and blood oxygen readings; no pressure cuffs needed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Apple Watch retains the extensive health monitoring tools of its predecessor while introducing new features and a revamped training app.

Hypertension alerts now observe potential high blood pressure over 30 days, notifying users if heart rate data indicates possible hidden issues.

The updated sleep score metric simplifies Apple’s sleep tracking, akin to offerings from competitors like Google and Samsung. Each morning, users receive a score out of 100 based on factors such as duration, bedtime, and interruptions, all easily understood within the iPhone health app.




A sleep score helps you gauge sleep quality, allowing for detailed assessments as needed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Workout Buddy acts as an AI coach, leveraging past training data to offer motivational talk before and after workouts. It tracks your training frequency and effort level, providing audible updates during your exercise, including alerts for milestones like pace, heart rate, distance, and time.

Three voice options deliver updates through Bluetooth headphones in any of the 12 supported activities, including walking, running, and cycling. However, functionality may depend on being in proximity to an iPhone 15 Pro or later to avoid interruptions while training.

Sustainability




The recycled aluminum frame offers a premium, slim, and comfortable fit. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Apple states that the battery should last for 1,000 or more charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity, and can be replaced for £95. Repair costs range from between £295 and £389, depending on the model.

The watch comprises over 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, titanium, tungsten, among others. Apple provides trade-in options and free recycling of devices, addressing the environmental impact of its products.

Price

The Series 11 is available in two sizes (42 and 46mm) with options for materials and 5G support, which necessitates a compatible phone plan for eSIM. Prices start at £369 (€449/$399/$679), with the 5G model requiring an additional £100 (€120/$100/$170).

For reference, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 retails at £749, while the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at £219, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 is priced at £349. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is available for £294.

Verdict

The Series 11 keeps the successful Apple Watch formula intact, enhancing it with improved glass and longer battery life.

With its slim profile, quick charging, and two-day battery life, it proves convenient for sleep tracking and silent alarms. The wrist flick gesture stands out as a feature every watch should embrace, and compatibility with earlier Apple Watch straps and chargers is a significant advantage. Price drops in the UK are also appreciated.

Users may need time to adjust to the glass-like appearance of WatchOS 26, but the software operates similarly while introducing valuable additions like hypertension alerts. The Workout Buddy proves particularly useful, offering positive experiences though reliant on mobile exercise.

Overall, the Series 11 ranks among the finest smartwatches for iPhone users. Those with older models, like the Series 6, can expect a substantial upgrade. However, this year, it faces competition from the revamped Watch SE 3, which serves as a compelling alternative.

Pros: Exceptional screen visibility, sleek design, double tap and wrist flick gestures, top-notch health monitoring, impressive activity tracking, AI coaching via Workout Buddy, 50m water resistance, two-day battery life, optional 5G connectivity, long software support, eco-friendly materials, and backward compatibility with previous Apple Watch straps.

Cons: Premium pricing, limited to iPhone users, lacks customizable faces for third-party watches, and maintains a similar aesthetic to prior models.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Who Will Purchase MP3 Players in 2025? The Limits of Music Streaming | Gadgets

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wI was just 18 when I got my hands on a Minidisc player, which had seen better days in terms of popularity. While it might not have been the most “fashionable” choice at the time, I absolutely loved it. I vaguely recall picking up packs at Poundland, building a vibrant library of affordable music before Spotify even existed.


This week, as I published articles about the MP3 players that revolutionized portable audio technology, I reflected on how they ultimately overshadowed my beloved Minidisc players. To be fair, MP3 playback is merely one of many file formats supported by modern digital audio players—perhaps a more fitting term.

For a period, I sensed that music streaming didn’t quite satisfy my needs. Yes, the ability to access an entire music library at your fingertips is a technological marvel, but it also leads to “choice paralysis” akin to being a child in a candy store. More crucially, it’s not your music.

Frustration with Algorithms

While exploring modern players for this piece, I found that I’m not alone in feeling disconnected from today’s streaming landscape. Chris Laidler, office manager at Advanced MP3 Players, provided insights into the type of individuals who opt out of the streaming norm—my kind of people.

When he began his career in 2017, his customers largely comprised a niche audiophile community, “pursuing high-resolution audio as a hobby,” he shares. These were people “more invested in technology than in music.”

However, since the onset of Covid, this clientele has expanded to include more casual buyers. For some, nostalgia plays a role, but there are also more practical motivations.

“It liberates them from the algorithm,” Laidler explains. “They seek out music on their own terms. This also means they have a device to store the music they genuinely own, rather than subscribing to Spotify.”

For true audio enthusiasts, smartphone audio simply falls short. “Consider your phone’s size,” Raidler gestures, “which features only a small DAC [digital-to-analog converter].” On the flip side, a dedicated MP3 player offers an entire setup designed for optimal music reproduction. And yes, that includes a standard wired audio jack—take note, Apple!

Generally, some acknowledge the steep entry price, even if they appreciate the concepts. For reference, my investment landed around £650, but top-tier technology can soar into the thousands. However, don’t fret! My more budget-friendly pick, the impressive Snowkey Echo Mini at £66.99, provides great value. After a certain price point, you’re more likely chasing a specific sound signature than an evident leap in quality.

The Tyranny of Choice

Ironically, as you try to make a selection, the abundance of options can mirror the overwhelming experience of scrolling through Spotify. “At audio trade shows, visitors come equipped with notebooks, taking notes on each player’s characteristics and prices,” Laidler recounts. “Yet, when you see these same individuals returning the following year, and you ask them, ‘So, which one did you choose?’—they’re still undecided.”

Should I opt for an older MP3 player? They have limitations in terms of storage, file format compatibility, and warranties. “From a nostalgia standpoint, they’re fantastic,” says Raidler.

“I enjoy showcasing these vintage players during our exhibitions and meetings because we can’t access them easily; perhaps we should even start a museum!”

This Week’s Selection

Editor’s Choice




Is it raining at the parade? It’s not about wearing the right clothes. Photo: Cicy/Getty Images/Istockphoto

You step out into glorious sunshine only to arrive at an office that resembles a death chamber. Your inexpensive emergency umbrella keeps flipping inside out. Yes, autumn weather is back with a vengeance. How do you maintain style amidst potential downpours? Fashion writer Charlotte Gornor has all the solutions for adding a layer of sophistication to any outfit, including waxed hoods and stylish caps.

Monica Hollige
Associate Editor, Filter

In Case You Missed It…




A few replacements and a little hydration of your beauty routine can repair summer’s damage. Photo: Westend61/Getty Images

Let’s be real: Have you overlooked rinsing your hair every time you hit the beach this summer? Did you miss applying sunscreen to every part of your body before venturing outside? And are you hoping to prolong that summer glow? (All three apply here.)

Hayley Spencer’s guide offers remedies to heal your skin, hair, and nails after a sun-soaked summer. We’re especially fond of this drunken elephant scrub, which not only helps remove dead skin cells and debris that can clog pores, but also enhances moisture penetration, ensuring your skin remains hydrated and radiant. More glow, please!

Get Involved




What’s your secret to kicking off the day right—a cup of coffee or a breath of fresh air? Photo: Stephen Chong/Aramie

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, what’s your secret to enhancing your mornings? Waking up to a radio alarm instead of your phone? An amazing cup of coffee? Some gentle stretches? Or perhaps an eye mask that grants you an extra 30 minutes of sleep? Share your thoughts by replying to this newsletter or email thefilter@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Challenging Thermal Radiation Limits May Lead to Improved Solar Cell Technology

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By manipulating fundamental physics, researchers can enhance energy-harvesting devices like solar cells

M2020/Shutterstock

Researchers have challenged long-standing principles of physics, paving the way for more efficient energy harvesting technologies, such as solar cells.

Linxiao Zhu from Penn State University has aimed to break Kirchov’s law of thermal radiation for nearly ten years. Established in the 1800s, this law states that the amount of thermal radiation emitted by an object is proportional to the heat it absorbs, linking to the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. Historically, it was believed that these constraints were absolute.

“In standard physics literature, it’s indicated that Kirchov’s law is a fundamental requirement of the second law of thermodynamics. However, this is not entirely accurate,” explains Zhu.

Previous breaches of this law were seen, but only concerning specific wavelengths of radiation. Zhu and his team have achieved a more significant departure from the norm.

This breakthrough required two significant elements: precisely structured materials and magnetic fields. Both the arrangement of the material and the magnetic environment play crucial roles in the behavior of the particles making up the radiation, like photons, and the energy they carry.

The researchers developed thin-layered semiconductors from indium, gallium, and arsenides, meticulously organizing the atoms. They positioned this setup near a strong electromagnet, illuminating it with lights of various colors at distinct temperatures, angles, and magnetic field strengths.

This combination of material structure and ongoing magnetic influence led to a significant disparity between the radiation absorbed and emitted—up to 43% more radiation was released than was originally absorbed. Zhu attributes this phenomenon to the presence of multiple colors of light. This characteristic is particularly beneficial since sunlight comprises a mixture of colors when hitting solar cell devices.

Aaswath Raman from UCLA indicates that this trial is a major advancement toward turning previously theoretical concepts into reality. He remarks that the stark difference between absorbed and emitted radiation is “a significant breakthrough.”

While novel materials can enhance the efficiency of light and heat-absorbing devices, the requirement for magnetic fields presents challenges. However, Raman remains optimistic about the emergence of new materials that display magnetic properties without requiring proximity to magnets, which could resolve these issues through innovative electromagnetic techniques.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Five performance-enhancing drugs that are on the edge of legality, giving Olympic athletes a boost to their limits

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In 1999, the sports world experienced a significant change. On November 10, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was founded with the goal of “protecting athletes, promoting clean sport values, and upholding the spirit of sports globally.”

WADA was established in response to various high-profile drug-related incidents, such as Ben Johnson’s steroid scandal in the 1988 Olympics and the 1998 “Festina Scandal” involving drugs found in a team car at the Tour de France. It was created out of concern for athlete safety and the potential backlash from audiences towards professional sports.

The WADA Code includes an annual publication of a Prohibited List, which outlines banned substances and methods for both in-competition and out-of-competition use. A substance or method is considered prohibited if it meets two out of three criteria – it may enhance performance, poses health risks to athletes, or goes against the spirit of sport.

This framework aims to create a safer environment for athletes but also presents a grey area where certain substances or methods could be legal but potentially illegal in the future.

As a result, there is ongoing investigation into legal methods and substances commonly used by professional athletes that may face bans in the future.

1. Carbon monoxide rebreathing

With more than 100 deaths annually in the UK due to carbon monoxide poisoning, the use of carbon monoxide rebreathing in sports science may raise eyebrows. However, this method is commonly used to measure hemoglobin levels in athletes.

Through carbon monoxide rebreathing, athletes inhale the gas to measure various blood parameters, particularly hemoglobin content, which impacts oxygen delivery to muscles. This process simulates the effects of training at high altitudes, where athletes produce more red blood cells to enhance performance.

Inhaling carbon monoxide can raise the carbon monoxide level in your blood to about 5 percent. – Photo credit: Getty Images

While this method has its benefits, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can have adverse effects on an athlete’s oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to concerns about its use.

2. Oxygen Tent

Similar to carbon monoxide rebreathing, oxygen tents are popular among athletes to simulate high-altitude environments and enhance red blood cell counts. These tents have been used by various sports teams and athletes to improve performance through altitude training.

Former footballer Graham Cooper trains wearing a training mask connected to an altitude generator for low-oxygen training. – Photo credit: Getty

Despite its benefits, the use of oxygen tents has stirred controversy in the past due to concerns about artificially elevated blood parameters and its impact on the spirit of sports. Regulations and bans have been enforced in some regions to address these issues.

3. High-tech trisuit

Alex Yee overtakes New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde in a dramatic finale of the Paris 2024 Olympic triathlon – Photo Credit: Getty

Modern trisuits, like the one worn by British triathlete Alex Yee at the Paris Olympics, incorporate cutting-edge technology to enhance performance. These suits are designed to optimize aerodynamics, improve speed, and potentially provide advantages in water sports.

With innovations in fabric technology and fit, these trisuits are custom-made to maximize performance while complying with sports regulations. The use of advanced materials and design elements can influence race outcomes significantly.

4. Ketone Drinks

Ketone drinks have gained popularity among athletes for their potential to boost energy levels without the need for starvation. These drinks can help conserve glycogen reserves during intense exercise, improve endurance, and enhance recovery between workouts.

Despite their benefits, the use of ketone drinks raises concerns about their long-term effects on health and athletic performance. Organizations like the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC) advocate against the use of ketones due to insufficient research and potential risks associated with their consumption.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine remains a popular dietary supplement among athletes due to its proven performance-enhancing effects. Studies have shown that caffeine can improve fat burning, speed, and endurance by stimulating neuronal activity in the brain and triggering the release of adrenaline.

While caffeine is legal and widely used, there are concerns about its safety when consumed in excessive amounts. Regulations on caffeine use have evolved over time, with bans being implemented and lifted based on scientific evidence and health considerations.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Is an aging NASA probe redefining the limits of our solar system?

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NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft is hurtling out of our solar system at incredible speed. It’s currently about 8 billion kilometers from the Sun, and by the time you finish reading this article, it will be thousands of kilometers further into the frigid darkness. Space is lonely; even the giant planet Jupiter is just a tiny speck.

New Horizons is best known for getting the first proper glimpses of the dwarf planet Pluto in 2015, which it had previously only seen as a faint smudge. It also taught us a lot about the outer solar system and the tiny frozen worlds that float there. “It’s really been an Alice in Wonderland kind of story,” says Alan Stern, the mission’s principal investigator. “It’s been a magical experience, and we’ve made some amazing discoveries.”

But the dream isn’t over yet, because New Horizons may make a surprise final move. In early 2024, one of New Horizons’ detectors recorded an unexpected increase in the amount of dust it encountered. That material could have been created by collisions between rocky fragments, and astronomers now suspect that there may be many objects beyond the rubble-strewn Kuiper Belt, often considered the edge of the solar system. If so, the boundaries of the solar system would need to be redrawn, calling into question models of the formation of the solar system.

Stern and his colleagues are clearly hoping to take advantage of the rover’s unique location to learn more about this unexplored wilderness while they still can. “This is…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Determining the Limits: How Should AI be Used in TV and Film? | Culture

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TWhile last year’s Hollywood writers and actors strike was about a variety of factors, among them fair pay and back pay, one concern far outweighed the others. It was a breach of a type of generative AI that can generate text, images, and video. people’s lives. It was a foregone conclusion that we would use generative AI in the content we watch, from movies to television to tons of trash on the internet. Pandora’s box has been opened. But the cry at the time was that even with a three-year contract, this technology was developed, deployed and deployed so quickly that protections were ensured against companies using AI to cut corners. If they did, it would be a victory.



It was no fuss. In the mere months since the Writers Guild and Actors Guild signed a historic deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the average social media user has almost certainly become aware of AI, whether they realize it or not. You will have encountered the generated material. Efforts to curb celebrity porn AI deepfakes have even reached the notoriously recalcitrant and insensitive US Congress. The internet is currently rife with misinformation and conspiracies, and with the presence of generative AI; Tore what was left of our shared reality to shreds., Kate Middleton’s AI deepfake video seemed like a not-unreasonable conclusion to many. (For the record, it was real.) Hollywood executives are already testing OpenAI’s upcoming text-to-video program, Sora, and producer Tyler Perry said: canceling his studio’s $800 million expansion Because “jobs will be lost” in Atlanta.

In short, many people are scared, or at best wary, and with good reason. That’s all the more reason to focus on the small battles over AI, rather than through an apocalyptic lens. Because amidst all the big talk about Taylor Swift deepfakes and the potential job apocalypse, generative AI is creeping into movies and TV in small ways, some potentially creative, some latent. Because it’s unlucky. In recent weeks alone, many examples of AI being used legally in and around creative projects have tested what audiences pay attention to and receive, and what is ethically acceptable. We are investigating.

www.theguardian.com

Understanding the Purpose of Designing Cars to Exceed Speed Limits

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Why are cars designed to go far above the speed limit? (Don’t tell me they’re built with the Autobahn in mind.) Andy Crosby, North Wales

Please send new questions to nq@theguardian.com.

Reader replies

Because for mechanical reasons, a car that can get to 100 will perform better at 70 than a car that can only get to 70. Also, an engine that can only reach 110 mph on flat ground may struggle on hills. I was riding a 1.2 Clio and had to anticipate the hills and lower gears so I wouldn’t run out of breath. My Golf Diesel ran smoothly on the same slope without any complaints. Of course, you can also install a speed limiter on your vehicle (I often drive minibuses with speed limits). But consider the problems that arise when a speed-limited truck tries to pass another truck, slowly weaving in the center lane of a freeway, and the resulting confusion and congestion. yorkshire expatriate

I think the Germans call this the “elephant race”. socialism now

Of course, men are embarrassed to buy Viagra. Greg KZ

Is it because you are selling it? Automotive journalists like to include acceleration and top speed performance as positive in their reviews. So perhaps car buyers want a faster car, even if they can’t use that performance (at least in theory). reggie pudding

I purchased a 2015 Audi A5 3.0TDi Quattro 5 years ago. With 245bhp it will reach 60mph in less than 6 seconds. When you need that oomph to pass a bloke going 40mph on the local highway, it’s also thanks to its bags of torque that it means overtaking is quick and easy.

Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but I’ve never seen one. In France, I hit 132 mph on the motorway, the legal maximum speed.

The best part is that despite the engine’s size, it literally ticks along at 110mph at 1,600rpm and gets over 50mpg on long trips. So it’s a good grand tourer, with the ability to drift, a decent slug of power, and the ability to growl when needed. This is called being flexible. I’m already looking forward to my next road trip to France! Chilled Gibo

You’re Jeremy Clarkson, I charge you £5! Tatty Bogle

I am disappointed that the transition to electric power is not seen as an opportunity to end our obsession with increasingly high-powered cars. We see advertisements boasting extraordinary acceleration rates and high power outputs, but as a result, batteries are increasingly required to be larger and heavier, and have a greater environmental impact during manufacturing and use. This is contrary to the potential of electric vehicles to reduce the impact of personal mobility. We will properly lower speed limits and introduce aggressive punitive taxes on large, powerful personal vehicles. evan 1

Highest efficiency point. Designed for 110 miles per hour, it runs at full capacity. Imagine sprinting endlessly on every trip. It is designed to have a top speed of 160 mph and then cruise at 110 mph. I can run comfortably. Seno j1

A significant number of EVs buck this trend by having very fast acceleration but relatively low top speeds. For example, in my case he is supposed to reach 60 in less than 7 seconds, and this acceleration corresponds to a top speed of 130-140. In fact, its top speed is around 108, more than enough to allow a comfortable margin of stress relief at legal speeds. It is also true that some EVs reach 60 points within his 3 seconds, which begs the question of how many drivers can handle this without crashing into a more solid vehicle. suspicious solipsist

Fuel Efficiency – If a car can go 240 km/h while redlining in 5th, it will rev much lower and consume less fuel, potentially reaching 120 km/h. mcknight

Is it because speeding fines are a valuable source of income? eddie miscellaneous post

Margin of error (also known as safety). You have to turn occasionally (at legal speeds) to avoid accidents, and you always have to use mechanical devices that aren’t working at stress points, because it’s not good for wheels to fall off. Speedy 95060

A car with an engine with a “design” speed of 130 mph can have a “smaller” carburetor fitted to the engine, which will limit power and speed accordingly, but with less impact on the engine and moving parts. It has the advantage of being less stressful. . Of course, this will be about the same price as the “unlimited” version, so boy racers will want to go over the speed limit, so I guess manufacturers choose the faster version to increase sales. balance and reason

Cars are sold as toys, but only incidentally as a means of transportation. Lochaber 1

I hope this is the answer they give as their “last word.” Doralicious

Source: www.theguardian.com