Markus "Notch" Persson has "basically announced" Minecraft 2.In an X exchange over the New Year, Persson invited his millions of followers to indicate which project they'd like him to focus on in 2025 - a traditional roguelike mixed with a "tile-based first-person dungeon crawler" or a "spiritual successor" to Minecraft.Let's Play Minecraft - Late to the Party.Watch on YouTubeIn the post asking for "honest and legitimate [...] feedback for once", Persson explained briefly what his dungeon crawler would entail, but then admitted, "but then I gots to thinking that maybe there are people who like my work but might not share my taste in retro nostalgia and would prefer for me to make a spiritual successor thing to Minecraft, and I mean sure, I'd take that cash". To see this content please enable targeting cookies.At the time of writing, almost a quarter of a million of his followers have left a vote, 78 percent of which have, perhaps unsurprisingly, been in favour of a new Minecraft game, even though he'd asked people to "[please] vote potion. You can do this Zoomers, it's actually super cosy."Kinda feels like Stardew Valley, but more diagonal door kicking," Notch added. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.A few days later, responding to commenters who missed his original posting, Persson summarised what had happened, saying: "I basically announced Minecraft 2. I thought that maybe people ACTUALLY do want me to make another game that's super similar to the first one, and I'm loving working on games again."I don't super duper care exactly which game I make first (or even if I make more), but I do know I'm making one, so I figured I'd absolutely be willing to give it an honest shot in the form of a spiritual successor to Minecraft and put up a poll about it."My intentions are to be clear and honest about it, saying that spiritual successors are usually kind of... you know... washed up. Tragic," he added. "The things I'm fearing my next game is going to be anyway and try to push myself to avoid. So why not do the thing that people DO want and are willing to give me, somehow, even MORE cash for."I intend for the money to the [sic] spent for good, but my God, have I learned I fail a lot. Winning is failing until you make yourself succeed."Persson added that he had no non-compete clause in the sale of Minecraft to Microsoft - "there was a one-year period where I couldn't make a game with modifiable terrain or something like that, but I was off in the Maldives during all that, didn't affect any creative decisions" - but did acknowledge that using the Minecraft name "would be super illegal"."Instead, I'd make a new original game of the same type as Minecraft and call it something else," he said. "These are traditionally sometimes referred to as 'spiritual successors', but usually kinda mostly feel a bit flat."But, like, if that's actually what people want, I would LOVE to make that game. It'd be my Gremlins 2."Persson also said that as "a man of [his] word", he intended "to do this in a way that in no way tried to sneakily infringe on the incredible work the Mojang team is doing and that Microsoft is successfully doing the Microsoft shittification about"."And I respect them for doing that. It's their job. And they, from what I understand, let the studio do things their way, which seems very fair to me," he added.It's been a busy time for Minecraft. At the end of last year, the game finally received a PlayStation 5 native version, announced it would ditch PC VR support, and confirmed plans to launch Minecraft theme park areas in the US and UK.

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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

A new year brings with it hope for a better tomorrow kind of, at least. In the world of venture capital, nothing is quite predictable. The number of firms in the U.S. has taken a sharp dip as risk-averse institutional investors splash money on only the biggest names in Silicon Valley, as reported by the Financial Times. AI is the only category that seems to matter, and that doesnt look to be changing anytime soon. But the new year has just started, and perhaps so has the impetus for change.We spoke to some VCs to gather their predictions on the new year the good, the bad, and what might end up being the unexpected. Their responses have been edited and shortened for clarity.Nekeshia Woods, managing partner at Parkway Venture CapitalThe good: As wealthy individuals lower their return expectations for fixed income and cash equivalents, they will look more aggressively to private markets for outsized returns. This channel is expected to invest over $7 trillion in private markets by 2033. In response to this expected influx of capital, we have seen large wealth and asset managers use venture capital as a differentiating strategy among their private market offerings. These institutions have positioned venture to be a strategy where they can offer access to the best deals while capturing a portion of the $7 trillion expected to be invested in private markets through net new flows. Fund managers will simultaneously partner with these institutions to gain access to a new set of LPs that create a new, consistent, and long-term capital stream for their funds.More good: We expect the AI field to start seeing consolidation, primarily through acquisition, in areas where AI can become a commodity, like large language models. The AI companies that will make it to be leaders in their field are opening new market segments and owning proprietary data.Gabby Cazeau, partner at Harlem CapitalThe good: The IPO market will fully reopen, and well see some big-name IPOs bring much-needed liquidity. Thats a win for everyone. On the early-stage side, investment pacing will pick up, maybe not to 2021 levels, but certainly more than 2022-2024. It feels like 2025 will be a banner year for venture and hopefully the official start of the next bull run.The bad: 2025 will be a make-or-break year for AI startups selling to enterprises. A lot of AI startups have grown quickly but are still stuck in the experimental phase, living on innovation budgets instead of being part of core software spend. Many wont make the leap, leaving a number of startups on the chopping block as churn and slow growth take over.Triin Linamagi, founding partner at Sie VenturesThe good: The emergence of solo GPs and angel funds will drive increased investment into earlier-stage companies a much-needed evolution for the venture capital ecosystem.Well see more specialized and well-defined investment approaches, with industry-specific, knowledgeable investors providing meaningful value to founders. This shift is not only beneficial for startups but is also likely to deliver better returns for investors. Capital allocation to diverse founding teams will continue to grow, particularly in sectors like sustainability and healthcare, where diverse perspectives can drive innovation and impact.The bad: Meaningful M&A or IPO activity is unlikely until late 2025 as market conditions remain challenging. Limited partners will remain hesitant to deploy capital, waiting for improved distribution to paid-in capital metrics before committing to new funds.Michael Basch, founder and general partner at Atento CapitalThe good: Long-awaited increased liquidity for LPs with an opening of the IPO and M&A markets. More funds and companies taking secondaries as well. A reset of expectations of the zombie companies that are profitable not going to have the outcomes the VCs on the cap table underwrote, selling at a more grounded price to private equity. Consolidation and roll-ups in oversaturated spaces (e.g., GLP-1s).The bad: Continued falling unicorns that have significant reset in valuations due to market resizing and growth expectations resetting.Austin Clements, managing partner at Slauson & Co.The good: IPO markets will reopen following the success of Service Titan, as will M&A activity for private companies. Finally realizing these gains will increase liquidity for the LPs behind many venture capital firms. This will lead to LPs committing to more new funds more venture funds than in years past.The bad: [LPs] may be more reluctant to commit to new fund managers after seeing a lot of undisciplined behavior in the last cycle. The unfortunate side effect is that some of the most innovative strategies will have a lot of trouble getting funded.What are some trends that you think will remain? Which ones will go?WoodsWhat will stay: Dealmaking will remain favorable to investors with dry powder. Investors will continue to move away from looking at products using [the] number of users as a key consideration and move toward booked revenues, client pipeline, and costs as key considerations prior to investing. The pace of investing will also maintain this investor-friendly environment. We do not expect venture firms to return to the frenzied pace of investing experienced for the past couple of years but instead continue with a balanced approach.What will go: The outlook for IPO activity is moderately positive. Founder-renewed confidence in the public markets and comps coupled with dwindling cash runways and those high-valued companies that have survived the recent fundraising constraints, have right-sized their valuations to align more closely with the market. We believe that the consumer is also prime for investing in small-cap stocks, given the mega-cap technology stocks that have moved U.S. indexes into all-time highs and returned tremendous shareholder value. While there are still a number of companies whose valuations are not yet tracking to the market there are some, primarily in the tech space, that are ready for the public market.CazeauWhat will stay: Small teams scaling revenue. Were seeing teams of just one to three people hitting $2 million+ ARR using AI tools doing more with less and doing it better than ever. This kind of growth was unheard of before 2024 and highlights how much startups are automating internally with new software tools. The big question now is how these teams will scale and build strong organizations, but its impressive to see such growth with such a lean setup.Well also see a resurgence in investment around reskilling platforms addressing talent shortages in skilled trades, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, and other areas that software cant automate away.LinamagiWhat will stay: AI is here to stay. The widespread deployment of AI in 2024 marked a significant shift, and I believe this momentum will only grow. While it offers immense opportunities such as enhancing decision-making, improving deal sourcing, and streamlining operations it also presents challenges. For instance, human intuition and experience remain vital, particularly when evaluating founding teams and their dynamics. This evolution will require LPs to think more critically about how they select managers and construct their portfolios.What will go: The spray-and-pray investment approach. I expect well see fewer deals but with greater diligence and meaningful value-add from investors. This trend, already evident in 2024, signals the end of the growth-at-all-costs mentality. Instead, investors will prioritize paths to profitability and sustainable business models, which will continue to be the hallmark of attractive opportunities.BaschWhat will stay: [The] perceived short list of winners in the AI space will continue to command significant investor attention at premium valuations. [There will be a] continued trend of VC-backed companies shuttering as capital markets [become] more selective in terms of funding [and the] continued trend [of] VCs, especially seed stage, [being] unable to raise new funds due to rough performing 2020 or 2021 vintages.ClementsWhat will go: The last cycle was a deep shift to more investors backing enterprise SaaS companies and fewer backing consumer applications. I think this will start to reverse as AI creates more applications for consumers that just werent possible a few years ago. Consumer tech will make a welcome comeback in 2025.What is something unexpected you think could happen in 2025 in the world of venture and startups?CazeauWe could see mergers or even closures of some big-name unicorns, many of which have been industry darlings for years. These companies have just enough cash to make it to 2025, but not enough growth to go any further. Were already seeing some consolidation, and this will likely accelerate into 2025.LinamagiA significant climate-related disaster, geopolitical conflict, or economic shock has the potential to fundamentally reshape the startup and VC landscape.BaschA surge in venture dollars looking at hard technology, as software becomes commoditized due to generative AI. Hard tech as defined by bio, tech, hardware, other forms of deep tech taking center stage. [There will also be] a significant increase in companies raising only a seed round and having a sub-$100 million exit in sub-three years of existence revealing a new math that could potentially work for founders and the VCs due to companies with distribution quickly acquiring top products that will complement their existing offering.ClementsSomething unexpected is that OpenAI could convert to a for-profit entity just for Microsoft to be able to acquire it in the largest acquisition ever.

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Artificial Intelligence Newsletter Fox News AI Newsletter: Will your job survive Trumps Gen AI revolution? Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents By Fox News Staff Fox News Published January 4, 2025 8:00am EST close Experts say artificial intelligence is about to change your life Fox News Correspondent, William La Jeunesse, joins 'Fox News Sunday' to discuss the evolution of A.I. and the push lawmakers are making to regulate it. Welcome to Fox News Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.IN TODAYS NEWSLETTER:- Will your job survive Trumps Gen AI revolution?- 'Shazam!' star Zachary Levi compares AI to biblical disaster- AI-powered robot sinks seemingly impossible basketball hoops (Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket/CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP)ADAPT: The Trump administrations recent announcement of a sweeping deregulatory agenda for generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) has created ripples across industries. This policy shift has implications for professionals and businesses alike, signaling a future where Gen AI development will accelerate quickly. If you want your work and business to survive this new acceleration, you need to adapt quickly to our increasingly disrupted environment. Zachary Levi attends the UK premiere of Shazam! Fury of the Gods at Cineworld Leicester Square in London on March 7, 2023. (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)THE GREAT FLOOD: "Shazam!" star Zachary Levi feels a biblical disaster looming, thanks to artificial intelligence.ITS GOT GAME: While you were busy watching your favorite NBA stars sink three-pointers, a robot was quietly perfecting its game-winning shot in Nagakute, Japan. That's right, a humanoid robot named CUE6 just stepped onto the court and made jaws drop faster than a Steph Curry buzzer-beater. CUE6, Toyota's basketball-playing robot, claimed a Guinness World Record for the longest shot by a humanoid robot, proving that AI can play basketball with the best of them.THE FUTURE IS NOW: The F-35 has had to develop a thick skin. From my former colleagues in Congress to defense-industry experts, the worlds premier fighter jet is accustomed to criticism for issues with cost, production and more. In November, though, one of Americas most influential voices decided to jump on the bandwagon: Elon Musk. An F-35 fighter plane takes flight. (Luke Air Force Base /Senior Airman Alex Cook)FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIASIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERSDOWNLOAD OUR APPSWATCH FOX NEWS ONLINEFox News GoSTREAM FOX NATIONFox NationStay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox Newshere. This article was written by Fox News staff. Related Topics

Published January 4, 2025 8:00am EST close Apple AirTag tracks your stuff easier than ever before You'll wonder how you functioned without an AirTag. Apple AirTags can be a great way to outsmart car thieves, but there are some drawbacks to consider. A key limitation is that thieves who also have iPhones can usually detect a hidden AirTag in vehicles they are trying to steal. This makes hiding an AirTag tricky.Thats why we were intrigued by Brians inquiry about using other ways to make Apple AirTags undetectable to car thieves or outsmarting them twice."If an AirTag is put in an RFID wallet and hidden in a car, can the AirTag be located by a thief using a locator? I know the AirTag will function in the wallet, but will it be undetectable by the thief?" Brian, LaSalle, IllinoisBelow are reasons why using an RFID wallet might end up leaving you outsmarted instead. Illustration of a car thief checking to see if the vehicle has an AirTag. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Why RFID wallets might not outsmart car thieves?Some thieves use RFID readers, which use radio waves, to scan and read data such as credit cards in wallets. The function of RFID wallets and bags is to protect items or devices from these radio waves by blocking them.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREApple AirTags use different technology, so even if it was placed in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag, it could still be detected by a thief with an iPhone or locator. Unlike the radio waves used to scan for credit cards and other data, Apple AirTags use Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Neither technology can be shielded by RFID-blocking material because those materials cannot block Bluetooth and UWB signals. A person holding an RFID wallet. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What can block AirTag technology?Faraday bags, on the other hand, use electromagnetic shielding and can successfully block Apple AirTag signals, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, from being detected by thieves. The only issue with putting an Apple AirTag in a Faraday bag to hide in your car is that if the car thief cannot read or locate the signal it emits, you cannot either.While theApple AirTag may go undetected when in a Faraday bag, you will likely not be able to use FindMy or any other tracking methods to locate it either, because those methods require signals pinged from the AirTag to other iPhones and Apple Devices to track location. An RFID wallet. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Alternatives to AirTags for car securityWhileApple AirTags offer some benefits, there are other technologies and methods to consider for enhancing car security. For example, GPS trackers provide real-time location data without the risk of being detected by a nearby iPhone. Additionally, physical deterrents likesteering wheel locks and alarm systems can act as effective safeguards. Combining multiple layers of security can better protect your vehicle against theft.Check out how to prevent your car from being stolen.Kurts key takeawaysWhileApple AirTags can be a useful device to help you keep track of your vehicle, whether it is lost or stolen, it does not replace the reliability of a GPS system installed in your vehicle if you are trying to outsmart car thieves. Because car thieves might be able to locate an Apple AirTag hidden in your vehicle, it may not provide the layer of protection you hope for. Though the technology in RFID wallets will not block signals from an Apple AirTag, which will make them detectable to locators and scanners, Faraday bags will. Unfortunately, you will end up outsmarting yourself in trying to outsmart car thieves if you use a Faraday bag because you will then not be able to track the Apple AirTags either. If you are looking for the optimal way to outsmart car thieves, the Apple AirTags might not be the answer you are looking for.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat personal experiences have you had with technology aiding in theft prevention? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics

In my early days of writing about mobile technology, I thought my MSN Direct SPOT watch was the future of wearables. Twenty years later, we now have incredible smartwatches from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google that make the clock the least impressive feature.While Android smartwatches today typically include detailed 24/7 health and wellness tracking, many have other advanced features, like a companion Android app, touchscreen display, call and text messaging support, installable applications, customizable watch faces, and voice assistants. What is the best Android smartwatch right now? At ZDNET, we have tested every popular Android smartwatch powered by Google's Wear OS on the market, evaluating battery life, display, durability, and health tracking features. Our pick for the best Android smartwatch overall is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, thanks to its unique design, advanced safety features, running dynamics, and much more. But the new Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes, and as Google continues to roll out software updates, it may soon be our pick for best Android smartwatch. Here's how the rest stack up against each other and on your wrist. Sort by All The best Android smartwatches of 2025 Show less View now at Samsung Apple took a shot across the bow of serious GPS sports watch brands with the Apple Watch Ultra series, and now Samsung joins the party with the large Galaxy Watch Ultra. Samsung branded it the same way as Apple, along with a familiar orange button and waterproof silicone band. A few other advanced features found in Apple's model are present in the Samsung model, which is a great thing for Android phone owners, especially Samsung Galaxy phone owners.The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a unique square design with a round watch face, an interesting magnetic lug system, three buttons on one side, gesture support, advanced running dynamics, and more. Samsung's Galaxy AI is present in the form of wellness insights that combine into a daily score to help guide you to optimal performance, including healthy sleep levels.The Watch Ultra runs the Samsung-powered Google Wear OS 5.0 with One UI Watch 6.0, meaning it still looks like a Samsung smartwatch but also supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and more Google apps.It has an operating system optimized for the round watch design with a virtual rotating bezel. Fall detection, messaging, phone calls, and more are available on the watch, with advanced fitness data such as VO2 Max and advanced running dynamics data also supported. The lack of support for external sensors is the only reason I do not wear it daily on one of my wrists.At $649, it is the most expensive Samsung Galaxy watch, but it is still $150 less than Apple's competing Apple Watch Ultra 2. Make sure to check out the Samsung website since there are major sales and generous trade-in offers that may make the Galaxy Watch Ultra an easy purchase decision.Galaxy Watch Ultra tech specs: Display: 1.5 inch, 480 x 480 pixels Super AMOLED | Battery life: Two to three days | Dimensions: 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1mm | Weight: 60.5 grams | Water resistance: 10 ATM+IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes Health & wellness 9 Build quality/durability 10 Advanced features 8 Applications 7 Core functionality 10 Pros Lightweight titanium casing Sapphire glass AMOLED display Advanced safety features Large capacity battery Google Wear OS app support Cons Large size not suitable for smaller wrists Blood pressure certification taking much longer than advertised Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Best Android smartwatch overall 4.4 / 5 Score Apple took a shot across the bow of serious GPS sports watch brands with the Apple Watch Ultra series, and now Samsung joins the party with the large Galaxy Watch Ultra. Samsung branded it the same way as Apple, along with a familiar orange button and waterproof silicone band. A few other advanced features found in Apple's model are present in the Samsung model, which is a great thing for Android phone owners, especially Samsung Galaxy phone owners.The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a unique square design with a round watch face, an interesting magnetic lug system, three buttons on one side, gesture support, advanced running dynamics, and more. Samsung's Galaxy AI is present in the form of wellness insights that combine into a daily score to help guide you to optimal performance, including healthy sleep levels.The Watch Ultra runs the Samsung-powered Google Wear OS 5.0 with One UI Watch 6.0, meaning it still looks like a Samsung smartwatch but also supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and more Google apps.It has an operating system optimized for the round watch design with a virtual rotating bezel. Fall detection, messaging, phone calls, and more are available on the watch, with advanced fitness data such as VO2 Max and advanced running dynamics data also supported. The lack of support for external sensors is the only reason I do not wear it daily on one of my wrists.At $649, it is the most expensive Samsung Galaxy watch, but it is still $150 less than Apple's competing Apple Watch Ultra 2. Make sure to check out the Samsung website since there are major sales and generous trade-in offers that may make the Galaxy Watch Ultra an easy purchase decision.Galaxy Watch Ultra tech specs: Display: 1.5 inch, 480 x 480 pixels Super AMOLED | Battery life: Two to three days | Dimensions: 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1mm | Weight: 60.5 grams | Water resistance: 10 ATM+IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon One company that continues to push the limits of what you can buy for just over $200 is Amazfit. The Amazfit Balance offers an elegantly designed smartwatch with Amazon Alexa support and the ability to answer calls via a Bluetooth connection to your watch, just like all other non-cellular smartwatches. It runs the latest Zepp OS 3.0 operating system, built for a lean and mean experience.It's tough to beat the low $220 price, and I continue to push the watch to see the flaws that could justify such a low price, but they don't exist. The Amazfit Balance has a brilliant AMOLED display, integrated mic and speaker, GPS, various advanced health/wellness sensors, and a battery life that lasts up to two weeks between charges. The battery life alone is something modern smartwatches cannot match, and if you want to charge your watch just twice a month rather than every other day, then you might want to consider this watch.Amazfit provides the Zepp smartphone application that provides an exhaustive experience to track every detail of the data captured by the various sensors. The one flaw is that the application may be overwhelming for some users. Thankfully, Amazfit continues to refine and simplify the application to make it more useful for Amazfit Balance owners. Amazfit recently updated its smartphone application to be easier for people to use while still providing an incredible amount of data and guidance on what to do with the data collected by the watch.Phone calls sound good, and it is convenient to make and accept calls from your wrist when your phone is secured in a pocket or backpack. There is support for more than 150 sports, and the available watch faces look awesome.Amazfit Balance tech specs: Display: 1.5-inch, 480 x 480 pixels AMOLED | Battery life: 14 days | Dimensions: 46 x 46 x 10.6 mm | Weight: 35 grams (w/o strap) | Water resistance: 5 ATM | LTE Cellular option: No Pros Sleek and stylish slim design Brilliant AMOLED display Accurate GPS Advanced health tracking features Cons Overwhelming smartphone app Some features require a subscription One company that continues to push the limits of what you can buy for just over $200 is Amazfit. The Amazfit Balance offers an elegantly designed smartwatch with Amazon Alexa support and the ability to answer calls via a Bluetooth connection to your watch, just like all other non-cellular smartwatches. It runs the latest Zepp OS 3.0 operating system, built for a lean and mean experience.It's tough to beat the low $220 price, and I continue to push the watch to see the flaws that could justify such a low price, but they don't exist. The Amazfit Balance has a brilliant AMOLED display, integrated mic and speaker, GPS, various advanced health/wellness sensors, and a battery life that lasts up to two weeks between charges. The battery life alone is something modern smartwatches cannot match, and if you want to charge your watch just twice a month rather than every other day, then you might want to consider this watch.Amazfit provides the Zepp smartphone application that provides an exhaustive experience to track every detail of the data captured by the various sensors. The one flaw is that the application may be overwhelming for some users. Thankfully, Amazfit continues to refine and simplify the application to make it more useful for Amazfit Balance owners. Amazfit recently updated its smartphone application to be easier for people to use while still providing an incredible amount of data and guidance on what to do with the data collected by the watch.Phone calls sound good, and it is convenient to make and accept calls from your wrist when your phone is secured in a pocket or backpack. There is support for more than 150 sports, and the available watch faces look awesome.Amazfit Balance tech specs: Display: 1.5-inch, 480 x 480 pixels AMOLED | Battery life: 14 days | Dimensions: 46 x 46 x 10.6 mm | Weight: 35 grams (w/o strap) | Water resistance: 5 ATM | LTE Cellular option: No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you have small wrists or are a bit hesitant about jumping into the smartwatch market, the Galaxy Watch FE LTE is a great option with a low price and the backing of the Samsung Health ecosystem. The 40mm form factor is sure to please, and while it may be a slightly older processor, it is the same that powered the very capable Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.The Watch FE LTE is only 25.9 grams, compared to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which weighs 61.5 grams. The Watch Ultra has a 47mm main dimension, while the Watch FE is only 40.4mm. This means the Watch FE LTE feels tiny on my wrist, but I find the silicone band very comfortable, and the size makes it very easy to use for sleep tracking.The Galaxy Watch FE LTE is affordable at $250 and cellular plans from your carrier give you the ability to use your watch as a communication companion. Make sure to check out the Samsung website during holiday sales, as the price is currently as low as $200.The watch is great for tracking steps, indoor activities, and other workouts that don't require precise positioning. Samsung Health works with the Samsung Wearable app to provide a full health and wellness experience based on the data the Watch FE LTE collects. Samsung Health also includes loads of fitness programs for free, so you can enjoy various workouts at three fitness levels and with different selected fitness goals.Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE tech specs: Display: 1.2-inch 396x396 Super AMOLED | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Dimensions: 39.3 x 40.4 x 9.8mm | Weight: 26.6 g | Water/Dust resistance:5ATM/IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes Pros Brighter, bigger display Upgraded optical and electrical BioActive sensors Small and light form factor Low price with LTE support Cons A previous-generation process is installed No AI health features are included If you have small wrists or are a bit hesitant about jumping into the smartwatch market, the Galaxy Watch FE LTE is a great option with a low price and the backing of the Samsung Health ecosystem. The 40mm form factor is sure to please, and while it may be a slightly older processor, it is the same that powered the very capable Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.The Watch FE LTE is only 25.9 grams, compared to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which weighs 61.5 grams. The Watch Ultra has a 47mm main dimension, while the Watch FE is only 40.4mm. This means the Watch FE LTE feels tiny on my wrist, but I find the silicone band very comfortable, and the size makes it very easy to use for sleep tracking.The Galaxy Watch FE LTE is affordable at $250 and cellular plans from your carrier give you the ability to use your watch as a communication companion. Make sure to check out the Samsung website during holiday sales, as the price is currently as low as $200.The watch is great for tracking steps, indoor activities, and other workouts that don't require precise positioning. Samsung Health works with the Samsung Wearable app to provide a full health and wellness experience based on the data the Watch FE LTE collects. Samsung Health also includes loads of fitness programs for free, so you can enjoy various workouts at three fitness levels and with different selected fitness goals.Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE tech specs: Display: 1.2-inch 396x396 Super AMOLED | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Dimensions: 39.3 x 40.4 x 9.8mm | Weight: 26.6 g | Water/Dust resistance:5ATM/IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Walmart The third time is the charm, and it looks like Google's third-generation Pixel Watch 3 is sure to please the masses with two size options, improved displays, and software enhancements that provide a richer user experience. This watch integrates several Fitbit features, including improved heart rate sensors and GPS tracking, making it secretly the best watch available for both Fitbit and Google Pixel fans.While it is clearly the best Fitbit made, it also challenges every other watch regarding support for runners. Google incorporated a running workout builder that gathers your health data over a two-week period and then creates a program that adapts to your data on a regular basis. Real-time guidance is provided as you run, advanced metrics are tracked and then Google shows you how to improve the metrics, a Daily Readiness Score is provided even if you are not a Fitbit Premium subscriber, and Cardio/Target load features are available. The Cardio and Target load features may even trump some of the best sports watches.One of the best functions of the Pixel Watch 3 that even beats out the Apple Watch is the focus on safety. While the Apple Watch can appear in your Find My application, and you can share your location with family and friends, that's a passive setting that requires people to physically check the app to find you. The Pixel 3's Safety Check feature allows you to set a check-in timer whenever you're moving from point A to B and want your emergency contacts to be notified if anything goes wrong -- the most reliable feature I've seen on any wearable I've tested. It also supports immediate emergency alerts/SOS and fall detection alerts, similar to the latest Apple Watches.Coming later to select countries is the new Loss of Pulse Detection feature that is sure to save lives and could have had a direct impact on my family life if it had been around a few years ago.Bottom line: If you're a Fitbit fan and are looking for the latest and greatest Fitbit in a watch form factor, then the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the wearable for you. If you also enjoy Google's take on wearables and want years of updates then this is the watch to consider.Google Pixel Watch 3 tech specs: Display:1.2-inch (41mm) and 1.45-inch (45mm) AMOLED | Battery life: 24 hours with AOD | Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm and 45 x 45 x 12.3mm | Weight: 31 g (without band) and 37 g | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM/IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes Pros Beautiful, minimalist design Deep and exhaustive Fitbit integration Enhanced for runners Optimized for Google apps and services Two sizes to please all users Cons No protection for the glass display No support for external sensors The third time is the charm, and it looks like Google's third-generation Pixel Watch 3 is sure to please the masses with two size options, improved displays, and software enhancements that provide a richer user experience. This watch integrates several Fitbit features, including improved heart rate sensors and GPS tracking, making it secretly the best watch available for both Fitbit and Google Pixel fans.While it is clearly the best Fitbit made, it also challenges every other watch regarding support for runners. Google incorporated a running workout builder that gathers your health data over a two-week period and then creates a program that adapts to your data on a regular basis. Real-time guidance is provided as you run, advanced metrics are tracked and then Google shows you how to improve the metrics, a Daily Readiness Score is provided even if you are not a Fitbit Premium subscriber, and Cardio/Target load features are available. The Cardio and Target load features may even trump some of the best sports watches.One of the best functions of the Pixel Watch 3 that even beats out the Apple Watch is the focus on safety. While the Apple Watch can appear in your Find My application, and you can share your location with family and friends, that's a passive setting that requires people to physically check the app to find you. The Pixel 3's Safety Check feature allows you to set a check-in timer whenever you're moving from point A to B and want your emergency contacts to be notified if anything goes wrong -- the most reliable feature I've seen on any wearable I've tested. It also supports immediate emergency alerts/SOS and fall detection alerts, similar to the latest Apple Watches.Coming later to select countries is the new Loss of Pulse Detection feature that is sure to save lives and could have had a direct impact on my family life if it had been around a few years ago.Bottom line: If you're a Fitbit fan and are looking for the latest and greatest Fitbit in a watch form factor, then the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the wearable for you. If you also enjoy Google's take on wearables and want years of updates then this is the watch to consider.Google Pixel Watch 3 tech specs: Display:1.2-inch (41mm) and 1.45-inch (45mm) AMOLED | Battery life: 24 hours with AOD | Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm and 45 x 45 x 12.3mm | Weight: 31 g (without band) and 37 g | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM/IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at OnePlus You would think that the best smartwatch to support Google's WearOS would be the Pixel Watch, but that award may be more fitting with OnePlus Watch 2. After releasing a terrible smartwatch a couple of years ago, OnePlus hit it out of the park with its new Watch 2 model, which is available now for just $250 after the $50 trade-in offer for any watch you send the company.In addition to a powerful operating system strategy, OnePlus launchedone of the most elegant smartwatches available today. It incorporates stainless steel in the watch body, a 2.5D smooth sapphire crystal watch face, and a durable silicone watch band. The right side buttons are stylishly incorporated into the bezel with a round button on top and an oval one on the bottom.OnePlus states the watch will last for 100 hours in Smart Mode, 48 hours with heavy usage, and up to 12 days in power saver mode. It has a 500 mAh battery, and in my two weeks of testing, I was able to wear it 24/7 and charge it up every 3-4 days. I wore it for running and walking with GPS tracking turned on, indoor rowing for active heart rate tracking, and more.OnePlus Watch 2 specs: Display:1.43 inches, 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED|Battery life:Up to 5 days|Dimensions:50.1 x 48 x 12.2mm|Weight:44 g (no strap)|Water resistance:5 ATM|LTE cellular option:No Pros Elegant hardware design Latest WearOS software and features Up to 100 hours of battery life Affordable price Cons No LTE version Only one size Lacking some wellness features You would think that the best smartwatch to support Google's WearOS would be the Pixel Watch, but that award may be more fitting with OnePlus Watch 2. After releasing a terrible smartwatch a couple of years ago, OnePlus hit it out of the park with its new Watch 2 model, which is available now for just $250 after the $50 trade-in offer for any watch you send the company.In addition to a powerful operating system strategy, OnePlus launchedone of the most elegant smartwatches available today. It incorporates stainless steel in the watch body, a 2.5D smooth sapphire crystal watch face, and a durable silicone watch band. The right side buttons are stylishly incorporated into the bezel with a round button on top and an oval one on the bottom.OnePlus states the watch will last for 100 hours in Smart Mode, 48 hours with heavy usage, and up to 12 days in power saver mode. It has a 500 mAh battery, and in my two weeks of testing, I was able to wear it 24/7 and charge it up every 3-4 days. I wore it for running and walking with GPS tracking turned on, indoor rowing for active heart rate tracking, and more.OnePlus Watch 2 specs: Display:1.43 inches, 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED|Battery life:Up to 5 days|Dimensions:50.1 x 48 x 12.2mm|Weight:44 g (no strap)|Water resistance:5 ATM|LTE cellular option:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon After spending weeks running, rowing, biking, and sleeping with the new TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro smartwatch, I found that its marathon battery life solves my biggest issue with Wear OS smartwatches.The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro's massive 628mAh battery has a unique dual display design for low-power standby use. That equates to an advertised 90 hours -- nearly four days -- of battery life in smart mode, and up to 45 days in Essential Mode. Even better yet, just 30 minutes of fast charging provides up to two days of battery life.The Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Wearable Platform contributes to the impressive battery life, and the watch was updated to Wear OS 4 in September. The Wear OS 4 update includes advanced TicMotion accuracy, streamlined phone transfer, and enhanced workout data tracking. 25 new activities were added, including pickleball, padel, hiking, and more. One other improvement that I was very happy to see is the integration of TicHealth, TicPulse, TicOxygen, TicZen, and TicSleep into a unified TicHealth app. This streamlines the user experience and provides a better holistic view of your key health data.Beyond battery life, the dual-display technology with interactive and customizable ultra-low power display options is exceedingly useful. You can choose from 18 background colors to highlight the always-on display, and that display on the top layer of the watch will show you key metrics such as number of steps taken, heart rate, battery life, time, and date. Spinning the large rotating crown button brings up a full display heart rate reading, blood oxygen level, and compass heading in this dual display mode.Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro specs: Display: 1.43 inches, 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED | Battery life: Up to 4 days | Dimensions: 50.15 x 48 x 11.95mm | Weight: 44.7 g (no strap) | Water resistance: 5 ATM | LTE cellular option: No Pros Long battery life Dual display technology Sapphire glass display Cons Powered by Wear OS 3.5 One size Multiple Mobvoi apps on top of Wear OS apps After spending weeks running, rowing, biking, and sleeping with the new TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro smartwatch, I found that its marathon battery life solves my biggest issue with Wear OS smartwatches.The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro's massive 628mAh battery has a unique dual display design for low-power standby use. That equates to an advertised 90 hours -- nearly four days -- of battery life in smart mode, and up to 45 days in Essential Mode. Even better yet, just 30 minutes of fast charging provides up to two days of battery life.The Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Wearable Platform contributes to the impressive battery life, and the watch was updated to Wear OS 4 in September. The Wear OS 4 update includes advanced TicMotion accuracy, streamlined phone transfer, and enhanced workout data tracking. 25 new activities were added, including pickleball, padel, hiking, and more. One other improvement that I was very happy to see is the integration of TicHealth, TicPulse, TicOxygen, TicZen, and TicSleep into a unified TicHealth app. This streamlines the user experience and provides a better holistic view of your key health data.Beyond battery life, the dual-display technology with interactive and customizable ultra-low power display options is exceedingly useful. You can choose from 18 background colors to highlight the always-on display, and that display on the top layer of the watch will show you key metrics such as number of steps taken, heart rate, battery life, time, and date. Spinning the large rotating crown button brings up a full display heart rate reading, blood oxygen level, and compass heading in this dual display mode.Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro specs: Display: 1.43 inches, 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED | Battery life: Up to 4 days | Dimensions: 50.15 x 48 x 11.95mm | Weight: 44.7 g (no strap) | Water resistance: 5 ATM | LTE cellular option: No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Tag Heuer People spend thousands on luxury watches and Tag Heuer is a well-known brand for those who enjoy high-end watches. The Tag Heuer Calibre E4 provides an enhanced experience on more than 41,000 courses around the world and looks great in the office too.The titanium case material has a matte, sandblasted DLC finish that looks expensive and feels smooth. Sapphire glass covers the brilliant 1.39-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454x454 pixels. It's a lovely touchscreen that transitions, flat, out to the Golf Edition bezel, where we find numbers representing 18 holes, though starting at 4 since the words Golf Edition cover where 1 through 3 would be found. White numerals and green marks accent the black bezel.While golf is clearly the focus of having this watch on your wrist, it also can be used for tracking your running with GPS, rowing on a Hydrow, hiking in the mountains, sleeping, working, and more. The one concern with a luxury model is that the technology moves fast so the hardware is likely to last far longer than the operating system and sensors inside the watch.Tag Heuer Calibre E4 Golf Editionspecs: Display:1.39 inches, 454 x 454 pixels AMOLED|Battery Life:24 hours |Dimensions:45 x 45 x 15.3mm|Weight:96 g |Water resistance:50m |LTE cellular option:No Pros Titanium case materials iOS and Android support Smooth sapphire glass display Ball markers included Cons No speaker for hands-free calling No SpO2 sensor Powered by older version of Wear OS People spend thousands on luxury watches and Tag Heuer is a well-known brand for those who enjoy high-end watches. The Tag Heuer Calibre E4 provides an enhanced experience on more than 41,000 courses around the world and looks great in the office too.The titanium case material has a matte, sandblasted DLC finish that looks expensive and feels smooth. Sapphire glass covers the brilliant 1.39-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454x454 pixels. It's a lovely touchscreen that transitions, flat, out to the Golf Edition bezel, where we find numbers representing 18 holes, though starting at 4 since the words Golf Edition cover where 1 through 3 would be found. White numerals and green marks accent the black bezel.While golf is clearly the focus of having this watch on your wrist, it also can be used for tracking your running with GPS, rowing on a Hydrow, hiking in the mountains, sleeping, working, and more. The one concern with a luxury model is that the technology moves fast so the hardware is likely to last far longer than the operating system and sensors inside the watch.Tag Heuer Calibre E4 Golf Editionspecs: Display:1.39 inches, 454 x 454 pixels AMOLED|Battery Life:24 hours |Dimensions:45 x 45 x 15.3mm|Weight:96 g |Water resistance:50m |LTE cellular option:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best Android smartwatch? When it comes to choosing which Android smartwatch is the best, you'll realize right away that the options are limited. Samsung leads the way in developing smartwatches that rival the Apple Watch, but you sometimes pay a premium for powerful smartwatches.This table compares the top models based on price, screen size, and battery life, which can all dramatically impact your experience.Best Android smartwatchStarting priceScreen sizeBattery lifeWater resistanceLTE supportSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra$6501.5 inches2 days10 ATMYesAmazfit Balance$2201.5 inches14 days5 ATMNoSamsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE$2501.2 inches40 hours5 ATMYesGoogle Pixel Watch 3$3501.2 inches (41mm) and 1.45 inches (45mm)24 hours5 ATM/IP68YesOnePlus Watch 2$3001.43 inches5 days5 ATMNoMobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro$3501.43 inches4 days5 ATMNoTag Heuer Calibre E4$2,5001.39 inches24 hours50mNo Show more Which is the right Android smartwatch for you? Every Android smartwatch in this list includes different features, designs, and best-use cases. That being said, there's a smartwatch for everyone. If you want the best overall Android smartwatch, go with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. But if you want a powerful smartwatch on a budget, the Fitbit Versa 4 could make the perfect choice. Before you purchase the newest accessory for your wrist, consider our recommendations based on priorities.Choose this Android smartwatchIf you wantSamsung Galaxy Watch UltraSamsung's newest Galaxy watch that takes on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with similar design elements. It's the most powerful Android smartwatch available today and gives Android users a watch they can be proud of.Amazfit BalanceAn affordable smartwatch that punches far above its price. Its powerful smartphone application provides access to a wealth of health/fitness data while supporting calls and Amazon Alexa.Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTEOne of the smallest and lightest smartwatches available for Android phone users. It supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and more Google apps.Google Pixel Watch 3One of the smaller smartwatches on the market that integrates both Google and Fitbit's comprehensive ecosystems. With a beautiful display encased in a Corning Gorilla Glass screen, the watch is both aesthetic and durable.OnePlus Watch 2A smartwatch with the latest WearOS features, an elegant design, and battery endurance to match. Thanks to a dual processor architecture and OnePlus battery magic, the Watch 2 can last up to five days per charge.Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 EnduroLong battery life, useful fitness features, and high quality at a good price.Tag Heuer Calibre E4A luxury smartwatch focused on helping you improve your golf game. It's a lovely wearable, but is now running an older version of Google's Wear OS. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an Android smartwatch If you're interested in buying an Android smartwatch, you should consider the following factors:Display: While all of our picks have comprehensive app compatibility, most smartwatch interaction happens directly on the watch interface. We factored in each watch's screen size, resolution, and display type so that you're assured to have a navigable smartwatch experience.Battery life: Don't get left behind on telling time or tracking your activities. Longer battery life is essential for a reliable smartwatch.Durability: As most smartwatches are activity and health trackers, you'll probably want something that can withstand the outdoors, water, or inevitable drops and dings.Health suite: Smartwatches track more than just time, but can monitor your activity and overall health. We selected watches that encompass effective health-tracking sensors and can serve as a health-monitoring tool. Show more How we test Android smartwatches All of the Android smartwatches included in this list were chosen based on how they performed when tested in the real world by the ZDNET team. When we test smartwatches, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best. We test for:Daily wear: We wear the smartwatch as our primary watch with communications, applications, and other elements being tested as if it was our only smartwatch.Application selection and performance: One aspect that makes smartwatches different than standard watches is the support for applications. We load up the watch with apps and then test the performance and functionality of those applications. Google's Play Store continues to increase the number of applications and quality of those applications so it can serve as a faithful companion to your Android smartphone.Workouts: Smartwatch makers have embraced health and fitness so we take our smartwatch out for running with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and walking with the family. GPS and heart rate data is tracked and then we evaluate the accuracy against proven GPS sports watches.Sleep and activity tracking: Sleep tracking has improved with Android smartwatches over time and we evaluate them as compared to smart rings and other watches.For a deeper look at our testing process, check out our comprehensive smartwatch testing methodology. Show more FAQs on Android smartwatches Can you use a Samsung smartwatch with a non-Samsung phone? You can use a Samsung Galaxy watch with a non-Galaxy Android smartphone. You will need to install a couple of Samsung companion applications on your smartphone, including Galaxy Wearable and Watch plug-in. The Galaxy Wearable app is used to manage the connection, settings, and apps on the watch. Samsung Health also provides you with richer health data.However, Samsung Galaxy watches are optimized for Samsung phones, including support for Samsung Pay and the Samsung ecosystem. Show more Do any of these watches have cellular support to function without a phone? Samsung and Google do. An additional service plan is required for cellular connectivity directly on the watch. Unlike the Apple Watch, your Android phone is not required to be on for the service to work.While the watch can act as a standalone mobile device, a phone is required to set up the watch for cellular connectivity. A world where your entire watch lives on your phone is not yet an option, but technology is advancing -- we'll get there someday. Show more What are the hot new features in the latest smartwatches? The most innovations in the last couple of years have been in health and fitness tracking. While smartwatches are not medical devices, they have sensors, algorithms, and applications to help you track trends in your heart rate, stress level, blood oxygen levels, and more. You can use it as a basic ECG to check if further investigation is needed.All of these smartwatches can also serve as capable GPS sports watches to track the details of your outdoor activities. Exercise guidance is provided on the watch with connected health applications on your smartphone so you can keep track of your progress, too. Show more Why should I buy a smartwatch? Each person has a unique reason as to why they want to purchase a smartwatch. Most people are interested in the health-tracking features that a smartwatch can offer. Health tracking, coupled with calling, texting, and all of the capabilities found on a smartphone, typically encourage people to pull the trigger. Show more Other Android smartwatches we've tested ZDNETs Smartwatch Guide Smartwatch Roundups Smartwatches Reviewed & Compared Apple Watches Explained ZDNET Recommends

Apple TV is free for everyone but only for a limited time.Credit: Apple TVThink of it as a late Christmas present. Some of the best streaming options out there are free to watch, which means you can binge a show youve been meaning to watch, or sample several different shows youve heard good things about.Apple TV is free for everybody this weekend. This is a first for the streaming service. Beginning today and running through Sunday, you can watch all of Apple TVs streaming options without subscribing. Since Apple has so many great shows and movies to choose from, I thought Id highlight some of my favorites.SeveranceIf I could only give you one suggestion to watch on Apple TV this weekend it would be, hands down, Severance. This is one of the best TV shows Ive ever seen, and one of the most thought-provoking, tense, creative and original series youre likely to ever see. The story follows Mark Scout (Adam Scott) a recent widower who decides to take on a severed job at the mysterious company, Lumon. The controversial procedure severs your work consciousness from your home consciousness, effectively splitting someone into two separate people with no shared memories.When Mark starts to question whats really happening on the severed floor of Lumon, he follows a trail of breadcrumbs down a dark and wild rabbit hole. Meanwhile, his work self begins to question Lumon from the inside. Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken and a really wonderful cast of characters also star. Season 1 came out three years ago and Ive watched it three times in anticipation of Season 2, which premieres on Friday, January 17th. Im pretty sure this is the reason Apple is giving everyone a free weekend.MORE FOR YOUShrinkingThe best dramedy on TV right now, Shrinking is also about a recent widower, though there is no mysterious dystopian corporation involved. Jimmy (Jason Segel) lost his wife in a terrible car accident and has turned to booze, drugs and women to numb his pain and grief, leading to a rift between him and his teenage daughter, Alice. In an effort to piece his life back together, he begins using unorthodox methods to treat his therapy clientswith mixed results. Harrison Ford plays Paul, Jimmys boss and mentor. The show is at once hilarious and incredibly poignant, delving into the relationships between Jimmy and his friends, colleagues and family in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. The second season just ended and a third is on the way. This was at the very top of my Best TV Shows Of 2024 list.Slow HorsesIf you enjoy spy thrillers, you cant really beat Slow Horses. Gary Oldman leads a tremendous cast in this series about MI5 outcasts confined to Slough House. While these may not be the cream of the crop, the Slow Horses are always bumbling their way one step ahead of both MI5s operatives and the various terrorists and criminals that attempt to thwart them. Oldmans Jackson Lamb is one of the most ridiculously grotesque and lovable characters on TV. All four seasons of this show have been amazing, with incredibly tight pacing, brilliant acting and exciting stories that never let up. You could easily binge an entire season in one sitting. (Heres my review of the Season 4 premiere).Killers Of The Flower MoonA brilliant, heartbreaking true story, Killers of the Flower Moon tells the story of the Osage people and the greedy men who try to rob them of their wealth after oil is discovered on their tribal lands. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone all put in Oscar-worthy performances. I just recently watched this and believe it deserved the Best Picture win over Oppenheimer. Its long3.5 hoursand pretty bleak, but its an important piece of our collective history, and one that will leave you haunted by its troubling implications about human nature and greed.Bad MonkeyBad Monkey was one of my favorite comedies of 2024 and even though Im normally not a huge fan of Vince Vaughns humor, he really nailed it with this one. The story follows Andrew Yancey, a police detective in Miami with a big mouth and a keen eye for solving crimes. Hes out of a job, however, and working as a food inspector in the Florida Keys, when a mysterious severed arm is found by a fishing boat. This leads him on a wild goose chase as he pieces together a sordid tale of murder and betrayal that leads him to the Bahamas on the hunt for the truth. Its all very clever and quirky and highly entertaining with a great supporting cast.Ted LassoThe first season of Ted Lasso is so unique and feel-good I think anyone dealing with any kind of stress or hardship should watch it just to get a dose of hope. Im less enthusiastic about the seasons that follow, but its still a singular show that trades so much of our modern day cynicism for belief in the fundamental goodness of our fellow humans. The story follows Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) an American football coach who is brought over to the UK to coach a major soccer team. Nobody thinks hell be able to pull it offeven he doubts his abilities to coach a sport he knows nothing aboutbut his pluck and affability win the day, and win over just about everyone who he comes into contact with.SiloAnother great sci-fi offering from Apple, Silo is a dystopian story about a massive underground silo that houses thousands of residents of a post-nuclear world. Filled with mystery and conspiracy, the show follows Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) an engineer who finds herself appointed sheriff, investigating not only murder but the very nature of the silo itself and the mysterious cabal who rules over it, not to mention the truth of what happened to drive humankind underground in the first place.These are just a few of the many offerings available for free this weekend on Apple TV. There are many more, some of which Ive seen, many of which are on my enormous and ever-growing backlog. See below for some other suggestions.Other TV shows you might want to check out:For All MankindMasters Of AirBad SistersPresumed InnocentFoundationDark MatterOther movies you might want to check out:The Tragedy Of MacbethFly Me To The MoonFancy DanceWolfwalkersNapoleonFinchCheck out my Best TV Shows Of 2024 List here and my Worst TV Shows Of 2024 List here. I also have my weekend streaming guide out for other movie and TV show ideas this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and more.What are your favorite TV shows and movies these days? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

Apple has made every program and movie on its subscription service Apple TV+ free this weekend, ending on Sunday, Jan. 5. Its a move that the company hasnt made before but the timing is impeccable: the breadth of content, its high quality and its range add up to much more than a weekend of glorious TV to watch.Ted Lasso on Apple TV+.AppleThe timing is also clever because one of the services biggest hits, Severance, is about to launch its second series.Apple TV+ Free Weekend How To WatchThere are lots of ways to see Apple TV+ content. If you have an Apple TV box attached to your TV, thats about the best experience. The interface is designed to serve up Apple TV+ shows effortlessly, and the remote control on the latest Apple TV models is sublimely easy to use. Just sign in with your Apple Account.If you dont have that hardware, you can still watch on your TV if it has access to the Apple TV app. Ones that do include screens from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio and TCL. Again, once youve signed in with your Apple Account, itll all be there for you.The Apple TV app is also on Roku and Amazon Fire Stick, for instance, and gaming consoles.Needless to say, you can also watch on other devices besides your TV. The Apple TV app is available for the Mac, iPhone and iPad (though not Apple Watch, that would be ridiculous) so you can stream shows there, or go to www.tv.apple.com.MORE FOR YOUApple TV+ Free Weekend: What To WatchOne of the first Apple TV+ shows remains among the most successful: Ted Lasso. The comedy following Ted Lassos uncomfortable relocation to a failing British soccer team is hilarious, touching and heart-warming. There are three seasons to be lapped up.Severance has been another big hit, and the timing of this offer indicates Apples hope: binge-watch season one and youll just have to sign up to catch the second series which starts on Jan. 17.The amazing Slow Horses on Apple TV+. AppleFor me, the biggest standout of the entire range is Slow Horses, a brilliant spy thriller with a dark and comic edge is stunningly good. It follows a wayward bunch of failed spies, exiled from MI5 to the execrable Slough House. The team leader is the heavy-drinking, greasy-haired, unstoppably flatulent Jackson Lamb. The cast is uniformly excellent, especially Gary Oldman and the wonderful Saskia Reeves. Miss it at your peril.Bad Sisters, a dark comedy about five Irish sisters is also a definite must-watch.And then there are all the movies, from George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Wolfs, to the seasonal musical Spirited, to Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon and the recent Fly Me to the Moon.And definitely dont miss the understated comedy On The Rocks with Bill Murray.Honestly, theres way too much for just one weekendwhich is what Apple is counting on, of course. Note that if with certain new purchases, like an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV box, you also get three months free Apple TV+.Happy watching.