Author: Richard

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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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

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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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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Addigy Partners with SentinelOne to Unveil New Apple Security Suite Highlighting Real-Time Compliance and Zero Trust Framework

### Addigy Security Suite: Boosting Apple Device Management with All-Encompassing Security Solutions

Addigy has positioned itself at the forefront of Apple device management, and its newest release, the Addigy Security Suite, is designed to further equip IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) with improved security functionalities. By merging its device management platform with SentinelOne’s Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Addigy delivers a centralized console for compliance, endpoint safeguarding, and ongoing threat prevention tailored specifically for macOS settings.

#### The Increasing Demand for Security in Apple Settings

As per Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, a notable portion of data breaches—30%—is due to misconfigurations, a figure expected to surpass 60% by 2029. With the rising use of Apple devices in corporate environments, organizations must implement tools that proactively tackle compliance concerns before they evolve into security threats.

Jason Dettbarn, Addigy’s Founder and CTO, stressed the significance of this integration: “With this launch, Apple devices are no longer a security gap. Addigy empowers IT teams and MSPs with the only fully integrated, reliable security solution that encompasses compliance, access control, EDR, and MDR—all specifically designed for the Apple ecosystem.”

#### Key Components of the Addigy Security Suite

The Addigy Security Suite is crafted to deliver robust security for macOS fleets, including:

– **SentinelOne EDR**: Provides real-time defense against malware and ransomware, offering insights into attack progressions and automated remediation features.
– **SentinelOne MDR**: Ensures round-the-clock Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst support directly for Apple devices, guaranteeing persistent monitoring and response capabilities.
– **macOS Conditional Access**: Implements zero trust policies to safeguard access to critical data and applications.
– **Automated Compliance Remediation**: Establishes self-correcting policies that automatically resolve compliance matters.
– **Audit-Ready Reporting**: Offers dashboards that facilitate the easy export of reports adhering to standards such as SOC2, CIS, and NIST.

#### Partnership for Improved Security

Tracy Ryan, AVP of Global MSSP/MSP at SentinelOne, underscored the importance of this collaboration: “Security should never be an afterthought, particularly for Apple environments that have been largely neglected. By collaborating with Addigy, we’re simplifying it for IT teams and MSPs to implement SentinelOne’s EDR and MDR across macOS fleets in just a few clicks.”

This API-driven integration is developed to offer seamless, high-impact protection, enabling IT teams to secure Apple devices with the same efficacy as other platforms within their ecosystems.

#### Conclusion

As Apple continues to refine its enterprise functionalities regarding identity, compliance, and deployment, the role of third-party vendors like Addigy becomes progressively crucial. The Addigy Security Suite exemplifies how partnerships between vendors can successfully fill security and compliance voids, ultimately supporting IT teams and organizations. In a landscape where device management is merely one aspect of the equation, such integrations are vital for effectively managing Apple devices in contemporary IT settings.

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Investigating Google Gemini’s Reach to Your Messages and Information

the Pixel 10 unveiling occasion to roll out several new AI functionalities for mobile devices, which will initially be accessible on Pixel 10 smartphones. For instance, Gemini Live can perceive the environment you are in if you grant the AI access to the camera, enabling it to offer assistance in real-time. This is how Google has framed Gemini since its introduction to mobile devices, particularly Android phones, where it manages the fundamental software experience. Gemini can serve as a useful assistant, but only if you permit it to access your data. The more access it has, the more effectively it can assist.

The permissions you grant Gemini may raise concerns about your privacy safeguards. This issue encompasses not only halting Gemini from training on your personal data (by disabling Gemini Apps Activity) but also overseeing customized Gemini experiences and Gemini’s access to other mobile applications. You might be curious if Gemini can retrieve data from the Messages app, WhatsApp conversations, and other installed software after you’ve prevented Google’s AI from gathering chat data for training forthcoming models. The response is affirmative; Gemini can view certain app data. Nevertheless, the AI can only access particular information from designated apps.

Gemini’s access is quite restricted. It’s linked to a command you may issue to the AI that might pertain to an app. Gemini does not obtain extensive access to these applications, especially end-to-end encrypted services like WhatsApp. Instead, if permission is granted, Gemini can execute specific functions that these permissions allow. The positive aspect is that the user maintains control.

The app data Gemini accesses in Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities

Nomad Provides 20% Off Across the Entire Site for 9to5 Readers – Features New Apple Watch Bands, Find My Card, MagSafe Stands, and Additional Products

### Labor Day Weekend Offers at Nomad: 20% Off for 9to5 Readers

Although Labor Day weekend has concluded, the discounts at Nomad are just starting. For 9to5 readers, there’s an exclusive chance to receive a **20% discount** on everything on the site. This includes sought-after items like the **Find My Tracking Card**, the new **Tempo Apple Watch bands**, iPhone and iPad cases, top-notch **MagSafe charging stations**, and much more. To claim this offer, simply enter the code **9to520** at checkout.

#### Exclusive 20% Off Sitewide

Nomad is well-known for its fantastic sales, but sitewide deals are a special occasion. Usually, their promotions target open-box items or previous models, but with the unique code for 9to5 readers, you can save on nearly all products, including the newest arrivals.

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1. **Apple Watch Bands**
Nomad’s Apple Watch bands are celebrated for their craftsmanship and style. With the current promotion, you can score **20% off** these accessories, making it an ideal time to enhance your watch.

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The MagSafe charging stands from Nomad merge utility with modern design. Enjoy **20% off** these vital charging solutions.

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Crafted for durability and functionality, Nomad’s wallets and Find My trackers are a great choice. Utilize the **20% discount** to improve your everyday carry.

4. **iPhone and iPad Cases**
Safeguard your devices with Nomad’s premium cases. Thanks to the ongoing promotion, you can enjoy **20%** off these fashionable and protective accessories.

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– **Find My Tracking Card**: This gadget is lauded for its sturdy construction and dependable performance. It includes wireless MagSafe charging, making it an ideal choice for keeping track of your belongings.

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With **20% off** sitewide at Nomad, it’s a perfect opportunity to discover their collection of high-quality accessories. Remember to apply the code **9to520** at checkout to access these savings.

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