Eliana Willis

Jason Hiner/ZDNETWant to catch up on the latest health and wearable tech news? As ZDNET’s editor of health and wearable technology, I keep up with the daily rumors and news of new tech, so you don’t have to. I’ve rounded up some of the week’s most memorable stories on smartwatches and fitness trackers. Keep reading to learn about the latest features landing around your wrist. From condition detection to condition management Samsung is seeking an upgrade on its FDA-cleared obstructive sleep apnea detection feature, thanks to a collaboration with Stanford Medicine. The tech brand is working with Stanford to leverage AI and turn your Galaxy Watch into a sleep apnea management device instead of simply a sleep apnea detection device. Also: The best smartwatches of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedCondition detection has been a key feature in these new-age wearable devices. Tech brands like Samsung, Google, and Apple have rolled out several features in their wearables that detect conditions like atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, and hearing loss. The question is: Will people continue using the product once they’ve received a diagnosis? Tech brands seem to be exploring what’s next following detection to encourage continued use. This explains the introduction of management features and personal AI health assistants in everything from the Oura Ring to Polar watches. Speaking of Polar smartwatches, Polar unveiled its Fitness Program plan on Thursday. This paid subscription plan gives Polar watch wearers their own personal fitness assistant. The Fitness Program creates “science-backed” cardio fitness plans catering to users’ fitness goals and routines. OnePlus Watch 3 sees a price hike The OnePlus Watch 3 just got a price hike, which we can only assume is partly due to the trade war between China and the US. Originally set for $330, the OnePlus Watch 3 now retails for $500, a $170 increase. If trade tensions between the countries continue, we’ll likely see more price hikes on tech soon. New features roll out on Pixel Watches Google rolled out its Scam Detection feature, which uses AI to scan calls and detect suspicious activity, on its second- and third-generation Pixel Watches. Pixel Watch 3 users also got a lifesaving feature upgrade in the Loss of Pulse Detection feature, which is rolling out now through the end of the month. The feature, which is opt-in-only, checks your pulse and calls emergency services if it has been lost.  More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is on sale for $2,199 I highly recommend it to people looking for a laptop with top-performing hardware, a vibrant screen, and a high-quality webcam However, because of its limited port selection, some might find its usability limited without supplementary accessories. –> Work laptops don’t have […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The new Bosch Go is on sale for $90, around $10 off the regular price. It features USB-C charging, a vast improvement on the old microUSB port, plus there’s a bigger battery and a ring light on the front to illuminate the workspace. The screwdriver comes in a handy carry case […] More

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETFollowing a series of delays and pauses, Microsoft is giving its problematic Recall feature another shot. It was tested last fall in the Dev Channel as an early, experimental feature, but it is now gradually rolling out in the Release Preview Channel.Now available in previewIn a blog post published Thursday, the company announced that Recall is now available in preview mode for Windows Insiders running Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.3902. Available only on Copilot+ PCs, this is the first preview of the May 2025 update. Assuming Recall doesn’t trigger any further issues or concerns, you can expect the feature to go live next month. Also: Microsoft overhauls the dreaded Blue Screen of Death – here’s what’s newInitially announced in May 2024, the AI-powered Recall has been touted by Microsoft as photographic memory for your computer. By taking a series of snapshots of your activity in Windows, the feature acts as an advanced search tool that lets you quickly find things you’ve done and seen. On the surface, that sounds like a great way to help you find files, apps, settings, and other content. Also: Windows 11 PC won’t boot? Microsoft’s new tool tries to fix it before you even panic – here’s howBut any feature that takes snapshots of everything you see and do in Windows also sounds like a privacy risk. After learning how Recall works, Windows users expressed concerns, while some security experts called it a “privacy nightmare.” More

Earbuds have come a long way over the last decade. The tiny — increasingly wireless — gadgets can seamlessly swap from playing music to answering a phone call with just a tap. With Bluetooth technology, they’re also compatible with smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, as well as laptops and desktop computers. Earbuds can cost hundreds of dollars, but you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality, everyday-use product. Our ZDNET experts have been testing wired and unwired headphones for a long time, analyzing features like spatial audio, sound quality, battery life, and noise cancelation. We’ve got you covered with this list of our favorite earbuds for under $50.What are the best earbuds under $50 right now?The best earbuds under $50 are the JLab JBuds ANC 3 More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETApple claims that the batteries shipped inside the iPhone 15 and later models are designed to retain 80% of their original capacity after 1,000 complete charge cycles “under ideal conditions.”When I acquired my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I decided to put this claim to the test. This smartphone was first used in March 2024 and has been my daily driver ever since. I have taken every possible measure to care for the battery: I have permanently set the charging limit to 80% (Settings > Battery > Charging), avoided keeping the handset on charge for excessively long periods, and ensured it remains away from extreme temperatures. How has it been performing?Not great. Also: iOS 18.4 update draining your iPhone’s battery? Try these 6 fixesIn a little over 12 months and 355 recharge cycles — approximately once a day, which is quite a high amount of usage — the maximum capacity has dropped to 91%. More

If you’re in the market for a new laptop, size matters. A 13- or 14-inch laptop might be too small, while a 16-inch device is too big. While often overshadowed by larger, flasher screens, a 15-inch laptop is just right. For example, the Apple MacBook Air M415-inch version is both portable and spacious. We’ve tested dozens of the best laptops this year, but these devices stood out to our team of experts. Read for a full breakdown of our favorite 15-inch laptops so far in 2025 to help you make the best purchase.What’s the best 15-inch laptop right now? Our pick for the overall best 15-inch laptop is the MacBook Air M4 More

Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld/Getty Images Michael Vuong, head of project management at fashion specialist BrandAlley, has worked hard to reach the top of his profession. However, he recognizes that people who succeed in business also enjoy time outside the workplace — and that’s why he’s taken sabbaticals. Also: 5 secrets to achieving your goals, according to […] More