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TUSK x ShiftCam Unveil CINEMA // Series: The Ultimate Mobile Filmmaking System

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TUSK, in collaboration with ShiftCam, is introducing the CINEMA // Series, a groundbreaking mobile lens and filter system designed to bring commercial-grade cinematography to the iPhone. This new lineup, launching on Kickstarter, offers an advanced toolkit for filmmakers, content creators, and industry professionals looking to achieve Hollywood-level visuals without the bulk of traditional cinema gear.

Who Should Care About This Announcement?

The CINEMA // Series is a game-changer for filmmakers, vloggers, content creators, and industry professionals who want high-quality footage without the weight and complexity of traditional cinema gear. Whether you’re shooting a music video, a documentary, or professional social media content, this system provides the tools needed to capture visually stunning, cinematic-quality footage on a smartphone.

For independent filmmakers, this means professional-grade optics without the high costs of DSLR and cinema cameras. Vloggers and travel filmmakers will appreciate its portability, allowing for dynamic and high-quality storytelling on the go. Even industry professionals looking for a lightweight secondary camera setup will find the CINEMA // Series a valuable addition to their workflow.

Professional-Grade Optics in a Portable Package

The CINEMA // Series is the most advanced mobile filmmaking system to date, featuring seven professional lenses and eight magnetic cinematic filters. Itโ€™s engineered to take full advantage of Netflix-approved devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max, demonstrating that smartphones can be powerful tools for professional content creation.

Key Features & Innovations

  • Fluorite Crystal Optics โ€“ Each lens is crafted with up to seven fluorite crystal elements for exceptional clarity and minimal distortion.
  • Multi-Layer Coatings โ€“ Lenses feature up to 98 protective coatings, including anti-reflective, anti-scratch, hydrophobic, and UV/IR protection.
  • Ultra-Low Chromatic Aberration โ€“ Ensures accurate color reproduction without unwanted fringing.
  • Recycled Aluminum Build โ€“ Aerospace-grade aluminum housing for durability and lightweight portability.
  • Quick-Mount System โ€“ Secure twist-and-lock mechanism for seamless lens changes.
  • Magnetic Filter Adapter โ€“ Allows quick attachment of 72mm filters, supporting multiple lens types.

Seven Cinema-Grade Lenses for Every Shot

  • 60mm Telephoto Cinema Lens โ€“ Delivers stunning subject isolation and background compression.
  • 75mm Long-Range Macro Cinema Lens โ€“ Captures detailed close-ups while maintaining depth.
  • 18mm 1.33x Anamorphic Cinema Lens โ€“ Creates cinematic widescreen visuals with natural flares.
  • 15mm 1.55x Anamorphic Cinema Lens โ€“ Enhances widescreen storytelling with a broader anamorphic effect.
  • 16mm Wide-Angle Cinema Lens โ€“ Ideal for landscapes, interiors, and vlogging.
  • 25mm 10x Macro Cinema Lens โ€“ Provides extreme close-up capabilities with sharp details.
  • 8mm 200ยฐ Fisheye Cinema Lens โ€“ Offers immersive, ultra-wide perspectives.

Eight Magnetic Filters for Creative Control

  • Circular Polarizer (CPL) โ€“ Reduces reflections and enhances color contrast.
  • Black Mist 1/2 Filter โ€“ Softens highlights for a dreamy cinematic effect.
  • Variable ND (VND) 1-5 Stops โ€“ Allows controlled light reduction for exposure precision.
  • ND8, ND64, ND128, ND512 Filters โ€“ Adjust light intake for different shooting conditions.
  • Variable ND (VND) 6-9 Stops โ€“ Ideal for extreme brightness and long-exposure photography.

Designed for Professional & Indie Filmmakers

The CINEMA // Series caters to various content creators, from professional filmmakers to vloggers and social media influencers. Whether shooting music videos, documentaries, commercial projects, or live streaming, this mobile setup offers unparalleled flexibility and creative potential.

Why CINEMA // Series?

  • Affordable Alternative to Cinema Gear โ€“ Achieve DSLR-quality results without the high costs.
  • Versatile & Compact โ€“ Seven lenses and eight filters provide limitless creative options.
  • No Heavy Gear Required โ€“ Film anywhere with ease, eliminating the need for tripods and rigs.
  • Sustainable Design โ€“ Built with premium recycled materials for durability and eco-conscious filmmaking.

Availability & Pricing

The CINEMA // Series will launch exclusively on Kickstarter, with the full package priced at $1,949. To stay updated on special offers and early bird deals, visit the official campaign page.

About TUSK x ShiftCam

TUSK is an award-winning filmmaking collective known for pushing the boundaries of cinematography. Partnering with ShiftCam, a leader in mobile photography and videography accessories, the two companies have created a system that bridges the gap between mobile filmmaking and professional cinema production.

8849 Introduces the TANK 3 Pro: A Rugged 5G Smartphone with a Massive 23,800mAh Battery and Built-in Projector

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Rugged smartphone maker 8849, operating under the UNIHERTZ umbrella, has launched the TANK 3 Pro, a 5G-ready powerhouse built for those who need performance and endurance in the toughest conditions. The 23,800mAh battery, 100-lumen DLP projector, Dimensity 8200 processor, and 200MP AI camera put this device in a category of its own.

The TANK 3 Pro is now available through Amazon, 8849โ€™s official website, and UNIHERTZโ€™s online store for $599.99/ยฃ470. Amazon UK availability is expected next month.

A Smartphone That Projects More Than Power

The TANK 3 Pro includes a built-in DLP projector, capable of 100 lumens brightness with an adjustable focus. Whether it’s for outdoor movie nights, impromptu presentations, or turning any flat surface into a screen, this feature expands what a smartphone can do.

A 6.79-inch FHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate keeps visuals smooth, whether scrolling, gaming, or watching videos.

Battery That Refuses to Quit

With 23,800mAh of battery capacity, this phone runs for days on a single charge. 120W fast charging gets it back to 90% in just 90 minutes, and reverse charging lets it act as a power bank for other devices.

Performance Without Compromise

The Dimensity 8200 octa-core processor powers fast multitasking and seamless 5G connectivity, making downloads, gaming, and streaming feel effortless. With 512GB of storage (expandable up to 2TB) and 36GB RAM (18GB + 18GB virtual RAM), the TANK 3 Pro handles heavy workloads with ease.

Built for Harsh Environments

Engineered for durability, the IP68-rated body is resistant to water, dust, and impact. A built-in cooling fan prevents overheating, keeping performance steady even under heavy loads.

For those venturing off the beaten path, L1+L5 dual-band GPS provides precise navigation. The multi-function camping light with adjustable brightness and an emergency warning mode adds extra utility in outdoor settings.

Camera Power for Any Situation

A 200MP AI main camera delivers high-resolution shots with rich detail. The 64MP night vision camera makes low-light photography a breeze, while wide-angle and telephoto lenses offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios.

Availability and Pricing

The 8849 TANK 3 Pro is now available through Amazon, 8849โ€™s official website, and UNIHERTZโ€™s online store for $599.99/ยฃ470. Amazon UK availability is expected next month.

Feature Highlights

  • 100-Lumen DLP Projector (with adjustable focus)
  • Dimensity 8200 Octa-Core CPU
  • 23,800mAh Battery with 120W Fast Charging
  • Up to 36GB RAM (18GB + 18GB Extended) & 512GB Storage (Expandable to 2TB)
  • 6.79-inch FHD Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate
  • 200MP AI Main Camera + 64MP Super Night Vision
  • IP68 Water, Dust & Shock Resistance
  • Built-in Cooling Fan for Heat Dissipation
  • Camping Light with Emergency Warning Mode

About 8849

8849, named after the 8,848-meter height of Mount Everest, builds smartphones that thrive in extreme conditions. The brand focuses on rugged durability and cutting-edge technology, making its devices a go-to choice for outdoor professionals, adventurers, and users who demand reliability.

Gemini in Android Studio Now Supports Multimodal Image Input

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Google is expanding the capabilities of Gemini in Android Studio with multimodal image input, allowing developers to attach images directly to their AI-assisted prompts. This new feature, now available in Android Studio Narwhal (Canary release), enables developers to streamline UI prototyping, enhance debugging, and improve documentation workflows by integrating visual data into Geminiโ€™s responses.

A New Dimension for AI-Powered Development

Geminiโ€™s multimodal capabilities were first introduced at Google I/O 2024, showcasing its ability to interpret wireframes and convert them into Jetpack Compose code. Now, with image attachment support, developers can upload JPEG or PNG files and receive AI-generated insights based on visual context.

An โ€œAttach Image Fileโ€ icon is now available in the Gemini chat window, allowing users to provide screenshots, diagrams, or mockups for AI-powered interpretation. For best results, Google recommends using images with strong color contrast.

How Multimodal Image Input Enhances Development

Developers can leverage this feature for a variety of tasks, including:

  • Rapid UI Prototyping โ€“ Convert wireframes or high-fidelity mockups into Jetpack Compose code.
  • Diagram Documentation โ€“ Upload complex architecture diagrams and let Gemini generate explanations.
  • UI Debugging โ€“ Provide screenshots of UI issues and receive AI-suggested solutions.

For instance, developers can upload a sketched UI layout and prompt Gemini with:
“Generate Jetpack Compose code that replicates this design, using Material3 and proper imports.”

Similarly, debugging workflows are improved by uploading screenshots of UI glitches, such as stretched buttons on larger screens. Gemini can analyze the issue and suggest responsive layout adjustments using window size classes.

Available Now in Android Studio Narwhal

The new multimodal image attachment feature is now available in the latest Android Studio Narwhal (Canary) release. Google emphasizes privacy and responsible AI use, ensuring that source code is not sent to external servers without user consent.

Developers can download Android Studio Narwhal today to explore these new capabilities. Google encourages feedback to refine the experience further and improve future releases. For the latest updates, follow the official Android development channels on X, Medium, and YouTube.

Google Expands PC Gaming with Native Titles, New Developer Tools, and an Earnback Program

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Google Play is stepping up its commitment to PC gaming, rolling out a suite of updates aimed at developers and players alike. Announced at this yearโ€™s Game Developers Conference (GDC), these changes bring native PC game support, a new earnback program, and gameplay upgrades to the Google Play Games on PC platform.

Native PC Games Join Google Play

Google Play Games on PC was originally designed to bring mobile games to desktop users. Now, itโ€™s opening the doors to native PC titles, giving developers a way to reach a global audience of over 2 billion players through a single platform.

Some early success stories on the platform include Wuthering Waves, Remember of Majesty, Genshin Impact, and Journey of Monarch. With input from early-access developers, Google is expanding its support with new tools for game development, distribution, and monetization:

  • Play Games PC SDK โ€“ A new development kit built for native PC games, offering streamlined in-app purchase integration and advanced security protections.
  • Simplified Play Console Management โ€“ A centralized hub for handling mobile and PC game builds, store listings, and release settings.
  • Earnback Program โ€“ Developers bringing PC games to Google Play can earn up to 15% additional revenue through a new incentive program.

These tools give PC developers access to Google Playโ€™s extensive ecosystem while making it easier for mobile-first studios to branch into desktop gaming.

More Mobile Games Now Playable on PC

Google Play is automatically making mobile games available on PC unless developers choose to opt out. To help players gauge performance, games will now include playability badges:

  • โ€œOptimizedโ€ โ€“ Meets all Google Play Games quality standards for PC.
  • โ€œPlayableโ€ โ€“ Meets minimum requirements but may not be fully optimized.

With custom control mappings, many mobile games will be ready to play on PC with minimal developer adjustments.

Google Play Games Expands to More Devices

The Google Play Games platform is expanding to AMD-based laptops and desktops, with PC manufacturers integrating Google Play Games directly into the start menu of upcoming devices.

Other new features for players include:

  • Customizable controls โ€“ Adjust key mappings for better comfort and performance.
  • A new game sidebar โ€“ Quick access to settings and controls.
  • Multi-account and multi-instance support โ€“ A response to popular demand from players who juggle multiple game profiles.

More Rewards and Advertising Tools for Developers

The Google Play Points program is being expanded on PC, making it easier for users to track and redeem points. Limited-time promotions will allow players to earn up to 10x points on Google Play Games, encouraging deeper engagement with in-game purchases.

Google is also testing new user acquisition tools powered by Google Ads, helping developers run targeted campaigns for both mobile-emulated and native PC titles within Google Play Games.

Google Play at GDC

Developers attending GDC at the Moscone Center West Hall can get a closer look at these updates, explore upcoming games, and connect with the Google Play team.

Google Play Games Expands to More Devices, Brings PC and Mobile Gaming Closer Together

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Google Play Games is leveling up its platform, bringing more titles, better device compatibility, and a smoother gameplay experience to gamers everywhere. Announced at this yearโ€™s Game Developers Conference (GDC), the updates include a growing PC game library, cross-platform gameplay enhancements, and new ways to earn rewards.

More Games, More Devices

Google Play Games on PC is expanding its catalog with popular new titles. Fans of strategy, RPGs, and action-packed adventures can look forward to playing โ€œGame of Thrones: Kingsroad,โ€ โ€œSonic Rumble,โ€ and โ€œODIN: VALHALLA RISINGโ€ on their PCs this year. These additions build on an already strong lineup that includes โ€œGenshin Impactโ€ and โ€œJourney of Monarch.โ€

The updates arenโ€™t just about new games, Google Play Games is now supported on a wider range of devices, including AMD-powered laptops and desktops. This means more gamers can jump in without needing high-end hardware.

For those who prefer gaming on the go, Google Play is also making select PC games available on Android devices. Titles like โ€œDREDGEโ€ and โ€œTABS Mobileโ€ are launching this month, with โ€œDisco Elysiumโ€ set to arrive later this year. These games have been optimized for mobile, ensuring a smooth experience across screens.

Earn More Rewards with Google Play Points

Google Play is making it easier for players to earn and redeem rewards on PC. Play Points can now be tracked more easily across both mobile and desktop, and for a limited time, players can take advantage of up to 10X Play Points boosters on PC. Whether itโ€™s discounts, in-game items, or exclusive perks, Google Play Points now offer even more value for dedicated gamers.

Customization and Performance Upgrades

Beyond new games and rewards, Google Play Games is rolling out customizable controls to help players fine-tune their experience. A new game sidebar allows for quick in-game adjustments, while multi-account and multi-instancing support lets players switch between accounts or run multiple game instances simultaneously.

Google is also investing in performance upgrades with Vulkan API and Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF). These technologies help developers enhance visuals, optimize frame rates, and improve overall gameplay smoothness. Diablo Immortal, for example, now benefits from ray tracing technology, delivering sharper graphics and more immersive environments.

More to Come

Google Play Games on PC is moving toward general availability later this year, promising even more cross-platform features and game additions. Whether you’re a PC gamer looking to explore Android titles or a mobile player wanting to dive into PC gaming, Google Play is making it easier than ever to play your way.

For more details on Google Playโ€™s latest announcements, visit g.co/gamedevsummit.

MeCool KM9 Pro Max Streamer Review

Streaming boxes are now commonplace in people’s homes, transforming the way we consume media and entertainment. You have great options from popular brands like Roku, Amazon, Google, and Apple, each offering a unique set of features and channels to suit different viewing preferences.

MeCool may not immediately be a household name, but you could argue its streaming boxes are worth consideration, especially for those seeking something different. New options like the MeCool KM9 Pro Max come packed with many of the bells and whistles you need from a company you may not have heard of, including 4K streaming capabilities, an intuitive user interface, and support for a wide range of streaming services.

Additionally, the MeCool devices often provide excellent value for money, making them a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers looking to elevate their viewing experience without compromising on quality or features.

The MeCool KM9 Pro Max stands out with its robust port selection, smooth Google TV experience, and certified 4K streaming for Netflix and Disney+. At just $80, it delivers impressive performance and versatility, making it a smart choice for those seeking a feature-rich yet affordable streaming solution.

Design

The MeCool KM9 Pro Max is a small rectangular box similar to most streaming devices. Internally, itโ€™s running on a powerhouse of an ARM chipset, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of onboard flash storage. This makes it a surprisingly capable Google TV option to rival the likes from Google directly.

Where the hardware really sets itself apart on the MeCool KM9 Pro Max is the port selection. On the back and side of the unit, youโ€™ll find an input/output array that just doesnโ€™t have much competition for the space. The left side has two full USB-A ports and the rear houses an optical audio jack, 3.5mm audio jack, full-sized HDMI, and Ethernet port.

Most streamers these days have an HDMI port and maybe one other option like Ethernet. Even optical audio out seems to be a dying addition recently. To have the array of ports that you see here is impressive. Rounding out the box itself, the KM9 Pro Max has a barrel power adapter and front LED status lights.

Software

As mentioned earlier, the MeCool KM9 Pro Max runs Google TV, which sits atop Android 12. This gives you full Google Play access for pretty much any streaming service youโ€™ll need. Itโ€™s also a huge plus to see that itโ€™s a certified device for 4K Netflix and Disney+. Both companies seem to have loosened the grip on certifications, but itโ€™s still not uncommon to see devices not have them on board.

Otherwise, if youโ€™ve ever used another Android TV box, or even Amazonโ€™s Fire TVs, the interface and experience will be familiar. You have a home screen full of installed apps pumping out recommended and available viewing options. I personally find it busier than alternatives like Roku and Apple TV, but itโ€™s sufficient to get the streaming platforms you pay for on a big screen.

Performance and Remote

I had zero issues during my testing period. The MeCool KM9 Pro Max performed very well with no hang-ups. The interface is smooth and transitions were snappy. Even the occasional game worked as expected. Iโ€™m sure you can make it stutter with some heavier gaming streaming, but for most users this is more than enough.

The same is true for the included remote. MeCoolโ€™s offering follows the Google TV reference layout almost verbatim, and thatโ€™s a good thing. The remote is intuitive, and the buttons are responsive. You even have a power button and volume control mappings available for most TVs using universal remote protocols. There are dedicated buttons at the bottom of the unit with shortcuts to YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

Final Thoughts

MeCool isn’t a household name, but this streamer is a contender at just $80. With the latest Google software and a plethora of port selections, it’s a niche option that will suit the needs of many consumers. Finding a solution for a full sound system and Google TV can be difficult, but the KM9 Pro Max fits the bill.

Hit our link below to find out more details or purchase yours today directly from MeCool’s website

MediaTek Launches Genio 720 and 520: Smarter, Faster, and More Efficient AI for IoT

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MediaTek has unveiled two new chips, Genio 720 and Genio 520, designed to make smart home devices, retail tech, and industrial IoT gadgets more powerful and efficient. These chips bring on-device generative AI, improved performance, and better power efficiencyโ€”perfect for everything from interactive retail displays to smart security systems.

Smarter AI, Faster Performance

Both chips come with MediaTekโ€™s 8th-generation AI processor, handling up to 10 trillion operations per second (TOPS). That means they can process AI tasks faster and more efficientlyโ€”like improving voice assistants, enabling real-time image recognition, and even running AI-powered chatbots and automation directly on a device instead of in the cloud.

With support for up to 16GB of memory, these chips can handle large AI models like Llama, Gemini, and DeepSeek, making them useful for advanced AI applications that need quick responses without draining power.

Power-Efficient Design for Always-On Devices

Built using a 6nm process, the Genio 720 and 520 use an octa-core CPU with a mix of high-performance Cortex-A78 and power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. This design keeps devices running smoothly and efficiently, making them ideal for battery-powered and fanless devices like smart cameras, kiosks, and industrial automation systems.

Designed for Displays, Cameras, and Connectivity

These new chips are built for multimedia and connected devices, supporting:

  • 4K video and multi-screen support for high-end retail and commercial displays
  • Multiple camera connections, handling up to six Full HD cameras or 32MP sensors
  • Wi-Fi 6/6E built-in, with support for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G RedCap via external modules
  • Operating system compatibility with Android, Linux, and Ubuntu

Faster Development with OSM Support

To help manufacturers bring new devices to market quickly, MediaTek is offering OSM (Open Standard Module) reference designs, which simplify hardware development and improve reliability. OSM-based solutions powered by Genio 720 and 520 are expected to launch in the second half of 2025.

When Can We Expect These Chips?

MediaTek will start sending out samples of Genio 720 and 520 in Q2 2025. For more details, visit MediaTekโ€™s website.

Enabot Launches EBO Air 2: A Smart Home Robot for Security and Pet Interaction

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Enabot has unveiled its latest innovation, the EBO Air 2, an advanced home security and pet interaction robot that enhances everyday living. Building on the success of the EBO SE and EBO Air, this new model features a 2K Ultra HD camera, a wider field of view, improved mobility, and interactive expressions, making it a dynamic addition to any home. Available in Dove White, Robin Pink, and Jay Blue, the EBO Air 2 can be purchased on the Enabot website for ยฃ199/$199/โ‚ฌ229/AU$349.

Enhanced Vision and Coverage

Equipped with a 2K Ultra HD camera, the EBO Air 2 delivers crisp and clear footage with an expanded 137ยฐ diagonal field of view, allowing users to monitor their home with greater precision. An IR-CUT night vision feature ensures visibility remains sharp even in low-light conditions, capturing details in any lighting scenario.

Thanks to its 360ยฐ mobility, the EBO Air 2 navigates seamlessly through a home, eliminating blind spots. With a compact 9cm body, it glides under furniture, finds misplaced items, and keeps an eye on pets. Its classic tread design enables smooth movement over obstacles up to 6mm and inclines of up to 4ยฐ, ensuring uninterrupted functionality. The topple-resistant build provides added durability, making it a reliable companionโ€”even when pets get curious.

Smarter Movement and Customizable Expressions

The EBO Air 2 introduces two distinct movement modes:

  • Steady Mode โ€“ Offers controlled movement, ideal for beginners.
  • Sport Mode โ€“ Enables faster, more agile navigation for a dynamic user experience.

To add a touch of personality, the robot features light-up emoji expressions, allowing users to customize eye displays with emoticons, letters, or symbols. These dot-matrix expressions can be triggered manually through the app, helping the device feel more interactive and responsive.

Advanced Security and Smart Alerts

Designed to keep users connected even when away, the EBO Air 2 supports 24/7 video recording with smart playback at various speeds. Motion detection alerts send real-time notifications when activity is detected, triggering automatic recordings for later review.

Two-way talk functionality ensures seamless communication with family members or pets, enhanced by Clear Voice AI Noise Cancellation, which eliminates background noise and static for clear conversations.

Engaging Pet Interaction Features

Beyond security, the EBO Air 2 serves as an engaging playmate for pets. Its upgraded laser feature entertains cats, while customizable movements and sound effects create an interactive experience. Users can control pet playtime remotely via the app, making it easier to keep pets engaged when away.

Intelligent Charging and Privacy Features

To prevent downtime, the EBO Air 2 automatically recharges when its battery runs low. It utilizes infrared-guided docking and long-range path retracing, ensuring it finds its way back to the charging station without hassle.

For privacy-conscious users, the device includes a One-Tap Privacy Mode, disabling both the camera and microphone instantly. A guest user permission management system allows secure multi-user access, making it ideal for households with pet sitters or shared access needs.

Reliable Connectivity and Stylish Design

The EBO Air 2 offers dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for a stable connection, along with improved global connectivity and audio/video performance. With a glossy finish and three color options, it complements modern home aesthetics and even features a built-in time display, doubling as a sleek desk companion.

Availability

The Enabot EBO Air 2 is available now in Dove White, Robin Pink, and Jay Blue on the Enabot website for ยฃ199/$199/โ‚ฌ229/AU$349.

OnePlus Watch 3 Review

OnePlus is a company that hits home with most of us Android nerds at this point, carving a niche that resonates deeply with our tech-savvy hearts. The Never Settle moniker has become an ethos woven into the fabric of all its products, creating an atmosphere of relentless innovation and excellence, and always pushing the limits of what hardware and software can truly achieve. This commitment to quality and performance has turned OnePlus into a symbol of what passionate users desire in their devices.

The new OnePlus Watch 3 is another evolution of this philosophy, showcasing the brand’s determination to redefine the smartwatch experience by pushing the bar of a Wear OS smartwatch further ahead. With enhanced features, a sleek design, and intuitive functionality, the OnePlus Watch 3 not only embodies the spirit of the “Never Settle” mantra but also sets new standards in wearable technology, inviting users to explore new levels of connectivity and fitness tracking capabilities that were previously thought unattainable.

The OnePlus Watch 3 pushes Wear OS forward with a refined design, impressive battery life, and a dual-chip architecture that delivers smooth performance without compromise. With a four-day battery, sapphire crystal display, and upgraded health tracking, it stands out as a top choice for Android users seeking both style and substance in a smartwatch.

Design

At first glance, youโ€™d probably see little difference in the OnePlus Watch 3 versus the previous Watch 2. Despite the similar silhouette, youโ€™d be mistaken. OnePlus improved the overall design in many ways.

First, the crown on the outside bezel actually turns this year! This has been a much-sought-after feature of many Wear OS watches, and OnePlus bringing it to market is a nice touch. Spinning the dial now offers navigation up/down in the interface, while pressing it still functions as a back home and quick switch between recent apps, as in last year.

The other big improvement is in the battery tech. Weโ€™ll get into how that improved battery life later, but letโ€™s cover the hardware for now. Not only did OnePlus increase the capacity in the Watch 3, but they also improved the materials. Now, you have a Silicon NanoStack Battery cell that offers a slimmer footprint while delivering even better energy density.

Covering the remaining spec sheet, you have a 1.5-inch LTPO screen covered in ultra-durable Sapphire Crystal. The OnePlus Watch 3 has a stainless steel case, while the bezel is made from titanium. This gives the entire build a military-class grade in durability.

Color options are just two this year. You can get the Emerald Titanium variant you see in this review or the black titanium Obsidian. Each has complementary 22mm quick-release straps and buckles to match the uniform of each namesake. Iโ€™d be lying if I said Iโ€™m not eyeing the new Midnight Ocean strap that was announced in the launch briefing to pair with the Emerald Titanium Watch 3, though.

Second-Gen Dual Architecture and Battery Life

Much like last yearโ€™s model, the OnePlus Watch 3 offers two different chipsets to run the internals. You have the BES2800 Efficiency Chipset paired with the RTOS runtime, offering low-power pings to handle background notifications, activity updates, and actually waking its big brother to run Wear OS.

That sibling chipset in the OnePlus Watch 3 is the Snapdragon W5 from Qualcomm. This full-featured SoC handles all the heavy lifting required for Wear OS. This chipset only really fires up when you are fully interacting with the Watch 3 or running true Wear apps.

These make for an incredible marriage that OnePlus has built for wearables. The user experience isnโ€™t hampered at all and leads to some real industry-leading battery life. You canโ€™t get the results away from the charger Iโ€™ve seen with the Watch 3 anywhere else with Wear watches or the Apple series. Iโ€™m seeing a full four days and sometimes more of general use, including daily tasks and hour-long workout sessions three to four times per week.

You would have to look at more traditional fitness options from Fitbit or Garmin to match or surpass this endurance. Battery life is a real win here for OnePlus and one of the most compelling reasons an Android faithful should have it on their shopping list.

When you do have to charge, OnePlusโ€™ innovative modular VOOC charger is back powered by USB-C. Not only can it work with any USB-C option you have lying around, but with the correct VOOC brick from OnePlus, you can fast-charge this bad boy. In ten minutes you can recharge a full dayโ€™s worth of battery life.

Health Monitoring and Wear OS

Another leap for OnePlus has been the health monitoring. The company has expanded itโ€™s workout options as well as general health data. Thereโ€™s a new eight-channel heart rate sensor and 16-channel pulse oximeter leading the charge. Outside of the US, thereโ€™s a temperature based electrocardiogram as well, but itโ€™s turned due to FDA legalities here in the States.

All this packages nice with things like the new 60-second Health Check-in. This new feature takes a quick synapses of all the available sensors and then parses through recent activities and sleep to offer insights. Included in the report assessments of heart health, arterial stiffness, blood oxygen levels, mental wellness and sleep quality.

The sleep tracking has been pretty solid as well. I didnโ€™t find it quite as accurate as my Garmin, but itโ€™s pretty damn close. It logged my hours and general rest well and used it to offer whether it was adequate enough or if I should increase my rest hours.

The same is true for workouts. I found the heart rate to be slightly more elevated on the OnePlus Watch 3 during the same periods with my Garmin Forerunner. I also saw a slight variance in calories burned, but compared to a decades-long industry leader, the Watch 3 held its own in every category.

The app has come a long way in a year too. You get a nice layout of general knowledge with the options to deep dive into most of them for further data. The app is intuitive and allows you to manage that data and the app settings with ease.

Final Thoughts

OnePlus had one of the most compelling Android smartwatches a year ago; the OnePlus Watch 3 elevates that even further. Itโ€™s hands down the best option you can get running Wear OS, and I feel very comfortable saying that. Shoring up some of the shortcomings of its app and health monitoring catapults it directly into the lead device status for me.

Weโ€™ve broken down the pricing, variants, and available accessories below with links.

OnePlus Watch 3

OnePlus Watch 3 Accessories

  • OnePlus Watch Strap Nordic Blue $39.99 USD/ CAD$59.99
  • OnePlus Watch Strap Emerald Green $29.99 USD/ CAD$44.99
  • OnePlus Watch Charging Base $29.99 USD/ CAD$44.99
  • Open Sale Channels OnePlus.com (US/Canada)

Circular Opens Pre-Orders for Circular Ring 2 with New Features and Smarter Sizing

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Circular has officially opened pre-orders for the Circular Ring 2, bringing new health-tracking features and quality-of-life upgrades. After turning heads at CES 2025, where it collected 10 industry awards and over 200 media mentions, the Circular Ring 2 is now available through an early pre-order campaign offering savings of up to $310.

The latest model includes FDA-cleared AFib detection, a wireless charging case, and a digital sizing system that eliminates guesswork when choosing a ring size. Early backers can secure the $549 ring for as low as $239 via the Kickstarter campaign, with shipments expected in June 2025.


Whatโ€™s New with the Circular Ring 2?

Digital Ring Sizing โ€“ No More Guesswork

Finding the right ring size has never been the easiest process, but Circular has solved that. The new Digital Ring Sizing technology lets users measure their ring size directly from a smartphone before ordering, eliminating the back-and-forth of trial sizing.

Wireless Charging Case โ€“ Power Without the Cords

Charging a smart ring should be simple, and now it is. The optional wireless charging case lets users store and recharge their ring anywhere, keeping it powered for uninterrupted health tracking. No tiny charging cables to misplaceโ€”just drop it in the case and go.

Womenโ€™s Health Suite โ€“ Smarter Cycle and Wellness Tracking

The Circular Ring 2 now includes a Womenโ€™s Health Suite, adding cycle tracking, temperature monitoring, fertility insights, and menopause support. These features provide personalized biometric insights, helping users track patterns and gain a better understanding of their health.

Advanced Health Monitoring โ€“ FDA-Cleared AFib Detection

The Circular Ring 2 isnโ€™t just tracking daily activityโ€”itโ€™s providing real-time ECG monitoring with FDA-cleared AFib detection. With detailed sleep-stage analysis, heart rate tracking, and Kira AI-driven insights, users have a clearer picture of their overall health.

Many of the best features from the previous model are still here, including blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate tracking, activity tracking, and sleep analysis.


Pre-Order Details and Availability

The Circular Ring 2 is now available for pre-order via Kickstarter, with early backers receiving discounts of up to $310. The first shipments are expected to go out in June 2025. For more information, visit www.circular.xyz or check out the Kickstarter campaign for exclusive launch pricing.