Tag: watches
Watches & Wonders 2023: Rolex Has an Emoji Watch
Future Apple Watches could automatically accessorize with their bands
Imaging swapping out a hot pink Apple Watch band for an earth-tone green one, and having your watchface automatically change to a matching color, cutting out the (more annoying than it should be) manual customization process. According to a patent filing spotted by Patently Apple, we may actually get something like that. The patent describes a wearable and bands that have NFC chips, letting the watch automatically take action when you connect or remove certain accessories.
Apple patenting something doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ll get it in the future, but it does show that there are some pretty fun ideas floating around inside the company. Beyond switching up the color palette when you attach the band, the patent says the system…
Most Apple Watches are still down to record-low prices
UPDATE: Mar. 21, 2023, 12:45 p.m. EDT We’ve updated this post to reflect the most recent pricing and availability on Apple Watches.
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BEST OVERALL DEAL: The Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS) is the best upgrade choice if you also want standard fitness features — $329
$399at Amazon and Walmart (save $70) -
BEST LUXE DEAL: The Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm, GPS + cellular) with graphite stainless steel case comes with an extra fancy case and band — $429
$650at Walmart (save $220) -
BEST BUDGET PICK: The Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) is the watch to get if you’re looking for a basic experience that doesn’t break the bank — $219.99
$249at Amazon (save $29.01)
It’s been over seven years since the first generation Apple Watch began to grace people’s wrists. In that time, the Apple wearable has evolved in size and power, and naturally, because it’s Apple, price. If you’re into the idea of having a fitness tracker, an extension of your phone, and all the world’s conveniences (or, at least a few more than you’re used to) wrapped around your wrist, but aren’t into shelling out the max amount of cash, you’ve come to the right place. Every week, we’ll keep a watch out (too much?) and update this post with the best Apple Watch deals from across the internet.
Apple Watch Series 8 deals
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Our pick: Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS)
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Why we like it
The Series 8 discounts have been fluctuating these past few weeks, but with it $70 off at Amazon, Walmart, and Target, now is the time to buy. While it’s not an essential upgrade for everyone, for those who like their health trackers and are on the last legs of an older watch, or investing in one for the first time, the Series 8 is a great pick, especially at this price.
More Apple Watch Series 8 deals
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Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS) — $329
$399at Walmart (save $70) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS) — $329.99
$399at Target (save $69.01) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS) — $359
$429at Amazon (save $70) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS) — $359.99
$429at Target (save $69.01) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS + cellular) — $429
$499at Amazon (save $70) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $459
$529at Amazon (save $70)
Apple Watch Series 7 deals
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Our pick: Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm, GPS + cellular)
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Why we like it
$300 for a watch that nearly resembles the Series 8 isn’t a bad deal. You’ll get your pick of colorways (which are more extensive than that of the newer gen), the same 18 hours of battery life as the Series 8, and the same CPU (aka you won’t notice a processing speed difference). The only reason we wouldn’t jump on this deal is if you’re not looking for a blood oxygen sensor or ECG monitoring, in which case you can get the experience you’re looking for in the second-gen SE for about $70 less.
More Apple Watch Series 7 deals
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Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm, GPS) — $329.99
$399at Target (save $69.01) -
Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm, GPS + cellular) with graphite stainless steel case — $429
$650at Walmart (save $220)
Apple Watch SE deals
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Our pick: Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS)
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Why we like it
Unless you’re into the blood oxygen and ECG sensors, we’re betting you won’t really notice the difference between the second-gen SE and the Series 8 (or the Series 7, tbh). The watch comes equipped with the same S8 chip, the same 18-hour battery life, and the same basic tracking features (steps, irregular heart rate notifications, etc) that got most people on the smartwatch train in the first place. This $29 markdown brings the budget-friendly watch within a dollar of its lowest price ever.
More Apple Watch SE deals
Second generation
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Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $219.99
$249at Target (save $29.01) -
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $249.99
$279at Amazon (save $29.01) -
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $249.99
$279at Target (save $29.01)
First generation
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Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $199
$249at Walmart (save $50)
Apple Watch Ultra deals
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Apple Watch Ultra (49mm, GPS + cellular)
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Why we like it
We wouldn’t recommend this watch for everyone, but if you’re looking for a watch for the hardcore outdoor adventurer in your life, the Ultra is it. Its hefty price tag reflects an array of top-of-the-line features, including the largest watch face Apple’s ever made, built-in cellular, 36 hours of battery life, a titanium case, 100m water resistance, and a host of advanced fitness metrics. We know that $19 off is far from the best markdown we’ve seen for this watch, but it still beats paying full price.
Report: Here’s how many Pixel Watches Google shipped in 2022
Biden Won’t Stop a Potential Ban On Importing Apple Watches
A veto from Biden would have rendered the issue moot. According to The Hill, while presidents generally don’t interfere with ITC rulings, in 2013, former President Obama vetoed a similar import ban after the ITC ruled that iPhones and iPads infringed on Samsung tech. It’s possible that Apple was hoping for history to repeat itself, as it reportedly amped up lobbying last week ahead of Biden’s decision.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/11/23550036/the-apple-watchs-blood-oxygen-feature-is-at-the-center-of-a-potential-import-ban
Biden’s decision doesn’t mean every Apple Watch from the Series 4 to the Apple Watch Ultra (excluding both generations of the SE) is about to disappear off shelves. Apple’s Smith told The Verge the ITC’s ruling doesn’t have any real impact at the moment. That’s because the Patent Trial and Appeal Board recently ruled that AliveCor’s EKG tech isn’t actually patentable, and AliveCor would have to win its appeal (PDF) to that ruling for any potential ban to take effect. However, AliveCor isn’t the only medical tech company that’s seeking an import ban on the Apple Watch via the ITC. Masimo also sued Apple for allegedly infringing on five of its pulse oximetry patents. Last month, an ITC judge also ruled in Masimo’s favor and will decide whether a potential import ban is warranted in May. If so, that import ban would impact any Apple Watch with an SpO2 sensor (i.e., the Series 6 or later, excluding the SE.)
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Garmin is Making its Watches Even Better
If you’re looking for a watch that gets fitness features right, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. They’re pricey, but they’re also some of the best smartwatches for the right kind of person, and now they are getting even better.
Read This Article on How-To Geek ›
Apple Watches, iPads, and AirPods are all back down to record-low prices, plus more of the best Apple deals
UPDATE: Feb. 7, 2023, 12:05 p.m. EST We’ve updated this post with the best deals from across the Apple universe. Here are our top picks:
Apple hive, gather round for the best deals on Macs, iPads, iPhones and more as of Feb. 7.
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BEST MAC DEAL: The MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is sleek, powerful, and a great mid-range pick for most people — $1,399
$1,499at Amazon (save $100) -
BEST IPAD DEAL: The 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) has everything most people want from a tablet — $249.99
$329at Target (save $79.01) -
BEST IPHONE DEAL: The iPhone 13 Mini (64GB) at Verizon is a mini phone with plenty of storage space and a battery life worth bragging about — $0 on a new line with select 5G unlimited plans
$599.99(save up to $600) -
BEST APPLE WATCH DEAL: The Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS) is the best all-around Apple Watch option at a new best price ever — $329
$399at Best Buy (save $70) -
BEST ACCESSORIES DEAL: The AirPods Pro (2nd gen) include Active Noise Cancelation at $50 off once more — $199
$249at Walmart (save $50)
Apple may have an iron grasp on the general population, but when it comes down to it, their products look good, work well, and stay cutting-edge — so of course, people love ’em. Whether you build your calendar around Apple events or you just want solid tech no matter the brand, Apple’s got you covered. Sure, they’re a little notorious for their high prices, but we’ve rounded up the best deals on iPads, AirPods, MacBooks, and more to help you save where you can. Check them out below.
Mac and MacBook deals
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Our pick: 2022 MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
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Why we like it
Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.
The M2 Air isn’t the cheapest MacBook out there, nor is it the absolute most powerful. Instead, it sits somewhere in the middle, offering M2 power and a sizable amount of built-in storage, but it lacks an enviable refresh rate (and some ports, for that matter). Still, the sleek design makes it hard to distinguish it from the slightly more beefed-up Pro, and it has a keyboard that actually feels nice to type on. If you’re rocking an older MacBook, the Air is a solid upgrade pick.
More Mac and MacBook deals
2021 MacBook Pro
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14-inch MacBook Pro (M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,099
$2,499at Amazon (save $400) -
16-inch MacBook Pro (M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,099
$2,499at Amazon (save $400) -
16-inch MacBook Pro (M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,299
$2,699at Amazon (save $400) -
16-inch MacBook Pro (M1 Max, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,999
$3,499at Amazon (save $200)
More Mac deals
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2020 27-inch iMac (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,499.99
$1,999at Best Buy (save $499.01) -
2020 27-inch iMac (Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799.99
$2,299at Best Buy (save $499.01)
iPad deals
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Our pick: 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB)
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Why we like it
The best iPad for most people is the classic one. We like the 9th generation because it doesn’t come with the bumped-up price of last fall’s 10th gen release, instead keeping things firmly in the entry-level tablet range. Despite not being the latest iteration, it still has up to 10 hours of battery life, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and more than enough processing power to get you through basic tasks. The best part? It’s back down to its all-time low price.
More iPad deals
iPad (10th Gen)
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2022 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) — $399
$449at Amazon (save $50) -
2022 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) — $399
$449at Target (save $50)
iPad (9th Gen)
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2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) — $269
$329at Walmart (save $60) -
2021 iPad (WiFi, 256GB) — $399
$479at Walmart (save $80)
iPad Air
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2022 iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) — $499.99
$599at Amazon (save $99.01) -
2022 iPad Air (WiFi, 64GB) — $499.99
$599at Target (save $99.01) -
2022 iPad Air (WiFi, 256GB) — $649.99
$749at Target (save $99.01) -
2022 iPad Air (WiFi + cellular, 64GB) — $689
$749at Amazon (save $60)
iPad mini
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2021 iPad mini (WiFi, 64GB) — $399.99
$499at Target (save $99.01)
iPad Pro
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2022 11-inch iPad Pro (WiFi, 128GB) — $769.99
$799at Amazon (save $19.01)
iPhone deals
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Our pick: iPhone 13 Mini at Verizon
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Why we like it
Check out Mashable’s official review of the iPhone 13 Mini.
The iPhone 14 may have been a hot ticket item for the holiday season, but the iPhone 13 is by no means outdated. Unlike newer models, you won’t need a trade-in to score some savings, with this Verizon deal that’ll get you a free 13 mini if you open a new line at Verizon on an unlimited plan.
More iPhone deals
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iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) at AT&T — $36 on a $1/month 36-month installment plan and eligible unlimited plan.
$629.99(save up to $594 in bill credits) -
iPhone 13 (128GB) at AT&T — $360 on a $10/month 36-month installment plan and an eligible unlimited plan.
$729.99(save up to $370 in bill credits) -
iPhone 14 (128GB) at AT&T — $0 with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited plans.
$799.99(save up to $800) -
iPhone 14 Plus (128GB) at AT&T — $0 with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited plans.
$899.99(save up to $900) -
iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) at AT&T — $0 with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited plans.
$999.99(save up to $1,000) -
iPhone 14 Pro Max (128GB) at AT&T — $100 with an eligible trade-in on select unlimited plans.
$1,099.99(save up to $1,000) -
iPhone 13 (128GB) at Verizon — $0 with a new line on select 5G unlimited plans.
$699.99(save up to $699.99) -
iPhone 14 (128GB) at Verizon — $0 with an eligible trade-in on select 5G unlimited plans.
$799.99(save up to $800) -
Buy one iPhone 14 at Verizon, and get another one free — $800 on any unlimited plan
$1600(save $800) -
iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) at Verizon — $0 with an eligible trade-in on select 5G unlimited plans.
$999.99(save up to $1000)
Apple Watch deals
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Our pick: Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS)
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Why we like it
If you need an Apple wearable with blood oxygen and heart rate sensors, plus safety features like crash detection, you’ll want the Series 8 — especially since, at $329, it’s at a brand-new all-time low price (and sold out at Amazon at the time of writing). You can also grab it for $70 off in the 45mm configuration.
More Apple Watch deals
Series 8
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Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS) — $329.99
$399at Target (save $69.01) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS) — $359
$429at Best Buy (save $70) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS) — $359.99
$429at Target (save $69.01) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS + cellular) — $429
$499at Best Buy (save $70) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $459
$529at Best Buy (save $70)
Series 7
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Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm, GPS) — $299.99
$379at Target (save $79.01) -
Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm, GPS) — $329.99
$399at Target (save $79.01)
SE (Second Gen)
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Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $219
$249at Best Buy (save $30) -
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $219.99
$249at Target (save $29.01) -
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $249
$279at Best Buy (save $30) -
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $249.99
$279at Target (save $29.01) -
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS + cellular) — $269
$299at Amazon (save $30) -
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS + cellular) — $269
$299at Best Buy (save $30) -
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS + cellular) — $299
$329at Amazon (save $30) -
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS + cellular) — $299
$329at Best Buy (save $30)
SE (First Gen)
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Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $199
$249at Walmart (save $50)
Ultra
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Apple Watch Ultra (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $779.99
$799at Amazon (save $19.01)
Apple accessories deals
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Our pick: AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
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Why we like it
Check out our full review of the second-generation AirPods Pro.
Finally, the AirPods Pro are back down to $50 off. We haven’t seen these buds at this price since the holidays, but we’re glad to see this discount return on some of the best buds with Active Noise Cancelation out there. Treat your valentine to great sound quality, a comfortable design, and six hours of battery life with these earbuds.
More deals on Apple accessories
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Apple TV 4K (2nd gen, 32GB) — $79
$99at Walmart (save $20) -
Apple Pencil (2nd gen) — $89.99
$129at Amazon -
AirPods (2nd gen) — $99
$129at Walmart (save $30) -
Beats Studio Buds — $99.95
$149.95at Amazon (save $50) -
AirPods (3rd gen) — $149.99
$169at Best Buy (save $19.01) -
AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — $199.99
$249at Amazon (save $49.01) -
AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — $199.99
$249at Best Buy (save $49.01)
Humbled Family Watches ALIEN ABDUCTION of Granddaughter
A teen is at a friend’s grandparents’ house and witnesses an actual alien abduction of the younger sibling. The family watched and did nothing since it has happened before and they were unable to stop it.
I recently received the following account:
“I witnessed an alien abduction back in 2002 when I was 14. A friend of mine wanted me to help her grandparents set up their computer. I said sure and ride my bicycle to their house. I get there and clouds appear so I decide to make this pretty quick. I set up the computer and installed some software for them, showing them all how it works and such. They go back and sit on the couch while I get my backpack to get ready to leave as their other granddaughter who is about 6 years old was sleeping in the other room.
All of a sudden a cold breeze went through the room. It was odd as all the doors and windows were shut. The grandparents looked toward the kitchen and what I saw made me freeze in place. There were three creatures standing in the kitchen. Two of them were short ‘Grey’ alien creatures with thicker necks than usually described with the eyes closer to the sides of their heads. They wore silver jumpsuits. In between them was a taller creature that looked like a humanoid mantis wearing a black robe with a yellow stripe going down the middle.
They walk to another room and a minute later returned with the robed creature carrying the granddaughter in its arms. It’s looking at me and I get the feeling it knows who I am. I don’t know why I got the feeling but I did. I was very scared. The grandparents were looking at them too but not doing anything. I thought ‘screw this’ and fought off all the fear I could and clumsily charged toward them. I didn’t even make three steps before the grandfather stopped me and told me they will bring her back. The creatures didn’t move and continued to look at me. I couldn’t get any more words out of my throat because I didn’t even know what to think at this point.
All of a sudden a light stretched around them and they vanished. An odd glow remained for a few seconds before fading. After a minute of awkward silence and the grandfather repeating she will be brought back soon I decided to leave. I rode my bicycle back home as fast as I could while looking back hoping that nothing was following me. I didn’t sleep that night after I got home. The next day I did tell my friend what happened and she told me it has happened before. The grandparents and other family members have tried to stop it but to no avail. They just accepted it with a look of defeat and moved on.
The granddaughter was brought back after a few hours. Not long after I witnessed this incident their whole family moved elsewhere. I’ve heard from other people who claimed to experience similar events and I feel they are legit.” PM
NOTE: I had a conversation with the eyewitness ‘PM.’ She noted that she has not had any communication with her friend or anyone else in the family. This incident took place in a small community in northeast Pennsylvania (Lackawanna County). I asked her if she has ever had a close encounter with any of the entities. She stated that she doesn’t believe that she has. Lon
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Have you had a sighting of a winged humanoid or huge bat-like creature in the Chicago, Illinois metro area / Lake Michigan region? The entity has also been referred to as the ‘Chicago Mothman’, ‘Chicago Owlman’ & ‘O’Hare Mothman’ or ‘O’Hare Batman.’ – Chicago / Lake Michigan Winged Humanoid Regional Interactive Map – Please feel free to contact me at lonstrickler@phantomsandmonsters.com – your anonymity is guaranteed. Our investigative group is conducting a serious examination of his phenomenon. We are merely seeking the truth and wish to determine what eyewitnesses have been encountering. Your cooperation is truly appreciated.
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Apple Watches and iPhones are Placing Dozens of False Distress Calls About Skiers
“Do you have an emergency?” [911 emergency dispatcher] Betts asked. No, the man said, he was skiing — safely, happily, unharmed. Slightly annoyed, he added, “For the last three days, my watch has been dialing 911.”
Winter has brought a decent amount of snowfall to [Colorado]’s ski resorts, and with it an avalanche of false emergency calls. Virtually all of them have been placed by Apple Watches or iPhone 14s under the mistaken impression that their owners have been debilitated in collisions. As of September, these devices have come equipped with technology meant to detect car crashes and alert 911 dispatchers. It is a more sensitive upgrade to software on Apple devices, now several years old, that can detect when a user falls and then dial for help. But the latest innovation appears to send the device into overdrive: It keeps mistaking skiers, and some other fitness enthusiasts, for car-wreck victims.
Lately, emergency call centers in some ski regions have been inundated with inadvertent, automated calls, dozens or more a week. Phone operators often must put other calls, including real emergencies, on hold to clarify whether the latest siren has been prompted by a human at risk or an overzealous device. “My whole day is managing crash notifications,” said Trina Dummer, interim director of Summit County’s emergency services, which received 185 such calls in the week from Jan. 13 to Jan. 22. (In winters past, the typical call volume on a busy day was roughly half that.) Ms. Dummer said that the onslaught was threatening to desensitize dispatchers and divert limited resources from true emergencies.
“Apple needs to put in their own call center if this is a feature they want,” she said.
Apple acknowledged this was occuring in “some specific scenarios,” the Times reports — but a spokesperson also “noted that when a crash is detected, the watch buzzes and sends a loud warning alerting the user that a call is being placed to 911, and it provides 10 seconds in which to cancel the call.”
But the Times points out that “skiers, in helmets and layers of clothing, often do not to detect the warning, so they may not cancel the call or respond to the 911 dispatcher.”
Read more of this story at Slashdot.