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Latest Articles (Page 84)
Can I use Apple Watch Series 9 without an iPhone?
The Apple Watch Series 9 requires an iPhone for initial setup and core functionality. While GPS + Cellular models can operate independently for many tasks, no Apple Watch can function as a completely standalone device or pair with Android phones.
iPhone Requirements:
Mandatory iPhone Dependencies:
- Initial setup and pairing process
- App installation and major settings changes
- Full feature access and functionality
- iPhone must remain powered and connected (though not necessarily nearby for cellular models)
GPS + Cellular Model Independence: When away from iPhone, cellular models can:
- Make and receive phone calls and messages
- Stream music from Apple Music, Spotify, and other services
- Access Siri for basic queries and commands
- Track GPS-enabled workouts with full functionality
- Use most third-party apps with cellular connectivity
- Receive notifications and app updates
GPS-Only Model Limitations: Without iPhone connectivity, GPS models provide:
- Local workout tracking and heart rate monitoring
- Access to downloaded music and podcasts
- Basic timekeeping and alarm functions
- Limited standalone app functionality
Android Compatibility: Apple Watch Series 9 cannot pair with Android devices. Android users should consider:
- Samsung Galaxy Watch series
- Fitbit devices with Google integration
- Other Wear OS compatible smartwatches
Bottom Line: The Apple Watch Series 9 requires iPhone ownership for setup and optimal functionality. GPS + Cellular models offer significant independence for daily use, but iPhone integration remains essential for the complete Apple Watch experience.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 have blood oxygen monitoring?
The Apple Watch Series 9 contains blood oxygen monitoring hardware, but this feature is currently disabled on new units sold in the United States due to ongoing patent litigation with Masimo Corporation.
Current Availability Status:
US Market: Blood oxygen monitoring is disabled on all new Apple Watch Series 9 units following an International Trade Commission ruling in late 2023.
International Markets: The blood oxygen feature remains fully functional on Series 9 models purchased outside the United States.
Pre-Ban Units: Apple Watch Series 9 models purchased in the US before the legal restriction retain full blood oxygen monitoring capability.
Legal Background: The feature removal resulted from a patent dispute with Masimo Corporation regarding pulse oximetry technology. This restriction is expected to continue until relevant patents expire, potentially around 2028.
Alternative Options:
- Purchase from international retailers (warranty limitations may apply)
- Consider other devices with blood oxygen monitoring (select Fitbit models, medical-grade pulse oximeters)
- Wait for potential legal resolution
Unaffected Health Features: All other Apple Watch Series 9 health monitoring capabilities remain fully operational:
- Heart rate monitoring and notifications
- ECG readings and atrial fibrillation detection
- Sleep tracking and sleep apnea detection
- Cycle tracking and other wellness features
Bottom Line: While the blood oxygen restriction is disappointing for US buyers, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains a comprehensive health and fitness tracker with extensive monitoring capabilities across all other wellness metrics.
What is the double tap feature and how does it work?
The Double Tap feature on Apple Watch Series 9 enables convenient one-handed control through simple thumb-to-index-finger gestures, perfect for situations when your other hand is occupied.
How Double Tap Works: The S9 chip uses the accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensor to detect precise thumb-to-index finger tapping movements. The advanced machine learning processes subtle changes in blood flow and wrist motion to trigger actions.
Primary Functions:
- Answer or end phone calls hands-free
- Control music playback (play, pause, skip tracks)
- Snooze alarms and manage timers
- Take remote photos when iPhone is positioned across the room
- Navigate certain apps and notifications
Ideal Use Cases:
- During workouts when gripping equipment
- While cooking with messy hands
- When carrying items and receiving calls
- Dog walking or outdoor activities
- Any situation requiring one-handed operation
Setup and Requirements: Enable through Settings > Gestures on your Apple Watch. Requires watchOS 10.1 or later and works most effectively with your arm in a natural, relaxed position.
Performance: The feature responds reliably with quick, decisive double-tap gestures. Users report consistent functionality once the proper technique is learned.
Bottom Line: While not used constantly, Double Tap proves invaluable for specific scenarios requiring hands-free watch control. It's a thoughtful addition that enhances the Apple Watch's usability when traditional touch interaction isn't practical.
How long does the Apple Watch Series 9 battery last?
The Apple Watch Series 9 delivers up to 18 hours of battery life with typical daily use, though real-world performance varies based on your usage patterns, settings, and features enabled.
Expected Battery Performance:
Light Usage (16-18 hours): Basic notifications, time checking, occasional Siri queries, and minimal workout tracking will easily achieve Apple's 18-hour estimate.
Moderate Usage (14-16 hours): Regular notifications, some GPS workouts, always-on display, and standard app usage typically provide a full day of use.
Heavy Usage (12-14 hours): Frequent GPS workouts, cellular connectivity, music streaming, always-on display, and intensive app usage may require midday charging.
Battery Impact Factors:
High-Drain Features:
- GPS tracking during workouts
- Always-on display at full brightness
- Cellular connectivity when away from iPhone
- Music streaming directly from watch
- Background app refresh
Battery Optimization Tips:
- Adjust display brightness to comfortable levels
- Disable always-on display when unnecessary
- Use iPhone's GPS for workouts when practical
- Close unused apps running in background
- Manage notification frequency
Charging Performance: Fast charging provides 0-80% battery in approximately 45 minutes, making it easy to maintain daily use with brief charging sessions during morning routines or evening activities.
Bottom Line: The Series 9's 18-hour battery life is achievable with typical use patterns. Daily charging is standard for Apple Watch users, and the fast charging capability makes it convenient to maintain consistent all-day usage.
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 worth upgrading from Series 8?
The Apple Watch Series 9 brings meaningful improvements over the Series 8, but whether it's worth upgrading depends on how the new features fit your daily routine and whether your current watch still meets your needs.
Key Upgrades in Apple Watch Series 9:
Double Tap Gesture Control The innovative thumb-to-finger tap gesture enables one-handed control when your other hand is occupied—ideal for answering calls while carrying items, controlling music during workouts, or managing notifications hands-free.
On-Device Siri Processing Siri responses are significantly faster with local processing, and health data queries remain completely private on your device rather than being sent to Apple's servers for processing.
Enhanced Display Brightness The 2,000-nit display delivers double the brightness of Series 8, ensuring excellent readability even in direct sunlight during outdoor activities.
Improved Performance The S9 chip provides smoother operation and enables new features while maintaining the same excellent battery life as Series 8.
Who Should Consider Upgrading:
- Heavy Siri users seeking faster, more private interactions
- Outdoor enthusiasts needing better display visibility in bright conditions
- Users frequently requiring one-handed device operation
- Current Series 8 owners experiencing performance limitations
Who Can Wait:
- Series 8 owners satisfied with current functionality
- Users primarily indoors where brightness isn't crucial
- Those who rarely use advanced features like Siri
- Budget-conscious consumers preferring to wait for more significant updates
Bottom Line: While the Series 9 represents a solid evolutionary upgrade, your Series 8 likely still serves you well. Consider upgrading only if the new features would genuinely enhance your daily Apple Watch experience.
TLDR Review: MATEIN Carry on Backpack
Pros
- •Highly durable, enduring over two years of extensive travel.
- •Fits easily under airline seats, making it a great carrn choice.
- •Holds up to two weeks’ worth of clothing, ideal for short to medium trips.
- •Sturdy construct withstands pressure from overpacking.
- •Security zippers allow for a lock, enhancing travel safety.
- •Universal, gendeeutral design.
- •Effective wateesistant protection in various weather conditions.
- •High quality, lightweight yet durable with reliable buckles and snaps.
- •Expandable with ample space, offering good value for the price.
Cons
- •Lacks a dedicated laptop sleeve.
- •Inner and front pockets may not secure a laptop well.
- •Side buckles can hold a water bottle but are not ideal for this purpose.
- •Structure issues lead to items shifting inside.
- •Zipper broke after minimal use.
- •Waist strap pockets are too small.
Bottom Line
The MATEIN Carry on Backpack is a durable and spacious bag that excels as a carry-on, fitting under airline seats and providing substantial storage for travelers. However, it falls short in certain organizational aspects, particularly regarding laptop and water bottle storage. If specific compartments are not a priority, this backpack's durability and capacity make it a commendable option for short trips and frequent travelers.
TLDR Review: Lindemans Gentleman's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Pros
- •Fruity nose with a pleasant aroma and initial burst of cherry flavor, accompanied by strawberry and plum.
- •Shows a smooth finish with hints of vanilla, oak, and chocolate.
- •Considered welalanced with a slightly spicy note, making it easy to drink and a good pairing with meals.
- •Glamorous and juicy quality that appeals to red wine enthusiasts, especially favored in Australia.
- •Broad appeal with positive feedback from various regions, including family in the UK.
- •Highly recommended for its exceptional quality, often preferred over oaked reds.
- •Excellent choice for gatherings or as a hostess gift due to its balanced taste and presentation.
Cons
- •Described as pleasant but not exceeding expectations; some found the taste mediocre.
- •Had expectations of a rich and smooth wine with fortified flavor, which were not met.
- •Questionable availability in the market, limiting accessibility for some buyers.
Bottom Line
Lindemans Gentleman's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon presents a fruity, well-balanced option with a smooth blend of cherry, plum, vanilla, and oak flavors that make it an elegant choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions. While some found it lacking in richness, the overall praise for its exceptional quality suggests that red wine lovers, especially those who enjoy light and fruity reds, should consider this for their collection. However, be mindful of potential availability issues in certain markets when planning your purchase.
TLDR Review: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy Walker
Pros
- •Engaging for infants; onth-old loves the toy and frequently plays with it.
- •Offers a variety of phrases, sounds, and buttons/slides that keep the baby entertained.
- •Moderate price point, making it a worthwhile purchase compared to other expensive toys.
- •Bilingual capabilities with English and Spanish enhance the learning experience.
- •High quality for the price, providing great value.
- •Stimulates a child's imagination effectively.
- •Operates better on carpet, allowing for smoother play.
Cons
- •Stability issues make it difficult for young children to use effectively.
- •Flips easily, causing frustration during play.
- •Moves too fast on hardwood floors due to the lack of adjustable wheels.
- •A heavier design could improve stability when leaning back.
Bottom Line
The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Learn with Puppy Walker is an engaging and educational toy for infants, packed with sounds and bilingual capabilities to stimulate young minds. Its moderate price makes it a solid choice for budget-conscious parents. However, it has some stability concerns, particularly on hardwood floors, and could benefit from a design update to improve balance. Despite these issues, it remains a popular choice for enhancing early learning and play.
TLDR Review: Fritos Bean Dip
Pros
- •Nice mild taste appeals to many without being overpowering.
- •Comes with an excellent flavor profile enjoyed by many, including family members.
- •Pairs well with Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips, making it versatile for snack pairings.
- •Tastes fresher than storought options, offering a more authentic experience.
- •Convenient packaging for ordering in bulk, perfect for parties and gatherings.
- •High value for the amount received, especially with bulk purchasing.
- •Rare item that is difficult to find in stores, adding a special allure for dedicated fans.
- •Does not cause digestive issues like gas.
- •Highly praised as a favorite bean dip by users.
Cons
- •One report of a missing white lid in the packaging.
- •Can be difficult to find in local stores, pushing customers to buy online.
Bottom Line
The Fritos Bean Dip Straight Pack offers a delicious and mild flavor that appeals to a wide audience, especially when paired with chips. Its fresh taste, coupled with its excellent value and convenient bulk packaging, makes it a great choice for parties and gatherings. Though finding it in physical stores might be tricky, the benefits of ordering online seem to outweigh this minor inconvenience. For bean dip lovers, this product is a promising pick!
TLDR Review: Schlage F40VGEO619 Door Knob
Pros
- •Easy to install, even for beginners.
- •Sturdy and solid construction ensures durability.
- •Operates quietly, suitable for a peaceful environment.
- •Matches well with existing interior doors.
- •Aesthetically pleasing design enhances the overall look.
- •Good value for performance.
- •Ideal choice for replacing knobs throughout the house.
- •Reliable locking function.
- •Visually appealing design with a satisfying feel.
Cons
- •Instructions provided are unclear and do not match the product depicted.
- •Missing a screw, necessitating the use of an old screw, which may not match.
- •Limitation of one purchase per customer is frustrating for those needing multiple locks.
- •Minor ding upon arrival, although not very noticeable.
- •Consider if the price savings are worth the hassle of a missing part.
Bottom Line
The Schlage F40VGEO619 Door Knob Lock is an excellent choice for those seeking an attractive, durable, and reliable door lock that's easy to install. However, potential buyers should be aware of some minor issues, such as unclear instructions and missing screws, and the limitation to one purchase per customer. Despite these cons, it offers substantial value for its performance and design and is ideal for home renovations.
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