Tag Archives: apple watch

This beautiful MagSafe collection offers a sustainable way to top up your devices

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Some might consider Apple’s new MagSafe tech for iPhones and Apple Watches as simply catching up to the already existing wireless charging technology, but it clearly does a lot more than what its industry rivals have accomplished so far. The smart addition of magnets is no small matter, as it enabled many different forms of wireless chargers that no longer required devices to lie horizontally flat on a desk or charging bed. That kind of freedom and flexibility gave way to rather interesting designs, some minimal, some multi-functional. It also gave manufacturers a bit more leeway when it came to materials, which this new collection of MagSafe chargers takes advantage of in order to bring accessories that are not only handsome but also less harmful to the environment.

Designer: Magdalena Gembala (Oakywood)

Apple’s first-party MagSafe chargers are already extremely minimal, comprising only a small puck that magnetically latches on to an iPhone or Apple Watch. While that did offer more flexibility in how to use it, the designs were not entirely elegant. Fortunately, it’s also possible to actually use those official chargers in ways Apple doesn’t, like putting them inside bases and holders that add a little more functionality and style to the charger.

This Oakywood MagSafe collection does exactly that, utilizing the Apple MagSafe chargers to provide the actual charging function of these beautifully designed products. What they offer, instead, are solid and multi-functional bases that not only keep your iPhone or Apple Watch in place but also add some life to your desk. With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.

These MagSafe accessories are not as trivial as they might seem. One actually mounts onto an edge of a shelf, preferably one on or near your desk, while another sticks to a wall. In all cases, the MagSafe charger they hold can be removed and used as normal, just in case you prefer not to see the device’s screen but still want the beautiful presence of these wood and metal ornaments.

This Oakywood collection isn’t sustainable just because of the materials used, though that definitely plays an important role. None of these accessories actually come with an Apple MagSafe charger, so you can and will have to use what you already have anyway. Not only does this mean that the stands and mounts themselves don’t have any non-sustainable components, it also helps prevent more e-waste in the long run. It’s definitely a win-win situation when you get not only a multi-functional MagSafe charging stand but also beautiful accessories that, at the very least, don’t contribute to the death of the planet by their mere existence.

The post This beautiful MagSafe collection offers a sustainable way to top up your devices first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Apple Watch accessories for the ultimate tech enthusiasts

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Currently, the Apple Watch is the most popular watch globally, and this honestly doesn’t come as much of a surprise when you consider the number of people you see jogging or walking on the street with their Apple Watch armed on their wrists. In celebration of this one-of-a-kind watch, we’ve curated a collection of nifty accessories that will perfectly complement your beloved Apple Watch. From the most inventive Apple Watch charging dock you’ll ever see to an Apple Watch nightstand that mimics the iMac G3– we’ve put together a range of diverse and interesting Apple Watch accessories that even hardcore Apple lovers will go gaga over!

1. Serafino Luxury’s Apple Watch Cases

For the true watch aficionado who’s spent way too much time around Rolexes and Brietlings and Tag Heuers, this Apple Watch case turns your slick piece of tech into something that looks like a true watch encased in steel with a well-sculpted body and a steel or leather strap to match. Designed by the folks at Serafino Luxury, the case transforms the Apple Watch from a tech wearable to Haute Horlogerie. The cases come available in a variety of styles, with metallic and anodized black, blue, and gold finishes to choose from. Depending on the style you choose, you even get a complimentary strap to match the case.

2. The Anker 3-in-1 Cube

The Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe has a simple appearance that belies its functionality. After all, who would expect that a small box would be able to hold three devices all at once? Fortunately, the accessory is also so easy to use that you can never go wrong, even if you try hard. It’s trivial to set any of the three charging spots up and still fold the box down in a flash, making it ideal for people who need to pack up and go at a moment’s notice. The charging area for iPhones and other compatible smartphones lifts up like the lid of a treasure box, except that the opening is facing away from you. This allows the phone to be tilted to face you rather than always looking up at the ceiling.

3. Elago W4 Apple Watch Stand

Modeled after iMac G3 from 1998, this incredibly cute bedside Apple Watch dock will teleport you into the nostalgia of using a Mac monitor on the bedside table. The dock is designed by San Diago-based Elago, which pioneers in creating durable and classic accessories that match modern-day lifestyles. Dubbed Elago W4 Apple Watch stand, the retro dock as I said, is designed to bring added functionality with nostalgic charm to the bedside table. It’s not as colorful as the original iMac G3; it comes in two aqua blue and aqua pink colors, which should offer a near-retro feel you’d like as an iMac fan.

4. The NightWatch

Nightwatch Magnifying Apple Watch Charging Dock

The NightWatch is a pretty simple accessory that enhances your Apple Watch’s abilities. It doesn’t come with its own charger but will let you hook your Apple Watch’s charger into it. Once assembled, you can easily slide your Apple Watch into its unique design, and that calibrated glass lens on the front enlarges the screen like a magnifying glass would, making numbers much more visible when your watch is in Nightstand mode. It comes with a patented system that even lets you tap the glass surface to ‘wake’ up your Apple Watch’s display, so you can read the time clearly… and when your watch’s alarm begins ringing, special acoustic channels designed in the NightWatch charging dock’s base help amplify your watch’s audio, making that alarm much louder.

5. The ActionBand

While we use our Apple Watches outside of the gym, keeping an eye on our workout’s progress with activity tracking always helps to push our limits. Designing a new wristband made specifically for working out with your Apple Watch, Apple-inspired design group Twelve South created the ActionBand, a sweatband that can hold your Apple Watch. When working out, our grips make all the difference. So when sweat comes into play, a tight grip around dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells becomes harder to maintain. No one wants to lose out on activities that might close our rings though, so Twelve South developed a solution.

6. Satechi’s Magnetic Dock

Like all of Satechi’s products, the USB-C Magnetic Charging Dock comes with Apple-certified MFI charging and works across all generations of the Apple Watch. The dock plugs right into the side of the iPad Pro or the MacBook Pro, although you could just as easily use it with any power bank too. The sleek aluminum design does a pretty good job of blending in with Apple’s design language, while inbuilt magnets securely hold onto your watch as it charges, allowing you to dock your iPad on a stand without worrying about the watch slipping or falling off. Neat, eh? Maybe you could even use it as a small extended display too, running a timer, your clock, or the weather app right beside your screen as you work or browse the web!

7.  SANDMARC Titanium Edition Apple Watch Ultra Band

Crafted from lightweight and durable titanium, the SANDMARC Titanium Edition Apple Watch Ultra Band perfectly complements your Apple Watch Ultra. It features a glass coating, which makes your smartwatch scratch-resistant, and protects it during your outdoor adventures. Although the band has been designed specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra, it can accommodate all the other Apple Watches as well, making it pretty versatile. The titanium band will elevate not only your everyday look but prove to be a useful companion in your adventure activities. It works perfectly for both formal events, and on-the-go adventures!

8. Colors

Colors, a protective case design for Apple Watches from SwitchEasy, comes with four different cases and colors. Available in black, abyss blue, starlight, and army green, each one of the different colors has its own energy and gives your Apple Watch a whole new personality. Each case is compatible with the Apple Watch strap lock design and comes with screen-raised-edges to ensure total, shockproof protection. The cases are also easy to strap into place. Following a similar assembly method to traditional iPhone cases, users just slide their bare Apple Watch into the Colors case and it locks into place.

9. The hardgraft Collectors Watch case

The hardgraft Collectors Watch case is an artisanal leather product that will your store smartwatch in style! The case features a soft Alcantara lining on the inside and is padded as well. The exterior of the case boasts vegetable-tanned Italian leather and a scratch-free zipper. Its round compact form not only stores your watch well but also makes it super easy to carry around. It is available in three elegant color options – Classic, Coal, and Off Grey. It’s a functional + stylish product to give your Apple Watch the protection it deserves!

10. The PITAKA MagEZ Slider

Meet the PITAKA MagEZ Slider. It’s a charger. No, wait. It’s a wireless charger. Uh, hold on. It’s a wireless charger with MagSafe capabilities. Oh, let me say that again. It’s a wireless charger with MagSafe capabilities that also has a built-in detachable power bank and can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Simultaneously. Over the course of its existence, PITAKA’s worked to fundamentally make Apple’s products better by designing highly functional charging accessories for them. The MagEZ Slider, however, feels like a culmination of all that work. A wireless charger designed to work with your phone, watch, and TWS earbuds, the MagEZ Slider is a compact little number that’s perfectly sized to sit on any tabletop surface while simultaneously ensuring that your workspace isn’t cluttered with different wires and dongles.

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Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe Charging Station Review: A Cute Travel Partner for Apple Fans

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PROS:


  • Compact size is perfect for travel

  • Cute cube design makes for a great desk accessory

  • Convenient adjustable angle for phones

  • Anker's first Made for MagSafe certified charger

CONS:


  • Average charging speeds

  • Can't use Apple Watch Nightstand mode

  • A bit pricey

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Cute, compact, and capable, the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe charging station is a great addition to any Apple fan's arsenal if they can overlook the charging time and price tag.

With Apple’s trifecta of mobile devices that can charge wirelessly, there has been a rise in charging stations that try to accommodate all three. While it isn’t always the case, many people who own an iPhone are likely to also own an Apple Watch or AirPods. Conversely, those who own an Apple Watch or AirPods are guaranteed to own an iPhone. 3-in-1 wireless charging docks for these three initially came in the most common form of a flat bed, but this design has become somewhat old-fashioned and impractical because of the amount of space they take up. Some charging dock designs have become smarter and fancier to use very little space, but these beautiful docks are not things you’ll be able to take with you on your travels. Casting its net wide, Anker launched a rather adorable 3-in-1 Cube charging station for that very purpose, so give it a few spins to see if it’s more than just a pretty face.

Designer: Anker

Aesthetics

The Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe’s design is uncommon enough to grab anyone’s attention, at least anyone that’s paying too much attention to your desk or stuff. In its inactive and folded form, the charging station almost looks like a desk toy if not for the obvious Anker branding. Its black surface and premium looks do suggest that it’s no plaything, though, but it will still be eye-catching either way.

When fully unfolded, the Cube looks like a toy battle station with its tilted top and extruded shelf on one side. Those familiar with wireless charging accessories will now see telltale signs of that kind of functionality, especially with the ring that marks MagSafe-compatible chargers as well as the white concave surface common to Apple Watch chargers. When all charging surfaces are occupied, the charging station definitely looks the part of a battle station. Some might find it too busy to the point of being distracting, but it definitely saves a lot of horizontal and vertical space to keep your desk or shelf tidy.

The accessory is pretty minimal in terms of visual design, but Anker put a few odd accents that try to spice things up without making much sense. There is a small patch of reflective material on the front for the hinge of the adjustable phone charger, for example. Even stranger, however, is the mirror surface beneath that “lid,” reflecting the AirPods case charger or the case itself. Its purpose is a complete mystery since it can’t really be used as a mirror for your face, nor does it reflect anything that you wouldn’t be able to see directly anyway.

All-in-all, the Cube’s unique appearance makes it a good accent on a desk, whether folded or unfolded. Its compact form, however, is also ideal for stuffing into your bag when you need to travel with all your Apple devices. It is a bit heavy at 14.46oz/409g, but that also means it will stand without wobbling on desks or tables, even if all you’re charging is the Apple Watch and nothing else.

Ergonomics

The Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe has a simple appearance that belies its functionality. After all, who would expect that a small box would be able to hold three devices all at once? Fortunately, the accessory is also so easy to use that you can never go wrong, even if you try hard. It’s trivial to set any of the three charging spots up and still fold the box down in a flash, making it ideal for people who need to pack up and go at a moment’s notice.

The charging area for iPhones and other compatible smartphones lifts up like the lid of a treasure box, except that the opening is facing away from you. This allows the phone to be tilted to face you rather than always looking up at the ceiling. It can only tilt as far as 60 degrees, but that’s more than enough to see the phone’s screen comfortably. Since this is MagSafe charging, the phone won’t slide down in that position, either. Even better, you can put the phone sideways, too, turning the charging station into an ad hoc stand for watching videos.

The Apple Watch charger pops out from the side with a simple push, revealing a familiar surface for placing the phone. This retracting mechanism makes it super easy to access that function without getting in the way when you don’t need it. There is enough space to accommodate Apple Watches from any generation, though the small space might make for a tight fit for the larger Ultra model. Unlike the iPhone charging part, the Apple Watch charging platform is fixed at its angle, so you won’t have access to its Nightstand feature while charging. That might not be necessary since the iPhone can be charged at a visible angle, but that won’t be the case if the Apple Watch is the only one sitting there.

In comparison to the iPhone and the Apple Watch, the charger for AirPods is a bit more awkward but still convenient nonetheless. You’ll have to flip the phone charging “lid” open to put the charging case in the gap, so there’s no way to keep that top closed while charging the AirPods. Since it will be lying at the back of the charger, there’s no way to check the case’s charging status without having to turn the box. It’s not exactly too much work, but it could be inconvenient, especially if you consider that the charging cable could be pulled in the process.

Performance

While the 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe offers the convenience of charging all three devices at the same time, it doesn’t exactly offer the fastest charging speeds for any of them. On the box, the iPhone MagSafe charger maxes out at 15W, while the AirPods charger goes up to 5W. Perhaps the most disappointing figure is the Apple Watch charger at its max speed of 5W.

The 15W output of the iPhone charger is admittedly faster than what the old Apple chargers put out for years, but it’s hardly the fastest now that Apple has adopted more modern technologies. It can charge an iPhone 14 Pro Max to full in almost three hours, but smaller iPhones will definitely charge faster. The magnets are definitely strong enough to keep that large iPhone in place, but some people might want to take particular note of the cases they use, just in case they’re too thick to make a proper connection.

At 5W, the Apple Watch charger is sadly behind the times, but that might not matter much to people who charge the smartwatch overnight or during working hours. It takes about two hours and a half to fill the Apple Watch, which is plenty of time except if you’re in a hurry. Anker is definitely capable of providing more power, but it might have had to make some compromises in order to gain Apple’s certification for MagSafe products. In a compact box like this, higher output could result in higher temperatures that could, in turn, become a safety risk.

Anker ships a 30W charger in the box along with a 5ft/1.5m USB-C cable (more on that later). That high output is necessary to supply enough power to all three devices simultaneously, so it’s also good that the respective chargers need very little in the first place. The power brick has foldable plugs that make it compact and easy to throw in a bag, along with the 3-in-1 Cube. Given its output, it might even be the only charger you’ll have to bring along aside from your laptop charger, even for some wired devices.

Sustainability

Like many accessories for mobile devices and consumer electronics, the 3-in-1 Cube for MagSafe uses plenty of plastic materials. Fortunately, Anker is one of those companies that are trying to change that formula and reduce its negative impact on the environment. The charging station itself is typical in that regard, but Anker has taken steps to mitigate the damage.

Like Apple itself, it started by reducing the amount of plastic it uses in packaging by an average of 90%. It has also switched the inner material of the packaging from plastic to pulp and has used 100% FSC-certified recyclable packaging paper, which also uses natural soy ink to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. While the Cube itself has plenty of plastic, its more compact size allowed Anker to reduce that by 30.9g during its construction.

Unfortunately, those sustainability gains are undone by shipping a charger with the Cube. On the one hand, it is definitely convenient since you won’t have to scavenge for a 30W charger, presuming you don’t already have one anyway. Admittedly, not all iPhone users have such a fast charger since Apple no longer ships one with iPhones. With the addition of adapters for different plugs, that still adds quite a significant amount of plastic to the total package, not to mention making the packaging bigger than it could be.

There’s also the worry of repairs and replacement parts, especially with a pop-out mechanism for the Apple Watch charger. It’s a little more complex than a simple hinge and adds moving parts that will wear and tear over time. It could definitely be the part that will get damaged first, and it won’t be something that owners will be able to fix on their own. And once that mechanism is broken, accessing one of the critical functions of the device also goes out the window.

Value

In terms of design and convenience alone, the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe looks like a solid deal already. Cute, attractive, compact, and multi-functional, it is both an excellent travel accessory as well as an eye-catching desk decoration. And since it comes with a Made for MagSafe certification, it comes with the same confidence and trust that people give Apple’s first-party products.

It does cost a rather hefty $149.95, which is quite higher than what other 3-in-1 docks cost. Given how average the charging speeds are, you might be reluctant to make such an investment, especially if you’re one that relies heavily on super-fast charging. That said, you’d be hard-pressed to find something as adorable and as space-efficient as this, especially one that you can easily pack with you on your regular travels.

Verdict

Who said that charging docks have to be literal docks that take up a lot of space on your desk or shelf? Who says that they have to stay on said desk or shelf in the first place? The Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe Charging Station definitely doesn’t say so and challenges the status quo of its kind. Yes, it is a bit pricey, and the charging speeds could be better, but one can imagine that Anker had to make some compromises to keep the device small and satisfy Apple’s requirements. Minimal yet attractive, compact yet multi-functional, this little box makes a great companion anywhere, whether on your desk or your hotel room’s bedside table.

The post Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe Charging Station Review: A Cute Travel Partner for Apple Fans first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Watch Ultra is rugged and capable but tech giant still leaves a lot to make repairability effortless

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It’s unwise to shell $800 odd for a smartwatch and not have the confidence that it will last for a lifetime. This may be a slightly exaggerated statement but no matter how you choose to see it, the new Apple Watch Ultra, in Apple’s own interpretation, is the “most rugged and capable smartwatch” yet. It is a ‘perfect balance between ruggedness, corrosion, and weight,’ thanks to its impressive titanium frame.

It’s customary for Apple devices to go through rigorous testing for their exorbitant claims; no wonder then, the Apple Watch Ultra has already been under the hammer and through dive chambers. Now the pros at iFixit have taken Ultra into their hands and doing what they know best. The bloggers have given us a detailed peek into the watch to help us understand the repairability aspect of the new Apple device.

Designer: iFixit

Provided in a 49mm titanium case, the Apple Watch Ultra is designed essentially as an exploration tool that you can take 100m underwater, into the desert, or anywhere life takes you. The completely redesigned watch is a reliever from the similar watch form factor Apple was delivering since 2014. The design has been appreciated and even criticized by some for its bold and bulk outlook, however, that is still the last thing iFixit cares about.

These guys show that the Apple Watch Ultra can be opened from both the front and the back. The rear has, for the first time on an Apple Watch, screws to clip open the ceramic caseback which should’ve increased the chances of repairability and battery replacement. The construction is sturdy with easy access GPS antennas (which should mean better GPS accuracy on the watch), and a glue-like gasket holding the unit impermeable. The gasket destroys the moment the back panel is peeled off. Interestingly the watch is no longer fully waterproof, unless it is replaced.

The battery is not accessible from the caseback, instead, the screen needs to be ripped apart. The titanium case is paired with a flat sapphire crystal display, which does not make getting under it any easy. In fact, the guys at iFixit crack the OLED screen in the process of getting to the Apple Watch Ultra’s 2.1Wh battery, which is huge in comparison to the 1.19 Wh battery in the Apple Watch Series 8.

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This MagSafe power bank can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once

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We’ve come to rely on a lot of gadgets in our lives today. From smartphones to smartwatches, we surround ourselves with battery-powered devices that often need to be charged every now and then. That’s especially true if you’re knee-deep into Apple’s mobile ecosystem, owning an iPhone and the accessories that go along with it. Keeping these devices charged at home is no longer a problem, thanks to a variety of multi-functional chargers that try to accommodate all of them at the same time. When you’re on the go, however, it’s an entirely different matter, especially because they have different ways to charge. This new portable battery pack from Momax, however, solves all of that and is the only power bank you’ll need to top up your Apple gadgets all at the same time.

Designer: Momax Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $136 $195 (30% off). Hurry, only 100/200 left!

Apple’s new MagSafe for iPhone opened the doors to a new breed of accessories that could take advantage of the magnet-aligned wireless charging technology. Many docks for home or office use incorporated these wireless technologies to create a haven for iPhones, Apple Watches, and compatible AirPods cases, many of which can charge all three devices simultaneously. While convenient, the problem with these docks is that you can’t bring any of them outside, let alone use them when there’s no power outlet to plug into.

MagSafe-compatible power banks do exist, but those are designed only for iPhones, leaving no room for its accessories. That’s where the Momax AirBox Go comes in, providing a home away from home for your Apple devices. Even more importantly, you don’t actually have to choose between those devices which to charge first because you can charge them all at the same time. Even if you don’t actually need to charge them simultaneously, it’s still reassuring that you can use the same power bank for your iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods.

The AirBox Go uses a rather ingenious design to make this possible. There is a small circle that flips up in order to support charging an Apple Watch even in Nightstand mode. There is a cover that reveals a nook for an AirPods wireless charging case. And, of course, there’s that telltale circle for MagSafe for iPhones. In addition to ensuring a precise alignment every time, the magnet is also strong enough to hold an iPhone in place, even while holding the power bank upside down.

The Momax AirBox Go is also no slouch when it comes to actual power output. With a 10,000mAh battery inside, the battery pack can charge an iPhone three times over at a fast 15W output. That’s twice the output of most aftermarket MagSafe power banks. And for everything else, there’s still a 20W USB-C port that can be used to juice up other devices, such as an iPad mini. Of course, it can also be used for any USB-C device, like that odd Android phone you might have lying around.

Portable, powerful, multi-functional, and convenient, the Momax AirBox Go offers the ultimate flexibility in charging your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods wherever you go. Mixing the best of Apple technologies with innovative design, this power bank might very well be the only one you’ll ever need. For just $136, you no longer have to worry about your Apple devices running out of power, especially when you need to charge them all at the same time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $136 $195 (30% off). Hurry, only 100/200 left!

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Apple Watch Ultra or Garmin: Which sports smartwatch should you buy

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Apple just launched its latest iPhone generation last week, but it might be its wearable companion that’s generating more discussions over the Internet these days. The Apple Watch Ultra, in particular, is kicking up a storm in a somewhat niche smartwatch market focused on extreme sports and very active lifestyles. It might simply look like an overgrown Apple Watch on the outside, but that’s part of the appeal of Apple’s most rugged smartwatch yet. After all, why would you settle for a rugged-looking sports smartwatch from the likes of Garmin when you can have a rugged yet stylish smartwatch from Apple instead? That’s exactly the question that we’ll try to answer, pitting the Apple Watch Ultra against Garmin’s finest to weigh the pros and cons before you bid farewell to your hard-earned money.

Designer: Apple, Garmin

Design

Neither of the two smartwatch makers’ designs is anything new. The Apple Watch Ultra really looks like a bigger Apple Watch, one with a 49mm size that is nothing to scoff at. It comes with that rectangular face that the Apple Watch has been wearing for generations now, albeit with a flatter screen that makes it easier to protect with sapphire crystal. The Ultra model does deviate from the standard design a bit with an extruded housing for the side button and an extra programmable Action button on the opposite side.

Garmin’s sports smartwatches like the Epix 2 and the Enduro 2 stand in stark contrast to this design. Where Apple’s watches have always leaned more towards the classy end of the spectrum, Garmin doesn’t make qualms about the rugged and sporty nature of its smartwatches. They have typical circular faces, but don’t expect luxurious appearances like those from Samsung, Montblanc, or Fossil. And where Apple aims for minimalism as it is wont to do, Garmin tends to throw almost everything into its devices, giving these two sporty watches no less than five buttons to play with. Those are particularly useful when you can’t use the touch screen because you’re wearing extra thick gloves.

In terms of appearances, the choice is a bit clearer cut. Do you want a sports smartwatch, or do you want one that can hide in plain sight on any occasion? Of course, there are even more differences under the hood, especially when it comes to details like battery life and health features, but if you can’t get past how the smartwatch looks, those differences might be meaningless anyway.

Specs and Features

What differentiates a sports smartwatch from a typical sports watch is, of course, the hardware that makes it tick. This is also where the lines between Apple and Garmin blur and mix, making it a little bit harder to choose between the two. When it comes to the display, for example, the Apple Watch Ultra has the Garmin Epix 2 beat with a more pixel-dense screen that really makes icons and text pop out. That said, neither of these are your typical smartwatches, and they both try to compete in telling you where you are or where you’ve been.

Smartwatches designed for athletes require more attention to location than conventional wearables. Garmin, whose core business is exactly in that field, has a long head start compared to Apple. While the Apple Watch Ultra boasts dual-band GPS for the first time, Garmin has been using multi-band satellite systems far longer. The latter also has the advantage of having access to more kinds of maps and topographical data than Apple, many of which come pre-installed on its smartwatches.

Garmin’s sports wearables also come with support for external Bluetooth devices, particularly those used by athletes and adventurers in monitoring stats and data that the smartwatch itself can’t collect. It’s too early to count Apple out of the game since the Watch Ultra is its first stab at this space. But extremely active people who need solutions now might not be too keen on waiting for Apple to get up to speed.

Battery Life

The biggest headline for the Apple Watch Ultra, however, is its battery life. Thanks to its larger size and other hardware improvements, it is able to accommodate a larger battery and advertise up to 36 hours of battery life under normal use. That can even be extended to 60 hours with a new low-power mode, which is practically two and a half days. That’s a big improvement over the typical 18 hours of a regular Apple Watch, but that’s only when comparing it to Apple’s smartwatches.

Garmin, in contrast, counts days, not hours, when it comes to battery life. The Garmin Epix 2, for example, boasts 16 hours, though the figure can be dragged down to just 42 hours if GPS mode is enabled. And that’s nothing compared to the new Garmin Enduro 2, which is advertised to last 34 days, not hours, in normal smartwatch mode. It even has a built-in solar panel, so you can extend that by 12 days more without having to grab the charger.

Garmin’s unbelievable battery life claims don’t come without costs, as we’ll see later, but it still shows how far conventional smartwatches are from the ideal. The Apple Watch Ultra at least comes with the assurance that you won’t be charging it as much, but having a compatible MagSafe charger close at hand will still be a good idea, especially if you plan to go off-grid with it. That said, if you do that kind of activity more often than not, any of Garmin’s rugged smartwatches might inspire more confidence and peace of mind.

Health

While Garmin may have the upper hand in navigation and battery life, Apple takes the cake when it comes to health-related features that go beyond the usual activity tracking. In many cases, the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin’s Epix 2 or Enduro 2 are head-to-head with each other. They all cover the basics like heart rate monitoring, including less common stuff like measuring blood oxygen levels. Even the Apple Watch Ultra’s new body temperature sensing is something that Garmin has already been using for quite some time now. Apple’s advantage, however, is that it can also detect external temperatures, including water temperature.

Apple, however, has had more time fine-tuning its features to be more aware of potential health problems than Garmin. One could almost consider this to be the killer feature of Apple Watches. In particular, the ECG measuring feature that has been present since the Apple Watch Series 4 is something that few smartwatches have to date. Apple will continue pushing the Apple Watch in that direction, which would also benefit future Ultra models.

That’s not to say that Garmin won’t have these features eventually, especially when such hardware becomes more accessible to manufacturers. It could just be a matter of time, though it could also be a matter of business goals. This could very well be one of the biggest differentiating factors between Apple and Garmin smartwatches in the future, with one focusing on navigation and sports while another specializes in health and fitness.

Software

At the end of the day, however, the true distinction between the Apple Watch and any of Garmin’s smartwatches is that the Apple Watch Ultra is a smartwatch, first and foremost, while an Epix 2 or Enduro 2 are sports watches with smart features. Garmin supports a variety of apps on its smartwatches, but the majority of these focus on sports activities. The wearables connect to smartphones, too, but they have limited control over the communication that happens between the two devices. There are your typical notification and music controls, but forget about more advanced apps that don’t fit the sports theme.

Almost in sharp contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra is pretty much a larger Apple Watch designed to be extra rugged and with more sports-related features. That means it has everything that a regular Apple Watch has to offer and more, including access to dozens of apps and experiences that make it a true companion to an iPhone. You can do almost anything on an Apple Watch Ultra, especially when you consider you have access to Siri through it.

That’s also the reason why the Apple Watch Ultra and its potential successors will always have trouble matching the battery life of Garmin’s equivalent smartwatches. You will need more muscle to power those user experiences, which also means eating more of that battery every hour. It is the necessary price to be paid for a general-purpose computer on your wrist, one that happens to function as a classy but rugged smartwatch as well.

Final Thoughts

So should you buy a new Apple Watch Ultra or stick to the tried and tested Garmin? As always, there is no single answer that will satisfy all people. Even price isn’t a determining factor at this point anymore, with the Apple Watch Ultra starting at $799 and the Garmin Enduro 2 going for $1,099. It really all boils down to how sporty you want your smartwatch to be and whether you need a multi-functional smartwatch in the first place.

Despite the appeal of a sportier Apple Watch, Garmin easily wins in the areas where sports watches shine brighter than other timepieces. The five easy-to-access buttons make it usable in extreme conditions where you can’t easily swipe or tap the screen, and its navigation and mapping chops are still unrivaled, even by the likes of Google and especially Apple. Its month-long battery life is no small matter, especially when you take frequent trips outdoors. You will, however, be limited by what your smartwatch can do outside of those occasions, but that might better match your extreme lifestyle more than any other smartwatch.

The Apple Watch Ultra, on the other hand, is a more well-rounded device, more like a jack of all trades. It is more rugged and sportier than any other Apple Watch to date, but it doesn’t stray far from its roots. You can do almost anything on the smartwatch, within reason, of course. Its health-related functions are topnotch, and ECG measuring is still something that few smartwatches can boast of. Its design makes it fit better in almost any situation or occasion, so you don’t have to switch watches just because you want to go to a social party rather than go out for a run. Future models might be able to catch up to some of Garmin’s key advantages, but the Apple Watch Ultra will always be a smartwatch first and a sports partner only second.

The post Apple Watch Ultra or Garmin: Which sports smartwatch should you buy first appeared on Yanko Design.

$15,000 Diamond Encrusted Apple Watch Case Is The World’s Most Expensive

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Because “How can we add diamonds?” is the thought on many jewelry designer’s minds, Golden Concept of Sweden has created the Golden Concept Diamond Edition, the world’s most expensive Apple Watch case. The case features 443 diamonds totaling over 4 carats set in a single block of titanium. Personally, I think it’s an eyesore, but I just saw my wife add it to her Christmas list, so I guess different strokes for different folks.

The luxury watch band only fits the Apple Watch Series 7 45mm model, and will presumably be obsolete with the upcoming announcement of the new Apple Watch 8, which I’m sure Apple will make either 44mm or 46mm just to ensure previous aftermarket products won’t be compatible. I’m on to you, Apple!

If you really do want one you better act fast, because Golden Concept is only making seven of them in total, which is seven too many if taste and decency actually prevailed in this world. Oh who am I kidding, it’s kind of growing on me.

[via TechEBlog]

Absurd Apple Watch concept with folding display makes me question my sanity

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Finally, a large display for your wrist wearable.

While the world’s wondering when Apple will launch their folding iPhone, someone went ahead and made a Watch with a folding display… because why not. Titled the Apple Watch Series X, this quirky concept gives you a smartwatch with a larger folding screen, allowing you to use it as a de-facto iPhone. After all, your watch can make phone calls, right? The Apple Watch Series X is your regular foldable, in the sense that it comes with a primary screen on the front, and opens like a book to reveal a ‘larger’ secondary screen on the inside. Obviously, I use the word ‘larger’ rather loosely, considering how small the Apple Watch’s form factor is, to begin with.

Designed to sit on your wrist, this foldable concept turns the square-shaped WatchOS interface into a more traditional landscape one, unlocking the possibility for a lot of regular apps to make their way onto the wristwatch, including better Netflix and YouTube watching experiences.

Designer: Liquid Silicone

The Series X watch concept has a unique design with a flat-edge that we had expected Apple to debut in 2021. The screen size remains the same, although a bridge on the left edge (with Apple’s branding) hides the folding mechanism (sort of like in Samsung’s Galaxy Fold). You can use the watch as-is, although when you open it, you’re greeted with a widescreen that gives you a better layout of elements – especially for the fitness app, displayed below.

Sure the idea for a foldable watch seems absurd at first, although if you think about it – this format isn’t new. The Galaxy Z-Flip does the exact same thing, with a square-shaped device that opens into a vertical phone – the Series X simply flips this template onto its side.

Does it then make sense for Apple to launch a folding smartwatch? HELL NO! Sure, a larger display on your wrist makes things better, but the scaling of the display, in this case, isn’t absolute, i.e., the larger display still has the same height as the smaller one. If Apple WERE to launch a foldable, it would make much more sense to do so with a display that actually needs folding – take this iPhone iPad hybrid for starters. Or I wouldn’t mind a folding MacBook too, in the format of this FlexBook concept!

The post Absurd Apple Watch concept with folding display makes me question my sanity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Turn your Apple Watch into a Rolex with these luxury metal cases

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I’m pretty sure there’s a sizeable group of people who like the Apple Watch for its functionality but not for its looks. Sure, it looks great for a smartwatch, but the smartwatch aesthetic doesn’t really appeal to everyone. For the true watch aficionado who’s spent way too much time around Rolexes and Brietlings and Tag Heuers, this Apple Watch case turns your slick piece of tech into something that looks like a true watch encased in steel with a well-sculpted body and a steel or leather strap to match. Designed by the folks at Serafino Luxury, the case transforms the Apple Watch from tech wearable to haute horlogerie. The cases come available in a variety of styles, with metallic and anodized black, blue, and gold finishes to choose from. Depending on the style you choose, you even get a complimentary strap to match the case.

Designer: Serafino Luxury

Click Here to Buy Now

Available for all Apple Watch makes, including the slightly varied size of the Series 7 watch, the cases act merely as an aesthetic clad for your watch, sort of the way a cover clads your phone. However, while a cover’s prime objective is to protect your phone against damage, Serafino Luxury’s Apple Watch Cases are designed to give your watch an aesthetic overhaul, without compromising on the watch’s capabilities. Each case encloses your Apple Watch’s main hardware unit, exposing the screen on the front in a way that’s still easy to access, while also keeping the sensors and charging points on the rear of the watch uncovered. The Apple Watch’s crown gets a metal overlay too, being replaced with a much more traditional-looking wristwatch crown, and the power button below it also gets covered by a clickable metal cover. Cutouts for the speaker and microphone ensure the smartwatch works just as intended with minimal to no tradeoff.

Perhaps the only tradeoffs that really come to mind are firstly the fact that any case or accessory for your Apple Watch will add to its weight. There’s little word on how much these cases weigh, but you can expect a moderate increase to your wristwatch’s overall weight. Secondly, the newer Apple Watches come with a wraparound screen to minimize bezels – but Serafino Luxury’s cases pride themselves in large chunky bezels, which may (I repeat, may) inhibit you from reaching the edges of your screen. The casing may also dampen the watch’s taptic engine response, although that’s something one can only assess after trying them out.

Serafino Luxury’s cases cost anywhere between $229 and $299 depending on the style you pick. Each case ships with all its parts, including an interchangeable strap, a silicone sleeve that sits between the case and your Apple Watch (to prevent knocks and scratches), and a screwdriver to assemble/disassemble your Serafino Luxury Apple Watch Case. The cases are available for all Apple Watch models and sizes (including even the SE), and if you feel your Apple Watch just lacks that je ne sais quoi, you can snag one of these cases on Serafino Luxury’s website.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Turn your Apple Watch into a Rolex with these luxury metal cases first appeared on Yanko Design.

The only Apple charger you need – the MagEZ Slider wirelessly charges ALL your Apple gadgets and even has a detachable power bank

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This might just be the one charger to rule them all…

Meet the PITAKA MagEZ Slider. It’s a charger. No, wait. It’s a wireless charger. Uh, hold on. It’s a wireless charger with MagSafe capabilities. Oh, let me say that again. It’s a wireless charger with MagSafe capabilities that also has a built-in detachable power bank and can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Simultaneously.

Designers: Stephen Lu, Liang Daqian, Lucky Liu, James Zheng, Tom Chen & Li Huipeng

Click Here to Buy Now: $129.

Charge all your Apple essentials, including your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch.

Over the course of its existence, PITAKA’s worked to fundamentally make Apple’s products better by designing highly functional charging accessories for them. The MagEZ Slider, however, feels like a culmination of all that work. A wireless charger designed to work with your phone, watch, and TWS earbuds, the MagEZ Slider is compact little number that’s perfectly sized to sit on any tabletop surface while simultaneously ensuring that your workspace isn’t cluttered with different wires and dongles.

The MagEZ Slider builds on one of PITAKA’s previous products, the MagEZ Juice. The MagEZ Juice was a portable wireless charging power bank that came with its own dock/stand, allowing you to practically charge your phone anywhere. Now in its evolved form, the MagEZ Slider comes with a few new tricks up its sleeve. Sure, it has a MagSafe power bank and a docking stand for your iPhone, but now it even features a wireless charging zone for your AirPods. The rear surface of the MagEZ Slider lets you easily pop in a magnetic tray to rest your AirPods on, effectively charging them. The reason the tray isn’t baked right into the product is so as to ensure the entire MagEZ Slider has a compact profile that adapts to your needs.

Charge the power bank by placing it in the dock, then snap on your iPhone for simultaneous charging.

An adjustable, magnetic stand provides enough space to charge your AirPods.

Plugin and charge your Apple Watch using the Power Dongle.

To charge your Apple Watch, the MagEZ Slider comes with a USB-C port on the side that lets you pop an Apple Watch charging pad in. The removable charging pad ensures that the MagEZ Slider’s design remains clean and minimalistic, allowing you to expand your charging capabilities should you need to.

The Slider also comes outfitted with a rotating turntable on its base. Designed to let you adjust your gadgets to face you wherever you are without fiddling with the apparatus (and potentially knocking your phone or other gadgets over, the MagEZ Slider’s rotating turntable base swivels a full 360°. Contrary to what you’d think, the Slide doesn’t get its name from this unique feature. It is, in fact, the sliding MagSafe power bank that gives the MagEZ Slide its name, and also its key user interaction.

The sheer convenience of the MagEZ Slider lies in its ability to organize all your charging requirements in one place… however, that convenience is compounded once you realize that the MagEZ Slider has its own magnetic wireless power bank too. With a built-in 4000mAh battery, the power bank (which could also be found on the 2019 MagEZ Juice) is the MagEZ Slider’s pièce de résistance, letting you effectively travel while your gadget charges. The power bank sports a rounded, curved design that makes it easy to slide in and out of pockets, and it docks perfectly into the MagEZ Slider’s stand too when you’re finally at your desk. You’ll never need a single charger or Apple accessory again… and given the fact that the Cupertino-based company’s stopped shipping chargers with their flagship devices, the MagEZ SLider could easily be the most useful and versatile little accessory you own.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129.

The post The only Apple charger you need – the MagEZ Slider wirelessly charges ALL your Apple gadgets and even has a detachable power bank first appeared on Yanko Design.