AMAZFIT GTS 2 MINI

 

AMAZFIT GTS 2 MINI KEY FEATURES

Works with Android and iOS

case 40 mm

1.55" AMOLED screen with 354 x 306 resolution

Water resistant up to 50 meters

View notifications and music controls

24/7 activity/sleep tracking

Built-in GPS

Optical heart rate monitor

SpO2

Price at time of review: $99.99 / £79.99

Buy it if… Possibly the best value for money place. The best sports and health tracking in a superior package. The only reason to consider spending more is the lack of decent health analysis and the lack of payments, LTE, and smart features.

 

 

The Amazfit GTS 3 is already on sale, but we still think the GTS 2 Mini is a smart buy. You get MP3 storage, wrist calling, and Alexa, but those features don't justify the $80 premium on our book.

 

Then there's the Amazfit GTS 2e, which keeps the bigger screen, doubles the battery life, and adds a temperature sensor. It didn't hold up in our review though.

 

What remains is the GTS 2 Mini, which, like three bears among smartwatches, does everything right.

 

First, it doesn't miss any key features, so you still get a heart rate monitor, 60 sports modes, GPS, stress and sleep tracking, SpO2, and an AMOLED screen. They are light, well made and really fit for a sports watch.

 

And then there is the price. At $99.99, that's almost half the price of the GTS 2. We described it in our review as the "top pick" with all the features, a good screen, and a killer price. What's not to like?

 

Biometrics accuracy is one of the criticisms, as is the app, which is nowhere near as polished as Apple or Fitbit. This is where devices like the Versa 3, Sense, and Apple Watch SE justify their price tag.

 

Also a few words about the GTR 2. It's a great looking smartwatch that does everything the GTS 2 can do. But at 47mm it's a big watch and it still raises questions about value for money. The GTR 2e is a smarter buy.

 

AMAZFIT BEEP U PRO

KEY FEATURES OF AMAZFIT BIP U PRO

Works with Android and iOS

plastic body 42mm

1.43" TFT display

Water resistant up to 50 meters

View notifications and music controls

24/7 activity/sleep tracking

Built-in GPS and optical heart rate monitor

Up to 15 days battery life/22 hours GPS battery life

Price at time of review: $69.99 / £59.99

Buy if... Smartwatches don't get better at this price. You get so much for your money, but the buyer beware of the cheap plastic build.

 

 

If value for money is your goal, then Amazfit Bip U Pro is the best you have. The 1.43-inch screen and body materials are a key downside of the GTS Mini (above), as it uses a TFT display instead of AMOLED. The result is a dimmer, duller, and more pixelated image.

 

Aside from the screen and materials, you get the same health features as the GTS lineup. It's a decent sleep and step tracker, and the Pro version has Alexa and GPS built in. If neither of these interests you, you can save even more money by choosing the standard Bip U.

 

As with the GTS line, you still get stress tracking, SpO2, and heart rate monitoring. Amazfit seems to be extremely reluctant to hide the key features of its budget devices, which begs the question "why pay more?"

 

In our detailed review, we were impressed with the Bip U Pro's value for money and performance - the overall feeling of being cheap is the only reason to opt for the more premium GTS 2 Mini.

 

FOSSIL GENERATION 6

 

FOSSIL GEN 6: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Works with Android and iOS

Case size options 42mm and 44mm

1.28" always-on AMOLED screen

Powered by Wear OS - Wear 3.0 in 2022

Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor.

NFC for payments

GPS, heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor

Speaker and microphone

Water resistant 3ATM (safe for swimming)

Price at time of review: $299.99 / £289.99

Buy it if... The Fossil Gen 6 is a trendy Wear OS smartwatch designed for the future with Wear 3.0. If you like the design, this is a smart buy for Android users.

 

The Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch is the latest generation of the fashion brand's smartwatch platform. It features the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform, which delivers strong performance but doesn't add more than a day or two of battery life.

 

Wear OS 3.0 has already been confirmed to arrive in 2022.

 

This new version of Wear OS will kick-start Fossil, bringing new features, (presumably) better usability, (presumably) longer battery life, and Fitbit-based activity tracking.

 

The Gen 6 comes in seven different styles for both men and women, designed for those who prefer a sportier look or something better suited to formal occasions. Available in 44mm and 42mm case sizes, both of which feature 11.5mm thick stainless steel cases.

 

Both feature a 1.28-inch AMOLED touch display and, like previous Fossil smartwatches, feature a rotating crown and two programmable push buttons.

 

It adds an SpO2 sensor to monitor blood oxygen levels, a heart rate sensor, and a host of dedicated Fossil fitness tracking apps that build on Wear OS 2.0's patchy feature set.

 

In terms of battery life, you can still only count on 24 hours, but fast charging means 30 minutes will get you 80%.

 

If you like the look, then the forward looking Fossil Gen 6 is a great option.

 

TICWATCH E3

KEY FEATURES OF TICWATCH E3

Powered by Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor.

Will work with Wear OS 3

1.3" AMOLED display with 360 x 360 resolution

Google Pay and Google Assistant

1 GB RAM, 8 GB storage

Built-in GPS

Optical heart rate monitor

Blood oxygen monitoring

Case 44mm/32g

Price at time of review: $199.99 / £179.99

A reliable mid-range smartwatch with great potential thanks to the new Wear OS. But a long wait means competitors are easier to recommend.

 

The TicWatch E3 may seem like the mid-range Wear OS smartwatch we've seen countless times before, but it has a lot of potential to be a hit.

 

The price is great, and it includes the Snapdragon 4100 processor, which is the fastest and most advanced chip to power Wear OS devices today.

 

But that's not all: the TicWatch E3 is one of only two smartwatches that, with 100% confirmation, will be upgraded to the new Wear 3 version next year.

 

Others are the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the upcoming (but unreleased) Fossil Gen 6 - so there's little choice and nothing in the mid-priced category.

 

We reviewed the TicWatch E3 with old-fashioned Wear OS 2.0, and right now it's not the best in the world. The specs of the 1.3-inch AMOLED screen are average, and it's not exactly a mainstay of classy design. It looks functional but has a lot of features including GPS and heart rate monitoring.

 

Mobvoi has added many apps including TicOxygen (blood oxygen tracking), TicBreathe (guided breathing), TicZen (mindfulness), TicHearing (noise level detection) and TicCare (health records).

 

The downsides are one-day battery life and a few accuracy issues with heart rate and workout tracking.

 

However, it's inexpensive and could get even better with the new Wear OS - but we'll only know that at some point in 2022. At the same time, devices like Amazfit GTS 2 or Huawei Watch GT2e are easier to recommend.

There are several brands which present various models of smartwatches which differ according to their functions, their materials of manufacture, their design… etc. This makes the choice even more difficult given the possibility of running into counterfeits. Like all electronic accessories, quality digital watches are even more expensive considering the material and the power of their components, but that does not mean that you cannot find a smart watch at a low price that performs the same functions, for this you must know the most important criteria it must have including:

 

The functions

To serve you better, your watch should have all the features you will need. Current smartwatches come with various different functions. If you are a pro athlete, you will need a quality watch that will inform you about the state of your health at every moment of the day with precise and reliable results, they also have sports programs that will optimize your training. and will follow their developments every day. If you are more into nature walking, you will need a pedometer watch that calculates the number of your steps and a GPS to guide you with the possibility of having the distance traveled and the way to your destination.

 

Autonomy

Smartwatches with the pedometer function must have a strong battery as it is usually used outdoors. Check if your watch's battery life allows you to use it for as long as possible so that you can benefit more from its functions.

 

Construction materials

Most of the new tactile watches are water resistant thanks to the material of the strap as well as that of the screen but you must be careful of counterfeits which look exactly the same as the original but the materials of manufacture are completely. different. Consider buying your watch from a reliable store or a reliable website, avoid the classifieds which usually feature watches at very low prices.

 

Comfort

Comfort remains the first criterion to check, you must find out about the material of the bracelet, its length and the size of the case. Choose a watch that will fit your wrist better, one that will not squeeze you too tightly, it will be uncomfortable for you and above all will give you false information on the state of your health.

 

How to use a pedometer watch

The watches differ according to the criteria we already have but the operation or mode of use is almost the same since they all have touch screens and connect to the phone except that their compatibility differs depending on the operating system of the phone as well. as the app used to connect to the watch. You can follow these few steps to start familiarizing yourself with this new invention:

 

Prepare the watch

Be aware that before using any rechargeable device, you must touch it to an electrical source and let it recharge for a long time, so do so with your new watch. Read carefully how to use it, which you will find either on a guide in the box or on the official brand website. Find the button or the start mode as well as the connection mode.

 

Application installation

Before connecting your watch to your Smartphone, you must have the application that corresponds to the mount so your phone will recognize this device which is the watch. You will find the download site either on the guide or on the brand's official website as you can download it directly from Google Playstore if you already know it or you only have its name.

 

Connect the watch

Smartwatches are connected via bluetooth to phones so all you have to do is turn on the bluetooth of your phone then search for a nearby device, you will have a whole list, select the name of the watch and follow the steps below. 'will display on your phone, you can then access your phone's applications from the Smart Watch.

 

There are many who love beautiful watches and even more luxury watches. Those created by the greatest Swiss watchmakers in particular. Indeed, more than simple watches, they are generally real jewels, masterpieces of men's watchmaking. If you are on the verge of buying one, you are certainly asking yourself a lot of questions like: How to choose your luxury watch, how to wear this type of jewelry when you are a man? On what occasions can it be taken out of its box? How do you match your watch with your look or in general with your lifestyle?

 

Men and luxury watches: a practical guide

The watch is for me the only real jewel that a man can wear with his wedding ring. It is a bias but I accept the fact of saying that the rest is superfluous or even in bad taste (bracelets, necklaces, curb chains…). It is therefore important to know how to choose it well and especially to wear it well.

How to choose your luxury watch?

Of course, wearing a luxury watch is not for everyone. However, some men choose to tighten their belts on certain pleasures and invest in one or more watches. You should know that this type of purchase is also considered an investment, a kind of investment. Indeed, luxury watches keep an important dimension over time on the watchmaking market.

How to choose ? It is above all a question of feeling and appetite for a watchmaker, his style, his history and his know-how. Then, the budgetary criterion is also essential.

 

Men's luxury watches

From what point can we consider that a watch is “luxury”?

It's relatively subjective actually. I would say that from 1000 € a watch can be considered a precious jewel. Then, depending on your budget, you can afford all the follies. Be careful with fashion faux pas. I am thinking in particular of far too ostentatious watches that turn more into a ridiculous fashion accessory than fine and elegant male jewelry.

Which luxury watch to choose?

Once you have defined your budget and defined the watchmaker, it is necessary to choose a model: Chronograph, diver, aviator, vintage, classic, round, square, tonneau, rectangular, quartz movement, automatic, mechanical, then the colors, the materials of the case and the bracelet… in short, there are dozens of criteria that you should think about before making your final choice. Granted, this is no small feat so here is my advice. Tell yourself that the first impression is always the right one.

 

Head to the model that most resembles you. Try to make a parallel between your character and the design of the watch, your lifestyle and the functionality of the watch. Regarding colors, you absolutely have to think about your wardrobe before choosing your watch. What colors do you wear most often? What is the leather color of your shoes? Indeed, a watch is also chosen according to its clothing style.

 

When and how to wear a luxury watch?

It all depends on the style of watch I want to say. If you wear a thin all-steel watch for example (case + bracelet), you have the possibility of associating it with many looks and with most daily events.

 

On the other hand, with a leather strap it is difficult to sport a too sportswear look. It is also advisable to match the color of the leather of your shoes to that of your watch strap and even to your belt.

 

The big watch case of more than 48mm for example is to be avoided with a tuxedo for example. It is appropriate, with this kind of outfit, to wear a thin and elegant watch.

 

Can you wear your luxury watch every day? 

In general, I like to vary the pleasures. If we put on the same jewel every day we tend to get bored, don't you think? Ideally, you should have several watches and change regularly, especially depending on your outfit but also depending on your activity and the period.

After analyzing dozens of peer-reviewed mobile phone security studies in 2011, the group concluded that mobile phones are “carcinogenic” and that these devices can be just as harmful as some chemicals used in chemical cleaning and pesticides. (Note that the group hedged its findings with the word “possible”). 

A group of researchers from the World Health Organization concluded that the farther the device is from the head, the lower the level of its harmful effects on the user's body - so text messages or web surfing will not be as dangerous as calls from a mobile phone when the device as close as possible to the brain.

(That's why there were serious concerns about Google Glass, when their release to the market was first announced, and why we particularly use hands-free devices when talking on mobile phones). 

An analysis conducted by a group of European researchers led by Dr. Lennart Hardell, a professor of cancer research and epidemiology at the University Hospital Orebro in Sweden, concluded that talking on a mobile or wireless phone could triple the risk of developing brain cancer.

There are, of course, directly opposite studies of this question. But some of them were partly sponsored by mobile phone companies or shopping groups.

 

In particular, some argue that when it comes to wearable devices, most scientists, engineers, and health care institutions hold the position that they emit such low levels of electromagnetic radiation (usually two orders of magnitude less than a mobile phone) that they do not pose a danger to health in general. Some, however, still adhere to the position “forewarned is forearmed”.

One example is the international study Interphone, which was published in 2010, and according to the data of this study, a close relationship between mobile phone use and an increased risk of brain tumors has not been identified. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came to the conclusion that “more research is needed to establish the degree of relationship between the use of mobile devices and the possible development of diseases affecting the normal functioning of the brain.

Another study on the use of mobile applications by subscription also did not reveal an increase in the risk of developing brain cancer or cancer. Nevertheless, even here, a team of Danish experts recognized the likelihood of a "slight or moderate increase" in cancer risk among active mobile phone users.

But what does all this research say to users who are unconditionally believing Apple ideologists who want to buy Apple Watch faster, or Google and Windows fanatics who want to own alternative smart watches?

Dr. Joseph Mercola, a doctor who specializes in alternative medicine and wrote a lot about the potential harmful effects of mobile phones on the human body, said that as long as the wearable device does not have a built-in 3G connection, the harmful effects are minimal, if any.

“The radiation really comes from a 3G connection on a mobile phone, so devices such as Jawbone Up and Apple Watch should be safe,” said Dr. Mercol in a telephone interview. "But if you buy a watch with an integrated cellular communications chip, you have, in essence, the same mobile phone attached to your wrist." And that, he says, is a bad idea. 

(Apple Watch uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to get data, and researchers say there is no proven harm to these frequencies when wearing devices on the body. Wearable devices with built-in 3G or 4G connections, including Samsung Gear S, may be more harmful. Apple declined to comment on this article, and Samsung just didn’t make contact to comment on this situation.

The researchers also expressed concern about high-power batteries that are in close proximity to important organs for long periods of time. Some reports over the past few decades have raised the question of whether they can cause leukemia.

 

What do users do? Perhaps we can see how the researchers themselves cope with their smartphones. 

While Dr. Mercola is an ardent supporter of mobile phone security, he recommended contacting him on a mobile phone to arrange an interview. When asked if he was lecmerising in his statements, he said: “Technology is a part of life, and I use its achievements with utmost caution.” As an example, he said that during a call, he uses a Bluetooth headset.

 

At the same time, people who are concerned about the possible side effects of smart watches should avoid placing them in close proximity to the brain (this looks a bit strange). However, children are at particular risk. 

While researchers argue about how harmful mobile phones and wearable computers really are, most agree that children should exercise caution when working with such devices. 

Dr. Hardell analyzed the results of a study illustrating that a child’s skull is thinner and smaller than that of an adult, which means that the brain tissue of children is more susceptible to certain types of radiation, in particular, that coming from a mobile phone.

 

Doctors say that children should talk as little as possible on a mobile phone. And if they have smart watches, they should take off their watches for the night and in no case put them under the pillow. Doctors also warn that pregnant women should be very careful when using not only smart technologies, but gadgets in general.

 

But what about adults? After examining this column, talking with experts and examining dozens of scientific papers, it is safe to talk about the dangers of using mobile phones for a long time and the need to use a headset to minimize the effects of radiation on the brain structure.

 

At the same time, when it comes to wearable laptops or tablets, you should not write off Apple Watch accounts, but you should not bring them close to your head. Also try not to let your own or other people's children to such devices, do not let them play with them for a long time.

Are you into detox? How about digital detox instead of a juice cleanse? We give you tips to help you succeed in the digital detoxification cure.

 

CONTENTS

What is digital detox

Why digital detox makes sense

5 rules for the digital detoxification cure

5 tips to make digital detox easier

Conclusion

 

 

1. WHAT IS DIGITAL DETOX

The digital detox is the conscious “ going offline ” of smartphones, PCs, tablets and especially social media. One could also describe digital detox as a kind of " digital fasting " or a form of mental relaxation exercises .

 

When Digital Detox is about consciously for himself certain period of all digital devices and digital media to escape to get back in the here and now to come and more with itself and its environment to deal .

 

The digital detox is a trend that has been in circulation for a while and is particularly aimed at more mindfulness in life. Meanwhile, there are several apps as Off time or space that you at Digital Detox support can.

 

With these apps you can, for example, lock your smartphone or laptop, lock the times you have selected and thus deny yourself access to certain programs.

 

Likewise, various social media such as Facebook or Instagram now offer functions with which you can track your social media consumption or with which you can have notifications sent if you have exceeded a certain time limit on a platform.

 

2. WHY DIGITAL DETOX MAKES SENSE

In today's world we are constantly exposed to a great flood of information. It has become normal to be always available and online . The smartphone is always within range and if it answers by vibration or ringing, we are now conditioned to react directly and always .

 

The phenomenon to be constantly online, because you pre-screen and fear has to miss anything , called " FOMO " (English acronym for " Fear Of Missing Out "). FOMO can become a psychological burden . Because it is not the smartphone itself that is problematic, but rather the handling of the devices.

 

Digital fasting

 

Different technologies of smartphones and other digital devices in everyday life can be used positively and effectively, for example to be more productive and informed, to keep in touch with important people or to enrich your own everyday life.

 

If the smartphone, however, mainly used out of boredom or to miss anything out of fear that can deal with the digital devices often compulsive and stressful , be without you realize it consciously.

 

So to avoid digital burnout and to reduce stress, a smartphone diet in the form of digital detox is definitely useful. Above all, a trip or vacation offers a good opportunity to try digital detoxification.

 

Experience reports on digital detox often show that going offline is more difficult for many than expected. The smartphone has become an integral part of our lives and we are used to quickly sending a short message to the partner or calling up information on the go.

 

Nevertheless, there are different ways in which you can withdraw from the smartphone more often and spend your time in everyday life more attentively, stress-free and often more productively.

 

3. 5 RULES FOR THE DIGITAL DETOXIFICATION CURE

So that you can optimally implement Digital Detox, there are 5 rules with which you can easily manage the digital detoxification cure .

 

1. Do not keep digital devices in the bedroom

As a first rule for digital detox, you should make sure that your bedroom is free of smartphone, laptop and TV and that you use an analog alarm clock instead of your smartphone alarm clock.

 

Make your bedroom a smartphone-free zone and focus on relaxing in the evening without checking your social media or your emails and upcoming commitments. The evening is here to recharge and to relax.

 

2. The relaxed morning routine

Instead of being woken up by your smartphone in the morning and then checking your messages straight away. Use the first hour after getting up times just for you . Read a book, meditate or simply enjoy your breakfast without any distractions.

 

3. Check mails once a day

The number three rule for your digital detoxification course is: Check your emails only once a day. Are you one of those who check their emails every 20 minutes?

 

This is often not necessary. It's best to set a time at which you check your emails once a day and focus the rest of the day on things that are important to you.

 

4. Switch off your smartphone completely

As more rules for Digital Detox, applies the smartphone often times completely off instead of using the flight mode. The inhibition threshold to switch the smartphone back on now is much greater than simply switching off the flight mode again.

 

5. Leave your smartphone at home

If you are already advanced in Digital Detox, you can sometimes try your smartphone to have at home or one day a week completely off to spend . The following tips should help you make Digital Detox easier.

 

4. 5 TIPS THAT MAKE DIGITAL DETOX EASIER

If you are determined to try Digital Detox, the following tips will make it a little easier to get started.

 

Tip 1

Use a wrist watch and a flashlight instead of your smartphone. Sounds strange, but it makes perfect sense. The simple gadgets make it easier for you to check other things besides the time, such as your emails, WhatsApp or social media.

 

Tip 2

Ask people for directions if you're on the go without a smartphone. That worked well before the smartphone era and often nice conversations or sometimes even interesting new contacts are made.

 

Tip 3

Use digital detox apps that lock your smartphone for a certain time . Simply type in "Digital Detox" in the App Store and you will find what you are looking for. If you don't trust the digital detox yourself, you can also go to a digital detox camp.

 

Tip 4

Digital Detox Camps are retreats that aim to sharpen the use of digital devices and that should ensure more awareness and balance with regard to smartphone use.

 

Most such digital detox camps take place in nature and can usually be visited for a weekend or a little longer. Most retreats offer various outdoor activities such as hiking, cooking together, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises.

 

Tip 5

More tips to distract you from the smartphone are read , walk , play sports , something to eat or clean up . You can use the newly gained time that you usually spent on your smartphone to pursue new hobbies. For example, learn to play a musical instrument or write people who are important to you a letter instead of a message.

 

5. CONCLUSION

Nowadays it makes sense to spend a little time without a smartphone and digital devices and to consciously use the time with digital devices.

 

Digital Detox is a sensible method to gradually escape smartphone addiction and concentrate more on yourself and your own goals. There are many simple rules for the Digital Detox that make implementation easy for you.

 

From using apps to lock your smartphone or certain applications on your cell phone for a certain period of time, to digital detox camps or setting up smartphone-free zones in your home.