It’s not just boys and their toys – girls love gadgets, too.
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If you’re looking to treat yourself, or your partner, to some new gear, there’s no shortage of options. But how do you know what you’re getting is worth the price?
Be sure to read online reviews from both customers and critics alike, and not all from the same site.
You should also ensure there’s a good return policy if you’re unhappy with your purchase for whatever reason.
If you’re looking for some suggestions, the following is a look at three wearable devices I’ve spent some time with.
SOUND ADVICE
You’re not alone if you find your earbuds just don’t stay in your ears – especially while exercising.
Or perhaps you want to invest in a pair of wireless headphones with much better audio than what you currently own.
After five years, Apple is back with a new Beats-branded product, the Powerbeats Pro 2.
While not cheap at $349, these are simply the best earbuds for working out, as they’re super comfortable and stay snug in your ears (thanks, in part, to its flexible silicone loop that goes around the ear); they sound absolutely incredible (powerful and well-balanced lows, mids and highs); and can be controlled easily with its multifunction “b” touch-enabled button and volume rocker.
Ideal for iPhone and Android, and available in one of four colours (Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange), extra features include active noise cancellation, heart-rate monitoring (for workouts only, not to detect health issues), and a battery that lasts about 10 hours (without noise cancelling, or about eight hours with it enabled). With both USB-C and wireless (“Qi”) charging, the matching case has an embedded battery to provide roughly three or four full charges and is considerably smaller than the previous charging case.
They’re pricey, but Powerbeats Pro 2 are as good as they get.
Grade: A+
ALL IN THE WRIST
While not as popular of a brand in Canada as say, Samsung or Pixel (Google), Android users in the market for a new smartwatch will find a lot to like about the OnePlus Watch 3.
It’s missing a key feature, mind you, but gets it mostly right – especially in the battery department.
While Apple Watch can only last up to 18 hours (or up to 36 hours in low power mode), OnePlus Watch 3 ($449) delivers one of the best batteries in this space, with up to 5 days of use (about 120 hours), or as long as 16 days in low power mode.
Powered by GoogleOS, this smartwatch boasts a 1.5-inch circular AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2,200 nits (much higher than the previous model’s 600 nits), making it easier to see in direct sunlight. Along with touchscreen controls, a rotating crown makes it easy to access menus, multiple Google apps and clock faces (including support for video-based clock faces).
Like many other smartwatches, OnePlus Watch 3 can track sleep and fitness data (including precise sensors for analyzing all kinds of workouts and sports); it shows navigation and other map data on your wrist; displays text messages and notifications from a nearby phone; and lets you take calls, if needed. Tap your wrist to buy something at retail or stream audio to a Bluetooth headset (like the ones reviewed above) while on a run.
Durable and with various colour options, the only issue is that while it has an integrated electrocardiogram (ECG), it was not approved for use in Canada or the U.S. – not yet, anyway. As such, the touted “60-Second Health Check-In” feature – a variety of measurements taken all at once – won’t work either. If you can live without that, Android fans who want a long-lasting wearable that can accurately capture and analyze all kinds of exercises will find OnePlus Watch 3 a great buy.
Grade: B
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
If you’re looking for a new pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, why not make them a “smart” pair?
Available as clear lenses, as well as sunglasses and transitions – including supporting Rx prescriptions – Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (from $369) are high-tech eyewear from Meta (Facebook’s parent company), in collaboration with Ray-Ban, and available in multiple colours and styles (Wayfarer, Headline and Skyler).
For some features you’ll want your smartphone nearby, but not for everything.
Thanks to Meta AI, you can use your voice to get information and control your glasses. Simply say, “Hey Meta,” followed by your question or command. For example, if you’re travelling in a foreign country, ask Meta AI to translate a sign written in another language into English, or to tell you the history of a local landmark. For daily use, ask Meta AI to remind you to do something in a few hours, scan a QR code, or provide recipes based on what’s in your fridge.
Capture what you see, from your perspective, with the 12-megapixel and ultrawide camera, yielding high quality photos that are automatically saved to the Meta View app on your smartphone. Shoot video, too, thanks to its five-microphone system, allowing you to capture video and audio to view or share later on. You can even livestream your view to friends on Facebook and Instagram, such as when you’re at a hockey game.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses also feature “open-ear speakers,” which means you can hear the audio from above and below your temples. But don’t expect impressive bass from your favourite music – for that you’ll want proper earbuds.
Grade: A-
– Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and the author of the book, Apple Vision Pro For Dummies (Wiley)