The October Amazon Prime Day (aka Amazon Prime Big Deal Days) sale is in full swing, and there are some truly impressive deals out there on solar generators and portable power stations. Right now, EF EcoFlow is offering some of the best solar generator Prime Day deals across the board, from smaller units to massive power banks. The savings on higher-end models really are impressive, so if you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on an emergency generator, now is the time to do it.

EF EcoFlow

This is a great option if you don’t need a giant power bank and just want to keep your devices charged during a trip or power outage. It weighs less than 8 lbs., yet offers two A/C outlets, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car charging port. It also charges in a hurry, so you can get it from zero percent power up to 100 percent in just an hour without damaging the batteries inside. If you don’t already have an emergency backup like this for your devices, now is the time to jump into one. This price is pretty unbeatable.

• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 Max 500, 499Wh LiFePO4 Battery $279 (was $449)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 with 45W Solar Panel $189 (was $299)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER 3 with 45W Solar Panel, 245Wh Portable Power Station $199 (was $338)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generators, DELTA 2 Portable Power Station with 2PCS 100W 12V Solar Panels $599 (was $1,099)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2, 1024Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery $459 (was $999)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 1300, 1260Wh Solar Powered Generator $594 (was $899)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Max 2000, 2016Wh Expandable Capacity $999 (was $1,599)
• EF ECOFLOW DELTA2 Portable Power Station with 800W Alternator Charger, 3-in-1 Fast DC-DC Charger $669 (was $1,099)
• EF ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Max Solar Generator 512Wh Long-life LiFePO4 Portable Power Station& 160W Solar Panel $518 (was $918)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER 2 Pro 768Wh Portable Power Station & 160W Portable Solar Panel $599 (was $899)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Max, 2400W LFP Solar Generator $999 (was $1,899)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator 120V/3.6KWh DELTA Pro with 400W Portable Solar Panel $2,399 (was $4,199)
• EF ECOFLOW 8kWh Portable Power Station: DELTA Pro 3 with Extra Battery $4,999 (was $6,299)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 3 Plus (2024 New), Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) $629 (was $899)
• EF ECOFLOW 400W Portable Solar Panel $649 (was $999)
• EF ECOFLOW 7.2kWh Portable Power Station: DELTA Pro with Extra Battery $3,299 (was $5,299)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station 3600Wh DELTA Pro $2,099 (was $3,099)
• EF ECOFLOW 800W Alternator Charger with Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station $1,299 (was $2,448)

• Get an AnyCubic 3D Printer for up to 43 percent off
• Bluetti solar generators hit their lowest prices of the year for Prime Day
• Snag a rare deal on these Bose noise-canceling earbuds for Prime Day
• Prime Day deal: Save nearly half-off Govee smart lights
• Our favorite budget air purifier is cheaper than ever right now

Prices are correct at time of posting but subject to change, so act fast.

The post Get an EF EcoFlow portable power station or solar generator for as low as $159 during Amazon Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.

Jackery regularly takes the top spot in our solar generator and portable power station product tests. Right now, many of the most popular models are at their cheapest prices of the year during Amazon’s October Prime Day sale (aka Amazon Prime Big Deal Days). The discounts get deeper as you get into the higher-end models. They’re more expensive, but that also translates into bigger savings. And you’ll almost certainly never regret having more backup power than you need on an adventure or during an emergency. As with every Prime deal, these won’t last, so don’t wait if you want to grab one.

Jackery

This is an older version of Jackery’s smallest portable power station with a lithium-ion battery inside, but for $169, it’s hard to scoff at. It offers two full-on A/C outlets, as well as a USB-C and two USB-A ports. Plus, you get a 12v DC port. I have one of these that I keep plugged in on my porch just in case I need it in a pinch. It has come in handy way more than I would have thought.

• Jackery Solar Generator 3000 PRO 400W, 3024Wh Power Station with 2x200W Solar Panels $1,999 (was $3,999)
• Jackery Solar Generator 1000, 1002Wh Capacity with 2xSolarSaga 100W Solar Panels $459 (was $799)
• Jackery Solar Generator 4000 Kit, Explorer 2000 Plus $1,299 (was $1,999)
• Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO 2160Wh Capacity $1,299 (was $2,099)
• Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station 2024 New Version, 256Wh LiFePO4 Battery $179 (was $249)
• Jackery Solar Generator 240 v2 and 40W Mini Solar Panel 2024 New Version, 256Wh LiFePO4 Battery $249 (was $349)
• Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus 400W, 2042Wh LiFePO4 Battery 3000W Output, Portable Power Station $1,899 (was $3,299)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery $169 (was $279)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, 518Wh Outdoor Solar Generator $284 (was $499)
• Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator, 1264Wh Portable Power Station with 2xSolarSaga 100W Solar Panels $929 (was $1,499)
• Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station,1264Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Not Included) $679 (was $1,199)
• Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Roam Kit, 1264Wh 2000W Portable Power Station + 2 x SolarSaga 100 $899 (was $1,399)
• Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Solar Generator + Manual Transfer Switch, 3024Wh 3000W Portable Power Station $2,374 (was $3,999)
• Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station $679 (was $849)
• Jackery Explorer Kit 6000, Explorer 2000 Plus and 2X PackPlus E2000 Plus Expandable Battery $3,099 (was $4,899)
• Jackery Expansion Battery Pack 1000 Plus, 1264Wh LiFePO4 Battery Pack for Portable Power Station $479 (was $599)

If you want to look outside the Jackery infrastructure, EF EcoFlow also has some really great deals on solar generators and portable power stations right now.

• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 Max 500, 499Wh LiFePO4 Battery $279 (was $449)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 with 45W Solar Panel $189 (was $299)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER 3 with 45W Solar Panel, 245Wh Portable Power Station $199 (was $338)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generators, DELTA 2 Portable Power Station with 2PCS 100W 12V Solar Panels $599 (was $1,099)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2, 1024Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery $459 (was $999)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 1300, 1260Wh Solar Powered Generator $594 (was $899)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Max 2000, 2016Wh Expandable Capacity $999 (was $1,599)
• EF ECOFLOW DELTA2 Portable Power Station with 800W Alternator Charger, 3-in-1 Fast DC-DC Charger $669 (was $1,099)
• EF ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Max Solar Generator 512Wh Long-life LiFePO4 Portable Power Station& 160W Solar Panel $518 (was $918)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER 2 Pro 768Wh Portable Power Station & 160W Portable Solar Panel $599 (was $899)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Max, 2400W LFP Solar Generator $999 (was $1,899)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator 120V/3.6KWh DELTA Pro with 400W Portable Solar Panel $2,399 (was $4,199)
• EF ECOFLOW 8kWh Portable Power Station: DELTA Pro 3 with Extra Battery $4,999 (was $6,299)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 3 Plus (2024 New), Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) $629 (was $899)
• EF ECOFLOW 400W Portable Solar Panel $649 (was $999)
• EF ECOFLOW 7.2kWh Portable Power Station: DELTA Pro with Extra Battery $3,299 (was $5,299)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station 3600Wh DELTA Pro $2,099 (was $3,099)
• EF ECOFLOW 800W Alternator Charger with Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station $1,299 (was $2,448)

• Get an AnyCubic 3D Printer for up to 43 percent off
• Bluetti solar generators hit their lowest prices of the year for Prime Day
• Snag a rare deal on these Bose noise-canceling earbuds for Prime Day
• Prime Day deal: Save nearly half-off Govee smart lights
• Our favorite budget air purifier is cheaper than ever right now

Prices are correct at time of posting but subject to change, so act fast.

The post Grab a Jackery solar generator for the lowest price this year during Amazon Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.

Lighting can make or break a space’s vibe. Right now, during Amazon’s October Prime Day sale (formally known as Prime Big Deal Days), Govee has deeply dropped the price of just about every smart lighting product it makes. That includes stuff like the essential strip lights (which can actually improve your TV-watching experience if used correctly) and outdoor lighting. As with all Prime Day deals, some of the most popular models will likely sell out quickly, so jump on them before they’re gone.

Govee

This 100-foot strip is a great way to add LED lighting around your entire room. Or, if you’re trying to light a larger space, you can string a few together and manage them with the same app. These LEDs offer seemingly endless colors and the ability to sync up to music, so you can turn your room into a full-on club if you want. Or, put on some James Taylor and chill out to some cool blue tones. These lights are durable, easy to set up, and offer levels of customization that the really cheap knock-offs can’t touch.

• Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Fish-Eye Correction Function Sync to 55-65 Inch TVs $63 (was $89)
• Govee Envisual TV LED Backlight T2 with Dual Cameras $79 (was $139)
• Govee Curtain Lights, Smart LED Curtain Lights, Color Changing Wall Lights $85 (was $129)
• Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights, Smart LED Lights Work with Alexa and Google Assistant $45 (was $73)
• Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 with Dual Cameras, 16.4ft RGBIC Wi-Fi LED Backlights for 75-85 inch TV $99 ($159)
• Govee Floor Lamp 2 with Matter, RGBIC Warm Cool White LED Floor Lamp $99 (was $149)
• Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Fish-Eye Correction Function Sync to 75-85 Inch TVs, 16.4ft $63 (was $109
• Govee x Evangelion Gaming Wall Light, RGBIC Glide Wall Light $139 (was $199)

• Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights, Smart RGBIC Outdoor Lights $179 (was $279)
• Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights, Smart RGBIC Outdoor Lights $279 (was $419)
• Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021, RGBIC Warm White 96ft (2 Ropes of 48ft) $58 (was $99)
• Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights, Smart RGBIC Outdoor Lights $99 (was $159)
• Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro, 200ft with 120 RGBIC LED Lights for Daily and Accent Lighting $489 (was $699)
• Govee Outdoor String Lights H7015 with 15 Dimmable RGBIC LED Bulbs, 48ft IP65 Waterproof $24.99 (was $48.99)
• Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro, 100ft with 60 RGBIC LED Lights for Daily and Accent Lighting $279 (was $399)
• Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2, 144ft RGBIC Outdoor Lights with Dimmable Warm White LED Bulbs $129 (was $169)
• Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7020, RGBIC Warm White 48ft LED Bulbs for Halloween Decoration $48.99 (was $59.99)

Prices are correct at time of posting but subject to change, so act fast.

• Get an AnyCubic 3D Printer for up to 43 percent off
• Bluetti solar generators hit their lowest prices of the year for Prime Day
• Snag a rare deal on these Bose noise-canceling earbuds for Prime Day
• The best Prime Day deals on Jackery solar generators and portable power stations
• Our favorite budget air purifier is cheaper than ever right now

The post Save up to 46% on Govee smart lights for inside and outside during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days Sale appeared first on Popular Science.

Want concert sound without having to pay Ticketmaster prices? We’re loving the deep discount on the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 right now during October Prime Day (aka Amazon Prime Big Deal Days). This is the transportable party speaker we wheel around to hype teams and kill it at karaoke.

Jack Pinson

You can take everything to the next level … any level, really, thanks to the built-in wheels and telescopic handle … if you pick up this 38 lbs., 240W, 27-inch-tall loudspeaker to fill more spaces and melt more faces. It has an expressive figure-eight of dancing LEDs, plus compatibility with wireless mics. And you can establish an Auracast Bluetooth connection to let it play the same song simultaneously on multiple current-gen. JBL party speakers, such as the Xtreme 4 (the Bluetooth speaker shown next to the PartyBox 320 in the picture above). It’s enough for a patio party with a DJ or singer-songwriter, or a sports match with an animated announcer.

• JBL Flip 6 $79.95 (Was $129.95)
• SOUNDBOKS 4 – Loudest Bluetooth Performance Speaker $799 (Was $999)
• SOUNDBOKS Go – Shockproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker $559 (Was $699)
• TREBLAB HD77 Ultra Premium Bluetooth Speaker $59.95 (Was $89.95)
• TREBLAB HD-Force – Portable Bluetooth Speaker $93.47 (Was $129.97)
• Soundcore Anker Mini 3 IPX7 Bluetooth Speaker $32 (Was $40)
• Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker $47.99 (Was $79.99)
• Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker $99.99 (Was $169.99)

• We’ve taken Audio-Technica turntables for a spin and can say they’re the best value
• Sennheiser headphones I love all year long are up to $200 off this week only for Amazon Prime Day
• Bose makes the best noise-cancelling earbuds we’ve tried—and they’re $70 off right now
• The best overall wireless surround sound system just dropped to its lowest price ever for Amazon Prime Day

Prices are correct at posting but subject to change, so act fast.

The post The JBL party speaker we take to soccer fields and house parties is $200 off during Amazon Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.

Every year, DeWalt drops some of its best tool deals on Amazon Prime Day (aka Amazon Prime Big Deal Days). And October 2024 has proven that it’s no exception. While a ton of DeWalt deals are happening during the sale, we’re particularly impressed with this massive Mechanics Tool Set, which is down to just $169. The previous low price this year was $192, and it’s been over $200 since the beginning of summer. This is a perfect gift, even though we would have liked if it came with a couple extra 10mm sockets (if you know, you know).

DeWalt

You don’t actually need to be a mechanic to use and appreciate this massive tool collection. A sturdy carrying case contains full 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ ratchet sets. You also get extensions, combination wrenches, and Allen keys. It covers both standard and metric, so there’s basically nothing you can’t tighten or loosen when you add a little elbow grease.

• DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set, 142-Piece, 1/4 & 3/8″ Drive, MM/SAE (DWMT73802) $99 (was $155)
• DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, Includes 2 Batteries and Charger $99 (was $179)
• DEWALT 20V MAX 6 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery 2-Pack (DCB206-2) $163 (was $289)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger $129 (was $239)
• DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity, Yellow/Black/Silver $549 (was $669)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Jobsite Fan, Cordless, Portable, Bare Tool Only (DCE512B) $93 (was $169)
• DEWALT Double Bevel Sliding Miter Saw, 12-inch, Compound (DWS780R) $549 (was $669)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Power Tool Combo Kit, 9-Tool Cordless Power Tool Set with 2 Batteries and Charger $599 (was $949)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Power Tool Combo Kit, 4-Tool Cordless Power Tool Set with Battery and Charger $399 (was $639)
• DEWALT Plunge Base For Compact Router, Steel Rods for Smooth Plunge Stroke (DNP612) $69 (was $89)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Hammer Drill and Impact Driver, Cordless Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and charger $282 (was $489)
• DEWALT Leather Tool Belt, Durable, 11 Pocket Professional Belt (DWST550112) $48 (was $69)
• DEWALT Screw Gun Kit with Collated Drywall Attachment (DCF620CM2) $320 (was $399)

• Get an AnyCubic 3D Printer for up to 43 percent off
• Bluetti solar generators hit their lowest prices of the year for Prime Day
• Snag a rare deal on these Bose noise-canceling earbuds for Prime Day
• Prime Day deal: Save nearly half-off Govee smart lights
• The best Prime Day deals on Jackery solar generators and portable power stations
• Our favorite budget air purifier is cheaper than ever right now

Prices are correct at time of posting but subject to change, so act fast.

The post This 204-piece DeWalt Mechanics Tool Kit is the best Amazon Prime Day tool deal we’ve seen so far appeared first on Popular Science.

I still sit too much, but I’m getting better. Part of that progress comes from the FlexiSpot standing desk I use daily. Right now, Amazon has FlexiSpot standing desks and office chairs on sale for more than 20 percent off as part of its October Prime Day sale (aka Prime Big Deal Days). These full-on desks provide a much sturdier and more reliable experience than a standing desk conversion kit. They’re also electric and rated for 20,000 cycles of raising and lowering, so they’re simple and reliable.

FlexiSpot

This isn’t just an add-on for your normal desk. The entire 40″ x 24″ surface of this desk moves with help from a motor. A six-button digital controller allows you to manually adjust the height or choose one of four programmable memory settings. It can move between 28.1″ on the short side all the way up to 45.7″ on its tallest setting. It moves quickly, holds tons of weight, is easy to clean, and generally helps me stand up while writing Prime Day deal posts. A built-in bank of three AC outlets and a pair of USB-A (USB-C would be nice, but alas), allow you to keep cable management nice and tidy. My cable management is currently a mess, which is why you get a stock photo instead of a picture of my actual desk. Sorry, Prime Day is a busy time.

• FLEXISPOT EN2 Height Adjustable Standing Desk 60 x 24” Whole-Piece Desktop Electric Stand Up Desk $269 (was $365)
• FLEXISPOT EN2 Electric White Stand Up Desk 48 x 24” $209 (was $259)
• FLEXISPOT EN2 Height Adjustable Standing Desk 48 x 30” $212 (was $249)
• FLEXISPOT OC6 Ergonomic Office Chair High Back Desk Chair with Wheels Swivel Computer Chair $209 (was $279)
• FLEXISPOT OC2 Comfy Office Chair Ergonomic Back Support Home Office Desk Chairs Comfortable Computer $115 (was $179)

Prices are correct at time of posting but subject to change, so act fast.

The post I use this FlexiSpot standing desk every day and it’s cheaper than ever for Amazon Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.

• Dress up like a cat, put on an eyepatch, and be Nick Furry.


• If you wear a white sheet and draw tattoos all over your face, you'd be Ghost Malone.


• You could be a disembodied voice. Oh no wait. That's kind of my thing.


• Dress in yellow and white, then put on some little red horns, and be a deviled egg.


• Jump up and down, over and over, and shake your fist. You can tell people you're antigravity.

• Airplane Mode


• Cellular Data


• Personal Hotspot


• AirDrop


• Bluetooth


• Satellite


• VPN


• Wi-Fi

There was a time when Fitbit ruled the fitness tracker category to the point people used the term “Fitbit” as a catch-all term. We’re even using it here. But if you’re searching for the best Fitbits for seniors today, you’ll realize that Fitbit watches are really just one of several brands we’re showcasing that make high-quality wearables offering far more than step trackers and heart rate monitors, etc.

The current generation of fitness trackers are not only more accurate than previous models, but they may actually help improve your health. At the very least, some studies indicate that fitness trackers can help increase daily activity. In fact, one research paper studied the effects of “consumer-based wearable activity trackers on physical activity.” The results? Researchers found that there “was a significant increase in daily step count” among fitness tracker users, which is great news when you consider that another study linked more activity to lower mortality rates: “Among older women, as few as approximately 4400 steps/d was significantly related to lower mortality rates compared with approximately 2700 steps/d.” 

However, it’s important to note that while fitness trackers (and smartwatches) have improved, they are definitely not considered medical devices since they’re not evaluated and monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so they should not be relied on for diagnosing health factors. This is why the FDA issued an alert earlier this year warning of “risks related to using smartwatches or smart rings that claim to measure blood glucose levels (blood sugar) without piercing the skin.” Nevertheless, when used appropriately, fitness trackers do appear to offer health benefits for seniors. So, if you or someone you know are 65 years or older and looking to increase physical activity and monitor health metrics, here are several fitness trackers we recommend, including our best overall from Fitbit if you’re still dead set on one of those. 

• Best overall: Fitbit Charge 6
• Best for ease of use: Garmin Vivosmart 5
• Best design: Garmin Vivomove Trend
• Best budget: Amazfit Band 7

For nearly 20 years, I’ve written about a wide range of mobile consumer electronics products and IoT devices for consumers for various publications, including PCMag.com, Professional Artist magazine, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, Tom’s Guide, Artnews, and Popular Science, of course. 

During that time, I heard countless complaints from seniors, who were concerned that it often seemed most manufacturers were only interested in designing and producing products targeted at teens and young adults. So, for this story, I tried to keep this group in mind by suggesting fitness trackers that would meet the needs of those 65 and older. Also, I looked at critical reviews and user recommendations and did a lot of research to narrow down our list. Additionally, I carefully considered several factors to find the best fitness trackers, including battery life, ease of use, feature sets, and versatility. 

Although many people have turned to using their smartwatches to track their health and fitness, some still want to use a dedicated device, such as a fitness tracker. The primary reason is perhaps the most pragmatic: Fitness trackers are simply more affordable than smartwatches, ranging from around $50 to $300. Most smartwatches cost around $450 or more. But fitness trackers offer other benefits. as well, including longer battery life and a simpler design. To that end, we recommend the following four options as the best activity trackers for seniors.  

Fitbit

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: Yes 
• Battery life (according to brand): Up to 7 days
• Display size: 1.4-inch display 
• Weight: 1.3 oz.

Pros

• Long battery life (up to 7 days)
• Built-in GPS
• Vivid color AMOLED display
• Packed with sensors and features
• Easy to use and straightforward design

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Need premium subscription to get full access to data and insights
• Needs a proprietary charger]

Although Fitbit is one of the most well-known fitness tracker makers, it hasn’t always produced top-tier models. So you might ask, is Fitbit still worth buying? Well, they hit it out of the park with the Fitbit Charge 6. For starters, it’s easy to use and comes with a sharp and vivid 1.4-inch touchscreen display, which offers a feature seniors will like: Tap the screen three times to magnify (and once to return to normal view). It’s also packed with a variety of sensors and allows you to track many activities, including running, biking, strength training, yoga, and more. And it also provides access to some useful apps that aren’t fitness- or health-related, such as Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music. Also, it’s water-resistant to a depth of 164 feet. 

So, can a Fitbit be used for the elderly? Absolutely. What seniors might like most about it, though, is its simple, straightforward design and helpful features. For instance, it includes a Workout Intensity Map feature: After exercising outdoors, the built-in GPS powers a workout intensity map in the Fitbit app, which allows you to see your pace and heart rate zones throughout your route and learn where you put in the most effort. Also, if you’re working out indoors, you can also hook up the Charge 6 to a variety of fitness equipment and see your heart rate on the equipment’s display.   

It’s not flawless, though. For instance, you need a premium membership ($9.99/month) to get all the data. However, you do get six months of free access to that membership. 

Garmin

Key Specifications

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: No (GPS only active when connected to a phone)
• Battery life (according to brand): Up to 7 days 
• Display size: 0.4 x 0.7 inches 
• Weight: 0.9 oz. 

Pros

• Clear, simple design
• Very Good battery life (Up to 7 days)
• Easy to use
• Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, breathing, and sleep

Cons

• Display touchscreen is monochrome 
• No built-in GPS
• Needs a proprietary charger

What’s nice about the Garmin Vivosmart 5 is that it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear. It has a variety of sensors, which allow you to monitor respiration, blood oxygen, body battery energy levels, stress, and heart rate. It also has built-in sports apps to track walking, running, yoga, cardio, and swimming. It also has very good battery life: According to the manufacturer, you get up to 7 days of battery life. 

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 does have some drawbacks. Although the monochrome OLED touchscreen display is clear and works well, some might not like that it isn’t a color display. It also lacks built-in GPS, so you must have it connected to your phone. And like most fitness trackers, you must use its proprietary charger with the device. However, we think seniors will appreciate its simple, easy-to-use interface. 

Garmin

Key Specifications

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: No (GPS only active when connected to a phone)
• Battery life (according to brand): Up to 5 days 
• Display size: 1.0 x 0.7 inches 
• Weight: 1.5 oz. 

Pros

• Stylish hybrid design
• Good battery life (Up to 5 days)
• Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep
• Can also charge via a Qi-certified charging pad

Cons

• Expensive
• No built-in GPS
• Needs a proprietary charger

One of the things that’s pretty noticeable right off the bat is that this fitness tracker initially looks like a traditional analog watch, meaning that it has two traditional hands—one for hours and one for minutes. But when you tap the watch’s surface (or raise your arm when wearing the watch), you can access a digital readout of various fitness data and other information. You can then swipe in various directions to access other info. It’s quite a stylish, clever hybrid design that combines traditional analog watch design elements with digital display technology.

Overall, it’s easy to use and has good battery life (up to 5 days). It comes with various sensors that allow you to track your heart rate, blood oxygen, stress level, and the ability to track your sleep. It also includes hydration and respiration tracking. Plus, you can use practical apps, like Garmin Pay, to make contactless payments. 

It’s not perfect, though. It’s expensive, and it doesn’t have built-in GPS (unlike Garmin’s many recommendable hiking watches). Also, it’s still annoying that it comes with a proprietary charger to charge the watch battery, like most fitness trackers. But what’s nice is that you can also use a compatible, Qi-certified charging pad to charge the watch wirelessly. 

Amazfit

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: No (GPS only active when connected to a phone)
• Battery life (according to brand): Up to 18 days
• Display size: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 1 oz. 

Pros

• Relatively inexpensive
• Excellent battery life
• Includes built-in Amazon Alexa
• Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep

Cons

• No built-in GPS
• Needs a proprietary charger

If you’re looking for a cheap fitness tracker, which means you’re OK with putting up with a few trade-offs, then you’ll probably want to look at the Amazfit Band 7. This fitness tracker has a very modest sticker price of just $44.99. However, you get quite a lot for that sticker price.

To begin, it has exceptional battery life—18 days—longer than many pricier models! The Amazfit Band 7 also has a bright, nicely designed 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and comes with 120 sports-tracking modes, including running, cycling, yoga, swimming, and more. And since it can track swimming, it’s water-resistant to a depth of 164 feet. Additionally, it comes with three health indicators: heart rate, blood oxygen, stress level, plus the ability to track your sleep.

So, what are the trade-offs? One is that you charge it with a proprietary charger, which can be annoying and expensive if you lose it. It also lacks the built-in GPS feature, so you need to connect it to your smartphone to access that kind of data. (It does come with built-in Amazon Alexa technology, though.) Finally, it doesn’t win any awards for unique or clever design, although it more or less does the job. However, overall, this budget-priced fitness tracker offers a lot of value for seniors looking for a first-rate fitness tracker.  

There are many things to consider when buying a fitness tracking, including how accurate it is and how much it costs. The following list, which might be useful for those of any age, has been designed to help those 65 and older find the right fitness tracker for their lifestyle and needs: 

The reason we combined cost and the decision of whether or not to buy a fitness tracker together is that they’re related: Fitness trackers, which range in price from $40 to $300, are less expensive than smartwatches, which can do many of the same tasks that fitness trackers do. So, your first decision is to determine if a fitness tracker is a better investment than a smartwatch. For many seniors, a fitness tracker might be more attractive. And as you might expect, inexpensive models generally offer fewer standout features. One more thing: Find out if your fitness tracker requires a premium subscription to access all the information, which is the case with Fitbit models.

All the recommended models in our story share two qualities: they were easy to use, from set up to using all the various modes, and had a simple, straightforward design. For seniors, both of these qualities are likely to be very important when looking for a fitness tracker. Of course, you’ll also want to check and see if the design itself is actually appealing to you. 

Another important factor is that you’ll want to consider exactly how you want to use your fitness tracker. For example, are you only interested in monitoring how many steps you walk each day? Or are you looking for a fitness tracker that keeps tabs on not only your activities, but also your heart rate, oxygen level, sleep, and more? Also, do you plan to use it when you go swimming? In this case, you want to check if it’s water-resistant. Fitness trackers that are more comprehensive and offer more features are also often more expensive. 

It’s interesting to note that while fitness trackers aren’t very big, there are many factors to consider when buying one. These include the fitness tracker’s various features and technical specifications that might be important to you. For instance, how good is a particular model’s battery life? Is it water resistant? Does it have built-in GPS? What other sensor does it have, and does it track the activities you want to track—like heart rate, sleep, stress, and others? Some models even offer electrocardiogram monitoring. So, you’ll want to study the features and tech specs before you buy. 

According to manufacturers, many Fitbits and fitness trackers are water-resistant to about 164 feet, which means they should hold up during various swimming activities and a very sweaty workout. (Ensure the Fitbit or fitness tracker’s wristband is water resistant.) It’s important to know, though, that some manufacturers, like Fitbit, note that “water resistance may diminish over time and can also be  and can be negatively impacted by any of the following: Dropping the device, exposing the device to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfume, insect repellent, lotions, or sunscreen, and exposing the device to high-velocity water (for example, during water sports).”

Although you can use a fitness tracker, like the Fitbit Charge 6, without a subscription, you might find access to additional features and insights important. For instance, the Fitbit Charge 6’s premium subscription offers additional workout content (which includes a library of audio and video workouts), mindfulness sessions (guided meditations to reduce stress and get a better night’s sleep), insights into your sleep patterns, a “daily readiness score,” which Fitbit says can help “you understand your body,” and other personalized recommendations. Fitness trackers from other brands also often offer such premium subscriptions. 

What’s convenient about the built-in GPS feature on the Fitbit Charge 6 is that it can track your distance and route during outdoor workouts without carrying your phone. According to Fitbit’s website, it “provides detailed data on distance, pace, and route during outdoor workouts.” It can achieve this because the Fitbit Charge 6 is equipped with Dynamic GPS, which sets the GPS type at the start of the workout. 
For instance, if you take your phone with you, it uses your phone’s GPS sensors to map your route. If your phone is nearby but not moving when you start the exercise, it uses built-in GPS. (However, you should know that according to Fitbit, “If the GPS signal is lost during the exercise, your tracker doesn’t switch to a different GPS type.”) The Charge 6’s built-in GPS uses built-in GPS sensors to track your route, pace, distance, and other stats, although this mode can reduce your tracker’s battery life. When using the phone’s GPS, the Charge 6 uses your phone’s GPS sensors to track your route, pace, distance, and other stats, which can also preserve battery life on the Charge 6.

• Best overall: Fitbit Charge 6
• Best for ease of use: Garmin Vivosmart 5
• Best design: Garmin Vivomove Trend
• Best budget: Amazfit Band 7

As I noted at the start of the story, there’s a lot of evidence that staying more active offers many health benefits for seniors. In many ways, the right fitness tracker can help you keep tabs on how active you are and how you might engage in more proactive physical activity. Something like the Fitbit Charge 6 can offer the best value because it’s packed with features that promote a lot of motivating force for the money.

The post The best ‘Fitbits’ for seniors in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

• ‌Dark Mode‌


• Customizable background


• A refreshed design for the Calendar app and support for Hijri calendar.


• Shared View for ‌iCloud Drive‌ that shows files that have been shared with you.


• Option to jump to a month or year in ‌Photos‌ by clicking the calendar icon.


• Option to modify date, time, and location of a photo from the info pane.


• Option to display an album in the ‌Photos‌ tile on the iCloud.com homepage.


• Important notes can be pinned to the top of the list in the ‌iCloud‌ Notes app.


• In Reminders, new lists can be created and recurring reminders can be completed.

There’s a lot to explore in Google Maps beyond the basics of getting directions and looking up locations. One of the features you might not have spotted is Timeline: A comprehensive history of everywhere you’ve been and every place you’ve visited (as long as you took a phone running Google Maps with you).

That might ring alarm bells if you’re conscious about data privacy: If you’re not comfortable with Google Maps Timeline, you can disable it. It’s also something that’s kept private to you, so no one else is able to see your movements.

If you trust Google with your data, it can be a really useful feature. It can help you remember a great restaurant or hotel you’ve visited in the past; it can help you retrace the steps of your favorite trips; and it can help you settle debates about when exactly you last took the car in to get fixed or visited the parents-in-law.

Here we’ll show you how to make the most of your Google Maps Timeline—and how to get ready for the changes coming to the feature, which are intended to improve privacy and security by keeping this data stored on devices rather than in the cloud.

Google Maps Timeline records your day via Google Maps on your phone: It logs the places you’ve been, when you were there, and what you were doing in between (walking or driving, for example). It’s a lot—you’re essentially trusting Google to be as discreet with this data as it is with your Gmail messages and everything you store in Google Photos.

No one else can see your timeline, but you can stop this data from being collected. Head to the activity controls page in your Google account on the web, then click Turn off under the Location history heading. You then get two options: You can just turn off location logging going forward, or you can do this plus delete all the location data Google has already collected.

There is also a third option, which is to have this location data deleted automatically after a certain time. Click Choose an auto-delete option, and you’re able to have data wiped after 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months—so your Google Maps Timeline information will only go back for that period of time.

Any time you disable Location History, Google will display a dialog box explaining how the data is used. Data can be used to recommend places you might like based on places you’ve visited, as well as for Google Maps features like showing you how busy certain venues or areas are at any particular time.

You can get at Google Maps Timeline on the web by clicking the menu button (top left), then Your Timeline. In Google Maps for Android or iOS, tap your account picture (top right), then Your Timeline. You get the same data whichever device you’re using, but it’s presented in a slightly different way.

On the web, use the drop-down menus at the top to look more closely at particular years, months, or days. Down at the bottom you’ve got quick links to recent trips you’ve taken away from home, as well as a full list of all the places you’ve ever visited—click on this link and you’ll be shown the places you’ve been to most often while Google has been tracking your location (your home will most likely be top).

On mobile, you’re working on a smaller screen, but you can access a few more features. Open up the Insights tab, for example, and you can see how much time you’ve spent walking, driving, and flying, across a certain time range. On the Places tab meanwhile, you can see all the different locations you’ve stopped at, sorted by category—Sports, Hotels, Culture, and so on.

Dig down into a particular day to get a detailed itinerary for those specific 24 hours. As well as seeing where you went and how you traveled, you can also fill in any blanks that Google Maps has left, or correct any details that are wrong. What’s more, if there’s a stop you’d rather wasn’t logged in your location history, you can delete it from this screen.

Be aware that the Google Maps Timeline feature will be changing in the next few months. The web version is going away—there’s no specific timeline, but you’ll see an alert in the app when your account is being changed. (The service appears to already be off for some users.) You will still be able to back up your timeline to the cloud in encrypted form, even if you can’t view it in a web browser.

When Location History is turned on for the first time on a new device, the auto-delete option will be enabled by default, and set to 3 months. If you want to be able to check your comings and goings across a longer time period than that, you’ll need to head to the location options we mentioned above and change the settings.

This is being done in the interests of privacy. It means the data is locked to specific devices rather than your Google account, and it also means Google doesn’t have access to this data if it’s requested by law enforcement agencies (for example). Each device you use will have its own timeline though—they won’t all sync together.
Ahead of the change, make sure you’ve downloaded your Location History and Google Maps data from Google Takeout, just in case. Also make sure you’re signed into Google Maps on an Android phone or an iPhone, and when you see the notification telling you that timeline storage will be on-device in the future, you should get the option to hang on to the old data you’ve collected so far.

The post How to use Google Maps Timeline to revisit past trips appeared first on Popular Science.

Exposition Park in Los Angeles is set for a transformative $351.5 million renovation that will add six acres of green space by relocating surface parking underground in preparation for the 2028 L.A. Olympics. As reported by Sam Lubell, the project is spearheaded by Expo Park’s new general manager, Andrea Ambriz, whose leadership aims to unify the park’s cultural and recreational facilities while significantly improving its role as a community gathering space. The plan will enhance the visitor experience by increasing green space, shade, and accessibility, replacing large asphalt lots with vibrant, usable public spaces.

The state-approved funding marks the largest investment in green infrastructure in South L.A.’s history, addressing the long-standing need for park access in one of the city's most park-poor areas. Ambriz has positioned the underground parking project as a cornerstone of the larger 2020 master plan, which also includes new public facilities, improved walkways, and spaces for community programming. The initiative aims to boost health and recreation, climate resilience, and job creation in the region.

Ambriz, who took over as general manager in 2023, has worked to gain momentum for the park’s overhaul by securing early funding, expanding her team, and building consensus among the park’s many stakeholders. Her vision for the park extends beyond its function as a venue for sports and cultural institutions, emphasizing its potential as a central hub for local residents and visitors alike. Ambriz has also been actively working to raise additional funding through public and private sources, including philanthropic donors.

While the ambitious timeline is set to have the renovations completed before the 2028 Olympics, challenges remain. These include minimizing disruptions during construction and avoiding the unintended consequence of gentrification in the surrounding area. However, Ambriz’s extensive experience and community-focused approach have inspired confidence among her partners that she will deliver a lasting, positive legacy for Exposition Park and the South L.A. community.

• Los Angeles
• South Los Angeles
• Exposition Park
• park access
• Parks
• Parks and Recreation
• Olympics
• 2028 Olympics
• underground parking
• Public Space
• Green Infrastructure
• Urban Planning