itel, a Chinese smartphone brand, has recently launched its latest model, the itel A70, in the Philippines. The itel A70 is an entry-level smartphone that runs Android 13 Go Edition and is powered by Unisoc T603 CPU and Mali-G57 GPU. The gadget has internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB and RAM capacities of 3GB and 4GB. It comes with a dual-rear camera setup of 13MP + 0.08MP and a single 8MP selfie camera. The display is 6.6 inches IPS LCD while the screen resolution is 720 x 1612 pixels. It also supports Dual SIM (Dual stand-by). It is fueled with a 5000mAh battery + 10w wired charging. The sensors include a Face ID, fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, etc.
One of the most interesting features of the itel A70 is the dynamic bar, which is a notification bar that mimics the notch or pill-shaped cut-out found on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max. The dynamic bar is a small dialog that shows all the notifications and can be swiped to see them one by one. It also supports music controls, text message controls, and volume controls. The dynamic bar can be customized to fit the user’s preferences, such as the size, position, background color, transparency, and edges. The dynamic bar can also be accessed from the lock screen and has a small setting bar that provides useful accessibility features like taking a screenshot, phone screen lock, and power options.
The dynamic bar feature is not exclusive to the itel A70, as it was also seen on the itel S23 Plus, which is a higher-end smartphone that was launched in September 2023. The itel S23 Plus has a 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate. It also runs on Android 13 with itel OS 13 and has a Unisoc Tiger T616 CPU and Mali-G57 GPU. The itel S23 Plus has a 50MP + 0.08MP dual rear camera and a 32MP front camera. It has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It also has a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. The itel S23 Plus also has an in-display fingerprint sensor, NFC, and a Dynamic Island feature, which is similar to the dynamic bar but has a different shape and design.
The greatest question is how itel managed to incorporate the dynamic bar feature on a phone with a waterdrop display, which is the case for the itel A70. The waterdrop display is a type of display that has a small notch at the top center that houses the front camera. The dynamic bar feature is usually seen on phones that have a punch hole notch or a pill-shaped cut-out, such as the iPhone 14 Pro series. The answer to this question lies in the software implementation of the dynamic bar feature, which does not depend on the hardware design of the display. The dynamic bar feature is essentially a software overlay that can be placed anywhere on the screen, regardless of the shape or size of the notch. The dynamic bar feature can also be hidden or shown according to the user’s preference. Therefore, itel was able to create a dynamic bar feature for the itel A70 by using a software solution that does not interfere with the waterdrop display.
The dynamic bar feature is a creative and innovative way to use the notification bar on Android phones. It adds a touch of style and functionality to the phone’s display and makes it more interactive and customizable. The itel A70 is one of the few budget phones that offer this feature, along with the itel S23 Plus, which is a more premium phone. The dynamic bar feature is a unique selling point for the itel A70 and the itel S23 Plus, as it sets them apart from other Android phones in the market.
I have always been fascinated by the history of technology and how different companies have contributed to the development of various devices and gadgets. One of the most ubiquitous and indispensable inventions of our time is the mobile phone, which has revolutionized communication, entertainment, and information. But did you know that one of the companies that once produced mobile phones was Mitsubishi? Yes, the same Mitsubishi that is known for its cars, electronics, and heavy industries. I was surprised to learn this fact when I stumbled upon some old Mitsubishi phones on the internet. Here is what I found out about them.
Mitsubishi was one of the early entrants in the mobile phone market, starting from the 1980s. It was mainly active in Japan and Europe, where it offered various models of phones with different features and designs. Some of the notable Mitsubishi phones were:
Trium series: This was a line of phones that Mitsubishi launched in 1999, in collaboration with GEC-Plessey Telecommunications (GPT). The Trium series included models such as Trium Eclipse, Trium Sirius, Trium Neptune, Trium Mars, Trium Geo-@, Trium Mondo, Trium xs, and Trium fx. These phones had features such as color screens, WAP browsers, email clients, infrared ports, and polyphonic ringtones. Some of them also supported GSM and GPRS networks.
M series: This was another line of phones that Mitsubishi introduced in the early 2000s, mainly for the European market. The M series included models such as M330, M341i, M342i, M350, M520, M528, M750, and M760. These phones had features such as cameras, Bluetooth, Java games, MP3 players, and FM radios. Some of them also supported UMTS and EDGE networks.
M430i/M900: This was the last phone that Mitsubishi released in 2005, before exiting the mobile phone market. It was a flip phone that had a 2.2-inch TFT display, a 1.3-megapixel camera, a microSD card slot, and a music player. It also supported i-mode, a mobile internet service that was popular in Japan.
Mitsubishi’s mobile phone division was part of its Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, which is still active in other fields such as air conditioners, elevators, solar panels, and satellites. Mitsubishi decided to withdraw from the mobile phone market in 2005, due to the intense competition and low profitability. It sold its mobile phone business to Kyocera, another Japanese company that still produces phones.
I think it is interesting to look back at the history of mobile phones and see how different companies have tried to innovate and compete in this dynamic and fast-changing industry. Mitsubishi may not be remembered as a major player in the mobile phone market, but it certainly left its mark with some of its unique and diverse products. I wonder what other surprises the history of technology has in store for us.
Please note that this is not a hands-on review, but a detailed analysis of the design and performance of the product.
Nothing is a new brand that believes in creating products that are simple, elegant, and user-friendly. The company has launched its sub-brand CMF, which stands for Color, Material, and Finish, to showcase its design philosophy and vision. CMF aims to produce devices that are not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing and expressive. The Watch Pro is one of the first products under the CMF brand, and it is a smartwatch that combines a minimalist design with a powerful performance.
The Watch Pro has a 1.96-inch AMOLED display that covers almost the entire front of the device. The display has a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels and a peak brightness of 600 nits, which makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight. The display also supports always-on mode, which means you can see the time and other information without waking up the device. The Watch Pro has 100 watch faces to choose from, ranging from classic analog to modern digital styles. You can also customize the watch faces with your own photos or images.
The Watch Pro has a square-shaped case that is made of aluminum alloy, which gives it a premium and durable feel. The case has a single button on the right side, which can be used to turn on the device, access the menu, or activate the voice assistant. The case is also IP68 water and dust resistant, which means you can wear the watch while swimming or showering. The Watch Pro comes with a silicone strap that is soft and comfortable to wear. The strap can be easily replaced with other compatible straps of different colors and materials.
The Watch Pro is not only a stylish accessory, but also a smart device that can help you monitor your health and fitness. The watch has a heart rate monitor, a blood oxygen sensor, a sleep tracker, and a stress monitor, which can measure your vital signs and provide you with insights and suggestions. The watch also supports 110 sports modes, including running, cycling, walking, hiking, swimming, and more. You can use the built-in GPS to track your location and distance accurately. The watch can also sync with your smartphone and display notifications, reminders, and messages. You can even make and receive phone calls using the watch’s speaker and microphone, which use AI technology to reduce background noise.
The Watch Pro has a 330 mAh battery that can last up to 13 days with normal use and up to 7 days with always-on mode enabled. It supports 65W fast charging and can be fully charged in less than an hour. The watch can be paired with the CMF Watch app, which lets you manage your device and view your fitness and health data.
The Watch Pro is a smartwatch that blends simplicity and functionality. It has a minimalist and elegant design that can suit any style and occasion. It has a powerful and versatile performance that can help you stay connected and healthy. It is a great option for anyone who wants a smart device that can act as a source of joy and self-expression.
As a response to some queries regarding my previous post on the gaming experience of the itel S23 and P40 Plus, I then decided to write this article on these top 5 smartphones priced under $200. So if you are looking for a smartphone that can handle stable gaming and won’t break your bank, you might be interested in this list of the top 5 smartphones for gaming under $200 in Zimbabwe. These phones offer decent performance, large batteries, and good displays for an enjoyable gaming experience. They also come from reputable brands such as Tecno, Redmi, and Gtel, which have a strong presence in the Zimbabwean market. Let’s take a look at these phones and see what they have to offer.
Tecno Spark 10 Pro
The Tecno Spark 10 Pro is one of the latest smartphones from Tecno, and it offers a lot of features for a budget price. It has a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes gaming smoother and more responsive. It also has a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, which is a gaming-oriented chipset that can handle most games without lagging. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 5000mAh, which can last for a whole day of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 16MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The front camera is an 8MP selfie shooter with dual flash. The phone runs on Android 11 with Tecno’s HIOS 8.6 user interface. The Tecno Spark 10 Pro is priced at $199.
Redmi 9T
The Redmi 9T is another great option for gaming on a budget. It has a 6.53-inch FHD+ display with a waterdrop notch, which offers a sharp and immersive viewing experience. It also has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, which is a reliable and efficient chipset that can handle most games with ease. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 6000mAh, which is one of the largest in this price range. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which can quickly top up the battery when needed. The phone also has a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The front camera is an 8MP selfie shooter with a waterdrop notch. The phone runs on Android 10 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 user interface. The Redmi 9T is priced at $169.
Gtel Infinity 9
The Gtel Infinity 9 is a local brand that offers a good value for money. It has a 6.52-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop display, which offers a decent and modern gaming experience. It also has a MediaTek Helio A20 processor, which is a quad-core chipset that can handle casual games without much trouble. The phone comes with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 5000mAh, which can last for a long time of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a triple-camera setup on the back, with a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The front camera is an 8MP selfie shooter with a punch-hole cutout. The phone runs on Android 11 with Gtel’s own user interface. The Gtel Infinity 9 is priced at $149.
Tecno Pop 7 Pro
The Tecno Pop 7 Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers some gaming features. It has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a dot-notch, which offers a large and clear gaming experience. It also has a MediaTek Helio A25 processor, which is an octa-core chipset that can handle light games without much hassle. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 4000mAh, which can last for a decent time of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a dual-camera setup on the back, with an 8MP main camera and a QVGA AI lens. The front camera is a 5MP selfie shooter with a dot-notch. The phone runs on Android 11 with Tecno’s HIOS 7.6 user interface. The Tecno Pop 7 Pro is priced at $115.
Redmi 9A
The Redmi 9A is the cheapest smartphone on this list, but it still offers some gaming features. It has a 6.53-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop notch, which offers a basic and simple gaming experience. It also has a MediaTek Helio G25 processor, which is an octa-core chipset that can handle low-end games without much lag. The phone comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 5000mAh, which can last for a long time of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a single-camera setup on the back, with a 13MP main camera. The front camera is a 5MP selfie shooter with a waterdrop notch. The phone runs on Android 10 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 user interface. The Redmi 9A is priced at $99.
Conclusion
These are the top 5 smartphones I could find which are good for gaming and are priced under $200. They offer a good balance of performance, battery life, and display quality for an affordable price. They also come from reputable brands that have a good customer service and warranty support. If you are looking for a smartphone that can handle stable gaming and won’t break your bank, you might want to consider one of these phones. Happy gaming!
If you are looking for a cheap smartphone that can handle gaming, you might want to avoid the Itel S23 and P40 Plus. These phones are powered by the same chipset, the Unisoc T606, which is a low-end processor that struggles to run demanding games like Call Of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile.
The Unisoc T606 is an octa-core chipset with four Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. It also has a Mali-G57 GPU and supports up to 4 GB of RAM. According to the benchmark results from AnTuTu, the Unisoc T606 scores around 130,000 points, which is significantly lower than other budget chipsets like the MediaTek Helio G80 around 200,000 points or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 around 180,000 points.
I tested the gaming performance of the Itel S23 and P40 Plus on two popular games: FIFA Mobile and PUBG Mobile. Both games were set to the lowest graphics settings and the frame rate was capped at 30 fps. The results were disappointing, to say the least.
FIFA Mobile is a soccer simulation game that requires fast and smooth gameplay. However, on the Itel S23 and P40 Plus, the game was barely playable. The frame rate was unstable and often dropped below 20 fps, making the game laggy and choppy. The graphics quality was also poor, with blurry textures and jagged edges. The game also crashed several times during the matches.
PUBG Mobile is a battle royale game that involves shooting and survival. On the Itel S23 and P40 Plus, the game was also unplayable. The frame rate was even lower than FIFA Mobile, averaging around 15 fps. The graphics quality was also terrible, with low-resolution models and textures. The game also suffered from frequent stuttering and freezing, especially during combat situations.
It is clear that the Itel S23 and P40 Plus are not suitable for gaming, especially for games that require high performance and graphics. The Unisoc T606 chipset is simply too weak to handle these games, even on the lowest settings. If you are looking for a budget phone that can run these games smoothly, you might want to consider other options.
Some of the alternatives that you can find in Zimbabwe are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the Tecno Camon 18 Premier, and the Infinix Zero X Pro. These phones are powered by more powerful chipsets, such as the MediaTek Helio G96, the MediaTek Helio G95, and the MediaTek Helio G90T, respectively. They also have larger screens, higher resolutions, more RAM, and better cameras. They are priced between $200 and $300, which is still affordable for many consumers.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is the best bang for your buck among these phones. It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50 MP AI dual rear camera, a 8 MP selfie camera, a 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and a 128 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14. You can buy it for $250 on Pindula.
The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is another good option for gaming. It has a 6.8-inch IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 64 MP quad rear camera, a 48 MP selfie camera, a 4500 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and a 128 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with HiOS 8. You can buy it for $280 on Pindula.
The Infinix Zero X Pro is the most expensive option among these phones, but it also has some unique features. It has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 108 MP quad rear camera with a periscope lens, a 16 MP selfie camera, a 4500 mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a 256 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with XOS 8. You can buy it for $300 on Pindula.
These phones are much better than the Itel S23 and P40 Plus in terms of gaming performance and overall quality. They can run FIFA Mobile and PUBG Mobile smoothly on high graphics settings and offer a more enjoyable gaming experience. They also have other advantages, such as better displays, cameras, batteries, and software. If you are looking for a budget phone that can handle gaming, you should consider these phones instead of the Itel S23 and P40 Plus.
I have been using the Itel Smart Watch 1 for a few weeks now and I am very impressed with its features and performance. Here are some of the aspects that I liked the most about this smart watch:
Battery life: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a long-lasting battery that can last up to 10 days on a single charge. This is very convenient as I don’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of the day or carrying a charger with me everywhere. The watch also has a fast-charging feature that can fully charge it in less than an hour.
Water resistance: The Itel Smart Watch 1 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, which means I can wear it while swimming, showering, or washing my hands without any fear of damaging it. The watch also has a swim mode that can track my swimming distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
Sports: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a variety of sports modes that can monitor my physical activities and provide me with useful data and feedback. Some of the sports modes include running, cycling, hiking, yoga, and more. The watch can also connect to the GPS on my phone to show me my real-time location, speed, and distance.
Heart test feature: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a heart test feature that can measure my heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and electrocardiogram (ECG) in a matter of seconds. This is very helpful for keeping track of my health and detecting any potential problems early. The watch can also alert me if my heart rate is too high or too low.
Sleep monitor: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a sleep monitor that can analyze my sleep quality and duration every night. It can also provide me with tips and suggestions on how to improve my sleep habits and get better rest. The watch can also wake me up gently with a vibration alarm that does not disturb anyone else.
Easy connection with phone: The Itel Smart Watch 1 can easily connect to my phone via Bluetooth and sync all the data and notifications from my phone to the watch. I can also control my phone’s music, camera, and calls from the watch. The watch has a large and clear display that shows me the time, date, weather, and other information at a glance.
Bluetooth calls: The Itel Smart Watch 1 has a built-in speaker and microphone that allow me to make and receive calls directly from the watch. This is very convenient as I don’t have to take out my phone from my pocket or bag every time I get a call. The sound quality is clear and loud.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the Itel Smart Watch 1 and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a smart watch that is affordable, durable, and functional. It has everything I need and more, and it has made my life easier and healthier.
The Redmi Note 10 is the latest addition to Xiaomi’s popular mid-range series. It offers 5G connectivity, a large 5000mAh battery, and a sleek design at an affordable price. But how does it compare to other budget phones in terms of display, camera, performance, and user experience? Let’s find out.
Display: A decent but not outstanding screen
The Redmi Note 10 has a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels and a peak brightness of 1100 nits. The screen is sharp, vibrant, and responsive, but it lacks some features that are common in other budget phones, such as a higher refresh rate and HDR support. The Redmi Note 10 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which means that the animations and scrolling are not as smooth as on phones with 90Hz or 120Hz screens. The display also does not support HDR content, which means that the contrast and colors are not as rich as on phones with HDR10 or HDR10+ screens.
Camera: A good main camera but no ultra-wide lens
The Redmi Note 10 has a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The main camera can take decent photos in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and details. However, the quality drops significantly in low-light situations, where the photos become noisy and blurry. The ultra-wide camera can capture more of the scene, but it suffers from distortion and lower resolution. The macro camera and the depth camera are not very useful, as they produce low-quality images that are often out of focus.
The front-facing camera of the Redmi Note 10 is a 13MP sensor that can take selfies and video calls. The selfies are generally good, but they can look overexposed and unnatural in some cases. The video recording capability of the Redmi Note 10 is limited to 1080p at 30fps, which is acceptable but not impressive.
Performance: A mediocre processor but enough RAM and storage
The Redmi Note 10 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, which is a mid-range processor that supports 5G networks. The processor has eight cores, four of which run at 2.2GHz and four at 2.0GHz. The processor is paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded via a microSD card slot.
The performance of the Redmi Note 10 is adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and social media. However, it struggles with more demanding applications such as gaming and multitasking. The games run at low settings and frame rates, and the phone can lag or freeze when switching between apps or opening multiple tabs.
Battery life: A long-lasting battery with fast charging
The Redmi Note 10 has a massive 5000mAh battery that can easily last for two days on a single charge with moderate usage. The phone also supports fast charging with a 33W charger that can charge the battery from zero to 50% in about 25 minutes and to full in about 74 minutes.
The battery life of the Redmi Note 10 is one of its strongest points, as it can outlast many other budget phones with smaller batteries or higher power consumption.
User experience: A smooth software with some bloatware
The Redmi Note 10 runs on Android 11 with MIUI 12 on top. MIUI is Xiaomi’s custom skin that adds some features and tweaks to the stock Android experience. Some of these features are useful, such as the dark mode, the app drawer, the gesture navigation, and the floating windows. However, some of these features are annoying, such as the ads, the notifications spam, the bloatware apps, and the permissions requests.
The user experience of the Redmi Note 10 is generally smooth and intuitive, but it could be improved by removing some of the unnecessary clutter and interference from MIUI.
Price: A competitive price for a budget phone
The Redmi Note 10 is available in Zimbabwe for around ZWD75,650 or $150+ for the base model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. This is a competitive price for a budget phone that offers 5G connectivity and long battery life.
However, there are some other budget phones that offer better value for money in terms of display quality, camera performance, or processing power. For example, the Poco X3 NFC has a better screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support, a better camera with a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide sensor, and a better processor with the Snapdragon 732G chipset. The Poco X3 NFC is also cheaper than the Redmi Note 10, as it costs around ZWD68,107 for the base model with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage.
Conclusion: A budget phone with some compromises
The Redmi Note 10 is a budget phone that offers some advantages such as 5G connectivity, long battery life, and a sleek design. However, it also has some drawbacks such as a mediocre display, a limited camera, and a weak processor.
The Redmi Note 10 is a good choice for users who value 5G and battery life over other aspects of a smartphone. However, for users who want a more balanced and well-rounded budget phone, there are some better alternatives available in the market.
Sleep is essential for our health and well-being, but many of us struggle to get enough quality sleep every night. Fortunately, technology can help us monitor and improve our sleep habits. Fitbands and smart watches are wearable devices that can track various aspects of our sleep, such as duration, quality, stages, and problems. But how do they do that? And how accurate are they? In this article, we will explore how fitbands and smart watches measure sleep and what benefits they can offer.
How Do Fitbands and Smart Watches Detect Sleep?
Fitbands and smart watches use different sensors and algorithms to detect when we are asleep or awake. The most common sensors are:
Accelerometer: This sensor measures the movement of the device and the wearer. When the device detects no or minimal movement for a certain period of time, it assumes that the wearer is asleep. Some devices also use gyroscopes to measure the orientation and rotation of the device.
Heart rate monitor: This sensor measures the beats per minute (BPM) of the wearer’s heart. When the device detects a low and steady heart rate, it assumes that the wearer is in a deep sleep stage. Some devices also use optical sensors to measure the blood flow and oxygen levels in the wearer’s skin.
Environmental sensors: Some devices also use sensors to measure the temperature, humidity, light, noise, and other factors that can affect the quality of sleep. For example, some devices can detect if the room is too hot or cold, too bright or dark, or too noisy or quiet.
By combining the data from these sensors, fitbands and smart watches can estimate when we fall asleep, when we wake up, and how much time we spend in different sleep stages.
How Do Fitbands and Smart Watches Measure Sleep Stages?
Sleep is not a uniform state of unconsciousness. Rather, it consists of several cycles of different stages, each with its own characteristics and functions. The main stages of sleep are:
Light sleep: This is the first stage of sleep, where we are still partially awake and easily aroused. It lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes per cycle and accounts for about 50% of our total sleep time. It helps us relax and prepare for deeper sleep.
Deep sleep: This is the second stage of sleep, where we are fully asleep and hard to wake up. It lasts for about 20 to 40 minutes per cycle and accounts for about 20% of our total sleep time. It helps us restore our physical energy and consolidate our memory.
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep: This is the third and final stage of sleep, where we experience vivid dreams and rapid eye movements. It lasts for about 10 to 30 minutes per cycle and accounts for about 25% of our total sleep time. It helps us process our emotions and enhance our creativity.
Fitbands and smart watches use different algorithms to measure these sleep stages, based on the data from their sensors. The most common algorithm is called actigraphy, which uses the accelerometer data to infer the sleep stages based on the movement patterns of the wearer. For example, if the device detects little or no movement for a long time, it assumes that the wearer is in deep sleep. If it detects frequent or intense movement for a short time, it assumes that the wearer is in REM sleep.
Some devices also use cardiography, which uses the heart rate data to infer the sleep stages based on the heart rate variability (HRV) of the wearer. HRV is the variation in the time interval between consecutive heartbeats. For example, if the device detects a low and steady HRV for a long time, it assumes that the wearer is in deep sleep. If it detects a high and variable HRV for a short time, it assumes that the wearer is in REM sleep.
Some devices also use environmental data to infer the sleep stages based on the external factors that can affect the quality of sleep. For example, if the device detects a low temperature, low light, and low noise for a long time, it assumes that the wearer is in deep sleep. If it detects a high temperature, high light, and high noise for a short time, it assumes that the wearer is in REM sleep.
By combining these algorithms, fitbands and smart watches can estimate how much time we spend in each sleep stage per night and per cycle.
How Accurate Are Fitbands and Smart Watches in Measuring Sleep?
Fitbands and smart watches are not medical devices and they cannot measure sleep with 100% accuracy. They rely on indirect indicators of sleep, such as movement and heart rate, which can vary from person to person and from night to night. They also have limitations in detecting the exact onset and offset of sleep, as well as the transitions between sleep stages. They may overestimate or underestimate the duration and quality of sleep, depending on the sensitivity and calibration of their sensors and algorithms.
The gold standard for measuring sleep is polysomnography, which is a test that records the brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, breathing, and other physiological signals of the wearer during sleep. It is performed in a sleep lab under the supervision of a trained technician. It can provide a detailed and accurate analysis of the sleep stages and any sleep problems that the wearer may have.
However, polysomnography is expensive, invasive, and inconvenient for most people. It also requires a single night of observation, which may not reflect the typical sleep patterns of the wearer. Therefore, fitbands and smart watches can be useful alternatives for measuring sleep at home, as long as we understand their limitations and use them as guides rather than as diagnostic tools.
What Benefits Can Fitbands and Smart Watches Offer for Improving Sleep?
Fitbands and smart watches can offer several benefits for improving our sleep habits and quality. Some of these benefits are:
Awareness: Fitbands and smart watches can help us become more aware of our sleep patterns and habits, such as how much time we spend in bed, how long it takes us to fall asleep, how often we wake up during the night, and how we feel in the morning. This can help us identify any problems or areas that need improvement in our sleep routine.
Feedback: Fitbands and smart watches can provide us with feedback on our sleep performance, such as how much time we spend in each sleep stage, how well we score on various sleep metrics, and how we compare to other people or to our own goals. This can help us track our progress and motivate us to improve our sleep quality.
Advice: Fitbands and smart watches can offer us advice on how to improve our sleep quality, such as tips on how to optimize our sleep environment, how to adjust our bedtime and wake-up time, how to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, how to relax and unwind before bed, and how to cope with stress and anxiety that may affect our sleep.
Intervention: Fitbands and smart watches can intervene in our sleep process, such as by playing soothing sounds or music to help us fall asleep faster, by adjusting the temperature or lighting to make us more comfortable during sleep, by vibrating or playing an alarm to wake us up at the optimal time in our sleep cycle, or by reminding us to go to bed or get up according to our schedule.
By using these benefits, fitbands and smart watches can help us improve our sleep hygiene, which is the set of habits and practices that promote good quality sleep. By improving our sleep hygiene, we can enjoy better health, mood, memory, productivity, and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Fitbands and smart watches are popular devices that can measure various aspects of our sleep, such as duration, quality, stages, and problems. They use different sensors and algorithms to detect when we are asleep or awake and how much time we spend in different sleep stages. They are not medical devices and they cannot measure sleep with 100% accuracy. They have limitations in detecting the exact onset and offset of sleep, as well as the transitions between sleep stages. They may overestimate or underestimate the duration and quality of sleep, depending on the sensitivity and calibration of their sensors and algorithms.
However, fitbands and smart watches can offer several benefits for improving our sleep habits and quality. They can help us become more aware of our sleep patterns and habits, provide us with feedback on our sleep performance, offer us advice on how to improve our sleep quality, and intervene in our sleep process. By using these benefits, fitbands and smart watches can help us improve our sleep hygiene, which is the set of habits and practices that promote good quality sleep. By improving our sleep hygiene, we can enjoy better health, mood, memory, productivity, and overall well-being.
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between waterproof and water resistant devices? If you are looking for a new smartphone, smartwatch, or fitness tracker or maybe just curious about these two terms, you might have seen these terms on the product specifications. But do they mean the same thing? And how do they affect the performance and durability of your devices? In this article, I will explain the meaning of waterproof and water resistant, how they are tested and rated, and what you should look for when buying a device that can handle water exposure.
What is being Waterproof?
Waterproof means that a device is completely protected from the effects of water. It can be submerged in water for a certain period of time and depth without any damage or malfunction. A waterproof device should have a seal or a coating that prevents water from entering or affecting any of its components.
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What is Water Resistance?
Water resistant means that a device can resist some water but not all. It can withstand water splashes, rain, or sweat, but it cannot be fully immersed in water. A water resistant device may have some gaps or openings that allow water to seep through after a certain amount of pressure or exposure.
How are Waterproof and Water Resistant Devices Tested and Rated?
There are two main ways to measure the level of water resistance of a device: the ATM rating and the IP rating.
The ATM Rating
The ATM rating stands for atmosphere rating. It is commonly used for watches and indicates how much water pressure a device can withstand. One ATM equals 10 meters of water depth. For example, a watch with a 5 ATM rating can survive up to 50 meters of water depth. However, this does not mean that you can swim or dive with it, as the rating only applies to static pressure and not dynamic pressure. Dynamic pressure is the force exerted by moving water, such as waves or jets. It can be much higher than static pressure and damage your device.
The IP Rating
The IP rating stands for ingress protection rating. It is widely used for smartphones, smartwatches, and other electronics. It consists of two digits: the first one indicates the level of protection against dust and solid particles, and the second one indicates the level of protection against water and liquids. The higher the digits, the better the protection. For example, an IP68 rating means that a device is dust-tight and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Waterproof or Water Resistant Device?
When buying a device that claims to be waterproof or water resistant, you should always check its rating and specifications carefully. Some devices may have different ratings for different parts, such as the body and the ports. Some devices may also have limitations on the type, temperature, or salinity of water they can handle. For example, some devices may not work well in saltwater or hot water. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for your device after exposure to water, such as drying it properly or avoiding charging it until it is completely dry.
Remember that no device is truly waterproof forever. Over time, wear and tear, drops, scratches, or cracks may compromise its seal or coating and reduce its water resistance. Therefore, you should always treat your device with care and avoid unnecessary risks with water.
I hope this article has helped you understand the difference between waterproof and water resistant devices and how to choose one that suits your needs. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.
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