Eliana Willis

ZDNETIt happens like clockwork, around the first of each month. Sites that focus on technology churn out nearly identical articles, all based on a chart like this one, prepared by the good folks at Statcounter Global Stats.  You’re going to see that chart a lot this week, embedded in posts that include detailed explanations of what the author thinks the underlying data points mean. Sometimes they even convince an industry analyst to share their thoughts. It’s stereotypical horserace coverage.Also: If your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded, you have 5 options before time runs out More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETBefore there were smartwatches that could call 911 or smart rings that predicted illness, there was the Fitbit, which clipped onto clothing and counted steps and calories.The device launched in 2007 and instantly became a hit among early adopters and fitness enthusiasts. Back then, if a user wanted to view their data, they had to sync the device to a computer to see it on the Fitbit website.Also: The best fitness trackers in 2025: Expert tested and reviewedThat’s worlds different from the fitness and health tech circulating today that automatically captures our heart rate and variability as it beats and displays them on a graph with instant insights and recommendations — or notifies us about our stress levels and then offers breathing exercises to reduce them.The second decade of wearable health techWhile the first decade of wearable health tech was marked by deployment and accessibility — getting the devices onto as many wrists as possible — this second decade is more concerned with tracking far more health metrics than ever before and creating more discreet biotech that blends into the background of our day-to-day lives. We see this most poignantly with the dawn of the smart ring, an unburdensome and screenless alternative to the clunky smartwatch that tracks our sleep, activity, and stress. Its battery life lasts days longer than that of most watches.Also: The best smart rings of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedWe’re two years away from the 20th anniversary of the Fitbit, the first mass-market wearable fitness tracker that fundamentally changed the health tech industry. So, what major improvement will wearable tech’s third decade be marked by? These brands give us a few clues. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The $799 Samsung Galaxy S25 is for users who want a flagship experience in a smaller form factor. This year’s hardware upgrades are fairly limited, but a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy does improve the battery and camera quality. The camera still suffers from shutter lag, making it less ideal for […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The SwitchBot Air Purifier table is available for $258. This large-capacity air purifier has a washable prefilter, a color-changing night light, a wireless charger, and acts a table. While the air purifier works as intended, the table is small, and the smart capabilities are incompatible with Apple Home. –> I’ve tested […] More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETIf you’re an Apple Watch  owner who experienced battery issues, you might be eligible to claim part of a $20 million settlement related to battery swelling problems.Also: Apple’s WatchOS 11.3 clobbers updates for older Apple WatchesA recent settlement alleges that the first-generation Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models had a battery issue in which the battery would swell over time, potentially damaging internal components. Apple denies any wrongdoing but is offering the $20 million settlement to avoid the hassle of court proceedings.This comes just weeks after Apple announced a $95 million settlement related to privacy issues with Siri.How to check if you’re included in the settlementApple has a record of who owned a watch that is part of this lawsuit and who reported issues to customer service, so you don’t need to take any action to receive payment, unlike other lawsuits. However, you do need to make sure your information is updated at www.watchsettlement.com, including your address, email address, and how you’d like to receive the payment (you can choose a physical check, e-check, ACH transfer, or a prepaid virtual MasterCard or Visa).Also: 8 times the Apple Watch predicted danger and saved livesIf you’re unsure whether you’re included in this settlement, you can call 1-844-933-4042. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The $799 Samsung Galaxy S25 is for users who want a flagship experience in a smaller form factor. This year’s hardware upgrades are fairly limited, but a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy does improve the battery and camera quality. The camera still suffers from shutter lag, making it less ideal for […] More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETMany people never physically interact with their smart TV after they’ve set it up. With a range of wireless connectivity options, apps on phones, and remote controls, there’s very little reason to do so. Situated right next to the all-important HDMI connections, you might’ve even forgotten your TV has at least one USB 2.0 port on the back or side panel.Also: How to watch Super Bowl 2025: Every streaming optionOften overlooked and disregarded, USB ports are still a compulsory addition in the construction of most TVs. And they can be more useful than you might think. Here are four ways you may have never considered utilizing your TV’s USB ports. More