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Polar Loop Tracker Provides 8-Day Exercise Monitoring Without Subscription, Rivalling Whoop and Garmin

**Polar Loop: The Innovative Screenless Fitness Tracker**

Polar, the distinguished Finnish fitness brand, has introduced its newest product, the Polar Loop. This screenless, subscription-free wristband is crafted to rival well-known fitness trackers such as the Whoop 5.0, Garmin Index Monitor, and Amazfit Helio Strap. The Polar Loop provides a refined and understated choice for athletes looking for extensive health and fitness monitoring without the interruption of a screen.

**Main Features and Specifications**

The Polar Loop is a lightweight device, weighing merely 29g and with a thickness of 9mm. It comes with a soft textile strap, ensuring comfort throughout sleep and exercise. The wristband incorporates an accelerometer and Polar’s Precision Prime HR sensor for automatic detection of workouts, tracking metrics like training load, heart rate variability (HRV), and recovery.

The device does not have built-in GPS but can link to your phone’s GPS through the Polar Flow app for enhanced workout tracking. The Polar Loop is water-resistant (WR30) and functions in temperatures from -20ºC to 50ºC (-4ºF to 122ºF). It features a battery life of up to 8 days with typical usage and charges with USB-C.

**Distinctive Advantage**

In contrast to its competitors, the Polar Loop is free from subscription fees, offering all of its features right from the start for a one-time price of $199. This presents a considerable benefit over the Whoop 5.0, which necessitates an annual subscription. Polar prioritizes data privacy, with no plans to lease out customer information.

The Polar Loop is intended to be worn alongside a conventional watch, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy wearing a luxury timepiece while still having access to 24/7 health data. The ergonomic design of the wristband ensures superior activity tracking metrics compared to armbands such as the Garmin Index Monitor.

**Market Positioning**

The Polar Loop enters a crowded market with the Amazfit Helio Strap available at $99, offering a comparable screenless experience with a marginally longer battery life. However, Polar capitalizes on its reputation for precise HR data to rationalize the higher price.

While Whoop bands deliver a wider array of health information, their recurring subscription fees may dissuade some users. Garmin’s Index Sleep Monitor concentrates on sleep tracking but does not include workout monitoring capabilities, which may lead Garmin enthusiasts to consider the Polar Loop.

**Conclusion**

The Polar Loop is scheduled for release on September 10, with options in Greige Sand, Night Black, and Brown Copper. With its emphasis on privacy, comfort, and extensive health tracking, the Polar Loop offers a compelling choice for fitness lovers seeking an uninterrupted experience.

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Chipolo Launches Pixelsnap-Style Magnetic Wireless Charging in Latest Bluetooth Trackers

The newest Bluetooth trackers from Chipolo, the LOOP and CARD, bring forth cutting-edge features such as magnetic alignment and wireless charging. Contrary to expectations, these trackers do not conform to the Qi2 standard. Instead, Chipolo has chosen the earlier Qi standard, incorporating magnets for automatic alignment without the added bulk of Qi2 coils. This choice preserves the slim profile of the trackers, which is vital to their design. Both versions offer a six-month battery lifespan, an IP67 rating, and Bluetooth 6 for improved accuracy and efficiency. Chipolo’s strategy demonstrates a user-focused mindset, emphasizing practicality over the adoption of the newest standards. Upcoming advancements might feature UWB technology and additional collaborations with other firms, broadening Chipolo’s ecosystem.

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iPhone 17 Event to Tackle Essential Inquiries About the 17 Pro and Pro Max Variants

# Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max: What to Anticipate

Apple’s forthcoming “Awe dropping” event is set to introduce the eagerly awaited iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, aiming to answer the ongoing queries about their design and materials. With the event approaching rapidly, enthusiasm is soaring as enthusiasts look forward to the latest advancements from the tech leader.

## iPhone 17 Pro Design and Materials

Crucial information regarding the iPhone 17 Pro has surfaced, highlighting a new starting price, base storage configurations, and an updated camera bar. Importantly, there is a notable transition from titanium back to aluminum for the outer casing, which would mark a first for Apple’s Pro models. Traditionally, Pro models have employed titanium or stainless steel, with the iPhone 15 Pro serving as a notable example of the latter transitioning to titanium for its lightweight and durability.

This year, it’s anticipated that titanium will be reserved for the iPhone 17 Air, which necessitates strong materials to address potential durability concerns mentioned in earlier models.

## Reasons Apple Might Opt for Aluminum Instead of Titanium

Opting for aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max brings multiple benefits. Although titanium is lighter than stainless steel, aluminum is even lighter than titanium, improving the overall portability of the devices. Furthermore, Apple has a long-standing tradition of anodizing aluminum in vivid colors, reminiscent of the iMac series and earlier iPhone generations starting from the iPhone XR.

The distinction between brushed aluminum and brushed titanium may be minimal, making the transition less apparent to the typical user. Nevertheless, the advantages of reduced weight and color diversity could attract consumers.

Additionally, because Apple discontinues previous Pro models with the introduction of new ones, the materials of the iPhone 17 Pro will not be directly compared to those of the iPhone 16 Pro, allowing for a fresh design perspective.

## The Most Significant Unanswered Question

As the event nears, one major question persists: what material will make up the back of the iPhone 17 Pro? Two conflicting design rumors have emerged: one indicates an all-glass back akin to the iPhone 16 Pro, while the other suggests an aluminum back with a glass section in the middle.

Speculation leans towards the all-glass back design, as it corresponds with Apple’s gradual design progression. The redesign of the camera bar suggests this is indeed the iPhone 17 Pro, rather than a previous iteration. While the metal-and-glass pairing may provide a stunning visual impact, it might not be the path Apple pursues for this version.

## Conclusion

As excitement builds for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the impending event promises to shed light on the uncertainties surrounding their design and materials. With a possible transition to aluminum and the open question about the back material, Apple supporters are keen to witness how these modifications will enhance the user experience. The wait is nearly over, and the unveiling will surely pave the way for the next chapter in Apple’s smartphone journey.

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reMarkable Unveils Paper Pro Move: A Budget-Friendly Palm-Sized Digital Paper Tablet

**reMarkable Paper Pro Move: A Compact Solution for On-the-Go Productivity**

Today, reMarkable has unveiled a smaller iteration of its acclaimed reMarkable Paper Pro, called the Paper Pro Move. This innovative device is tailored for individuals who need a portable and efficient work tool, offering a more affordable price while keeping the key features that users appreciate in the larger version.

### Overview of the Paper Pro Move

The reMarkable Paper Pro Move boasts a 7.3-inch display, making it notably more compact than the original 11.8-inch model, which is priced at $679. The Paper Pro Move is available for $499 and comes with the Marker Plus stylus, making it a strong competitor against alternatives like the iPad mini, which does not include a stylus.

### Key Features

The Paper Pro Move maintains many of the prominent features of its larger counterpart, including:

– **Color Canvas E-Ink Display**: Delivers a superior reading and writing experience.
– **Premium Build Quality**: Crafted for longevity and visual appeal.
– **Adjustable Reading Light**: Improves usability in various lighting situations.
– **Robust Software**: Ensures a smooth user experience for note-taking and document handling.

### Portability and Use Cases

Thanks to its reduced size, the Paper Pro Move is more convenient to transport, fitting easily into a jacket pocket, bag, or purse. This portability encourages users to incorporate it into various facets of their daily routines, whether for business meetings, casual note-taking, or creative brainstorming.

### Pricing and Availability

The reMarkable Paper Pro Move is available for purchase at $499 on Amazon, with options for immediate shipping. Several packages are available, including:

– **Paper Pro Move with Marker Plus**: $499
– **Paper Pro Move with Marker Plus and Woven Book Folio**: $569
– **Paper Pro Move with Marker Plus and Leather Book Folio**: $599

For those who favor the larger version, the original reMarkable Paper Pro continues to be available for $679 along with the Marker Plus.

### Conclusion

The reMarkable Paper Pro Move offers an appealing choice for users in search of a high-quality, portable note-taking device. With its competitive pricing and essential features, it serves a wider audience, facilitating a minimal and distraction-free method to enhance productivity.

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Frequent Expensive Repairs for Tesla Model S Proprietors

the Afeela 1 announcement. The Tesla Model S has garnered appreciation from many for its elegant design, boasting significant power under the hood, and initially offering a remarkably competitive price for its era.

This all-electric dynamo presents numerous advantages for its users, yet it also entails fairly substantial maintenance demands. In several instances, these upkeep expenses could surpass those associated with a conventional gasoline vehicle, and given that Tesla is frequently cited as one of the least dependable automotive brands, one might anticipate repairs sooner rather than later.

Grasping the potential underlying costs tied to owning a Tesla Model S — particularly one that is out of warranty — is crucial. Maintenance and repair expenses are often disregarded when acquiring a vehicle, especially an all-electric model. A remarkable sticker price can quickly lose its appeal when it comes time to take that exquisite new car in for servicing.

The expense of the Tesla Model S design

Last-Minute Leak Unveils Key Performance and Battery Attributes of iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 17 series that Apple is set to reveal at its September 9 media event will showcase one of the most significant design transformations in iPhone history. Based on various rumors and leaks, Apple will launch the 5.5mm iPhone 17 Air next week, marking its slimmest iPhone to date, and serving as a successor to the iPhone Plus model. While the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be a head-turner, it will reportedly come with several drawbacks that may be harder to accept, including a single-lens camera on the rear and a reduced battery capacity. Buyers seeking the pinnacle of the iPhone 17 experience will likely prefer the pricier iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone Pro lineup provides Apple’s most advanced hardware and software features annually, with the Pro Max model occasionally receiving special functionalities. A recent leak from a trustworthy Chinese source, initially noted by MacRumors, outlines some features expected in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max this year.

As reported by Instant Digital, the iPhone 17 Pro variants will support enhanced screen brightness for extended durations throughout the summer. The Pro models will also sustain higher frame rates during gaming for longer sessions. Enhancements will also be made for shooting 4K/60fps video outdoors. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro models are anticipated to provide the most extended battery life in any iPhone. If the battery claim holds true, then the iPhone 17 Pro Max should surpass its direct predecessor in battery life evaluations.

iPhone 17 Pro will regulate heat more effectively

Effect of Google Antitrust Decision: A Single Term Priced at $20 Billion Each Year for Apple

For over a year now, discussions have been ongoing about whether Google’s compensation to Apple for being the default search engine in Safari would be prohibited.

While it had appeared likely this would be the outcome, what emerged was a compromised judgment. It became evident that the distinction between Apple generating $20 billion annually and $0 rested on one particular term …

### It had appeared probable that both firms would suffer losses

The judgment a little over a year ago was unequivocal: Google’s agreement with Apple to serve as the default search engine indeed contravened antitrust legislation. The court determined that Google maintained a near-monopoly in the search engine sector and that its $20B+ yearly payment to Apple constituted illegal actions to uphold that market supremacy in breach of the Sherman Act.

Although Apple was found not culpable of any wrongdoing and was denied the right to intervene in the case, it certainly appeared that the company was destined to forfeit that annual payment, which would result in a significant blow to its services revenue.

We had to wait until this week to learn what solutions the court would propose, and while the widespread expectation was that the payment would be prohibited, that was not precisely the outcome.

### The judgment relied on a singular term

Investor and former Google Ventures partner MG Siegler proved to be accurate in his prediction. Rather than outright prohibiting the payment, the court indicated that Google was not permitted to compensate Apple for the sole right to be the search engine on the company’s gadgets.

That one term – sole – implies that Google is permitted to keep paying Apple to be the default search engine in Safari on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

### AI played a secondary role

An additional element in the court’s judgment was the increasing trend of individuals using generative AI as an alternative to a search engine. As misguided as this may seem, the judge stated that it effectively diminished the significance of search engines within the broader search ecosystem.

So, as my colleague Marcus Mendez noted yesterday, the arrangement between Apple and Google remains largely unchanged by the ruling.

One query does linger: will Google be willing to pay the same amount to be a default search engine in Safari if it cannot be the sole one? I suspect that in practice, Apple will not actively seek to establish other agreements, so Google will likely pay either exactly the same or a very comparable amount.

Regardless, the sum has been increasing each year, so any modest dip in the payment would swiftly be compensated by annual hikes. I’m sure the executives of both companies were popping open some incredibly pricey champagne.

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Five Anticipated New Apple Products Set to Debut on September 9

Apple’s significant launch event on September 9 is rapidly approaching, and excitement is mounting for the announcement of the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3. However, in addition to these anticipated launches, a few wildcard products might also be revealed. Here are five possible surprises based on the latest rumors.

### AirTag 2

**September 9 launch: Likely**

The AirTag 2 stands out as one of the most awaited products for the upcoming event. Since the original AirTag debuted in 2021, hopes for its successor have remained high into 2025. Since AirTag is marketed as an iPhone accessory, it would be logical for Apple to reveal it during an event centered on new iPhone models. This timing fits well with Apple’s pattern of introducing accessories alongside significant product announcements.

### Apple TV 4K with A17 Pro

**September 9 launch: Possible, but unlikely**

It has been three years since the previous Apple TV 4K was introduced, and many expect a new version soon. The forthcoming Apple TV 4K is rumored to include an A17 Pro chip, which would enhance its functionalities, especially with Apple Intelligence support. While some sources hint at a release by year-end, it is potentially more likely to debut in October, particularly if Apple intends to showcase new functionalities for tvOS. The September event may be too packed for this product unless Apple opts to promote its Apple TV+ content offerings.

### HomePod mini 2

**September 9 launch: Possible, but unlikely**

The HomePod mini 2 is also presumed to launch by the year’s end. Although it is a relatively minor product within Apple’s lineup, it could be introduced alongside the new Apple TV 4K during the event to highlight Apple’s home ecosystem. However, given the busy schedule in September, it’s more likely that Apple will hold the HomePod mini 2 announcement for an October event.

### M5 iPad Pro

**September 9 launch: Unlikely**

Apple traditionally unveils new iPad models in September, but this year, the M5 iPad Pro is not expected until October. As the first product to showcase the new M5 chip, Apple will likely focus on its advancements, making it challenging to incorporate into the already packed September schedule. Thus, an October launch seems more credible.

### New Vision Pro

**September 9 launch: Unlikely**

Finally, new Vision Pro hardware is anticipated to arrive this fall. There are mixed reports regarding its chip, which could affect the launch timing. If it utilizes the M5 chip, it is expected to align with the M5 iPad Pro launch in October. Conversely, if it features an M4 chip, a brief segment might occur during the September event. Nevertheless, the overall consensus suggests an October launch for the Vision Pro.

As the September 9 event draws near, the excitement continues to grow around the potential new products that Apple might unveil. Which of these wildcards do you hope to see?

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Insider Anticipates Launch of Budget-Friendly Vision Air, Foldable iPhone, and Foldable iPad in the Next Three Years

The iPhone 17 lineup is set to initiate a design transformation, with the subsequent three iterations poised to bring forth fascinating advancements. The sleek iPhone 17 Air will be on shelves in a matter of weeks. The inaugural foldable iPhone is anticipated to debut with the iPhone 18 series next year. Following that, the iPhone 20, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will introduce a completely new design in 2027.

Additionally, if the recent report by Ming-Chi Kuo holds true, Apple is expected to unveil significant product updates across other categories in the next three years. A budget-friendly version of the Vision Pro, informally termed the Vision Air, is rumored to arrive by 2027. Moreover, a foldable iPad may be launched in 2028, two years subsequent to the first foldable iPhone’s introduction.

Kuo is renowned for his precise forecasts regarding unreleased Apple offerings, typically deriving his insights from sources within Apple’s extensive supply chain in Asia. This latest report spotlights a particular supplier, General Interface Solution (GIS), which is likely to benefit from manufacturing components for the aforementioned products.

Vision Air: 50% more affordable and 40% lighter

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Google’s Gemini Smart Home Projects Seek to Improve AI Rivalry with Siri

Apple is encountering substantial backlash due to its sluggish advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), especially as Google gears up to introduce its Gemini for Home initiative, anticipated to significantly boost its smart home functionalities. This advancement presents a hurdle for Apple’s Siri, which is increasingly viewed as trailing behind more sophisticated generative AI chatbots in executing smartphone tasks.

### Gemini for Home

Google has recently launched its Gemini for Home, a fresh platform intended to take the place of Google Assistant in smart home gadgets. This new system is claimed to be “more robust and simpler to utilize,” harnessing advanced reasoning, inference, and search functionalities from Google’s latest AI models. While the activation phrase “Hey Google” stays the same, the emphasis has transitioned from strict command structures to embracing more subtle and intricate requests.

For example, users will have the capability to issue commands like “turn off the lights everywhere except my bedroom” or “play that track from this year’s summer blockbuster about race cars.” Furthermore, Gemini for Home will roll out the functionality to combine multiple commands, a feature that Apple has long assured but has not yet fulfilled. Users could say, “Dim the lights, and set the temperature to 72 degrees,” illustrating a more cohesive and intelligent interaction with their smart home devices.

Google aims to reshape the smart home experience by merging traditional smart home functionalities with a more intelligent assistant. Illustrative of the new possibilities are:

– “Add the ingredients to create an authentic Italian lasagna to my shopping list.”
– “Set a timer for perfectly blanched broccoli.”
– “I have spinach, eggs, cream cheese, and smoked salmon in the fridge. Assist me in preparing a delicious meal.”

### Rollout Begins October 1

The rollout of Gemini for Home is scheduled to commence on October 1, replacing Google Assistant on both current and new smart speakers and displays. Google has revealed that an early access program will begin next month, enabling users to experience the new features firsthand.

As Google enhances its AI capabilities in the smart home domain, Apple must respond effectively to preserve its competitive advantage, particularly as Siri’s existing limitations become increasingly evident in relation to new technologies.

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