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patterns and triggers, and offer management techniques like breathing exercises via the app. App analysis You can check your stats in real WATCHING YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS continued

TOP TIP

Make sure the smartwatch you want is compatible with

Leave your phone alone With a smartwatch on

your phone’s operating system. An Apple Watch will only pair with iOS and a Samsung Galaxy Watch to Android, although there are brands out there that support both.

your wrist, you can make like Dick Tracy! Paired with your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, smartwatches can work as an extension of your phone to take calls, receive notifications, access voice assistants, and use NFC to pay for your morning coffee. Left your phone at home? A watch with LTE support can connect independently to the 4G

time on the display, but the watch’s companion app takes the data to the next level. Apps collate the data logged into an overall health and fitness record, just like the

for when you’re caught in a downpour or swimming laps. Always check the IP/ ATM rating – the higher it is, the more protection. IP indicates general water and dust resistance, while ATM is the amount of pressure (not depth) it can handle when submerged. 5ATM is good for swimming and showering. Full charge ahead Just like most portable tech, the battery life of wearables varies by model. You’ll generally get at least a week’s use – and then some – from a full charge in smartwatch mode without continuous GPS use, and solar charging – offered on selected Garmin watches – will extend battery life with a handy top-up on the go.

results of a medical test, to give you an insight into how you’re tracking and where to improve. Most of the big brands have free proprietary apps, although a subscription can be required to unlock more specialised analytics.

mobile network. Right as rain

Most wearables boast a rugged design and scratch-resistant glass, and are waterproofed

Fall detection is an important feature of many watches, particularly for more adventurous types and the accident-prone. When a fall is detected an SOS message is sent to emergency services or selected contacts. It’s also a good idea to strap a smartwatch on the wrist of elderly relatives who live alone for extra peace of mind.

Staying safe

Did you know you can take a photo with a phone by using a smartwatch? Models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 series have a shutter button that can snap a selfie when paired with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5 phones, Remote control selfies using the Camera Controller and Flex mode. You can also switch between photo and video mode, and zoom in and out for the perfect shot using the Galaxy Watch6.

Looking for options? Samsung Galaxy Watch6 series Withings ScanWatch Horizon

Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) A rugged watch for the great outdoors, the epix Pro has all the essential health and sleep tracking features and will deliver a daily health summary. Make like Kate Bush and start running up that hill, and the epix Pro will measure your strength and endurance on steep ascents and long descents. Plus, there’s a handy flashlight built-in. Battery: Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode Durability: 10ATM Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Garmin Venu 3S Sports Watch Another good all rounder with all the essential features, plus 30+ sports apps, sleep, stress and women’s health tracking. Its big point of difference is a wheelchair mode to track daily pushes, along with targeted workouts. There’s a built-in mic and speaker for comms, and Android phone users can send texts using the on watch keypad. Battery: Up to 10 days in smartwatch mode Durability: 5ATM Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Garmin Vivosmart 5 Activity Tracker

Available in classy Classic and iconic Galaxy Watch designs, Samsung’s latest wearable is a good all-rounder for tracking fitness, health and sleep, and staying in touch when on the move (LTE is available on selected models). It will alert you if an irregular heart rate is detected, measure your body composition, and track women’s health cycles. Battery: Up to 40 hours Durability: Scratch resistant display and 1P68/5ATM Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, NFC

For the fashionable fitness fan, this is a super-stylish watch and rugged to boot! Beneath its handsome aesthetic is a strong focus on health tracking, including workout modes for 30 activities, a medical grade oximeter for SpO2 monitoring, and ECG readings that are sent directly to the display. Battery: Up to 30 days in smartwatch mode Durability: 10ATM Connectivity: Bluetooth

An all-day tracker with the perks of a smartwatch, including built-in sports apps, GPS for distance tracking, women’s health and sleep monitoring, plus incident detection to alert emergency contacts. Battery: Up to 7 days Durability: 5ATM Connectivity: Bluetooth

46 OCTOBER 2023

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