ClickZ Wearables Newsletter - 08.16.2024

From Apple's smart glasses to Google's Pixel 9 and solar-powered hats, explore the latest in tech and style innovations

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ClickZ
August 16, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

Beats

Beats and Kim Kardashian have teamed up to deliver the chicest over-ear headphones for gym enthusiasts and minimalists alike. This latest collaboration, unveiled on August 15, features three neutral colorways—Moon, Dune, and Earth—reflecting Kim's signature style. Known for their high-quality sound and powerful noise-cancelling abilities, the Beats Studio Pro headphones are a favorite among fitness enthusiasts. They are perfect for workouts like weightlifting, light cardio, and strength training, offering comfort for extended wear and easy maintenance post-sweat sessions.

This partnership follows their successful 2022 collaboration, which introduced minimalist earbuds that became Beats' best-selling product. The new range continues this trend, combining cutting-edge technology with high-fashion aesthetics. Key features include personalized spatial audio, up to 40 hours of battery life, and enhanced call performance, making these headphones both stylish and functional.

Available for $349.99 at apple.com, the Beats x Kim Kardashian range is poised to become a cult classic. Whether you're a minimalist, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who values both style and sound, these headphones offer a perfect blend of form and function. This collaboration underscores the ongoing trend of merging high-tech audio with high-fashion design, setting a new standard in the industry.

Apple is advancing its AR/VR efforts, focusing on cheaper Vision headsets and smart glasses to rival Meta's Ray Bans. Despite technical challenges, Apple remains committed to innovation. Upcoming iPhones will see significant updates, including a potential new "iPhone Air" model, bridging the gap between regular and Pro versions.

Google's August event unveiled the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold, all featuring the Tensor G4 chipset and advanced AI capabilities. The Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 also debuted, showcasing significant upgrades in design and functionality.

Apple's upcoming tabletop robot, featuring a 360-degree rotating arm and AI integration, aims to revolutionize smart home control, video calls, and security. Priced at $1,000 and launching in 2026, it promises advanced functionality but faces challenges similar to previous devices like Facebook Portal and Amazon Echo Show.

Google

Google's Pixel Watch 3, announced alongside the Pixel 9 series, addresses the major issue of size variety by introducing a 45mm option. This new model features a larger display, improved brightness, and a bigger battery. Both models share Wear OS 5 and advanced specs, starting at $349.99.

EcoFlow's new Power Hat, a bucket-style hat with a built-in 4000mAh battery, charges devices via USB-A and USB-C ports using solar cells. Priced at £79, it’s foldable and IP65-rated for light rain and dust resistance. Perfect for on-the-go charging, it’s available now.

Smart rings, despite their growing popularity, are unsuitable for athletes due to limited tracking options, lack of compatibility with training platforms, and the need for frequent removal during activities. While they offer some benefits, their incomplete data and manual input requirements make them less effective for active lifestyles.

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