Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

What I Discovered After Spending a Week without My Smartwatch After Years of Everyday Wear

It Appears Smartwatches Have Become Indispensable

Initially viewed as a luxury item or a gadget for technology fans, smartwatches have gradually transformed into a crucial element of everyday existence for many. What started as a handy method to tell time or monitor steps has evolved into a robust instrument for overseeing health, remaining connected, and simplifying day-to-day activities. For those who’ve become familiar with the gentle buzz on their wrist, being without a smartwatch may feel like reverting to an outdated era—and not in a favorable manner.

The Unintentional Trial: Living Without a Smartwatch

When a tech journalist’s smartwatch depleted its battery and the charger seemingly disappeared, it ignited an unintended trial: Could he manage without his smartwatch for several days? What commenced as a brief overnight hiatus morphed into a 10-day absence. The outcomes were unexpected—and somewhat alarming.

At first, the lack of continuous notifications seemed like a blessed relief. However, as the days progressed, the truth emerged: missed communications, delayed replies, and a growing unease about what might be slipping through the cracks. The smartwatch, once regarded merely as a luxury, had transformed into an essential connection to both personal and professional obligations.

From Tranquility to Turmoil: The Notification Conundrum

Smartwatches provide a distinct benefit over smartphones: they keep you in the loop without being obtrusive. A quick peek at your wrist can inform you whether a vibration is significant enough to disrupt your tasks or family moments. Without that subtle filter, urgent messages—such as a call from a partner or an alert from a baby monitor app—may vanish amidst the cacophony of various other notifications on a phone.

For many, this creates a contradiction: the very instrument intended to lessen screen time and streamline communication becomes absolutely essential. Without it, users find themselves frequently reaching for their phones, leading to increased distractions and diminished peace of mind.

Smartwatches and the Intelligent Home

Another domain where smartwatches excel is in managing smart home features. Whether it’s dimming lights while cradling a sleeping child or adjusting the thermostat without disturbing anyone, the benefits of wrist-based controls are immense. While voice commands might seem plausible in theory, they can be intrusive in practice—especially in a serene home with a light-sleeping baby.

Health Monitoring: Beyond Mere Step Tracking

In addition to alerts and convenience, smartwatches have become important health allies. Functions like heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and high blood pressure warnings offer users real-time feedback regarding their wellness. For individuals handling chronic ailments or simply striving to maintain their health, these statistics are more than mere digits—they act as early detection systems.

Though it’s crucial to understand that smartwatches aren’t medical devices, they can provide useful insights that encourage users to seek professional help when something feels amiss. In doing so, they connect everyday awareness with clinical support.

The Costs of Being Without a Smartwatch

Living without a smartwatch implies more than just neglecting notifications. It also involves giving up easy replies, fitness monitoring, and even basic conveniences like checking the forecast or setting a timer without taking out a phone. For individuals who’ve weaved their smartwatch into their daily habits, its absence is noticed in numerous minor yet significant ways throughout the day.

The Conclusion: Smartwatches Are Here to Stay

This unintentional trial makes it evident: smartwatches have subtly morphed into a necessity. They’re not solely about technology for technology’s sake—they’re focused on enhancing life’s ease, safety, and connectivity. Whether it’s overseeing a bustling home, monitoring health, or simply filtering the digital clutter, the smartwatch has affirmed its utility.

As wearable tech continues to advance, we anticipate even greater integration into our lives. From smart rings to sophisticated health trackers, the future is wearable—and for many, it’s already upon us.

So if you’ve ever pondered whether a smartwatch is actually necessary, attempt living without it for a few days. You might just find yourself, like countless others, searching for that elusive charger and realizing your wrist feels oddly empty without it.


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ASUS Chromebook Now More Than 50% Discounted at Best Buy — Exclusive Offer

Title: Asus Chromebook CM1402: An Affordable Laptop with a Full HD Display

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly, dependable laptop for daily activities, the Asus Chromebook CM1402 stands out—especially at its current reduced price. This Chromebook merges vital features with a stylish design, making it an excellent choice for students, casual users, and anyone in need of an economical computing option.

Let’s examine what the Asus Chromebook CM1402 has to offer and why it may be just what you need.

🔍 Key Specifications

– Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED screen
– Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 520
– RAM: 4GB
– Storage: 64GB eMMC
– Operating System: Chrome OS
– Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
– Ports: USB-C with 45W fast charging, USB-A, microSD slot, and dual Thunderbolt 4 display connectors
– Price: Originally $299, presently available for just $139 at Best Buy (limited-time offer)

💻 Display & Design

The Asus Chromebook CM1402 boasts a 14-inch Full HD display, which is a fantastic addition at this price range. With its 1920 x 1080 resolution, visuals are sharp, making it perfect for web surfing, streaming, and document work. The LED panel provides ample brightness and color accuracy, more than adequate for daily tasks.

The laptop features a sleek, gravity gray finish that imparts a contemporary and professional appearance. Its lightweight design facilitates easy transport, whether you’re off to class, the workplace, or a café.

⚙️ Performance

Driven by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor alongside 4GB of RAM, the CM1402 is designed for basic tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and accessing cloud applications. While it might struggle with intensive multitasking or gaming, it’s more than sufficient for students and casual users reliant on Google Workspace, Zoom, or streaming platforms.

The 64GB eMMC storage may be limited, but Chrome OS is crafted to integrate seamlessly with cloud storage options like Google Drive. Plus, the microSD slot permits straightforward storage expansion.

🔋 Battery Life

A standout attribute of the CM1402 is its remarkable battery life. Asus claims it can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, allowing you to easily complete a full day of work or classes without needing to charge. The USB-C port facilitates 45W fast charging, ensuring speedy recharges when necessary.

🔌 Connectivity & Ports

Although budget-friendly, the CM1402 offers solid connectivity options. It includes:

– 1 x USB-C (with 45W charging and display support)
– 1 x USB-A
– 2 x Thunderbolt 4-compatible display connectors
– 1 x microSD card slot

These options afford versatility for connecting peripherals, external displays, and additional storage.

✅ Who Should Buy It?

The Asus Chromebook CM1402 is perfect for:

– Students requiring a reliable, low-cost laptop for academic tasks
– Casual users primarily utilizing web-based applications
– Anyone seeking a secondary device for travel or light usage
– Budget-minded consumers looking for a Full HD display

❌ Who Should Skip It?

This Chromebook may not suit:

– Power users needing advanced multitasking or software compatibility
– Gamers or creative professionals who require high-performance specifications
– Users demanding more than 64GB of internal storage without depending on cloud options

💸 Value for Money

With its current sale price of $139 (a $160 drop from the original $299 MSRP), the Asus Chromebook CM1402 presents outstanding value. Similar devices typically sell for over $200, making this offer one of the best in its class. Walmart currently lists the same model for $199, further emphasizing the savings at Best Buy.

📦 Final Thoughts

The Asus Chromebook CM1402 is a solid, budget-friendly device that excels where it matters. With a Full HD display, lengthy battery life, and a straightforward Chrome OS experience, it represents a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a basic laptop without a high cost.

Whether you’re a student preparing for the upcoming semester or a casual user needing a dependable daily laptop, this Chromebook is certainly worth considering—especially while the sale lasts.

🛍️ Where to Buy

– Best Buy: $139 (limited-time offer)
– Walmart: $199
– Amazon: Prices vary, often ranging from $158 to $300 depending on configuration

For additional Chromebook recommendations and deals, explore our guide to the best Chromebooks currently available.

Image Credit: ASUS

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Xiaomi Introduces Its Initial In-House Smartphone Processor

Xiaomi Introduces XRING 01: Its Initial In-House Smartphone Chip Launching by End of May

Xiaomi is taking a significant step into the custom silicon arena with the forthcoming introduction of its initial in-house smartphone chip, the XRING 01. Scheduled to launch by the end of May, this initiative signifies a crucial milestone in the Chinese tech titan’s plan to enhance control over its hardware ecosystem and diminish dependence on external chip manufacturers such as Qualcomm and MediaTek.

A Strategic Shift Towards Self-Sufficiency

The revelation was made by Xiaomi co-founder and CEO Lei Jun through a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. As reported by Reuters, the XRING 01 is set to be unveiled in a new Xiaomi device before the end of the month, indicating the company’s preparedness to enter the competitive high-performance mobile chip market.

This development is more than just a tech enhancement—it’s a tactical shift. With escalating geopolitical tensions and the impending possibility of U.S. sanctions on Chinese tech firms, Xiaomi is proactively safeguarding itself by investing in domestically produced chip technology. The company has formed a specialized team of over 1,000 engineers, directed by former Qualcomm executive Qin Muyun, to lead its chip development initiatives.

Manufactured with State-of-the-Art 4nm Technology

The XRING 01 is reportedly being produced using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) 4nm process technology—the same cutting-edge node employed by industry frontrunners like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300. This positions Xiaomi’s chip alongside the finest in the industry in terms of manufacturing technology.

Internally, the XRING 01 boasts a robust octa-core CPU structure in a 1+3+4 formation:

– 1x Cortex-X925 core clocked at 3.2GHz
– 3x Cortex-A725 cores operating at 2.6GHz
– 4x Cortex-A520 efficiency cores running at 2.0GHz

This architecture is intended to offer a blend of peak performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for flagship-level smartphones.

Initial Benchmarks and Performance Hopes

Industry insider Digital Chat Station has indicated that preliminary benchmark results for the XRING 01 appear favorable. Should the performance benchmarks hold true, the chip could potentially surpass Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in specific scenarios. This would be a remarkable accomplishment for Xiaomi’s initial significant venture into custom mobile processors.

The chip is anticipated to be tailored specifically for Xiaomi’s hardware and software ecosystem, facilitating closer integration and possibly enhancing real-world performance compared to generic alternatives.

Xiaomi 15S Pro: The First Device Featuring XRING 01?

Speculation suggests that the forthcoming Xiaomi 15S Pro will be the inaugural smartphone equipped with the XRING 01 chip. This model is likely part of a mid-cycle upgrade of the Xiaomi 15 series, which already features the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra. By debuting the XRING 01 in the 15S Pro, Xiaomi could highlight the chip’s potential in a premium offering while distinguishing it from its current range.

Not Xiaomi’s First Attempt

Although the XRING 01 is Xiaomi’s most ambitious chip venture to date, it is not the company’s first endeavor in custom silicon. In 2017, Xiaomi released the Surge S1 chip in the Mi 5C smartphone. The company also initiated development of a successor, the Surge S2, but ultimately abandoned the project. Since then, Xiaomi has continued to invest quietly in chip R&D, leading to the XRING 01.

Implications for the Industry

Xiaomi’s arrival in the custom chip sector reflects a larger trend among smartphone makers aiming to set themselves apart through proprietary hardware. Apple has long spearheaded this with its A-series chips, and Google has followed with its Tensor processors. Now, Xiaomi is joining the ranks, and its success might encourage other Android OEMs to explore similar paths.

By creating its own chips, Xiaomi secures more control over product design, performance fine-tuning, and supply chain reliability. It also paves the way for deeper integration between hardware and software, potentially enhancing user experiences.

Looking Forward

As the XRING 01 gears up for its launch, all attention will be on Xiaomi to evaluate its real-world performance. If the chip meets anticipations, it could signify the onset of a new chapter for the company—one where it competes not only on design and pricing but also on fundamental technology.

With a robust engineering team, advanced manufacturing collaborators like TSMC, and an expanding range of high-end devices, Xiaomi is well-equipped to challenge the status quo in the smartphone sector. The XRING 01 is merely the beginning.

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