Garmin GPS sports watches aim to help you improve your health and wellness by collecting data from your daily lifestyle and using the Garmin Connect ecosystem to analyze and present the data in useful ways. Garmin has significantly improved its track record for supporting previous models with the latest software features while also releasing new smartwatches with innovative features. You can even join the public beta program to try out the latest and greatest features before they are released to everyone. What is the best Garmin watch right now? I've tested nearly every popular Garmin watch on the market, evaluating their features, durability, battery life, price, and more, to help you determine which model is best for your fitness, wellness, and other tracking needs. I typically run, row, ride, hike, walk, sleep, and live with the watches for weeks at a time before providing my final evaluation of the watch.My current pick for the best Garmin watch overall is the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED thanks to its long battery life, AMOLED display, support for all Garmin activities, three size options, and LED flashlight. Garmin unveiled this watch last summer, and I published my review in November. Despite my pick for best Garmin watch, I went back to using the Garmin Enduro 3 due to the extended battery life, subtle always-on MIP display, and reality that I rarely use the speaker and microphone options on the Fenix 8. Read on for the rest of my tested picks for the best Garmin watches you can buy right now. Sort by All Health & wellness Build quality/durability Advanced features Applications Core functionality The best Garmin watches of 2025 Show less View now at Garmin For a couple of years, Garmin carried the Epix line with an AMOLED display that stood apart from the Fenix series. In August 2024, that changed with the Fenix 8 now appearing with both AMOLED and solar MIP display options. Given that the Enduro 3 offers a solar MIP display, has longer battery life, and is less expensive, the AMOLED Fenix 8 models are a top choice for mapping and communications.TheGarmin Fenix 8 AMOLEDconnects seamlessly to Android and iOS smartphones, in addition to golf club sensors, bike sensors, and more. Just about every sport is covered, including pickleball, with an updated smartphone experience so you can customize the watch settings on your phone and sync them over to the watch.New communications features for the Fenix series include an integrated speaker and microphone that supports phone calls from the wrist, access to your connected phone's assistant, onboard voice commands, and voice recordings. These features, along with an updated user interface for notifications, bring the Fenix 8 closer to serving as your primary smartwatch.Touchscreen capability is available, while the traditional Garmin five-button interface is also present to give you access to all options for navigating the watch. The buttons now use haptic sensors, with the watch supporting deeper dive activities, so the physical response when you press buttons on the Fenix 8 is different from other Garmin watches. No solar options are available since the AMOLED display consumes too much battery power for solar to make much impact. There is solar available on the MIP display option of the Fenix 8 if you prefer that option for longer battery life.You can buy the watch in 43mm, 47mm and 51mm sizes with a variety of watch case and band color options too.Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED (51mm) tech specs: Display: 1.4-inch 454x454 pixels | Battery Life (GPS tracking mode): 84 hours | Dimensions: 51x51x14.7 mm | Weight: 92 grams (with band) | Water/Dust Resistance: 10 ATM | Band Size: 26mm Health & wellness 9 Build quality/durability 10 Advanced features 10 Applications 8 Core functionality 10 Pros Gorgeous, brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display Extensive size and feature options Solid battery life Vast performance metrics Three available sizes Mic and speaker Cons Expensive Always on display mode significantly reduces battery life Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED Best Garmin watch overall 4.7 / 5 Score For a couple of years, Garmin carried the Epix line with an AMOLED display that stood apart from the Fenix series. In August 2024, that changed with the Fenix 8 now appearing with both AMOLED and solar MIP display options. Given that the Enduro 3 offers a solar MIP display, has longer battery life, and is less expensive, the AMOLED Fenix 8 models are a top choice for mapping and communications.TheGarmin Fenix 8 AMOLEDconnects seamlessly to Android and iOS smartphones, in addition to golf club sensors, bike sensors, and more. Just about every sport is covered, including pickleball, with an updated smartphone experience so you can customize the watch settings on your phone and sync them over to the watch.New communications features for the Fenix series include an integrated speaker and microphone that supports phone calls from the wrist, access to your connected phone's assistant, onboard voice commands, and voice recordings. These features, along with an updated user interface for notifications, bring the Fenix 8 closer to serving as your primary smartwatch.Touchscreen capability is available, while the traditional Garmin five-button interface is also present to give you access to all options for navigating the watch. The buttons now use haptic sensors, with the watch supporting deeper dive activities, so the physical response when you press buttons on the Fenix 8 is different from other Garmin watches. No solar options are available since the AMOLED display consumes too much battery power for solar to make much impact. There is solar available on the MIP display option of the Fenix 8 if you prefer that option for longer battery life.You can buy the watch in 43mm, 47mm and 51mm sizes with a variety of watch case and band color options too.Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED (51mm) tech specs: Display: 1.4-inch 454x454 pixels | Battery Life (GPS tracking mode): 84 hours | Dimensions: 51x51x14.7 mm | Weight: 92 grams (with band) | Water/Dust Resistance: 10 ATM | Band Size: 26mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less In the early days, Garmin watches were popular primarily with runners. Today, there are dozens of Garmin watches to choose from, many priced at $400 or more. But the new Garmin Forerunner 165 gets back to the basics with an affordable, $250 watch focused on providing what most recreational runners need to track their performance.Even at this affordable price, Garmin's Forerunner 165 includes a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display for that elegant smartwatch visual experience found in Apple and Samsung smartwatches. It's also a perfect watch for those with smaller wrists, especially in a market full of big, bulky watches.While the Garmin Forerunner 165 can be used for a wide variety of sports and activities, it is primarily focused on supporting runners, with features like adaptive training plans, wrist-based running power and dynamics tracking, training effect, course support, and more. You'll also find 25profiles for activities like swimming, pickleball, yoga, and pilates.A feature I particularly enjoyed using was "Morning report," which summarizes my previous day and evening's tracking, along with the training plan for the day of. Sleep monitoring with sleep scores and nap detection were also welcome features.Garmin Forerunner 165 features: Battery life (GPS):19 hours |Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Affordable with advanced running metrics|Size:43 mm Health & wellness 8 Build quality/durability 8 Advanced features 4 Applications 6 Core functionality 9 Pros Small and light AMOLED display 19 hours of GPS tracking Colorful options available Cons Limited activities are supported In the early days, Garmin watches were popular primarily with runners. Today, there are dozens of Garmin watches to choose from, many priced at $400 or more. But the new Garmin Forerunner 165 gets back to the basics with an affordable, $250 watch focused on providing what most recreational runners need to track their performance.Even at this affordable price, Garmin's Forerunner 165 includes a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display for that elegant smartwatch visual experience found in Apple and Samsung smartwatches. It's also a perfect watch for those with smaller wrists, especially in a market full of big, bulky watches.While the Garmin Forerunner 165 can be used for a wide variety of sports and activities, it is primarily focused on supporting runners, with features like adaptive training plans, wrist-based running power and dynamics tracking, training effect, course support, and more. You'll also find 25profiles for activities like swimming, pickleball, yoga, and pilates.A feature I particularly enjoyed using was "Morning report," which summarizes my previous day and evening's tracking, along with the training plan for the day of. Sleep monitoring with sleep scores and nap detection were also welcome features.Garmin Forerunner 165 features: Battery life (GPS):19 hours |Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Affordable with advanced running metrics|Size:43 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Instinct 2X Solar is a GPS Garmin watch with features tailored to outdoor pursuits. Its ABC sensors help users better navigate trails, and the trackback routing feature makes it easy for hikers and runners to get back to their starting points. Multi-band and multi-frequency support is provided too. It is built to withstand the elements, and its rugged design isn't just for looks.With solar charging built-in, the Instinct 2X has the potential to run near-limitless on outdoor adventures without needing to constantly top off and charge. Garmin has significantly improved the software on the Instinct 2X, even including support for activities like golf, surfing, and obstacle course racing. The more I used it while testing it out, the more I enjoyed it, particularly the small secondary display in the top right corner that provides clear at-a-glance information.If you spend time outdoors in the fall and winter months, whether it is for hunting, skiing, or enjoying the snow in other forms then the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar may be the watch for you. It even supports the ability to track your dog if you are out bird hunting with your favorite companion.Additionally, this mid-range price modelincludes many health monitoring features, such as sleep and stress tracking and women's health capabilities. It also supports the Garmin Connect store, so you can load it up with the Starbucks app and many more third-party options.Review:Instinct 2X SolarGarmin Instinct 2X Solar features: Battery life (GPS):60 hours, 145 with solar |Display technology:Memory-in-pixel monochrome|Unique feature:LED flashlight, 2nd window |Size:50 mm Health & wellness 7 Build quality/durability 10 Advanced features 7 Applications 4 Core functionality 9 Pros Unlimited battery potential with solar charging for smartwatch mode 100-meter water resistance Mid-range price LED flashlight Cons No offline music or maps The Instinct 2X Solar is a GPS Garmin watch with features tailored to outdoor pursuits. Its ABC sensors help users better navigate trails, and the trackback routing feature makes it easy for hikers and runners to get back to their starting points. Multi-band and multi-frequency support is provided too. It is built to withstand the elements, and its rugged design isn't just for looks.With solar charging built-in, the Instinct 2X has the potential to run near-limitless on outdoor adventures without needing to constantly top off and charge. Garmin has significantly improved the software on the Instinct 2X, even including support for activities like golf, surfing, and obstacle course racing. The more I used it while testing it out, the more I enjoyed it, particularly the small secondary display in the top right corner that provides clear at-a-glance information.If you spend time outdoors in the fall and winter months, whether it is for hunting, skiing, or enjoying the snow in other forms then the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar may be the watch for you. It even supports the ability to track your dog if you are out bird hunting with your favorite companion.Additionally, this mid-range price modelincludes many health monitoring features, such as sleep and stress tracking and women's health capabilities. It also supports the Garmin Connect store, so you can load it up with the Starbucks app and many more third-party options.Review:Instinct 2X SolarGarmin Instinct 2X Solar features: Battery life (GPS):60 hours, 145 with solar |Display technology:Memory-in-pixel monochrome|Unique feature:LED flashlight, 2nd window |Size:50 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Garmin's watches are typically GPS sports watches focused on helping you improve your health, fitness, and performance. While they offer some features that rival other smartwatches, the Venu 3/3S is clearly the best Garmin to take on the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. I tested the Venu 3S for several days, as did my daughter, and it convinced her to switch from her Fitbit thanks to its longer battery life and sleek look.The Venu 3/3S is extremely well built, has a brilliant AMOLED display, lasts for more than a week, lets you accept and make calls from the wrist, and supports voice assistants via a connected smartphone.In addition to its smartwatch functions, the Venu 3/3S supports all of the amazing Garmin functions and vast ecosystem. This includes subscription music support, Garmin Pay, Connect IQ app support, and the superb Garmin Connect smartphone application.If you are looking for a health and wellness watch that lasts longer than one or two days, the Garmin Venu 3S is tough to beat.Review:Garmin Venu 3SGarmin Venu 3S features: Battery life (GPS):21 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Calls and voice assistant |Size:41 mm Health & wellness 8 Build quality/durability 8 Advanced features 6 Applications 6 Core functionality 8 Pros Brilliant AMOLED display More than week-long battery Exquisite design, fit, and finish Cons Expensive Garmin Venu 3S Best Garmin smartwatch to compete with Apple and Samsung 3.6 / 5 Score Garmin's watches are typically GPS sports watches focused on helping you improve your health, fitness, and performance. While they offer some features that rival other smartwatches, the Venu 3/3S is clearly the best Garmin to take on the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. I tested the Venu 3S for several days, as did my daughter, and it convinced her to switch from her Fitbit thanks to its longer battery life and sleek look.The Venu 3/3S is extremely well built, has a brilliant AMOLED display, lasts for more than a week, lets you accept and make calls from the wrist, and supports voice assistants via a connected smartphone.In addition to its smartwatch functions, the Venu 3/3S supports all of the amazing Garmin functions and vast ecosystem. This includes subscription music support, Garmin Pay, Connect IQ app support, and the superb Garmin Connect smartphone application.If you are looking for a health and wellness watch that lasts longer than one or two days, the Garmin Venu 3S is tough to beat.Review:Garmin Venu 3SGarmin Venu 3S features: Battery life (GPS):21 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Calls and voice assistant |Size:41 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Garmin's Vvomove line is known for blending the natural mechanics of a traditional analog watch with its latest digital features. This makes models like the Vvomove Trend ideal for users who prefer a subtle and timeless smartwatch design.ZDNET's reviews editor June Wan tested the latest Vvomove Trend and found it to strike a good balance of in-app health and fitness features, battery life, and charging tech. Speaking of which, the Trend is the first Garmin watch to support wireless charging in general. That means you can plop the wearable on any Qi-enabled charging pad and it'll power up nicely. (There's also a wired option included in the box if that's more your cup of tea.)Also:Garmin's Vvomove Trend fixes my biggest issue with its smartwatchesWith a hybrid design, the Vvomove Trend's motorized hands will adaptively rotate around the watch face as you interact with it, from swiping through fitness metrics to changing sound and vibration settings to starting a workout. Auto workout detection is still a thing, as is Garmin Pay and the slew of data the companion app provides for any other model, so you won't miss out on every Garmin feature by going with more style here."In ways, I appreciated the focus on digital well-being here, with the lack of bright, distracting, and colorful screen animations, alongside my daily health metrics," Wan wrote about the watch.Garmin Vivomove Trend features: Battery life (Smartwatch):Five days|Display technology:OLED|Unique feature:Minute hands and wireless charging|Size:40 mm Health & wellness 7 Build quality/durability 7 Advanced features 3 Applications 3 Core functionality 8 Pros Excellent battery life thanks to the hybrid design Motorized hands that adapt to what's on-screen Supports wireless charging Cons Not as rugged and durable as sportier watches Only comes in a 40mm watch size Garmin Vvomove Trend Best budget Garmin watch 2.8 / 5 Score Garmin's Vvomove line is known for blending the natural mechanics of a traditional analog watch with its latest digital features. This makes models like the Vvomove Trend ideal for users who prefer a subtle and timeless smartwatch design.ZDNET's reviews editor June Wan tested the latest Vvomove Trend and found it to strike a good balance of in-app health and fitness features, battery life, and charging tech. Speaking of which, the Trend is the first Garmin watch to support wireless charging in general. That means you can plop the wearable on any Qi-enabled charging pad and it'll power up nicely. (There's also a wired option included in the box if that's more your cup of tea.)Also:Garmin's Vvomove Trend fixes my biggest issue with its smartwatchesWith a hybrid design, the Vvomove Trend's motorized hands will adaptively rotate around the watch face as you interact with it, from swiping through fitness metrics to changing sound and vibration settings to starting a workout. Auto workout detection is still a thing, as is Garmin Pay and the slew of data the companion app provides for any other model, so you won't miss out on every Garmin feature by going with more style here."In ways, I appreciated the focus on digital well-being here, with the lack of bright, distracting, and colorful screen animations, alongside my daily health metrics," Wan wrote about the watch.Garmin Vivomove Trend features: Battery life (Smartwatch):Five days|Display technology:OLED|Unique feature:Minute hands and wireless charging|Size:40 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Garmin's Vivoactive 5 joins other modern smartwatches with a brilliant high-resolution AMOLED display, replacing the memory-in-pixel displays of all past Vivoactive models. It's comparable in design to the new Venu 3 series with the Venu, focused on challenging smartphones with phone call and voice assistant support. The Vivoactive 5 is much more affordable than the Venu 3/3S with its focus on casual athletes.The Vivoactive 5 is a lovely watch available now for $300 in four color options and one size for all users. Garmin also included significant software upgrades with support for Body Battery personalized insights, Sleep Coach, workout benefits, recovery time, and more.More than 30 sports modes, support for wheelchair activities, nap tracking, and more make the Vivoactive 5 a fantastic GPS sports watch option for the masses.Garmin Vivoactive 5 features: Battery life (GPS):21 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Animated workouts |Size:42 mm Health & wellness 7 Build quality/durability 7 Advanced features 5 Applications 5 Core functionality 8 Pros Budget-friendly Brilliant AMOLED display Responsive touchscreen display Cons No larger size Garmin Vvoactive 5 Best Garmin watch for casual athletes 3.2 / 5 Score Garmin's Vivoactive 5 joins other modern smartwatches with a brilliant high-resolution AMOLED display, replacing the memory-in-pixel displays of all past Vivoactive models. It's comparable in design to the new Venu 3 series with the Venu, focused on challenging smartphones with phone call and voice assistant support. The Vivoactive 5 is much more affordable than the Venu 3/3S with its focus on casual athletes.The Vivoactive 5 is a lovely watch available now for $300 in four color options and one size for all users. Garmin also included significant software upgrades with support for Body Battery personalized insights, Sleep Coach, workout benefits, recovery time, and more.More than 30 sports modes, support for wheelchair activities, nap tracking, and more make the Vivoactive 5 a fantastic GPS sports watch option for the masses.Garmin Vivoactive 5 features: Battery life (GPS):21 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Animated workouts |Size:42 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Instinct Crossover provides long battery life and rugged features with a classy, iconic design. If you like wearing a watch primarily to always provide you with glanceable time and want a watch that tracks all of your health and activity data, then the Instinct Crossover may be just what you are looking for. It also helps that Garmin incorporated a new GPS chipset with much more accurate performance than the Instinct 2 series.The nice thing about a watch like the Garmin Instinct Crossover is that it functions primarily as a watch and then captures your health and activity data passively as you work out and live. Open up the Garmin Connect smartphone application and then you will find all of your data in full color with extensive capability to create reports and analyze your data. This includes blood pressure data from the new.It takes a few days to fully appreciate theGarmin Instinct Crossoverand for me it took viewing the watch in low light conditions where the hands and hour marks were always crystal clear, watching the hands dynamically switch whenever the content needed to be viewed, and the complete lack of thought about battery life. I continue to fall back on watches that last for weeks and will never fully embrace a watch that only lasts for one to three days again.Garmin Instinct Crossover features: Battery life (GPS):25 hours|Display technology:Memory-in-pixel monochrome|Unique feature:Minute hands and center display|Size:45 mm Health & wellness 7 Build quality/durability 8 Advanced features 4 Applications 3 Core functionality 8 Pros Long battery life Always present luminescent hands Innovative hand/display synchronization Cons Expensive Garmin Instinct Crossover Best hybrid Garmin watch 3 / 5 Score The Instinct Crossover provides long battery life and rugged features with a classy, iconic design. If you like wearing a watch primarily to always provide you with glanceable time and want a watch that tracks all of your health and activity data, then the Instinct Crossover may be just what you are looking for. It also helps that Garmin incorporated a new GPS chipset with much more accurate performance than the Instinct 2 series.The nice thing about a watch like the Garmin Instinct Crossover is that it functions primarily as a watch and then captures your health and activity data passively as you work out and live. Open up the Garmin Connect smartphone application and then you will find all of your data in full color with extensive capability to create reports and analyze your data. This includes blood pressure data from the new.It takes a few days to fully appreciate theGarmin Instinct Crossoverand for me it took viewing the watch in low light conditions where the hands and hour marks were always crystal clear, watching the hands dynamically switch whenever the content needed to be viewed, and the complete lack of thought about battery life. I continue to fall back on watches that last for weeks and will never fully embrace a watch that only lasts for one to three days again.Garmin Instinct Crossover features: Battery life (GPS):25 hours|Display technology:Memory-in-pixel monochrome|Unique feature:Minute hands and center display|Size:45 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Garmin Approach S70 improves on the previous S62 with an AMOLED display, 42 and 47mm size options (people with smaller wrists can now enjoy this complete golf experience), improved PlaysLike features (temperature and barometric pressure accounted for), green contours with Garmin Golf subscription, and improvements in other health and fitness aspects of the Garmin ecosystem outside of golf.Some of the golf features found on the Approach S70 that are not available on other Garmin watches include custom targets, PinPointer, PlaysLike distance, Swing Tempo, green contours, and shot dispersion. Shot dispersion may be one of my favorite new features as it displays a box on the watch to show where your selected club shot may end up, based on your golfing history.I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course with theGarmin Approach S70and have yet to find another golf watch that offers as much as it does. If you're passionate about golf, and you want a watch that can help you with other fitness activities just as much, then this is the watch to consider.Garmin Approach S70 features: Battery life (GPS):20 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:18-hole status indicator|Size:47 mm Health & wellness 6 Build quality/durability 8 Advanced features 7 Applications 7 Core functionality 9 Pros Complete golf experience Brilliant AMOLED display Support for extensive number of activities Cons Pricey Limited battery life Garmin Approach S70 Best Garmin watch for golf 3.7 / 5 Score The Garmin Approach S70 improves on the previous S62 with an AMOLED display, 42 and 47mm size options (people with smaller wrists can now enjoy this complete golf experience), improved PlaysLike features (temperature and barometric pressure accounted for), green contours with Garmin Golf subscription, and improvements in other health and fitness aspects of the Garmin ecosystem outside of golf.Some of the golf features found on the Approach S70 that are not available on other Garmin watches include custom targets, PinPointer, PlaysLike distance, Swing Tempo, green contours, and shot dispersion. Shot dispersion may be one of my favorite new features as it displays a box on the watch to show where your selected club shot may end up, based on your golfing history.I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course with theGarmin Approach S70and have yet to find another golf watch that offers as much as it does. If you're passionate about golf, and you want a watch that can help you with other fitness activities just as much, then this is the watch to consider.Garmin Approach S70 features: Battery life (GPS):20 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:18-hole status indicator|Size:47 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Garmin The latest in its triathlete-tailored Forerunner series, the Garmin Forerunner 965 builds on the extensive training features from its predecessor. Aside from the impressive performance metrics like outlining your running routes, showing training effects, and measuring VO2 Max, the 965 has a brilliant AMOLED display that is sure to turn heads.Improved GNSS tracking with multi-band and multi-frequency support, managed via SatIQ, ensures your exact location is always accurately tracked. Bold color mapping is available for turn-by-turn navigation, trail running, and more.While the Forerunner 965 is focused on the runner, there is also extensive support for golf so you don't need a separate watch to recover from your running on a local course. However, Garmin's unique product lineup strategy leaves CT-10 golf club sensors off the list for compatibility with this watch.Garmin Forerunner 965 features: Battery life (GPS):31 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Advanced training metrics|Size:47 mm Health & wellness 9 Build quality/durability 9 Advanced features 7 Applications 9 Core functionality 10 Pros Triathlon-geared features Vivid AMOLED display Multiple GPS protocols, including onboard mapping Recovery time meter Cons No LED flashlight No support for Garmin CT10 golf club sensors Garmin Forerunner 965 Best Garmin watch for triathletes 4.4 / 5 Score The latest in its triathlete-tailored Forerunner series, the Garmin Forerunner 965 builds on the extensive training features from its predecessor. Aside from the impressive performance metrics like outlining your running routes, showing training effects, and measuring VO2 Max, the 965 has a brilliant AMOLED display that is sure to turn heads.Improved GNSS tracking with multi-band and multi-frequency support, managed via SatIQ, ensures your exact location is always accurately tracked. Bold color mapping is available for turn-by-turn navigation, trail running, and more.While the Forerunner 965 is focused on the runner, there is also extensive support for golf so you don't need a separate watch to recover from your running on a local course. However, Garmin's unique product lineup strategy leaves CT-10 golf club sensors off the list for compatibility with this watch.Garmin Forerunner 965 features: Battery life (GPS):31 hours|Display technology:AMOLED|Unique feature:Advanced training metrics|Size:47 mm Read More Show Expert Take Show less Apple Watch vs Garmin: Why choose Garmin? The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is our pick for the best smartwatch overall, and Apple continues to challenge Garmin's fitness expertise with the inclusion of training load. However, the Watch Ultra 2 still has limited battery life, so if you want a watch that lasts for days or weeks rather than hours, then Garmin watch models may be a better fit for your lifestyle.Garmin has an extensive native fitness and training ecosystem, while Apple relies on third-party developers to provide these advanced training solutions. Garmin watches also work flawlessly with the Apple iPhone, so both are great solutions for iPhone users. I personally wear a Garmin on one wrist and an Apple Watch Ultra 2 on the other. Show more What is the best Garmin watch? Based on my hands-on testing, I chose the Fenix 8 AMOLED as the best Garmin watch overall because it includes nearly every feature from Garmin, and supports tracking of all activities in the Garmin ecosystem. Few, if any, other Garmin watches are designed to handle as many sports, circumstances, and environments as this one. While its steep price may be a deterrent, this watch delivers more in function than most Garmin alternatives. To compare all of our top choices to see what best fits your budget and battery life needs, here is a chart for a quick comparison. Garmin Watch modelPriceSolar chargingBattery life (GPS)Fenix 8 AMOLED$1,200 No 84 hours Forerunner 165$250No 19 hours Instinct 2X Solar $350Yes 60 hours, 145 hours with solar Venu 3S $450 No 21 hours Vivoactive 5 $300 No 18 hours Vivomove Trend $270 No Five days (smartwatch mode) Instinct Crossover $340Yes 25 hours Approach S70 $650 No 20 hours Forerunner 965 $565No 31 hours *Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Which is the right Garmin watch model for you? Choose this Garmin watch modelIf you want...Fenix 8 AMOLEDZDNET's choice for best Garmin watch overall. It has the most features and functions, and a brilliant AMOLED display and a built-in LED flashlight.Forerunner 165There are not many options available for those with smaller wrists who want a lightweight watch, but Garmin hit it out of the park with this Forerunner 165 that provides the full package in a small form factor. The lovely AMOLED display, colorful watch body and band options, metrics focused on casual runners, and a $250 price make this an easy one to recommend.Instinct 2X SolarThe Instinct 2X Solar is built for the outdoor adventurer who puts their watch to the test with inclement weather, rough conditions, and yet wants a watch that lasts forever. The solar charging support and integrated LED flashlight make it the watch for campers, hunters, fishers, and more.Venu 3SIf you want a smartwatch, but are not interested in an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch then the Venu 3S is the one for you. You can make and receive calls, use your voice assistant, have 3rd party apps, and more with a watch that lasts more than a week between charges.Vvoactive 5A fully functional GPS smartwatch with an emphasis on exercise and health features. It's also one of the most affordable Garmin watches available yet still has that lovely AMOLED display.Vvomove TrendA hybrid smartwatch with the flexibility of wireless charging. The Trend nicely blends both digital and analog features, making it a great option to wear from work to workout.Instinct CrossoverThis hybrid watch is perfect for those who like to see physical analog hands on a watch yet still be able to enjoy the vast Garmin ecosystem for health and wellness. The battery lasts a long time and the Instinct Crossover is a great watch for G-Shock lovers.Approach S70If your preferred activity is golf, then no other Garmin watch beats the experience provided by the Approach S70. If you use the watch as designed, you don't have many excuses left to not improve your game. Vast amounts of data is collected by the watch, especially when connected to the CT10 club sensors.Forerunner 965A triathlon-geared smartwatch. The Forerunner 965 is packed with extensive fitness tracking for running, biking, swimming, and more. It also now sports a modern AMOLED display and despite having other Garmin watches on hand the Forerunner 965 keeps finding its way back on my wrist. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a Garmin watch Before you choose a Garmin watch, you should consider the following:Primary activity: As you start your search for a Garmin watch, it is important to start with identifying the main activities that you want to track with your watch. Garmin watch series are primarily organized by the type of your intended activity with watch designs optimized for those activities.Size: Do you want a large watch or a small watch? Garmin offers several different varieties, ranging from slim and sleek to larger and more utilitarian.Screen type: Do you want a brilliant AMOLED display that rivals a smartwatch or would you like longer battery life with a memory-in-pixel always-on display that looks great in direct sun?Price: One fantastic aspect about Garmin's lineup of watches is that they vary in price in $50 increments from about $150 all of the way up and over $1,000. Buyers can also save money by picking up models from previous years, and with Garmin providing improved software support for these models, you should consider saving some money for functional older watches. Show more How we test Garmin watches These Garmin watches were tested and evaluated by display functions, interface, long battery life, durability, supported activities, and price. Not all attributes were given equal weight, however. Supported activities, functions, and battery life were given more priority than interface, display, and price. High durability in design was a common theme throughout the considered Garmin watches and did not always vary significantly between many of the products.When we test Garmin watches, we consider the following:Display functions and interface:Each Garmin interface on this list has slight variations. Depending on whether you're using the watch to train for a triathlon or run outdoors, you may want different functions, such as trail trackback capability.Long battery life: Your watch is only as powerful as it's alive and working. We considered solar and wireless charging options that provide ultimate battery life as you train and track, along with other options with a battery life that is well over 20 hours on a single charge.Durability: You'll need a watch that withstands your environment, especially if you're training outdoors and in the water.Supported activities: We considered the array of activities -- outdoor and indoor -- you'll be wanting to track with your Garmin.Price: Smartwatches can cost a pretty penny -- especially quality models -- so we were sure to include mid-range models as well as the units with a more luxury price tag. Once our top pick from each series was determined, they were then compared to each other and reviewed within this guide using the same criteria as above. Each of the five was selected as superlative in some role or for some audiences. For instance, the Fenix 8 AMOLED is the "best overall," and the Forerunner 965 is the "best for triathletes." These rankings are the opinion of the reviewer in the context of the review, based upon the above-stated criteria.For more details on our testing process, check out our full smartwatch testing methodology. Show more Garmin Watch FAQs Which Garmin watch is most accurate? Typically, the newest models are the most accurate when it comes to body measurements because heart rate sensor technology improves with time, and Garmin integrates its latest sensors in new models. GPS has now reached near perfection with multi-band and multi-frequency receivers in the watches, so positioning accuracy is about as good as it will ever get.Accuracy is also dependent on the fit of the watch on your wrist. For my larger wrists, the Garmin Fenix 8 51mm and Instinct 2X Solar are perfect and provide the best accuracy. For those with smaller wrists, the Forerunner 165 or Venu 3S are likely the best watches for heart rate accuracy. Show more Are all Garmin watches waterproof? Yes. Most Garmin GPS watches are water resistant from up to 50 or 100 meters. Less expensive and older models tend to be water-resistant up to 50 meters, although this can vary by model and series. The more expensive and newer models like the Fenix 8 are water-resistant to 100 meters. All of them can be used in the rain, while sweating as you work out, and even while swimming. Show more How do I take care of my new smartwatch? The following tips can help you properly care for your new Garmin watch:Reset: If your watch fails to function properly, sometimes a simple reset is all that is needed to get things back up and running again. Go to System > Reset on your watch to view the available options. These include reset default settings, delete all activities, reset totals, and delete data and reset settings. The last option is useful if you are selling your watch or want to start over from scratch.Sync: Garmin smartwatches connect to your smartphone via the Garmin Connect app. The Garmin Connect IQ app is also used to sync apps and data fields that you select to completely customize and optimize your watch. Bluetooth can be finicky at times, so you may need to turn Bluetooth off and then on again on your smartphone if a sync issue pops up.Updates: Garmin has done a fantastic job the past couple of years with regular quarterly updates for its watches, so it's a good idea to check for updates through the Garmin Connect app on your phone, the Garmin desktop utility, or on the watch itself. Updates usually add new features and improve in other areas that may have bugs. You can even sign up for the public beta to test the latest and greatest features on your Garmin watch. Show more What happens if my Garmin watch breaks? If the watch breaks within the first year and your limited consumer warranty covers it, then you may be able to have Garmin fix it for free or for a small fee. However, if it breaks outside of that warranty, you'll likely need to have it repaired.You can request a repair through the Garmin website and mail the company your GPS watch for repair. There are also third-party repair businesses that may work on Garmin GPS watches. Show more Does my Garmin watch have a warranty? Through most mainstream distributors, Garmin watches willinclude a limited warranty. However, this is a blanket warranty for Garmin watches, and specific models can have different warranties. The base warranty is a one-year manufacturer's warranty, and Garmin does not offer extended warranties in most situations. Show more What is the Garmin Connect app? The Garmin Connect app is your digital hub for compiling all your fitness stats in one place. After downloading it on your phone, you can use a compatible device (like a Garmin sports watch) to see daily step totals, max heart rate during workouts, and much more. Further, the "Last 7 Days" gives you a weekly average of your physical activities, sleep, and average heart rate.At CES 2024, Garmin announced a redesign of the Garmin Connect experience, which is now available for all Garmin users. The new version offers a fresh look at your data and provides information in tiles via the At a Glance screen.If you want a larger view of your data with access to many reports, you can also log in to the Garmin Connect website and take a deep dive into all of the data captured by your Garmin watch. Show more Are Garmin watches the best for marathon and triathlon training? Thanks to Garmin watches' extensive tracking features and athlete-oriented metrics, Garmin watches are a highly popular choice among marathon runners and triathletes, especially its Forerunner series."I really like the data the Garmin connect provides from all my past activities, I can see the progress I've made over time and look back to previous training schedules, similar runs, Routes, etc," says two-time Iron Man competitor and avid marathon runner, Jeramie Pinter.Pinter, who completes one to two marathons a year, has been using his Garmin to train since 2011. He specifically utilizes Garmin's training mode for certain workouts like track and tempo runs, measuring his pace zones for the given workout. Show more Other Garmin watches we've testedWhile we tried to include a wide array of Garmin watches in our review, there are many more to consider than what we can represent here. Consider one of these three alternatives for those who didn't find the Garmin watch they want above. ZDNETs Smartwatch Guide Smartwatch Roundups Smartwatches Reviewed & Compared Apple Watches Explained ZDNET Recommends

ZDNET's key takeaways The Sharge Icemag 2 power bank is available on Amazon now for $50. With a perfect size, a powerful battery, RBG lighting, and a tiny fan to keep things cool, this power bank is ideal for those on the go. The Icemag 2 isn't exactly the fastest charging power bank on the market but it's still a bargain. $49.99 at Amazon Power banks are a dime a dozen, and you can find all sorts of features that range from the gimmicky to the "why didn't they think of this before?" I've reviewed plenty of power banks and generally find them to do exactly what they are needed for charging my phones when a power outlet isn't available.Also: The best USB-C chargers of 2025: Expert recommendedBut not every power bank is created equal. I've experienced some that can get overly warm during the charging process (either charging a phone or when topping off the charger). The Sharge Icemag 2 is one of the few power banks I've used that has yet to get even slightly warm. Anyone who travels a lot, stuffing their phones in bags, and relies on such a charger will immediately get the inherent benefit of having a charger that doesn't get hot.Slap your phone on the charger, put it in your bag, and go. There's no need to worry that this baby will get hot enough to cause issues. How does it work? Let's take a look at the specs first. details View at Amazon The specsProtection from undervoltage, short-circuits, over-voltage, over-loads, high temps, and over-current.<25 dB ultra-silent usage.8000 RPM fan for cooling.Active thermal design.20W wired fast charging (iPhone 15 from 0% to 58% in 30 minutes).10,000mAh battery which can charge an iPhone almost two times, an iPad Pro one time, and AirPods Pro 15 times.Compatible with iPhone and Android.Supports MagSafe devices.Price - Amazon for $50.My experiencePower banks and phone chargers aren't exactly the sexist bit of technology to review, but when you need one, you'll always be glad it's there to help out. I've been in plenty of situations where a power bank was the difference between me being able to have a phone at my disposal or not. Whether it's a power outage or a trek into remote corners of the world, sometimes having the ability to charge your phone could be crucial.Also:The best power banks for recharging your devicesWhen I purchased my Pixel 9 Pro, I ordered a case from Google as well. That case included a Magsafe magnet, which the Sharge Icemag 2 can use. Slap the phone onto the charger, and the magnets will be powerful enough to hold it securely. The Icemag 2 also includes a small kickstand, so you can prop your phone up and use it while it's charging. The vent kicks out warm air to keep the charger cool. Jack Wallen/ZDNETI've used the Icemag a few times to charge my Pixel 9 Pro and found it to be the ideal combination of size, ease of use, and power.As I mentioned earlier, the Icemag 2 includes a tiny fan to keep the charger from getting hot and it does a good job with that task. Hold your finger next to the vent, and you will actually feel warm air escape. The one thing it does not do, however, is keep your phone from heating up. If your phone has a tendency to get hot when charging, the Icebank isn't going to help with that. And while I did find the Pixel 9 Pro did get a bit warm, it wasn't anything to be concerned about.I did make use of the kickstand and found it sturdy enough for me to use my phone while it was charging. There's also a light indicator (on the back side) to keep you informed about how much charge the Icebank 2 has remaining.Also:Traveling with multiple cables gives me a headache. This tiny gadget solved that problemThe only knock I can give this handy charger is that it's not exactly the fastest charging device I've used, but because the charge is small enough, you can easily use your phone while it's charging (which I did several times). If you want faster charging, simply plug your phone (via USB-C cable) into the charger, and you'll find it to be considerably faster. The Icemag 2 ships with a short USB-C cable, so when you decide to use the wired capability, the cable won't get in your way. My guess is that the Icebank 2 will wirelessly charge an iPhone faster than an Android phone.One feature that I really appreciate with the Icemag 2 is that it automatically shuts off when you remove your phone. I have other powerbanks that remain on until you manually shut them off. This is great for on-the-fly charging when you don't want to have to remember to switch off the power bank when charging is done.ZDNET's buying adviceThe Icemag 2 is a wireless power bank for portable devices. But unlike many portable chargers, this one is small enough to carry with you and has just the right amount of features to make it worth the $50 price tag.This charger would be useful for anyone who needs a power bank with wireless features and a fan to keep it cool. It's simple to use, reliable, and does exactly what it claims charges your phone. If your phone's case supports MagSafe devices, this charge is even better, as you can slap the two together and know that the charging will happen even while you use your phone.Featured reviews

Back in the day, PCs were big, looming units. They had to be big to hold all the components needed. As gaming PCs became a thing, these were even bigger because the high-end components generated a lot of heat, heat that had to be dissipated with ample airflow. Thanks to Moore's law, components have become smaller and more efficient, to the point where even a gaming PC can fit into a compact case.Also:The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert testedSmaller components have led the way for smaller PC cases, and Mini-ITX PC cases have gained popularity in the computing world due to their compact size, allowing a PC to be powerful yet not occupy much space or compromise on features.What is the best Mini ITX PC case right now?There are a lot of PC cases out there, from cheap, poor-quality sludge to high-quality units packed with features and stylish exteriors. I've tested a lot of PC cases over the close to three decades that I've been building PCs, and one manufacturer has always delivered the goods, which is why I give the top spot to the Thermaltake Tower 200 Mini-ITX case.Whether you're building a general, all-purpose PC or a high-performance gaming system, you can't go wrong with this case. Read on to discover all of my recommendations for the best Mini ITX PC cases available on the market today. Sort by All The best Mini ITX PC cases of 2025 Show less View now at B&H Photo-Video Thermaltake is one of my top full-sized PC cases and cooler makers, and as such, it's no surprise that the company also makes a high-quality Mini-ITX gaming case.This case has it all well built, fantastic airflow, quality fans packed with LEDs, and room for some of the biggest coolers, power supplies, and graphics cards. All the edges are smoothed and rounded, so there's nothing to slice your hand open on, which is a welcomed touch.You can also pick up an optional for the case that displays real-time information, time, weather, and much more--handy albeit rather pricey addition.Thermaltake Tower 200features:Great airflow | Plenty of space to accommodate large graphics card and cooling radiator| Glass panel construction| Optional display Pros Spacious with excellent cooling Built in cable management Optional LCD panel is a great touch Cons Glass cases get dirty easy Some people really detest cases with LEDs Case won't accommodate some motherboard Wi-Fi antennas Thermaltake is one of my top full-sized PC cases and cooler makers, and as such, it's no surprise that the company also makes a high-quality Mini-ITX gaming case.This case has it all well built, fantastic airflow, quality fans packed with LEDs, and room for some of the biggest coolers, power supplies, and graphics cards. All the edges are smoothed and rounded, so there's nothing to slice your hand open on, which is a welcomed touch.You can also pick up an optional for the case that displays real-time information, time, weather, and much more--handy albeit rather pricey addition.Thermaltake Tower 200features:Great airflow | Plenty of space to accommodate large graphics card and cooling radiator| Glass panel construction| Optional display Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at B&H Photo-Video The Fractal Design Mood Light Gray PC Case's design centers on style. This mini-tower seamlessly compliments modern interiors and provides efficient cooling for hard-core gaming PCs. It features a sleek fabric exterior and a compact footprint and is entirely compatible with Mini-ITX motherboards.But don't let the compact size fool you this case can accommodate graphics cards up to 325mm in length, CPU air coolers up to 114 mm in height, and radiators up to 280 mm.The case also includes a 180mm top fan for optimal airflow and easy access for building and upgrades, making it an attractive choice for gamers looking for both aesthetics and functionality.Fractal Design Mood LightfeaturesFabric outer | Small footprint | Built-in cooling fan | Front-facing ports Pros Very stylish Super quiet Runs cool Cons Will only accept SFF (Small Form Factor) graphics cards Fabric cases catch a lot of dust Expensive The Fractal Design Mood Light Gray PC Case's design centers on style. This mini-tower seamlessly compliments modern interiors and provides efficient cooling for hard-core gaming PCs. It features a sleek fabric exterior and a compact footprint and is entirely compatible with Mini-ITX motherboards.But don't let the compact size fool you this case can accommodate graphics cards up to 325mm in length, CPU air coolers up to 114 mm in height, and radiators up to 280 mm.The case also includes a 180mm top fan for optimal airflow and easy access for building and upgrades, making it an attractive choice for gamers looking for both aesthetics and functionality.Fractal Design Mood LightfeaturesFabric outer | Small footprint | Built-in cooling fan | Front-facing ports Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon I'm old enough to remember the bad old days of PC cases poorly made, full of sharp edges, and requiring a toolbox to assemble. One of the standout features of the JONSBO C6-ITX Handled Mesh PC Case is its tool-free assembly, which simplifies the building process for both novice and experienced users.This is a compact and versatile case that supports both ITX and Mini-DTX motherboards, making it suitable for a variety of builds. It features a sleek mesh design that allows for excellent airflow, keeping the components running cool even under heavy loads. In addition, if you need to transport your PC, this case features a carry handle.JONSBO C6-ITXfeatures:Metal mesh panels| Tool-free design| Built-in air inlet filters | Built-in velcro carry handle Pros Excellent value for money Great airflow Tool-free design Cons Interior is rather cramped Replacing fans fr slimline fans increases available space I'm old enough to remember the bad old days of PC cases poorly made, full of sharp edges, and requiring a toolbox to assemble. One of the standout features of the JONSBO C6-ITX Handled Mesh PC Case is its tool-free assembly, which simplifies the building process for both novice and experienced users.This is a compact and versatile case that supports both ITX and Mini-DTX motherboards, making it suitable for a variety of builds. It features a sleek mesh design that allows for excellent airflow, keeping the components running cool even under heavy loads. In addition, if you need to transport your PC, this case features a carry handle.JONSBO C6-ITXfeatures:Metal mesh panels| Tool-free design| Built-in air inlet filters | Built-in velcro carry handle Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Need a Mini-ITX case that can house some of the biggest graphic cards? The BitFenix Prodigy M 2022 can hold the Nvidia RTX 3090 or AMD RX6900XT. Mesh panels and ample fans allow for generous airflow, while a good helping of LED lighting adds visual entertainment.With airflow comes the inevitable accumulation of airborne detritus, so this case is equipped with filters to prevent dirt, dust, and hair from getting into the system.The case also features dual handles on the top and bottom, which also serve as convenient feet for the case.BitFenix Prodigy M 2022features:Stylish, space-age look | Room for large graphics cards, radiators, and coolers| RGB fans | Plastic construction Pros Great airflow Stylish Lots of room Cons Side panels plastic not glass Inside is cramped, making building the PC tricky Some sharp edges, so take care Need a Mini-ITX case that can house some of the biggest graphic cards? The BitFenix Prodigy M 2022 can hold the Nvidia RTX 3090 or AMD RX6900XT. Mesh panels and ample fans allow for generous airflow, while a good helping of LED lighting adds visual entertainment.With airflow comes the inevitable accumulation of airborne detritus, so this case is equipped with filters to prevent dirt, dust, and hair from getting into the system.The case also features dual handles on the top and bottom, which also serve as convenient feet for the case.BitFenix Prodigy M 2022features:Stylish, space-age look | Room for large graphics cards, radiators, and coolers| RGB fans | Plastic construction Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best Mini ITX PC case? I've been a big Thermaltake fan for several decades now, and the Thermaltake Tower 200 definitely doesn't disappoint. It's a perfect, all-purpose Mini ITX case and is my top choice.Mini ITX PC CasePriceFull-size GPU supportWater cooling supportOuterRGB supportThermaltake Tower 200$80YesYesMetal mesh/glassYesFractal Design Mood$150YesYesFabric meshNoJONSBO C6-ITX$60NoYesMetal meshNoBitFenix Prodigy M 2022$90YesYesPlastic/fabric meshYes Show more Which is the right Mini ITX PC case for you? Choose this Mini ITX caseIf you wantThermaltake Tower 200The best option overall.Fractal Design MoodThis is for those who crave style. This is less a PC case and more a feature or statement!JONSBO C6-ITXA cheap and cheerful case. This is a fantastic case for the price.BitFenix Prodigy M 2022A modern space-age look. Perfect for LAN parties! Show more How did I choose these Mini ITX PC cases? There are a lot of Mini ITX PC cases on the market from a variety of different vendors, and I've tested and used several from some of the vendors listed here (specifically Thermaltake and Fractal Design), and so I've based my selections both on my experience using these brands, as well as user reviews.Product specs and price also come into play, but being able to draw on dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of other people's views allows me to get a broad sense of how well-received a selected PC case is. I've paid particular attention to reports of quality, ease of use, how quiet or noisy the case is, cooling and airflow, and weeded out many that seemed to be poor quality. Show more FAQs on Mini ITX PC cases What is Mini ITX? Mini-ITX is a compact motherboard form factor. It measures 170 mm x 170 mm, and it has become a popular choice in recent years by those looking to build compact PCs without sacrificing performance. Show more How do you deal with the dust in a Mini ITX PC case? Dust is more of a problem here, as there's less room for airflow, and even small accumulations can cause hot spots to form.Dealing with it is the same as dealing with any other PC case. Wipe the panels with a dry microfiber cloth, dust any mesh fabric panels, clean the air filters in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and use compressed air to remove dust buildup inside the PC. Show more What are the advantages of a Mini ITX PC? People often choose to invest in a mini PC for these reasons:Space-saving:The top benefit of going for a mini PC is that it takes up significantly less space than traditional desktop PCs.Portable:Mini PCs are lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for users who need computing power on the go.Energy efficiency:Most mini PCs consume significantly less power than a similarly-specced desktop system, which can lead to cost savings on electricity.Quiet:These systems are built with quiet fans and good airflow, so they are far quieter than traditional systems. Show more Other Mini ITX PC cases worth considering Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra is tipped to receive a free Gemini AI Advanced subscription not provided ... [+] with the Galaxy S24 Ultra (pictured)gettyGalaxy S25-series customers look likely to receive a valuable free offer previously made available only to Google Pixel owners.Jan 02 Update below: Ive added more details about Googles existing Gemini Advanced free trial offers and what it might mean for Samsung Galaxy S25 series customersAccording to a new Android Authority report from the teardown specialist Assemble Debug, Samsungs soon-to-be-released Galaxy S25 handsets could come bundled with a free Google Gemini Advanced AI subscription of up to one year worth up to $239.88 (see below).While neither Samsung nor Google has officially announced the offer, code strings within the latest Google app beta version suggest that Samsung Galaxy S25-series smartphones will also receive a Gemini Advanced subscription of between three months and a year, depending on the specific smartphone model.Free Gemini Advanced For Up To One YearThe text strings read as follows:"assistant_zero_state_google_one_samsung_eft_upsell_body_nine_months";Your device gives you access to a {nine}-month subscription to Gemini Advanced, with access to our most capable AI models, at no cost"assistant_zero_state_google_one_samsung_eft_upsell_body_one_year";Your device gives you access to a {one} year subscription to Gemini Advanced, with access to our most capable AI models, at no cost"assistant_zero_state_google_one_samsung_eft_upsell_body_six_months";Your device gives you access to a {six}-month subscription to Gemini Advanced, with access to our most capable AI models, at no cost"assistant_zero_state_google_one_samsung_eft_upsell_body_three_months";Your device gives you access to a {three}-month subscription to Gemini Advanced, with access to our most capable AI models, at no costWhat is Gemini Advanced?Gemini Advanced is Googles subscriber-only AI chatbot service, which provides access to Googles latest and most powerful models. The standard version is free to use, but Gemini Advanced requires a pricey ongoing subscription. A bundled Gemini Advanced subscription would, therefore, add significant value to any smartphone purchase.More Than Just Gemini AdvancedAny offer of Gemini Advanced will likely include much more than access to Googles best AI models because Gemini Advanced is currently available only as part of Googles $19.99 per month AI Premium Google One plan, which is worth $239.88 for the year.Read More: New Samsung Leak Confirms Disappointing Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera UpgradeThis subscription tier comes with 2TB of Google One storage, deep AI integration within Googles apps such as Gmail and Docs, premium Google Workspace features and 10% back in the Google Store.The information available so far doesnt state that Galaxy S25 owners will receive a full Google One AI Premium subscription, but thats the deal Pixel 9 customers received, so it would be reasonable to expect Google to provide the same for Samsung customers, especially as theres currently no way to subscribe to Gemini Advanced other than with Google One AI Premium.Jan 02 Update: There are some important details to note regarding Googles existing Gemini Advanced trials and how they might affect Samsung Galaxy S25-series customers.If Samsungs Gemini Advanced Free trial offer mirrors the one offered to Google Pixel 9 Pro customers, then there are a few crucial points to keep in mind. Not everyone will be eligible for the offer, and you cant simply order a Galaxy S25 Ultra and return it to bag a years subscription to Google One AI Premium.Googles official terms and conditions for the Gemini Advanced subscription bundled with the Pixel 9 Pro offer include the following essential details:Users must be 18 years or older.Your Google One account cannot be billed via a third party (such as Apple or your network operator).The offer does not apply to Pixel Pass or Google One family plan members.The offer does not apply to Google One members on a 5 TB plan or above.Unless canceled earlier, the offer will automatically convert into a paid subscription at the end of the trial period.Return of purchased device may result in the cancelation of the subscription.You can read more about how Googles free Gemini Advanced trial operates for Google Pixel 9-series owners here. I would expect something very similar to be made available to Galaxy S25-series customers, although we wont know for sure until Samsung officially announces the deal.Follow @paul_monckton on Instagram.

2024 BusinessgettyPerhaps the new year is a good time to look back on the old year, and see where weve come within the annual cycle.There will never be another year like 2024 again for artificial intelligence.Throughout the year, obscure product demos became household names. People started to really zero in on using non-human sentient agents for problems like climate change. We also saw radical changes in the infrastructure behind these models.I was looking at some of the round ups that are out there as we launch into the new year. This one is fairly detailed, and has several dozen points, many of which Ive covered on this blog. But here are some of the big ones that stand out to me as I look back through the last 365 days.AGI is CloserOne of the overarching ideas that comes back, time and time again, is that were closer to AGI than we thought we were at the beginning of last year.Heres a survey that I did with a variety of people close to the industry in January. You can see those different time frame predictions, balanced against each other.MORE FOR YOUNow, though, much of the cognoscenti is thinking that were on the cusp of AGI itself right now. So a good number of those forecasts are going to be revised a lot.AI Can Solve LanguageToward the end of the year, we also found out that we actually have the power right now to build real-time translation into our consumer products.That mainly came about through the demos of Metas AI Ray-Ban glasses just weeks ago. When Mark Zuckerberg interviews people with the AI engine that transforms his question to other languages in real time, we see this technology at work.Language is important, too.I was looking at this interview with Lex Fridman from last February, where he was talking about the importance of applying AI to different world languages. We cant take for granted, he explained, that people speak English.Anything where there's interaction going on with a product, all of that should be captured, all that should be converted into data, he said at the time. And that's going to be the advantage - the algorithms don't matter you have to be able to fine-tune it to each individual person, and do that, not across a single day or single interaction, but across a lifetime, where you share memories, the low, the highs, and the lows, with your large language model.Ive consistently brought the analogy of the tower of Bible story to the process of figuring out how to use AI to communicate. Its a reverse tower of Babel in which various language speakers come together to celebrate their new ability to understand one another without the use of a human translator.So thats something else that was brand new in 2024.The Transformer is the Engine, but Its Also ReplaceableAs 2024 wore on, I covered the use of transformers in new language model systems.Experts talk about the transformer as an attention mechanism that allows the program to focus on things that matter more, to it, and to the human user.But 2024 also brought glimmers of brand-new concepts to replace the transformer, ideas that move toward the realm of quantum computing and super powerful processing of information thats not gated by a traditional logic structure.Which brings me to my next point, which is extra-important.Revolutionizing Neural Network CapacityAnother thing we saw grow in prominence is liquid neural networks.Now is the time to add the usual disclaimer that I have consulted on liquid neural network projects tackled by the MIT CSAIL lab group under director Daniela Rus. So I have some personal affiliation with this trend.Liquid neural networks change the essential structure of the digital organism, in order to allow for much more powerful AI cognition on fewer resources.Thats, to a large extent, the type of thing thats been useful in allowing people to put powerful LLMs on edge devices like smartphones. Its probably the deciding factor in the ability of Google to roll out Gemini on personal devices late this year. So now were able to talk to our pockets quite literally, and thats a big difference. Part of the acceptance of AI itself is going to be in its ubiquity where we encounter it, and how it impacts our lives.AI is Winning at MultimediaHeres one more big overarching premise of the work that people have done with AI in 2024. It has to do with media.I looked back, and it turns out I covered an early notice on OpenAIs Sora in February. And sure enough, late last year we saw an early version roll out. I used it personally to create some interesting and whimsical little film clips, all without any casting or shooting or production at all. It was pretty amazing.Thats not to mention the groundbreaking text-to-podcast model where you can actually plug in a PDF or some resource info sheet, and have two non-human people gabbing about your chosen topic, sounding exactly like a couple of traditional disc jockeys. (Also: check out the brand-new blizzard of stories about Scarlett Johansen protesting the use of a Scarlett-esque voice for the now-pulled Sky assistant.)This is another example of personal use of AI to bring home the point that were in a new era now. As you listen to these people talk, or even interact with them in conversation, you have to ask yourself: are these people real? And how do I know that? Theyre responding to me personally in real time how do they do that if they dont exist?You could call this a deep Turing test, and its clear that the systems are passing with flying colors.Anyway, thats our roundup for 2024. Theres a lot more, of course, from genomics to publishing, and everything in between, but now that were past the auld lang syne, people are asking themselves whats to come in 2025? Well see, pretty soon.

In a nutshell: The average American spent $42.38 per month on streaming-based subscriptions in 2024. That works out to just over $500 per year - or around $30,000 over a lifetime - but is actually less than the previous year by a significant margin. According to Review's annual State of Consumer Media Spending Report, the average American spent 23 percent less on streaming subscriptions in 2024 than in 2023.Streaming services are a way of life for millions seeking their entertainment fix. The sheer number of services available to choose from makes it easy to keep up with current shows or rewatch your favorites on your own time, but too much of a good thing can sometimes backfire as some are finding out.Of those surveyed, 27.8 percent said they are experiencing streaming fatigue - or the feeling of being overwhelmed by the growing number of streaming apps on the market. And with the cost of goods and services at an all-time high, it's hitting folks in the wallet as well.The report additionally found that the average American has two streaming subscriptions, and watches three hours and 49 minutes of content each day. More than a quarter of subscribers - 26.5 percent - share subscriptions with others to save on cost although with recent crackdowns on password sharing, that might not be an option for much longer.As such, Reviews recommends downsizing the number of subscriptions you pay for each month or spending more time using free services if you're looking to cut down on costs in the New Year. For example, you could stagger subscriptions by signing up for a service temporarily to watch a specific show or movie and canceling when you are finished. It's also wise to keep an eye out for free trials, discounts, and limited-time streaming deals like those occasionally offered from Internet and mobile providers. // Related StoriesI'm planning on cutting my live TV service in the next few weeks once college football wraps up and look forward to the extra savings each month.

In brief: Lawson, the Japanese convenience store chain, has come up with a novel approach to address the country's chronic labor shortage: hiring remote workers from overseas. At first glance, this might not seem like a groundbreaking idea, but the twist lies in how these employees contribute. Despite being based abroad, they can virtually assist in stores by operating lifelike avatar clerks. Interactions through the new system function similarly to a video call for customers, except they interact with cartoon avatars rather than seeing the actual clerk. The remote operator's movements are replicated using cameras, allowing for a more dynamic experience. While this approach might feel a bit impersonal, the avatar system could help ensure these essential stores remain operational and accessible around the clock.A survey by Nikkei revealed that last year, an astounding 62.5 percent of franchise owners struggled to find enough part-time staff to keep their stores open 24/7. Lawson's innovative solution aims to address this challenge head-on.The company launched its first overseas cashier this month, operated by a Japanese national living in Sweden. Leveraging the eight-hour time difference, this remote worker can virtually "man" the graveyard shift in Japan while working during regular business hours in Sweden. Their avatar is projected onto screens at Lawson locations in Tokyo and Osaka, assisting customers with self-checkout as needed.Lawson President Sadanobu Takemasu has announced plans to expand the remote avatar workforce to other time zones, including regions like Brazil and New York. The goal is to boost productivity by tapping into underutilized labor pools in areas with significant time differences from Japan.The avatar technology, developed by Tokyo-based startup Avita, was introduced in collaboration with Lawson in 2022. By late 2024, the system had been implemented at 28 stores across major Japanese cities, with approximately 70 employees trained to operate the virtual clerks. Early results have been encouraging Lawson projects the avatars will save over 90 minutes of staffing time per store per day on average. // Related StoriesNotably, this marks the first instance of Lawson hiring a remote worker based overseas.Lawson's move highlights a broader issue: Japan's deepening labor crisis. With a declining population, the shortage of part-time and low-wage workers has become a serious problem. Despite innovations like avatar clerks, 37.5 percent of store operators still foresee staffing challenges in the fiscal year ending in March.Image credit: Keiichiro Sato

HBOTable of ContentsTable of ContentsThe Regime sticks to a binary versus structure that makes it a pain to watchA problematic portrayalNo direction homeIm not a professional critic, but Ive been designated Digital Trends Hater of the Year, something I wear with great pride. (And just a touch of fear.) While I was more than eager to complain about Trap, a movie that makes me viscerally angry to even think about, the TV show I hated most didnt immediately come to mind.In desperation, I scanned the Emmy nominations for inspiration and, sure enough, I found a winner or, rather, loser: The Regime. I had literally forgotten about because I gave up back in April after watching the first miserable episode.The Regime | Official Teaser | MaxFor your entertainment, I spent a few days of my life this week watching the entire putrid season. I wont spend nearly as many words on this tripe as I did on Trap because the problemsThe Regime arent quite as specific. In large part, they can be summed up with one word: paradox.Recommended VideosHBOThe Regime seems intentional with its use of paradox to expose political hypocrisies and emphasize the cyclical nature of political history, especially those committed by the United States in foreign diplomacy.RelatedDrama versus comedy, past versus present, Capitalism versus Marxism, fantasy versus. reality, domination versus conciliation The Regime navigates conflicts between all of these ideas, but ultimately bites off far more than it can chew, resulting in strange pacing, poor character development, and a plot that is patently unbelievable, especially when you consider the historicity that its clearly based on.Kate Winslet Welcomes You to The Regime | The Regime | MaxLets be clear: The Regime is a postmodern retelling of Grigori Rasputins infiltration of Czar Nicholas IIs court, right down to Chancellor Elena Vernhams (Kate Winslet) husband consort being named Nicholas. This fact is so obvious that the choice to set this unnamed country with a Marxist history in Central Europe and make it completely oblivious to Russian history is consistently infuriating.This context would, unsurprisingly, be incredibly valuable to Vernham, a once-powerful autocrat who is losing her grip on both her power and her reality. Believing the air around her is constantly poisoned by mold, she enlists a particularly vicious army corporal who killed 12 miners in the unseen moments before the show to be her personal moisture reader. Why him? She wanted one of the soldiers responsible for this global embarrassment.HBOVernham, you might think from this decision, is a ruthless dictator who completely dominates all in her sphere.The Regime very quickly ventures to prove the exact opposite, to the point that Vernham might be one of the most misogynistic characters Ive seen on television. Within roughly 45 minutes, shes characterized with basically every stereotype youve ever heard about women in power: Shes impulsive, shes irrational, shes emotional, shes overwhelmingly influenced by others. But most importantly, she has such a debilitating need to be loved that she regularly converses with her dead father, whom she keeps entombed like Vladimir Lenin, to make herself feel good.Not only is she feckless but in a world dominated by men in which she, supposedly, was at one time the puppet master, she becomes the complete puppet of Zubak in one episode. Its impossible to believe that this talentless, guileless, easily manipulated, and violently narcissistic woman was ever elected to power in the first place. Being mean is not a leadership trait, and its the one she falls back on repeatedly throughout the series.When Vernham does finally begin to regain her agency, its only because she had the sternest talking-to yet by Lenin her dead dad, who basically tells her to be the absolute worst leader possible. Her entire identity is tied to the control of less-powerful men.HBOMoreover, Vernham, like the plot ofThe Regime, appears to have no direction. Theres no clear motivation. She regularly talks about her dream, but its never really clear what that is. Initially, she seems to want to create an isolationist autocracy that retains complete control of its natural resources. But she, or representatives of her government, also say they want a true democracy, admission to NATO, and regional war to bait America. In the opening scene, we hear her military killed 12 protesting miners. By episode 3, Zubak has Vernham declaring the return of all private property to the people despite her spiderweb of corrupt personal holdings and invades a neighboring country in exact parallel to Putins actions in Ukraine. By episode 4, shes become a Chinese puppet.The plot and motives are all over the place, the characters are unforgivably stupid and ill-defined, and you cant help but feel whiplash between episodes. Its not tension its a lack of conviction.The Regime seems to want to satirize Russian history, criticize U.S. and Chinese imperialism, and celebrate self-determinism. It succeeds only at being almost completely impossible to follow which is perhaps its greatest tribute to Russian history.The Regime is streaming on Max.Editors Recommendations

A new phone from OnePlus is on the horizon, and it should attract lots of attention thanks to its purported battery capacity. The OnePlus Ace 5V is expected to join the OnePlus Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro in the Chinese market. It may also be launched internationally as the OnePlus Nord 5, according to GSMArena.The OnePlus Ace 5V is anticipated to feature a substantial 7,000mAh battery capacity. In comparison, the forthcoming OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R will likely have battery capacities of 6,000mAh. By contrast, two of the bestselling phones on the market, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra, offer battery capacities of 4,685mAh and 5,000mAh, respectively.Recommended VideosWhat should we expect from a phone with a 7,000mAh battery? Expect this to be at leasta two-day phone per charge if not one that can last for three days on a single charge.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe OnePlus Ace 5V is also expected to be powered by the yet-to-be-announced MediaTek Dimensity 9350. This new chip is anticipated to compete with Qualcomms upcoming Snapdragon 8s Elite, which will succeed the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The Dimensity 9350 is rumored to provide slight performance enhancements over the 9300 and improved power efficiency. Rumors also suggest the new phone will have a 1.5K resolution flat screen.RelatedThe OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R are expected to be announced on Tuesday, January 7. However, the OnePlus Ace 5V/OnePlus Nord 5 will not be released simultaneously. When it does arrive, it will not be officially available in the U.S. The current OnePlus Nord 4 is marketed in India and select regions in Europe and Asia, while in North America, it is only available through third-party retailers.Editors Recommendations

Happy New Year! AT&T is starting 2025 by increasing the bills for some of its customers.According to Android Authority, AT&T FirstNet customers will soon see a monthly price increase of $3 per line. This change has been confirmed in a posting on the AT&T website.Recommended VideosAT&T FirstNet is a dedicated wireless broadband network specifically designed for first responders and public safety personnel in the U.S. It was developed through a partnership between the federal government and AT&T.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe company states that the price increase will help it continue to deliver the great wireless service you expect.RelatedFor AT&T FirstNet customers who activated their service after April 15, the price change will not take effect until they have completed nine months of service. During this period, these customers will receive a $3 monthly credit to offset the upcoming increase.AT&T FirstNet customers have enjoyed some of the lowest bills in the industry. With a recent change, their monthly charges will increase from $45 to $48, reflecting an approximate 7% hike.The price hike applies to FirstNet unlimited smartphone and data-only plans.Created by X's GrokNo doubt, this wont be the only price hike implemented by AT&T, the second-largest U.S. carrier, in the next 12 months. In 2024, we counted at least three price hikes, including a $10 increase per line for those on some older unlimited plans that was announced in June.Verizon, the nations No. 1 carrier, also raised prices last year, as did T-Mobile, the third-largest carrier.FirstNet is available to many public safety agencies and personnel, including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS), health care professionals, and more.Editors Recommendations