Month: October 2025

Preview of Fitbit Personal Health Coach: Debuting Tomorrow with Gemini Intelligence and Essential Features Explained

The AI Coach is capable of creating a tailored plan featuring weeks of customizable workouts, in addition to offering enhanced insights for health, sleep, and fitness.

Key details:
– The preview of the Fitbit Personal Health Coach will be available starting Tuesday, October 28, initially for “adult Fitbit Premium users on Android in the U.S.”
– You will chat with the AI Coach in the Fitbit app regarding your objectives, and it will formulate a multi-week plan that you can adjust using AI commands.
– Additionally, you can inquire with the Fitbit Coach about your health and sleep, pertaining to your data patterns and comparisons with others.
– The full rollout of the Health Coach begins in 2026 for Pixel Watch and Fitbit devices.

Fitbit is undergoing a significant update, the first since the 2023 Material You redesign, focusing on a conversational AI that creates tailored training plans and introducing new Insight tabs utilizing graphs and LLM text to illustrate your health, sleep, and fitness patterns. Android Fitbit Premium users will have the initial access.

Launching in Public Preview tomorrow, the Fitbit Personal Health Coach will present the same health and fitness data as previously — such as Cardio Load, Steps, Daily Readiness, Sleep Score, and more — but in easily understandable widget formats, highlighting weekly or monthly trends.

Most notably, the Public Preview kicks off with a 5–10 minute conversation where you assist the integrated AI coach in “understanding your motivations and goals.” It can then generate a personalized, week-to-week plan that significantly surpasses the existing daily AI running suggestions; it can focus on a variety of sports and develop workouts from “over 1,000” potential exercises.

How the plans for the Fitbit Personal Health Coach function:
Fitbit aimed to create an “agentic health coach” capable of crafting a multi-week workout plan for any fitness objective, while also enabling users to modify their plan in response to unforeseen injuries, travel, busy workdays, or any other circumstances. It’s “built on Gemini,” but employs “different models” based on context instead of relying on just one version like 2.5 Pro or Flash.

The Fitbit Coach can design a marathon training plan aimed at a specific date — similar to other fitness applications — with up to six weeks of workouts at a stretch, including cross-training workouts across a broad range of sports. Fitbit states it is “working on” integrating a “further outlook” to support long-term plans.

What’s even more intriguing is that your Fitbit plan does not have to be overly focused or precise. It can be to “prepare for ski season” or “improve as a trail runner.” The AI will leverage this data to create workouts that engage relevant muscle groups.

A Fitbit representative demonstrated his personal Gemini-generated plan, which included a suggested “Skip Prep Power Circuit” for that day. It featured specific exercises like Leg Blasters and Jump Squats, and the user could modify the number of repetitions, request the AI to select new exercises targeting the same muscle groups, or view videos demonstrating proper form. You confirm each exercise as complete in the app upon finishing.

During the onboarding process, Fitbit will inquire about the exercise equipment you have access to, such as a Peloton or dumbbells. It will utilize that context when assigning you particular activities. However, if you are traveling, you can “Adjust workout” and instruct the AI Coach to “Create a 30-minute upper body workout I can do in my hotel room,” providing a new activity in just moments.

The same applies if you are unwell, injured, or unable to reach the gym that day. Fitbit’s adaptability means you cannot simply claim you lack time or the ability for your intended workout; it can always suggest something new that aligns with your goals.

All the other capabilities or limitations of the Fitbit Personal Health Coach:
You can access your Gemini app right now, pose the question “Why am I so tired?” and receive a general explanation with several possibilities. However, if you ask that question within the new Fitbit app, it will present a targeted response, referencing your circadian rhythm, consistency, duration in specific stages, and how others in your demographic typically experience fatigue.

This is what differentiates the new Fitbit Personal Health Coach as more beneficial than other LLMs: The relevance to your individual situation. You can request a summary of what it knows about you and receive a comprehensive text overview of information, or inquire about your trends for a particular data point like HRV.

Even if you’re unsure about what to ask, the Fitbit app will feature customized “insight” widgets displaying helpful information related to your health, sleep, and fitness trends, as demonstrated in the examples below. We’ll need to evaluate its practical effectiveness, but in theory, Fitbit will guarantee you comprehend the reasons behind the improvements or declines in your health metrics.

One aspect the new Fitbit app does not enhance is nutrition. While food and water logging are components of the existing app, the Preview lacks a Nutrition tab or trends as of now. Fitbit has stated they will be “bringing

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Investigating Google’s Choice to Opt for Tensor Chips Instead of Snapdragon in Pixel Premier Smartphones

Welcome to Ask Jerry, where we delve into all the inquiries you may have about the intelligent aspects of your life. I’m Jerry, and I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my life to technology. With a foundation in engineering and R&D, I’ve been covering Android and Google for the last 15 years.

Ask Jerry is a column dedicated to tackling your pressing Android/tech questions with insights from long-time Android Central editor Jerry Hildenbrand.

I also excel at gathering data on a wide range of topics — a major part of our responsibilities here at Android Central — and I take pleasure in assisting others (another essential part of our role!). If you have inquiries regarding your tech, I would love to engage in discussions about them.

Feel free to email me at [email protected], and I’ll do my best to resolve your issues. You can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer, and we assure you that we won’t share anything outside of what we discuss here.

You may find interesting:
– What Google’s transition to TSMC means for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s Tensor G5 performance
– Google Tensor G5: Benchmarks and essential insights
– Ask Jerry: How to fine-tune your Google news search and the reasons behind it
– Google’s new Pixel 10 on the way. Is the Pixel 9 still a worthwhile purchase?

I look forward to your messages!

Why Google uses Tensor

Ken asks:
I came across a discussion on Reddit regarding the performance of the latest Google Pixel, and now I’m more puzzled than before. Many seem to view the Google Tensor as a mid-range processor that falls short where it matters. I’m in the market for a new phone, so I’d like to know your perspective.
Is the Tensor just a mid-range Samsung imitation, or does it have merit as a processor?
Thanks

Oh boy, now that’s opening a real debate!

I understand your confusion and have witnessed both sides of the debate regarding the Pixel lineup, including a recent article suggesting it’s the consumers’ misunderstanding that leaves them questioning Google’s choice of the Tensor SoC.

What’s my opinion? I believe this whole matter stems from a legitimate question that has devolved into pointless bickering online. People enjoy criticizing what they don’t possess while defending what they do, and that serves no purpose. It isn’t our duty to grasp why companies make the choices they do; our responsibility is to select what we consider provides the best value.

Everyone must remember that Google didn’t design a chip without rationale. The company isn’t seeking to win social media spats regarding chip rivalries. Its focus is on advancing its business model — that is, attracting online viewers — and leveraging its own product line to facilitate that.

Naturally, it would also like to have a successful phone division and profit from it. This entails deriving more from a product than what was invested in producing, distributing, and promoting it. While discussions on Reddit may attract some attention, they will never dictate Google’s decision-making.

A few years back, Google required the Tensor to initiate the AI trend within phones. It needed a mechanism capable of supporting innovations no one else was pursuing, and the Tensor provided that solution.

Standard performance (beyond AI processing) or graphic benchmarks were never primary considerations for Google, prompting it to opt for cost-effective solutions. It worked, leading to an increase in Pixel device sales and user satisfaction.

That was then; this is now. MediaTek and Qualcomm now offer smartphone processors that meet all of Google’s current needs, and Apple’s chips surpass what the iPhone could previously manage. These processors will only continue to improve. Google won’t need a unique and specific NPU design in its phone chips for 2025 as it did in 2021.

However, if maintaining “good enough” standards for smartphone functionalities or gaming, while excelling in AI and keeping production costs low, is achievable, why not continue down that path?

Google could utilize the latest Snapdragon processor to achieve similar AI performance while facilitating more smartphone operations — or even better, providing a more engaging gaming experience for extended durations. However, that would come at a higher cost given the expensive nature of those chips.

Keep in mind, a Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199. Though that’s an exorbitant charge for a phone (in my view), it reflects the new pricing for premium flagship devices. This is the ballpark figure one might expect to pay for an iPhone 17 Pro Max or a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Opt for the model that aligns well with your needs. Don’t concern yourself with what others are selecting or their reasons, as that won’t influence your experience. It’s up to Google to balance price, AI potential, and performance in diverse areas, while your job is simpler: choose what you enjoy.

FAQ

What chipset powers

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The Importance of USB Port Covers: An Economical Phone Add-On That Conserves Funds

that function with the USB-C port of your iPhone or if you aim to enhance your workspace, USB is remarkably adaptable. While it’s quite convenient, you’ve probably already encountered a specific issue: USB ports can become dirty.

Almost any USB port, including those on laptops and mobile devices, is prone to gathering dirt, dust, moisture, and other particles. Although you might not need to be as concerned about this with a laptop that remains stationed at home, as you would be with a smartphone that resides in your pocket, there is still a possible threat. That’s why utilizing a USB port cover can be a beneficial choice if you want to safeguard all your gadgets. They are affordable, straightforward to use, and provide basic protection that can help prolong the life of your devices.

If you’re fed up with having to clean your USB ports, or if you often find yourself in cluttered environments, investing in port covers might be the wise choice. Over time, shielding your ports can save you money. A blocked USB port may lead to complications, such as obstructing a cable’s connection, damage from debris or liquid, or even overheating parts. Port covers can assist in preventing all of these problems.

A useful little accessory for your ports

OpenAI’s Next Initiative Centers on AI-Powered Music Creation

the GPT-4o visual creation model that OpenAI integrated into the chatbot application. The Sora application gained immense popularity recently when OpenAI introduced the Sora 2 model. According to a report from The Information (via TechCrunch), the next major innovation for OpenAI could be music creation.

The forthcoming product, which has yet to receive a commercial title, would compete with similar offerings from Suno, Google, and other artificial intelligence firms. The OpenAI music composition tool would function similarly to its image and video generation models. Users would provide a prompt detailing the type of music they desire, and the AI would produce music based on those instructions. ChatGPT already features a vocal mode, enabling the AI to vocalize its replies. Sora 2 segments incorporate sound effects and speech. A separate AI model capable of composing music could enhance the audio functionalities in OpenAI’s products, particularly Sora 2.

AI music creators have surged in popularity

A generative AI product for music creation would empower users to add soundtracks to existing videos or generate specific music to accompany a vocal performance, such as a particular instrument. While it’s uncertain when OpenAI plans to launch a music generation tool and if it will be part of the current ChatGPT experience, The Information highlights that OpenAI is collaborating with Juilliard students to annotate scores to train the AI.

OpenAI’s fascination with AI-generated music is understandable. On one hand, OpenAI has previously released music models, as noted by TechCrunch. On the other hand, generative AI tools capable of creating music with a straightforward text prompt are increasingly gaining traction among users. A few weeks ago, Bloomberg reported that the Suno application (screenshots above) is generating over $100 million in annual recurring revenue. The AI startup is engaged in discussions

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Spotify Unveils Improved Apple TV Experience with Added Features

tvOS 26. Users can expect the same familiar interface they have come to recognize on other platforms, now accessible on Apple TV. Additionally, Spotify is heavily investing in smart listening features, allowing users to enjoy seamless playback, control remotely via Connect, and receive personalized Spotify DJ recommendations.

Depending on their location, users will notice enhancements in video quality with music videos offered on Apple TV, along with podcasts being directly accessible on Apple’s set-top box. Additional functionalities comprise managing personal queues, modifying the playback speed for podcasts or videos, and viewing song lyrics.

Spotify’s refreshed Apple TV app has launched

Comprehending ‘DLSS’ on Nvidia GPUs

most critical elements of an exceptional PC gaming experience. If you’ve been on the lookout for a new GPU for your custom desktop setup and have considered one or more Nvidia models, there’s a strong possibility that you’ve come across the acronym “DLSS” printed on an Nvidia package or highlighted on a website listing. 

DLSS signifies Deep Learning Super Sampling, a proprietary image enhancement and scaling technology that Nvidia introduced in 2019. Fueled by Nvidia’s neural network, DLSS is exclusively integrated into Nvidia’s RTX series of graphics cards. Over 300 games currently support this AI performance feature, and Nvidia has been continuously improving the technology since it was launched.

Essentially, DLSS represents Nvidia’s approach to temporal anti-aliasing up-sampling (TAAU), an imaging technology that employs sub-pixel variations from previous frames to enhance detail and reduce image aliasing. DLSS enables compatible games to appear clearer and operate more smoothly.

The progression of DLSS, from initial upscaling to multi-frame AI

With each DLSS iteration, Nvidia has been simplifying the process for PC gamers to experience a more comprehensive graphics enhancement. The technology alleviates pressure on the GPU by transferring the majority of the image enhancements and upscaling tasks to AI. By utilizing lower-resolution frames as a base, Nvidia’s neural network fills in the missing details, yielding a final image that closely resembles a supported game’s native resolution.

When DLSS was initially launched, it was a unique feature for Nvidia’s RTX 20 series, which supported merely two games. However, upon the arrival of DLSS version 2, Nvidia leveraged AI to expand its TAAU improvements across a broader range of games, through the incorporation of Tensor Cores within the Nvidia RTX lineup.

DLSS version 3 unveiled a new algorithm that doubled the refresh rate for the Nvidia RTX 40 series, while version 3.5 introduced ray tracing capabilities. This replaced the algorithm from version 3.

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YouTube Music Allocates Historic $8 Billion to Music Sector Within a Year

YouTube Music has reached a notable achievement in its expansion within the music streaming sector by disbursing an unprecedented $8 billion to the music industry over a span of 12 months. This milestone underscores the platform’s swift growth and its heightened influence on the music scene. Since its introduction in 2015, concurrently with YouTube Premium, YouTube Music has expanded to more than 125 million paying subscribers as of March 2025. This increase has allowed the platform to significantly enhance its financial stakes in the music industry, with payouts escalating from $4 billion in 2021 to $6 billion in 2022, and now attaining $8 billion.

The platform’s achievements stem from its “dual-engine revenue model,” which merges earnings from paid subscribers and ad-supported users who engage with music videos on YouTube. This structure has positioned YouTube Music to contend more vigorously with the market frontrunner Spotify, which contributed $10 billion to the music industry in 2024. Although it has a smaller subscriber base, YouTube Music’s payouts per stream are said to surpass those of Spotify, rendering its contributions to the industry significant.

Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s global music head, highlighted that the $8 billion payout reflects the platform’s dedication to creating a sustainable environment for artists, songwriters, and publishers globally. As YouTube Music progresses, it stands ready to assume an increasingly vital role in the international music streaming arena.

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Nothing Unveils First Affordable Smartphone This Month

Nothing’s Phone 3a Lite is slated to launch on October 29, 2025, showcasing the brand’s iconic transparent design along with a single LED configuration. This budget-friendly smartphone will be the newest entry in Nothing’s range, following the recent unveiling of the flagship Phone 3. The Phone 3a Lite will be offered in Black and White, retailing for €249.99, and will feature 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage. The launch event is set for 13:00 GMT (9:00 AM ET), with the device anticipated to be available for purchase starting November 4, 2025. Although there is limited information prior to the release, the Phone 3a Lite is expected to introduce Nothing’s unique design to a more affordable market segment.

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Apple TV’s Latest Pluribus Series: A Significant Advancement in Contemporary Television, As Per NYT

**Pluribus: A High-Budget, High-Concept Sci-Fi Series Launching on Apple TV**

Next week, Apple TV will unveil the eagerly awaited sci-fi series *Pluribus*, crafted by Vince Gilligan, famed for his work on *Breaking Bad*. The premiere is scheduled for **November 7**, with the initial two episodes being released at once. This series has been in development for over three years, and anticipation is growing as additional details are revealed.

**A Daring Move for Apple TV**

As per a preview released by *The New York Times*, *Pluribus* signifies a major commitment for Apple TV, both financially and creatively. The series is characterized as “high-budget, high-concept,” merging science fiction with intricate character explorations, philosophy, and sociopolitical topics. The word “pluribus,” translating to “many,” embodies the show’s broad vision, which Gilligan has developed with careful precision.

The production has been acknowledged for its grandiosity, with sources indicating that Apple has pledged to two seasons, although what lies ahead remains unclear. The series is set in an upper-middle-class suburban environment and is regarded as a potentially risky venture for Apple, considering the industry’s current inclination toward safer, more commercially successful endeavors.

**Narrative and Characters**

*Pluribus* revolves around the character Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, a distinguished author who finds herself clashing with a newfound utopia on Earth. The storyline concerns the enigmatic emergence of peace, which leaves her as the sole discontented individual in a realm devoid of conflict and self-hatred. This compelling premise delves into themes of joy and satisfaction, drawing from Gilligan’s own life experiences and challenges.

Gilligan designed the character of Carol specifically for Seehorn, having penned several scripts before ever discussing the part with her. The series also consciously steers clear of familiar settings from Gilligan’s earlier works, promising a fresh narrative journey.

**Links and Inspirations**

The series has been likened to iconic films and literature, such as *Invasion of the Body Snatchers*, *Brave New World*, and *Fahrenheit 451*. These associations suggest the philosophical inquiries the show will explore, positioning it as a stimulating contribution to the sci-fi realm.

In conclusion, *Pluribus* is set to be a notable addition to Apple TV’s offerings, highlighting Vince Gilligan’s distinctive storytelling and character crafting. As the premiere date nears, audiences are keen to see how this ambitious endeavor develops.

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Current Savings: $200 Off M4 MacBook Pro, $150 Off 24GB Mac mini, New M5 iPad Pro, Milanese Loop, MagSafe Charger, and Additional Items

**Monday’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break Deals: Tech Savings Abound**

As the week kicks off, tech aficionados can capitalize on considerable savings on popular Apple devices. This week’s promotions showcase impressive price reductions on the newest M4 MacBook Air, M4 Mac mini, M3 iPad Air, and more. Here’s an in-depth look at the prime deals currently available.

### Latest M4 MacBook Air: $200 Off

At present, both Amazon and Best Buy are providing a **$200 discount** on various variants of the M4 MacBook Air, lowering the price to **$799**. Following a minor increase in prices after October Prime Day, these promotions offer a strong chance for those wanting to grab the latest model. Although there were larger discounts on the M3 series recently, the $200 off the M4 variants is still a remarkable deal. Best Buy currently boasts a broader selection, making it a dependable choice for consumers seeking specific colors or models.

### Enhanced 24GB/1TB M4 Mac mini: $150 Off

B&H is presenting a **$150 discount** on the enhanced **24GB/1TB M4 Mac mini**, now available for **$1,049**. This version typically sells for **$1,199** at Apple, creating an attractive offer for those desiring increased RAM and storage. While Amazon frequently has competitive prices on Mac minis, this particular configuration is exclusive to B&H, underscoring the need to check multiple retailers for the best bargains.

### 1TB M3 iPad Air: Lowest Price at $374 Off

Amazon has reduced the price of the **1TB M3 iPad Air** by **$374**, dropping it to **$874.64**. This model, which once retailed for **$1,249**, is now offered at its lowest price ever recorded on Amazon. Discounts on higher-end iPad Air models are rare, making this an outstanding chance for buyers seeking a robust tablet.

### Apple Watch Milanese Loops: Price Cuts

Alongside the major discounts on Apple’s computing products, there are also newly reduced prices on **Apple Watch Milanese Loops** available via Amazon. These fashionable accessories are ideal for those aiming to upgrade their Apple Watch experience affordably.

### M4 iPad Pro: $200 Off

For those keen on the latest iPad Pro, Amazon is offering the **1TB M4 iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cell** model for **$1,599**, representing a **$200 discount** from its regular price of **$1,799**. This offer matches the lowest price noted since its debut in May 2024. While the M5 iPad Pro models are also experiencing price cuts, the M4 presents an appealing option for users looking for a powerful tablet at a lower cost.

### Accessory and Charging Promotions

Beyond the major product discounts, there are also various accessory and charging offers available. Notably, Amazon has reintroduced a **4-pack of AirTags** for **$64.99**, a significant cut from its list price of **$99**. This deal provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to enhance their Apple tracking capabilities.

### Conclusion

With these significant reductions on Apple products, now is a prime time for tech enthusiasts to refresh their gadgets. Whether you’re in the market for a new MacBook, Mac mini, iPad, or accessories, these offers present substantial savings and are worth investigating before they vanish.

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