Technology

Six things you should absolutely do if you have an iPhone

Published

7 months ago

June 8, 2024

Six things you should absolutely do if you have an iPhone

If you own an iPhone, you might already be aware that there are tons of tricks you can do with your smartphone to make the experience smoother.

However, there may be some tricks that you don’t know about yet, and we’ve got six great things you should absolutely try with your iPhone and six things that you should avoid with your iPhone.

Let’s dive in.

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A woman on her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Six things you should absolutely do if you have an iPhone

Tip 1 — Back up your data

Make sure to back up all of the data on your phone routinely. Use Apple’s iCloud to store important texts, photos, videos or anything else in the cloud, so it’s always there if anything happens to your iPhone.

Open Settings on your iPhone
Tap on your Apple ID
Select iCloud
Tap iCloud Backup

Ensure the “Back Up This iPhone” toggle is enabled.

Back up this iPhone toggle (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Your iPhone will now automatically back up daily when connected to power, locked and connected to Wi-Fi.

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Tip 2 — Explore the accessibility settings

Discover the power of iPhone’s accessibility features, designed to make your device more user-friendly for everyone.

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”Within the Accessibility menu, you’ll find options categorized by needs:Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
Within the Accessibility menu, you’ll find options categorized by needs:Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.
Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.
Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.
Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.
Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.
Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.
Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.
Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.
Modify audio settings to balance sound output.
Turn speech into text with Live Speech
Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.
Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access
Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.
Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion

You can use Siri to quickly access these features. For example, say “Hey Siri, turn on VoiceOver” to enable the VoiceOver feature. Remember, you can always customize these settings to fit your personal needs and preferences.

Accessibility settings on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

Tip 3 — Wi-Fi Calling

Learn how to make Wi-Fi calls on your iPhone during a service outage.

Open Settings on your iPhone
Tap Phone
Select Wi-Fi Calling
Toggle the switch to ON for “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone”
If Wi-Fi Calling is available, you’ll see “Wi-Fi” in the status bar.

Wi-Fi calling on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Service outages can happen for various reasons, but, thankfully, you can still make important phone calls from your iPhone with Wi-Fi Calling.

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Tip 4 — Download your favorite e-books for free

Did you know that if you have a library card, you can get free audiobooks and e-books for your iPhone or iPad with Libby?

Visit the Apple App Store on your iPhone
Search for “Libby” and download the app.
Open Libby and sign in using your library card.

Make sure you get a library card from your local library and enjoy free access to your favorite titles. Check out the free digital perks you may be missing out on by not having a library card.

Libby app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 5 — Learn how you can use your iPhone to sign documents digitally

For most documents in every U.S. state, your digital signature is as legally binding as a physical signature. Apple makes it easy to sign PDFs with a digital signature, allowing you to sign with just your finger and the touchscreen.

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Open the document that you need to sign. This can typically be done within the Mail or Files app.
Tap the Markup icon (which looks like a pen tip).
Tap the “+” button, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
Select “Signature” from the menu.
Use your finger to draw your signature on the screen.
Once you’ve created your signature, tap “Done.”
You can then drag the signature to position it wherever you need it on the document.
Tap “Done” again to save the changes to the document.

Sign documents digitally on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

This method is commonly used for signing PDFs and other documents directly on your iPhone, and it’s a feature that’s been praised for its convenience and ease of use. Remember, the exact steps can vary slightly depending on the version of iOS you’re using and the app in which you’re viewing the document. Always make sure your device is updated to the latest version to access the most current features.

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Tip 6 — Turn your iPhone into a countdown timer

Got a big event coming up? Did you know you can turn your iPhone into a countdown timer for any event, no matter how close or how far away it is? No matter the event, you can use your iPhone to make it feel more exciting and special with a special countdown!

Adding the Timer to the Control Center on iPhone:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on Control Center.
Scroll down to find the Timer option.
Tap the plus button (+) next to “Timer” to add it to the Control Center.

Accessing the Timer from the Control Center:

For iPhones with Face ID:Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
For older iPhones with a Home button:Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.

Using the Timer:

Once you’ve opened the Control Center, tap on the Timer icon. The Timer icon resembles a clock face with a circular arrow indicating the passage of time
Tap “Start” to begin the countdown on the Timer.

Countdown timer on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

This timer will continue to run in the background even if you navigate away from the Control Center screen.

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Six things you should absolutely avoid if you have an iPhone

Tip 1 — Don’t connect your iPhone to public Wi-Fi networks

This is an easy way to fall victim to hackers and scammers. Instead, if you are out in public and need Wi-Fi, you can use your iPhone to create your own private hotspot. Creating a hotspot is easy, to create one:

Open the Settings on your iPhone
Tap Cellular (or Personal Hotspot, depending on your iOS version)
Toggle the switch next to “Allow Others to Join” to ON

If it’s your first time using the hotspot feature, a popup will appear with the network name and password. By default, the network name will be the same as the name of your iPhone. To ensure privacy, type in a new Wi-Fi password and select WPA2 security protocol for encryption.

A person on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 2 — Avoid clicking on links you don’t trust

Never click on links you do not absolutely trust. Don’t think that your iPhone is a fully safe device. While iPhones are more secure than other devices, getting some third-party good antivirus protection for your iPhone is still a good idea. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams.

Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Tip 3 — If your iPhone gets wet, don’t use rice to dry it out

While rice is a common age-old trick to getting wet electronics dried, Apple has recently warned users that rice could damage the internals of its iPhones. Instead, you should:

Lightly tap the iPhone against your iPhone with the charging connector pointed down. This should pull some water out
Wait for 30 minutes, then try to charge your iPhone
If liquid is detected in the charging port, leave your iPhone in a dry area for 24 hours.
Retest the charging connector after 24 hours.

Remember that all iPhone models since the iPhone 12 are able to withstand a bit of water safely.

X over iPhone in a bowl of rice (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 4 — Don’t let robocalls jack your phone line and sell your personal data

There are a few different steps you can take to stop robocalls from bothering you on your iPhone. The easiest way is to silence unknown callers:

Open Settings on your iPhone
Scroll down and tap “Phone”
Tap “Silence Unknown Callers”
Then, toggle ON Silence Unknown Callers.

This will silence calls from numbers not in your contacts list, automatically sending them to voicemall. Calls from known contacts will continue to come through normally. Check out more tips on how to get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services here.

Please note: While this feature can significantly reduce interruptions from unknown numbers, it may also inadvertently block important calls from numbers you haven’t saved, such as calls from medical offices, schools or businesses trying to reach you for the first time. Also, remember to save new contacts to your phone to avoid missing important calls and to check your voicemail periodically for any messages left by silenced callers.

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Tip 5 — Don’t forget to shield your iPhone: Turn on stolen device protection now

This security measure adds an extra layer of defense, ensuring that your personal information remains safe even if your device falls into the wrong hands. To activate Stolen Device Protection, follow these steps:

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Go to Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode for iPhones with a Home button).
When prompted, enter your passcode.
Scroll to find Stolen Device Protection.
Toggle the switch to ON for Stolen Device Protection.

By turning this feature on, you’re fortifying your device with additional security requirements when it’s away from familiar locations like home or work. It’s a smart move to keep your iPhone and the sensitive data it holds secure.”

Tip 6 — Don’t fall for phone number spoofing

Don’t fall for phone number spoofing. Scammers can use spoofed phone numbers to text you, hoping that you will click a fake link and enter your personal details. Trust your instincts when something feels off about a text message, even from someone you know, there’s a good chance something is off.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Start implementing these tips today, and discover the additional ways you can easily enhance your iOS experience. Remember to always value your privacy when using your iPhone. iPhones have a tendency to be regarded as the safest phone, and while this is true, you still should always practice the best security habits when online.

What’s the most unexpected way you’ve used an iPhone feature to solve a problem or enhance your day? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

L’Oréal’s new skincare gadget told me I should try retinol

Published

10 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

L’Oréal’s new skincare gadget told me I should try retinol

Las Vegas is punishingly dry. The arid winter air means I woke up on Day 3 of CES 2025 with a nosebleed, chapped lips, and ashy legs. This in spite of the fact I slathered myself with two pumps of a fermented bean essence, eye cream, moisturizer, and a lip mask. Staring at my face in the hotel mirror, I wonder if any of those products were doing what they’re supposed to — and if maybe, I should try something different.

This is why I was so eager to try L’Oréal’s Cell BioPrint.

For anyone who’s struggled with their complexion, the Cell BioPrint feels like a holy grail gadget. The device is a mini-lab setup that analyzes a skin sample to generate a report about your skin’s current condition. It’ll also “grade” your skin with regard to oiliness, wrinkles, skin barrier function, pore size, and uneven skin tone. Based on the proteins in your skin, you’ll also see whether you’re more likely to be susceptible to those issues down the line — even if they aren’t issues now. The test also determines whether you’re responsive to retinol, a popular and well-studied skincare ingredient that nevertheless causes a ton of confusion online.

My results. I’m happy to say my skin’s biological and chronological age were aligned.

Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge

In my demo, using the Cell BioPrint was simple. Mainly because I didn’t have to do a thing. While L’Oréal hopes to one day make Cell BioPrint an at-home device, it’ll first be aimed at retail, dermatology offices, and skincare clinics. As in, the actual test will be done by a professional to ensure accuracy. A L’Oréal staffer collected a sample from both my cheeks using a special kind of sticker. I watched as he then dissolved it in a buffer liquid, placed the resulting solution into a cartridge, and fed that cartridge into a machine. I also had my cheeks and forehead scanned with an imaging wand before answering two questions about my age and demographic data.

After a few minutes, I got to see my results. Apparently, I’m doing something right because the report said that my chronological and biological age were aligned. But it also said that while my skin barrier function is currently good, I’m biologically prone to have issues with that as I get older. My report also said that I don’t have to be concerned with pore size — either now or in the future, and that I am highly responsive to retinol, meaning my skin is likely to tolerate it well.

There were several other insights I won’t bore you with, but after going over my results, I have a better sense of what I need to focus on. For instance, I should continue using moisturizers with ceramides, button up my sun care habits outside of sunscreen, add a vitamin C to help with my skin tone, and add a retinol. I also know what I don’t need or can remove from my routine. For example, I don’t need to buy products targeted toward shrinking pores.

Most of this wasn’t surprising. My results aligned with the concerns I’ve noticed and where I tend to concentrate my skincare routine. For example, the few times I’ve tried retinol, I’ve never had an hint of the sensitivities other people seem to experience.

Of course, this kind of personalized recommendation is only as good as the science behind it. After all, lots of health and beauty tech companies promise the moon, but are intentionally coy when it comes to explaining why you should trust them. Barring regulatory certification (which isn’t generally required for wellness and beauty tech), it’s left up to the individual to try to discern whether an explanation passes the smell test.

With that in mind, I asked L’Oréal to dive deep into the science — which Guive Balooch, global vice president of L’Oréal’s Technology Incubator, happily obliged.

Balooch says the company had 800 biologists working (and publishing clinical studies) to discover whether there are specific proteins expressed in skin cells that could determine your risk factors for certain skin conditions. The challenge, he says, is that there are a lot of proteins produced by the body. Finding the few out of the thousands that can give actionable skincare insights is like finding a handful of needles in a giant haystack. It required L’Oréal’s researchers to sequence all of them and then find the relevant biomarkers.

This particular branch of research, Balooch says, is called proteomics — or the study of how proteins are expressed in the body. “It’s understanding that our cells every day are making proteins. Depending on our lifestyle, our geography, and our genes, they will make more or less of these proteins. It changes over time and habits can change it as well.”

Balooch says L’Oréal tested 4,000 people over 10 years across the US, Europe, South America and Asia, and found five proteins related to skin health, including two that are related to how well a person’s skin will respond to retinol. And while the Cell BioPrint can only currently analyze responsiveness to retinol, other ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are also in the works.

“In some ways, it’s meant to tell people what not to buy.”

Cynically speaking, a device like this could also be viewed as a pseudoscientific way to sell more products to a group of people already prone to reach for their wallets. But Balooch argues the Cell BioPrint isn’t meant to encourage people to buy more.

“In some ways, it’s meant to tell people what not to buy,” he says. “Of course, we would love to sell more products, but not by overconsumption. That’s not actually good for your skin. It’s about helping people find the right products based on science.”

To that end, Balooch has a point. The skincare market right now is rife with misinformation and influencers pushing expensive 10-step routines that sometimes do more harm than good. I know better, and yet I’m as guilty as the next skincare nerd. (I’m still haunted by the full bottle of snail mucin influencers claimed would fix all my problems. It broke me out instead.) Even now, I know that I’ll probably get influenced again. The difference is at least I can choose to be influenced towards a retinol cream or vitamin C serum — things that have a higher chance of helping me — rather than throwing my money to the wind.

Technology

Best cutting-edge health and fitness tech from CES 2025

Published

10 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Best cutting-edge health and fitness tech from CES 2025

CES 2025 has once again showcased a remarkable array of health and fitness technology that promises to transform our well-being.

From artificial intelligence-powered sleep aids to smart ear-cleaning devices, this year’s event highlights cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance our health and fitness routines.

These groundbreaking innovations are sure to offer something for everyone.

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Kurt giving a thumbs up to CES 2025 (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. AI sleep wearable promises better rest and sharper focus

Frenz Brainband (Earable Neuroscience)

The Frenz Brainband is this cool new AI-powered sleep headband that not only tracks your sleep, but actually helps you sleep better and focus more during the day. The Frenz Brainband uses some seriously advanced tech to monitor your brain waves, eye movements and even tiny facial twitches while you snooze.

The Brainband uses all that info to play personalized audio through bone-conduction speakers, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. The folks at Earable Neuroscience, the company behind Frenz, have done their homework. They’ve got research backing up their claims, and they’ve even snagged a CES Innovation Award. So, whether you’re struggling with insomnia or just want to optimize your sleep and daytime focus, the Frenz Brainband might be worth checking out. It’s available for purchase at a price of $680 or through a rental option for $45 per month.

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2. The smart ear-cleaning device that lets you watch in real time

The Bebird EarSight Flow is an innovative ear care device that combines high-resolution imaging with advanced cleaning technology. Featuring a 1 million-pixel camera and Aquatic Ear Canal Cleaning Technology, this device allows you to safely remove earwax while providing a live view through a smartphone app. As a CES 2025 Innovation Awards honoree in the digital health category, the EarSight Flow offers a modern solution to ear hygiene, enabling you to see inside your ear canal during the cleaning process.

The device comes equipped with a high-definition camera with over 1 million pixels and a Ball Axis Adjustment Megapixel Lens for precise positioning. You can easily integrate the device with your smartphone, using compatible Android and iOS apps to stream the real-time cleaning process. The advanced cleaning technology gently removes earwax and debris, providing a safe and interactive ear care experience. You can buy a Bebird EarSight Flow by clicking here.

Note: Health care professionals recommend consulting with a medical expert before using any ear-cleaning device to ensure safe and proper usage.

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3. Next-gen smart ring offers digital sizing

Circular Ring 2 (Circular)

The Circular Ring 2 introduces a groundbreaking digital sizing method that allows you to determine your ring size using only a smartphone camera and a dedicated app. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional plastic sizing kit used by competitors like Oura Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring.

A standout feature of the Circular Ring 2 is its FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection algorithm, which marks the first such certification in the smart ring market. The Circular Ring 2 will launch in mid-to-late January 2025 with an expected retail price of $349 to $380, depending on the finish selected (gold, silver, black or rose gold). The ring will ship in March 2025 and is notable for being subscription-free.

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4. The AI-powered home gym

The Amp Fitness machine is a groundbreaking $1,795 home gym powered by advanced artificial intelligence that transforms strength training. Featuring adjustable cable machine weights, an integrated camera and a smart companion app, the device provides dynamic workouts that adapt in real time to maximize your fitness gains.

You can access hundreds of workout variations, participate in fitness challenges and even compete on a global leaderboard that tracks strength and progress. The machine’s AI technology continuously analyzes performance, adjusting resistance and workout intensity to ensure you are constantly challenged and making consistent progress. The Amp Fitness machine is priced at $1,795 and is available with a $99 deposit. It is expected to ship in early 2025.

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5. Revolutionizing hearing technology with AI-powered features

Elehear Beyond Pro (Elehear)

The Elehear Beyond Pro is an innovative over-the-counter hearing aid that combines cutting-edge AI technology with user-friendly features. This smart hearing wearable offers real-time translation capabilities across multiple languages, making it an invaluable tool for global communication.

The device also provides customizable tinnitus relief, addressing a common concern for many individuals with hearing issues. At the heart of the Beyond Pro is Elehear’s proprietary Vocclear technology, which significantly enhances sound clarity and speech intelligibility. The Elehear Beyond Pro hearing aid is expected to be released later in 2025.

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6. Shocking your taste buds with an electric salt spoon

Electric salt spoon (Kirin Holdings)

Kirin Holdings has unveiled an innovative electric salt spoon that uses a mild electrical current to enhance food flavor without adding sodium. This $127 device concentrates sodium ions on the tongue, making low-sodium foods taste up to 1.5 times saltier. The spoon offers four adjustable intensity levels, ranging from mild (yellow light) to intense (blue light).

Developed in collaboration with Meiji University, the device addresses critical health concerns by helping people enjoy flavorful meals while reducing salt intake. First-time users are recommended to start at the lowest intensity setting to acclimate to the unique sensory experience. You can purchase the electric salt spoon through Kirin’s official online store.

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7. The smart air purifier that pampers your feline friend

LG’s innovative AeroCatTower is a device that seamlessly blends pet comfort with air purification technology. The tower features a dome-shaped seat where cats can relax, complete with a built-in heater and an attachable stepper to help older cats climb.

Its intelligent air purification system automatically adjusts airflow when a cat is present, ensuring minimal disturbance to your furry companion. Through the LG ThinQ app, pet owners can track their cat’s weight and sleep patterns, adding an extra layer of pet care technology. Pricing and availability remain undisclosed by LG.

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8. Your personal AI yoga instructor

The YoctoMat is a smart yoga mat that transforms your practice through cutting-edge embedded sensor technology, providing real-time feedback on your posture, balance and weight distribution. By creating a visual map of your movements, this intelligent mat acts like a personal yoga instructor, helping you perfect your alignment and technique with precision and ease.

The mat’s advanced IoT capabilities allow you to track your progress, analyze your performance and receive instant corrections, making every yoga session an opportunity for growth and mindfulness. Lightweight and portable, the YoctoMat brings the expertise of a professional yoga studio directly to your home, enabling practitioners of all levels to enhance their practice.

Its AI-powered system not only improves physical technique but also supports stress reduction and mental well-being, turning your yoga routine into a holistic wellness experience. Whether you’re a beginner seeking guidance or an experienced yogi looking to refine your skills, the YoctoMat offers an interactive, data-driven approach to yoga that adapts to your individual needs. The YoctoMat is available for purchase through the company’s inquiry form here.

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9. Digital glasses for enhanced vision

ESight, renowned for its medical vision enhancement devices, is showcasing its latest innovation, eSight Go, at CES. These cutting-edge digital glasses are designed to assist individuals with central vision loss caused by conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The eSight Go features a high-definition camera on the nosepiece that captures continuous video footage, which is then optimized and displayed on HD OLED screens for enhanced viewing.

Users can integrate their prescription lenses for further visual optimization. Engineered for all-day wear, these lightweight glasses come equipped with built-in controls and a neck-worn battery pack that provides up to three hours of continuous use. The eSight Go is priced at $4,950, and you can get a free consultation here.

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10. The contactless sleep-tracking solution

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The iSleePad is a contactless sleep-tracking solution designed to monitor vital health data without the discomfort of wearable devices. Utilizing advanced low-power microwave sensor technology, the lightweight and foldable pad can track essential sleep metrics, including heart rate, breathing and sleep position with remarkable precision.

Positioned conveniently under the shoulders and torso, the iSleePad offers a unique feature set that goes beyond traditional sleep tracking, including real-time alerts for bed exits and a Schumann wave mode that promotes deep, restful sleep. Its flexible pressure-sensitive antenna provides over 95% accuracy in monitoring sleep activities, making it especially beneficial for elderly users, medical care settings and families with infants. The device seamlessly integrates with a smartphone app, allowing users to access real-time data and long-term physiological records. No specific information is available regarding its price or availability.

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11. AI smart mirror reveals what’s beyond reflection

Withings has unveiled the Omnia, an innovative AI-powered smart mirror that provides comprehensive health screening through advanced sensor technology. The full-length mirror, equipped with a sophisticated base, can capture an extensive range of health metrics, including weight, heart health, metabolic data and body composition.

Using integrated AI, the Omnia not only displays health data but also offers personalized insights through a voice assistant that can provide recommendations and potentially connect users with health care professionals. The device seamlessly integrates data from multiple Withings devices and third-party health apps, creating a holistic health monitoring ecosystem. The Omnia is still a concept product and is not yet available for purchase. It is in development with no clear pricing details provided at this time.

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12. Sleep smarter and rest better with intelligent biosensing earbuds

NextSense has unveiled the Tone Buds, a groundbreaking biosensing smart earbud that goes far beyond traditional sleep technology by actively monitoring and improving sleep quality. These innovative earbuds use clinical-grade EEG technology to precisely assess sleep stages and depth, providing unprecedented insights into a user’s nocturnal experience.

When the Tone Buds detect stage N3 sleep, the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep, they emit subtle pink noise stimulation to enhance rest. The AI-powered, closed-loop audio system responds dynamically to the user’s brain waves, providing comforting audio for falling asleep and sound-neutralizing tracks to help users stay asleep.

With sleep disorders affecting approximately 70 million Americans and poor sleep linked to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline, the Tone Buds represent a significant advancement in personal sleep technology. By continuously monitoring brain activity and actively improving sleep in real time, NextSense is offering a sophisticated solution for those struggling to achieve restful, high-quality sleep. Tone Buds are available for preorder and will retail for $349.

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13. Smart glasses with built-in hearing aids to help hear better

Nuance Audio glasses (EssilorLuxottica)

EssilorLuxottica’s Nuance Audio glasses feature six strategically placed microphones that capture sound with remarkable precision and directional accuracy. These innovative glasses offer users two distinct listening modes — a focused directional setting that amplifies the voice of the person directly in front of you and a 360-degree audio mode that enhances surrounding sounds for complete environmental awareness.

The embedded micro-speakers, positioned discreetly above the ears, deliver crystal-clear audio directly to the user, creating an invisible and stylish hearing solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. With a companion app and remote control, users can easily customize volume levels, switch between sound modes and fine-tune their listening experience in real time.

The glasses not only provide exceptional sound clarity but also eliminate the traditional stigma associated with hearing aids by seamlessly integrating advanced audio technology into a sleek, fashionable eyewear design. The launch timeline is pending FDA approval here in the U.S., but the glasses are expected to be available for purchase starting in Q1 2025

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14. Nutritional tracking just got easier

Amazfit has unveiled its V1tal device, a compact gadget designed to revolutionize nutritional tracking. The V1tal uses a built-in camera to record your meals, automatically logging food intake and providing detailed nutritional information without manual input.

This innovative device analyzes eating behavior, offering insights and tips to improve dietary habits. The V1tal integrates seamlessly with the Zepp app, creating a comprehensive health ecosystem when used alongside Amazfit’s smartwatches and fitness trackers. While in the prototype stage, Amazfit plans to launch the V1tal in the United States during the first or second quarter of 2025.

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15. Never miss a pill again with this smart pillbox

Smart Pillbox (HealthBuddy)

The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app, recently launched on both Apple and Google Play stores, will transform how users manage their medications. This innovative app offers features such as medication tracking, pill reminders and the ability to log missed or taken doses, making it an essential tool for medication adherence. The app can be used independently or in conjunction with the upcoming Smart Pillbox device, which is in its pilot program phase.

When paired with the device, the app will sync effortlessly, providing real-time tracking and automated logging of medication intake. The Smart Pillbox device, expected to be widely available in the coming months, will feature built-in sensors to detect when pill compartments are opened, as well as cellular connectivity to transmit adherence data securely to health care providers.

This comprehensive system aims to improve medication management for users and enable health care providers to monitor patient adherence remotely, potentially enhancing overall health outcomes. The Smart Pillbox HealthBuddy app is available for free on iOS and Android, with the companion device available for preorder and expected to be widely available in the coming months.

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The content of this article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be considered a substitute for professional health or medical advice. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified health care provider or physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your medical conditions or health goals.

Kurt’s key takeaways

These health and fitness advancements not only highlight the increasing synergy between technology and wellness, but also empower individuals to take control of their well-being in transformative ways. As these products hit the market, they have the potential to change how we approach fitness, nutrition and overall health, marking a pivotal moment for personal wellness. Embracing these innovations can lead to more informed choices and enhanced quality of life, making it an opportune time to explore what these technologies have to offer.

Which of the innovative health and fitness technologies from CES 2025 are you most excited about and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Technology

Amazon Prime will shut down its clothing try-on program

Published

19 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Amazon Prime will shut down its clothing try-on program

Given the combination of Try Before You Buy only scaling to a limited number of items and customers increasingly using our new AI-powered features like virtual try-on, personalized size recommendations, review highlights, and improved size charts to make sure they find the right fit, we’re phasing out the Try Before You Buy option, effective January 31, 2025. Of course, customers will continue to enjoy fast, free shipping, with easy, free returns on our full apparel selection.