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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: The Ultimate Smartwatch for iPhone Users

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The most powerful and impressive Apple Watch returns for its third generation. Now featuring a larger display, extended battery life, and satellite messaging capabilities to help you stay connected, even in remote areas.

The Ultra 3 is Apple’s response to adventure watches such as Garmin’s Fenix ​​8 Pro, but it doubles as a comprehensive smartwatch for your iPhone, complete with all essential features. Priced at £749 (€899/$799/AU$1,399), it’s £50 less than the 2023 variant, yet pricier than the Series 11 starting at £369 and the Watch SE 3 at £219.

At first glance, the Ultra 3 doesn’t appear markedly different from its predecessor released two years ago. Available in natural or black titanium, it maintains the same dimensions but now boasts a slightly larger display with reduced bezels, affirming its status as the largest Apple Watch yet.

The screen presents greater brightness at various angles, enhancing visibility at a glance, and displays a ticking seconds feature when idle, much like the Series 10 and 11. It’s exceptionally bright, shielded by ultra-durable sapphire glass, and ranks among the finest screens available on a wearable.

The robust crown and reinforced side buttons minimize accidental touches during workouts and are user-friendly even with gloves on. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Equipped with the same S10 chip as the Series 11, the Ultra 3 incorporates excellent touch-free gestures. A double-tap of your thumb and index finger can activate buttons or scroll, while swiftly releasing your wrist and returning it dismisses an alarm or notification or goes back to the watch face.

Apple has successfully integrated a 6% larger battery into the Ultra 3, allowing over three days of usage in typical conditions, including overnight sleep monitoring. Most users will find a recharge necessary every three nights. This represents a full day longer than other Apple Watch variants, though it still lags behind adventure-watch competitors like Garmin that offer week-long battery life.

A full charge is achievable in about two hours, and it reaches 50% within 30 minutes using the included USB-C magnetic charging cable.

Satellite and 5G

If you subscribe to a compatible phone plan, your watch can leverage 5G, greatly enhancing mobile connectivity in areas with weak 4G signals. Apple has also introduced complimentary satellite SOS messaging from your iPhone to the Ultra 3, enabling emergency text communications via satellite, even without cellular service. Satellite usage is also available for “Find My location” tracking and messaging to friends, although this feature is limited to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and both require an eligible cellular data plan.

The Ultra 3 operates on the latest watchOS 26 software like the Series 11 and other Apple Watches, featuring a refreshed design with new watch faces. Moreover, the Ultra 3 showcases a captivating new Waypoint watch face that includes a live compass displaying surrounding points of interest. This face adds to several other information-rich Ultra-exclusive designs, including Wayfinder and Modular Ultra.

A collection of Ultra 3 watch faces, including the new Exactograph (top left), Waypoint (top-center), Flux (top right), and an always-on off-angle display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Specifications

  • Case Size: 49×44mm

  • Case Thickness: 12mm

  • Weight: 61.8g

  • Processor: S10

  • Storage: 64GB

  • Operating System: watchOS 26

  • Water Resistance: 100 meters (10ATM)

  • Sensors: HR, ECG, SpO2, temperature, depth, dual-band GPS, compass, altimeter

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB, satellite, optional 5G/eSIM

Top-Notch Sports and Health Tracking

A domed sapphire glass sensor array on the back captures most health metrics and fits snugly on your wrist. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Ultra encompasses the same extensive health and fitness tracking capabilities found in standard Apple Watches, including rich heart monitoring features, ECG, abnormal rhythm alerts, blood oxygen tracking, and a new high blood pressure warning that assesses readings over 30 days.

It introduces Apple’s innovative Sleep Score metric for easily interpreting your tracked sleep, wrist temperature monitoring, cycle tracking with ovulation prediction, and more functionalities.

Ultra enhances typical Apple Watch workout tracking in several notable ways. An extra action button allows immediate workout initiation, and unlike other Apple models, you can delay until GPS has locked before pressing it a second time to begin your workout.

The Precision Start feature, exclusive to the Ultra, is anticipated to also be integrated into standard Apple Watches. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Notably, its dual-band GPS system enhances tracking precision in challenging environments, such as urban areas with tall buildings or dense forests. This feature, found in premium running watches, has shown marked improvement since the first Ultra, establishing it as one of the most accurate timepieces available, often matching or surpassing the best performers in urban GPS assessments.

It tracks an array of metrics including running power and dynamics, training load, heart rate zones, and more, alongside conventional stats like distance, pace, and cadence. The Ultra can store structured workouts such as interval training and features an excellent track detection mode for laps. It’s equally effective in cycling, swimming, triathlons, and supports diving up to 40 meters along with more than 22 other activity types.

Brilliant orange action buttons can be customized for various functions, including workouts, torches, stopwatches, voice memos, and more. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Combined with a large, bright display, it offers a commendable 11-14 hour battery life during high-accuracy run tracking, making the Ultra 3 a surprisingly effective sports watch.

Ultra also offers new features like Apple’s Workout Buddy AI Coach for walking, running, hiking, cycling, and various training workouts, providing both pre- and post-activity encouragement through Bluetooth headphones. However, you will need to carry an iPhone 15 Pro or later model for this functionality.

Sustainability

Apple states that the battery can endure over 1,000 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity and is replaceable for £95. Repair costs for damage amount to £489.

This watch incorporates over 40% recycled materials, including cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, titanium, and tungsten. Apple provides device trade-ins and free recycling services, along with a report detailing the environmental impact of its watches.

Price

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available in two colors and various bands, starting at £749 (€899/$799/AU$1,399).

Verdict

The Ultra 3 is the largest and most potent Apple Watch available, but enhancements over previous variants are minimal.

Aside from the satellite SOS messaging, which may truly prove vital in emergencies, the rest of the features chiefly improve upon the Ultra 2.

Nonetheless, the longer battery life is a much-appreciated upgrade, and the increase in screen size and brightness on the same watch frame is fantastic. The new software capabilities are impressive, particularly the flick-through-list gesture for clearing notifications, representing one of the best recent upgrades to the Apple Watch.

The Ultra remains a unique option compared to other models; if you desire a less common Apple Watch, this is the right choice for you. However, those in search of a high-end, specialist sports watch might prefer alternatives like Garmin. Yet, the Ultra 3 boasts all the qualities of an excellent smartwatch compatible with your iPhone while serving effectively as a training companion, provided it is charged frequently.

The Ultra 3 stands tall as the premier Apple Watch, though significant upgrades from earlier Ultra models are generally absent.

Pros: Exceptional display, durable yet elegant design, double-tap and wrist-flick gestures, three-day battery life, 5G and satellite SOS/messaging capabilities, top-tier health monitoring, excellent activity tracking with dual-band GPS, customizable action buttons, 100m water resistance, 40m dive support, and sustained software updates.

Cons: Quite costly, only compatible with iPhones, and lacks the ability to support third-party watch faces. The previous Ultra model offers no major enhancements and does not match the battery longevity of rival adventure watches.

The Ultra 3 is a sizable Apple Watch, yet remains more compact than competing adventure watches, making it easier to fit beneath your cuff. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Review: The Pinnacle of Comfort in Noise-Canceling Headphones

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Bose has enhanced its flagship noise-cancelling headphones, introducing the longest battery life, USB-C audio support, and premium materials, making it an even more appealing choice for commuters.


The second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones carry a hefty price tag, starting at £450 (€450/$450/AU$700), which surpasses many of its competitors, including the Sony WH-1000XM6.

They exude an air of luxury and comfort. With a refined sliding aluminum arm and updated color, they maintain the same design, weight, and fit as their predecessor, resulting in some of the most elegant and comfortable headphones available.




Available in bolder color options. Composite: Bose

Controls for noise cancellation, immersion mode, and playback are intuitive and user-friendly. A touch-sensitive volume slider also serves as a shortcut for features, such as activating your phone’s voice assistant or starting music from apps like Spotify.

The battery offers up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation, providing an additional six hours compared to its predecessor, ensuring it stands toe-to-toe with the best competitors. This duration is ample for one or two flights. A new feature allows lossless music listening on devices while charging via Bluetooth, headphone cable, or USB-C.




Button and slider controls are located on the back of the right earcup, while USB-C and headphone ports are available on the left. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

It supports Bluetooth 5.4 and can pair with two devices simultaneously, like a smartphone for calls and a laptop for music. In addition to the standard SBC and AAC audio formats, Bose includes Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive for enhanced audio quality. Compatible Android device or a Bluetooth dongle.

Specifications

  • Weight: 250g

  • Size: 195×139×50.8mm

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, 2.5/3.5mm, USB-C audio and charging

  • Bluetooth codec: SBC, AAC, aptX compatible

  • Battery life: 30 hours

Excellent Sound and Noise Cancellation




The headphone arms fit snugly against your head, with deep and well-cushioned ear cups offering a plush fit. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Bose is a pioneer in noise cancellation technology, consistently delivering exceptional performance. The new Ultra headphones include advanced noise reduction features that effectively handle sounds from airplanes, commutes, and more. While they may not completely eliminate higher-pitched noises like background chatter, they are still highly effective.

A refined transparency mode enables the headphones to dampen sudden loud noises, allowing for awareness of surroundings while retaining comfort. Call quality is impressive as well, ensuring clear communication in both quiet and noisy environments.




The Bose app for Android and iPhone manages settings, updates, and custom options. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

These headphones excel in everyday listening, boasting a bass-heavy profile tailored to modern music. The bass is impactful yet well-balanced, ensuring clarity across the musical spectrum. While some may find Bose’s sound to be overly clean or lacking in grit, the excellent tonal separation and sound management provide a pleasant listening experience, making them ideal for travel, commuting, and work.

New with the Ultras is Bose’s immersive sound system, Cinema Mode, which emulates surround sound for movies and TV shows. It functions effectively across all connected devices, making it versatile for users with various brands of electronics. This complements the standard immersive audio mode that simulates a stereo speaker setup.

Sustainability




Bose combines luxury with durability, making it travel-friendly. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery can withstand over 500 full charge cycles and is replaceable by Bose. The headphones are generally repairable, with replaceable components like ear cushions available. They do not include recycled materials. Bose has a trade-in program and offers refurbished products, but individual environmental impact reports are not available.

Price

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd generation) retail for £449.95 (€449.95/$449.99/AU$699.95).

For context, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is priced at £399, the Sonos Ace is £299, the Beats Studio Pro costs £349.99, while the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is £199 and the Fairbuds XL is priced at £219.

Verdict

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones represent a high-quality choice, delivering the brand’s trademark exceptional sound, leading noise cancellation, and luxurious comfort.

While the Sony WH-1000XM6 may have surpassed it in noise cancellation effectiveness, these remain among the most comfortable headphones available, perfect for both travel and extensive listening sessions.

They fold neatly for compact storage, boast a long battery life of 30 hours, and offer connectivity options through Bluetooth, an analog headphone cable, or USB-C, making them versatile for any device.

Although priced quite high, it aligns with competitors, and prices may decrease during sales. Replacement ear cushions and other components can be obtained from Bose or third parties, ensuring long-term value for your investment.

Pros: Extremely comfortable, leading noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, immersive/spatial audio capabilities, excellent connectivity (including Bluetooth multipoint and USB-C or analog audio), foldable design for travel, a comprehensive app for multiple platforms, and long battery life.

Cons: It is quite expensive, and while the sound and noise cancelling features are superb, the microphone cannot be used with an analog connection.




The headphones can be compactly folded and stored in their case. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Dominance achieved by Samsung

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Ultra is Samsung’s biggest and largest mobile phone, packed gills with the latest technology. This means more artificial intelligence than ever before.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra leads the new wave of Android phones that promise to do it all. Combining Google’s advanced AI support with various Samsung tools for writing, drawing, photography, and chat.

However, at £1,249 (€1,449/$1,299.99/$2,149), the reality is slightly less futuristic than expected. While some AI tools can be impressive, others may falter.

The S25 Ultra is a modern glass slab enclosed in a titanium band. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Ultra boasts a slimmer design, 14g lighter than its predecessor, with sharp flat sides and minimal bezels on a large, breathtaking screen. It is nearly a glass slab with a vibrant display.

It features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip, outpacing even the recent OnePlus 13 in performance tests. The chip’s performance is remarkable, enabling users to accomplish tasks smoothly on the phone. With a battery life lasting two full days of moderate use and 7.5 hours of active usage on tasks like photography and media, the Ultra stands out as one of the longest-lasting devices on the market.

specification

  • Main screen: 6.9 inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (500PPI) 120Hz

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Galaxy Elite

  • Ram: 12GB

  • Storage: 256, 512GB or 1TB

  • operating system: 1 UI 7 (Android 15)

  • camera: 200mp + 50mp 0.6x + 10mp 3x + 50mp 5x; 12MP front

  • Connectivity: 5G, USB-C, WiFi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, GNSS

  • water resistance: IP68 (1.5m in 30 minutes)

  • size: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm

  • Weight: 218g

Sustainability

Samsung claims that the S25 Ultra is The most durable ever, although a case is still recommended for drops. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Samsung does not specify the expected battery lifespan, but it is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles.

Phone repairs are possible, with screen replacements costing £204 at authorized service centers, including battery replacement. Samsung also offers a self-healing program. The phone scored 5 out of 10 for repairability by experts at iFixit.

The device contains recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, and steel. Samsung provides a trade-in recycling scheme for old devices. The company also releases annual sustainability reports and impact assessments for some specific products.

More AI in more places

Some new AI tools are useful, while others are a bit gimmicky or unreliable. The Drawing Assist tool turns rough sketches into art (left). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Samsung has integrated numerous “Galaxy AI” tools, including new drawing features and AI selection tools introduced last year. These tools allow users to interact with images, text, icons, and more on the screen, offering options like drawing, editing, searching, and more.

The “Now” bar on the lock screen displays various widgets like Google’s Live Sports Score, current music, timers, flight reminders, and more. It resembles Google’s At a Glance feature and Apple’s dynamic widgets, providing convenient access to timely information. Live notifications, such as sports scores, can also be shown in the status bar.

The AI-curated snapshots feature local weather, calendar events, photos, reminders, health information, Spotify playlists, and more. It even warns users about using the phone while walking. However, some may find these features less useful.

The S-pen stylus remains for drawing on the screen, but one of the important selling points since the Galaxy Note series era – the magic wand and the remote feature have been removed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Introducing the Next Generation of Google’s Gemini Assistant, promising to perform multiple tasks efficiently. While the capabilities are impressive when they work, they can sometimes falter, leading to frustration with inaccuracies. Trusting the AI tools completely can be a challenge.

The overall software experience with One UI 7 is smooth, resembling Apple’s iOS in some aspects but offering enough customization options to personalize the phone’s look and functionality. Samsung’s commitment to providing software and security updates for the S25 Ultra for seven years after release rivals the best support from Google and Apple.

camera

The camera app is fairly easy to operate despite its functionality. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The S25 Ultra features a revamped camera system similar to its predecessor, offering a range of options from the main 200mp camera to various telephoto lenses. The new and improved 50MP Ultra Wide Camera provides better low-light performance compared to previous models, producing sharper images in dimly lit environments.

Equipped with numerous modes and tools, including portrait modes and manual controls, the camera app allows users to capture unique and high-quality photos. The standout feature remains the adaptability to use multiple lenses for different scenarios, offering versatility in photography.

price

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at £1,249 (€1,449/$1,299.99/A$2,149) with 256GB of storage.

Comparatively, the Galaxy S25 is priced at £799, the S25+ at £999, the Z-fold 6 at £1,519, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at £1,099. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at £1,199.

verdict

The Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a high standard for Android phones with its powerful features and versatility.

Boasting multiple lens options in the camera system, top-of-the-line Android chip, long battery life, expansive storage, a large screen, and a stylus, the Ultra offers a complete package for users.

However, while it excels in many areas, the design and lack of significant innovation may leave some users wanting more. The AI features, while impressive at times, can also be hit or miss, affecting the overall user experience.

The Ultra stands out as a top-tier mobile phone, but buyers should temper their expectations regarding exaggerated AI capabilities.

Strong Points: A massive 120Hz screen, a highly capable camera with 3x optical zoom, excellent software with 7 years of support, top android chip, long battery life, access to the latest AI features.

Cons: The huge and extremely expensive S-Pen doesn’t have the small magic of the previous version, and does not significantly improve the formula of its predecessor.

< Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2: Improved chip speed and screen brightness

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With brighter screens, new hands-free gestures, and faster speeds for the first time in years, Apple’s smartwatch has firmly established itself as the market leader.


The Apple Watch Series 9 will be available in a variety of sizes and materials, with prices starting at £399 (€449 / $399 / AU$649), a £20 reduction in the UK. It will launch alongside the Ultra 2, which costs £799 (€899 / $799 / AU$1,399), £50 cheaper than last year’s model.

Both watches look similar to their predecessors on the outside, with the Series 9 sporting a slimmer, pillow-shaped shape and available in 41mm or 45mm size options, while the 49mm Ultra 2 sports a chunkier look with a sturdy titanium shell and oversized buttons.

New this year are significantly brighter screens. The Series 9 is twice as bright as last year’s Series 8, with a maximum brightness of 2,000. LiceThat puts it on par with rival Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, and it has the same maximum brightness as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. A brighter screen makes it easier to read in direct sunlight, which is especially important for a watch.

The Ultra 2 goes even further, with a screen that can hit an impressive 3,000 nits at peak, which is 50% brighter than last year’s model. The super-bright screen is almost overkill unless you’re hiking through the desert, but you can unleash maximum brightness with the built-in torch mode to better light your way.

New, faster chips


Siri requests for apps, timers, and other simple actions are now much faster and more reliable, even when you’re out of range of your iPhone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The new S9 chip in both watches is the first to offer a significant speed boost since the S6 in 2020. The 30% performance increase isn’t dramatic for everyday activities, except for interactions with Siri, many of which are now handled on the watch. Setting timers, taking calls and other simple interactions are quicker without an iPhone or data connection. Voice input for messages and notes is also up to 25% more accurate, making it faster to send replies without a phone call.

Battery life for both models is around 36 hours for the Series 9 and 70 hours for the Ultra 2, enough for a full day and night, or nearly three days, on a single charge.

Double Tap is coming soon


The double pinch gesture is simple and easy to perform, making it especially useful for quick actions like silencing a timer when your other hand is occupied. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Apple also added a new gesture for hands-free use of the Watch: “Double Tap,” which recognizes pinching your finger and thumb together twice, which is a simplified version of one of Apple’s existing gestures. AssistiveTouch accessibility features It’s for watches, but it’s faster and has become a standard part of every interface.

A double pinch will silence alarms and timers, start or end calls, and perform other basic actions. This feature only works when the screen is active, so the watch is facing you and can’t be accidentally activated. This feature requires the watchOS 10.1 update. It’s currently being tested in the public beta, but is working very well and should be fully rolled out by the end of October.

Sustainability

Apple doesn’t disclose the expected lifespan of the battery, but it is expected to last for more than 500 full charge cycles, retain at least 80% of its original capacity, and is replaceable. £95Repair costs Between £309 and £509 Varies by model.

They contain recycled aluminum, titanium, cobalt, copper, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and tungsten. Apple offers trade-ins and free recycling for its devices, and the report details the environmental impact of each watch.

price

The Series 9 comes in two sizes (41 and 45mm), a choice of materials, and a 4G option that requires an e-SIM-compatible phone plan add-on. Prices start from £399 ($399/AU$649), with the 4G model costing an extra £100 ($100/AU$160). The Ultra 2 costs £799 ($799/AU$1,399).

By comparison, the Apple Watch SE costs £259, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 costs £289, and the Google Pixel Watch 2 costs £269. £349The Garmin Venu 3 costs £449, while the Garmin Epix Pro costs £829.

verdict

Apple’s smartwatch didn’t need much to keep it in the top spot, but both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 look the same but with small but meaningful updates that are hard to beat.

The significantly brighter screen makes a big difference when you’re outside and want to see the time, alerts, and activity stats at a glance, and the faster chip means this watch will stay fast for years to come, making interactions with Siri super-fast, even when your phone isn’t nearby.

The upcoming double-tap gesture is also a handy addition, making tasks like checking train times a little easier when you’re rushing with your luggage.

If you want the best smartwatch for your iPhone, it’s hard to beat the Apple Watch, either model.


When the double-tap gesture is recognized, the watch vibrates and a notification pops up, here we are scrolling through widgets on the watch face. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review: Bose Ultra Open Earphones with Unique Open Fit and High-Quality Sound

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Bose’s latest earbuds are a big departure from previous noise-canceling champions, as they’re designed to let outside sound in instead of blocking it out and sitting in your ears, making them more than just gadgets. It also resembles jewelry.

These are the latest evolution of Bose’s open audio technology, which uses small speakers to play music without blocking your ears, and was last seen in the excellent Frames audio glasses, which have since been discontinued.

The Ultra Open Earbuds cost a hefty £300 (€349/$299), joining the ranks of smaller open earbuds such as:
£179 Shocks Open Fit Or the £149 Sony LinkBuds. However, Bose has two major advantages over his rivals. It has a great, full sound and an innovative fit that doesn’t get in the way of glasses or other headwear.





The look and fit of the Ultra Open is unlike any other earphone. The slit on the top projects noise canceling sound and reduces noise leakage from the earphones.

Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery cylinder is located behind the ear and connected via a flexible silicone spring to an L-shaped plastic speaker arm, which together hold the earbuds in place around the side of the ear.

The fit is very unique and takes a little practice to get it right, but once it’s in place it’s light and comfortable. I was sure it would fall if I ran, but no matter how much I sweated or how much I shook my head, it remained firmly in place.





The earbuds are charged via metal contacts on the underside of the battery.

Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Phone Powered by AI & Packed with Features – A Comprehensive Review

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Samsung’s most recent smartphones are equipped with a variety of modern and sophisticated AI tools designed to enhance text, images, video, and search. However, the effectiveness of these features is a bit inconsistent. The new Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts the latest AI technology from both Samsung and Google, making it one of the most powerful phones on the market. Packed with superior specs, this phone comes with a hefty price tag of £1,249 (€1,469/$1,299.99/AU$2,199) in the UK, and even more expensive in other parts of the world.

Featuring a titanium exterior, the S24 Ultra is a premium and robust device that has a flat screen and new titanium sides resembling the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The screen is made of Corning’s latest gorilla armor glass, which is less prone to damage and offers lower reflectance and reduced glare. The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivering fast speeds and improved battery life.

In terms of sustainability, the phone contains a variety of recycled materials and is designed to withstand drops. Samsung estimates the battery to last more than 500 full charge cycles at 80% capacity, and the company offers repair options for the screen and battery.

The S24 Ultra comes with Samsung’s S Pen stylus and offers 7 years of support, making it on par with Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Pixel in terms of product longevity. The phone’s AI tools include features such as generative photo editing, language translation, and document summarization.

The camera system on the S24 Ultra is highly advanced, with four rear cameras and a 12-megapixel selfie camera. The phone’s extended zoom capabilities and in-sensor zoom make it a standout in terms of photography.

Overall, the S24 Ultra offers a wide range of features and capabilities, but it has its drawbacks. The phone is described as heavy, expensive, and large, making it a two-handed device that may not be practical for every user. Additionally, while the AI features are impressive, they may not be a strong enough reason to justify purchasing the phone.

In conclusion, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse of a device, offering a range of advanced features and capabilities, but at a high price and with some practical limitations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple halts online sales of Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2

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As promised, Apple has officially removed the Watch Series 9 from its online shop. News of the surprise move came earlier this week, when the company admitted that an ongoing patent dispute had forced it to temporarily suspend sales of its flagship smartwatch. When you click to visit the site, instead of a “Buy” button you’ll see the words “Currently Unavailable.”

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is similarly unavailable. However, you can purchase his entry-level Apple Watch SE. This is likely due to the product’s relatively limited onboard health metrics. You can also get Series 9 through other online sources. Amazon, for example, still promises pre-Christmas delivery in some areas.

The wearable device will continue to be available at brick-and-mortar Apple Stores until Christmas Eve. If you’ve already ordered the watch online and want to pick it up in-store, you can still do so until December 24th, the company confirmed to TechCrunch.

The patent battle between Apple and health tech company Masimo has been well documented over the past few years. But even though Apple lost some important rulings, Monday’s announcement still came as a surprise to many given its unprecedented nature.

In a statement provided to TechCrunch earlier this week, the company said it intends to continue to contest the decision.

A presidential review period is underway regarding an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission regarding a technical intellectual property dispute regarding Apple Watch devices with blood oxygen capabilities. The review period doesn’t end until December 25th, but Apple is taking preemptive steps to comply if the ruling stands. This includes suspending sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com starting December 21st, and at Apple retail stores starting December 24th.

Apple’s teams work hard to develop products and services that provide industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features for our users. Apple strongly opposes this order and is pursuing various legal and technical options to ensure customers have access to Apple Watch.

If this order remains in effect, Apple will continue to take all steps to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers as quickly as possible.

At the heart of the battle is an optical imaging sensor used to monitor the wearer’s heart rate. Apple adopted similar technology back in 2020 with the introduction of his Series 6. Among other things, Masimo accused the hardware giant of poaching key talent. Apple claims it has “begun hiring Masimo employees, starting with Masimo’s Chief Medical Officer.”

There’s never a perfect time to stop selling your biggest products, but the holiday season is especially problematic. Apple has been able to keep sales completely open, but some people may be opening rain checks this year.

Source: techcrunch.com