Review of the 7 Most Popular Smartwatches For Your Wrist

Brit Morin
Oct 22, 2013

If you’ve spent the past year or two obsessing over the most popular activity trackers, you’re going to love the next new wearable tech trend, the smartwatch. A smartwatch is the first device to finally add reason to wearing a watch in the digital age. Not only will it tell you the time, but it can also connect to WiFi and has bluetooth functionality so that it can seamlessly pair with your smartphone to relay calls, texts, and more without you ever having to pick up a separate device. It’s like all of the best qualities of your smartphone, on your wrist! (I’m personally excited about the fact that it will be much, much harder for me to ever drop, break, or lose my phone once I have one of these babies.)

Turns out, nearly all of our favorite electronics companies (and many new startups) are betting big on this trend, as there are already several smartwatches on the market (and more to come — hint, hint, Apple). Thus we thought we’d help break down the pros and cons of the top seven most talked about watches on our radar.

1. Pebble ($150): The oldest kid on the smartphone watch block, Pebble is a watch, a smartphone satellite, and a sleek piece of arm candy all in one. It connects to iPhone and Android phones using Bluetooth, alerting you with a silent vibration to incoming calls, emails, and texts. It also has a whole host of apps ranging from sports and fitness, to music and gaming. Plus, with tons of gorgeous digital watchfaces, the Pebble can be easily customized to your personality, mood, or outfit.

2. MetaWatch FRAME ($229): Put your name on the waiting list—the FRAME is currently out of stock. We’re not surprised. This gadget is the perfect blend of fashion and functionality. It works with iPhones and Android phones and features multiple watch face options in addition to features like caller ID, SMS, email, weather, and calendar notifications. You can control music via Bluetooth and the cycling and running app is on its way. Plus, social media features (!) are coming soon. Facebook and Twitter notifications on your wrist? We’re in. Oh, and did we mention it’s water resistant in up to 100 feet of water? Scuba divers, take note.

3. Martian Passport Watch ($300): Stainless steel, genuine leather, and sporty silicone? Is this a fashion accessory or a piece of technology? The Martian Passport is definitely the most stylish smartwatch we’ve come across. Don’t be fooled—despite its low-tech look, it’s not lacking in the “smart” department. With a noise-cancelling microphone and voice command, you can talk, listen, and receive notifications without ever taking your iPhone or Android phone out of your pocket. You can even take a photo remotely from your watch. What a timepiece!

4. Sony SmartWatch 2 ($200): If you have an Android phone, this is the watch for you. This newly-released gadget connects to your phone via Bluetooth, has NFC connectivity and an army of apps, and vibrates to alert you when new info is received. You can customize your SmartWatch to fit your style with a number of wrist strap options, too. It’s also dust- and waterproof, so feel free to head to the beach with this guy. While the design itself may be a little plain, at $200, it’s one of the more affordable options on the market.

5. Samsung GALAXY Gear ($300): This watch is so chock full of cool features, we don’t even know where to start. Thanks to the “Find My Device” feature, you can use your watch to find your phone when its misplaced. With voice command, you can make calls, write messages, set your alarm, and more without touching a button. And get this—the Gear automatically locks your smartphone whenever it’s more than 5 feet away from your watch and unlocks it when it’s close again. What!? That might be the definition of a “smart” watch. This sleek gadget is compatible across all of the Samsung GALAXY devices. Oh, and there are loads of apps…AND a built-in camera. Wow.

6. Adidas miCoach SMART RUN ($399): Calling all fitness enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for November 1st. Why? Because that’s the day that the new Adidas running watch is scheduled to hit the market. At $399, this is one of the more expensive models out there, however, it’s anticipated to be the most advanced running device on the market. Users will be able to monitor their heart rate (on their wrist—no chest strap needed), track their runs using GPS, play music via Bluetooth, receive audio coaching, and more. We’ve never been so motivated to work out.

7. Fitbit Force ($130): The Force is the newest activity-tracking wristband from Fitbit. This gadget, available in black and slate, uses an accelerometer to track your daily steps, your calories burned, your heart rate, and more. All of the data syncs wirelessly and automatically to your smartphone, tablet, PC, or Mac. As a result, you can view and analyze your stats anytime—AKA, it’s great for us data-driven geeks ;) You can view all of your stats through the OLED display, too. At night, the Force tracks your sleep patterns and has a silent vibrating wake alarm. Talk about a peaceful wake up call! Oh, and call notifications are coming soon. We just found our new personal trainer.

10 Sleek Tech Products You Didn’t Know You Could Get on Jet

It’s 2019, people, and we could all use an upgrade. We’re not talking upgrades on your shoe closet or that old kitchen appliance that needs replacing. We’re talking about sleek, fancy new electronics to bring your home into the 21st century. And it turns out, Jet.com is an ideal place to find the latest models, the best brands, and the downright *prettiest* electronics that will turn your home into a smart home. To go with a very smart homeowner (that’s you, just in case you weren’t sure). Check out some of these elegant, new “toys” that you may not have realized were just waiting to jump into your cart at Jet.com.

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Surprise! We Could Get 'Paradise' Season 2 Sooner Than You Think

The only thing keeping me from being upset about A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show being canceled is how well Hulu handled it's newest thriller, Paradise. Created by screenwriter Dan Fogelman (This Is Us) and starring Sterling K. Brown, it's a murder mystery with dystopian undertones that explores what could happen if states become uninhabitable.

Besides feeling relevant to our current timeline, Paradise has a soundtrack that rivals Strangers Things and leaves viewers wanting more. Fortunately, Hulu got the memo and renewed it for Season 2 — thank goodness!

Here's everything to know about Paradise season 2!

Has 'Paradise' Season 2 began filming? 

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A post shared by Dan Fogelman (@danfogman)

I'm pinching myself because Paradise Season 2 has started filming! Dan Fogelman shared the amazing news on his Instagram a few days ago and his comments are buzzing with excitement! "We’re baaaaaaaack. #Paradise#S2," he wrote which means we could see Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nichols on our screens sooner than anticipated.

This comes after an update Fogelman shared with a hopeful fan on X. In response to a fear viewers would have to wait a long time to see more action from our new favorite characters, Fogelman put all fears aside. "we start shooting in just a few weeks. It won’t be 2 years I promise! #Paradise," he said.

When does 'Paradise' season 2 premiere?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Filming just started for Paradise Season 2, so a premiere date for it hasn't been shared yet. But at the rate Fogelman's going, we could possibly see the thriller series on Hulu towards the end of the year or at the beginning of 2026!

For now, fans can rewatch Season 1 on Hulu or when it appears on ABC April 7 at 10:00 p.m. (via The Hollywood Reporter).

What is 'Paradise' about?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise begins in an idyllic community where homes are picturesque, streets are clean, and everyone lives in perfect harmony. However, it doesn't take long for the peace to be disturbed when the President is discovered murdered by his trusted Secret Service agent Xavier Collins.

Before long, he begins questioning the world he and his children live in while also searching for clues about his missing wife.

Who's in the 'Paradise' cast?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise Season 1 has a stacked cast! Besides Sterling K. Brown, there's other familiar faces who help with the show's equilibrium.

  • Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins
  • James Marsden as President Cal Bradford
  • Julianne Nicholson as "Sinatra"
  • Krys Marshall as Robinson
  • Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi
  • Jon Beavers as Billy Pace
  • Nicole Brydon Bloom as Jane Driscoll
  • Aliyah Mastin as Presley Collins
  • Percy Daggs IV as James Collins
  • Charlie Evans as Jeremy Bradford
  • Richard Robichaux as Carl

What's happened in 'Paradise' so far?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Wow, where do I begin?!

After it was revealed that the community he and everyone else lives in has been artificially created due to a disaster, the brief moments of unease Collins shows begins making sense. It's clear he and President Cal ended on bad terms before his death, but it doesn't seem like he was responsible for murdering the man he was sworn to protect.

What's odd is that Sinatra, the mastermind behind the beautiful community they live in, has been playing puppet master. She ordered the deaths of scientists sent to the surface to test the air quality AND she made sure Agent Billy was blindsided by his love interest's manipulation. Upsettingly, his murderer is none other than seemingly docile and clueless Agent Jane.

Viewers were also introduced to President Cal's father and were able to see how much he never wanted to be the face of the country. Though his father appears to have dementia, it's clear he feels guilty about something and may have seen who killed his son.

When did the season finale of 'Paradise' season air?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise left off on several cliffhangers on Hulu March 4!

How many seasons of 'Paradise' will there be?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Dan Fogelman already knows what he wants to do with Paradise! He said, "I have a plan for three seasons of the show. Without giving away too much, each season of the show is a slightly different show, within the same show with the same characters," (via The Hollywood Reporter).

For more exciting entertainment news, be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

This post has been updated.

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Here’s How to Prevent Headphones from Damaging Your Hearing

If you choose to tackle your commute, gym session, desk job, or grocery shopping with the aid of good music or your favorite podcast, chances are you’re spending a lot of time wearing headphones. With more of us plugged in to portable devices than ever, should we be worrying about the impact of sending sound straight into our eardrums? The World Health Organization thinks so: They’ve warned that listening to audio devices too loud and for too long is damaging the hearing of millions of teenagers and young adults. So how can we protect our hearing while also enjoying our favorite songs or podcasts? Listen up.

How Bad Are Headphones, Really?

This question has intrigued experts since the Walkman (RIP) came out in the late ‘80s, says Dr. Marco Jurado, an audiologist at Austin Regional Clinic in Texas. Dr. Jurado shares that the data is mixed: “Some studies have suggested that the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss was on the increase until the mid-2000s, whereas more recent studies have shown that it’s actually decreased in younger populations.” Regardless of how many young people are experiencing hearing loss, the experts agreed that the prevalence of headphones and earbuds have become a major contributing factor. “There are a number of causes of hearing loss, such as genetics or as a side effect of other illnesses, but the main culprit is noise, in particular, excessive use of headphones and earbuds,” says Dr. Leigh Hogan, an audiologist and founder of Hear Well Audiology.

It’s not simply that headphones are closer to your eardrums that makes them dangerous: As with any noise, it’s the volume that determines the impact on your hearing. Audiologist Dr. Meryl Hochdorf Miller from the Audiological Consultants of Atlanta in Georgia explains: “Sound loses energy, and therefore intensity, as it travels. If the sound coming out of your headphones is the same volume level as that emitted from a speaker, it is more dangerous, because the sound doesn’t travel as far to your eardrums.” The good news, then, is that headphones aren’t inherently damaging — but we have to use them responsibly.

What Makes for Good Headphones?

Given that the louder you listen, the more damage you’re doing, it’s best to look for headphones that reduce your urge to turn up the volume. Luckily, technology is here to help. “Noise-canceling or noise-reducing headphones mean you don’t have to increase the volume to overcome noise around you,” Dr. Miller points out. “Also, make sure that your headphones fit well. If they’re loose or tend to work their way out of your ears, you’re more likely to increase the volume to make up for the lost sound. If you have small ear canals, try over-the-ear headphones, earbuds that have a very small tip on the end, or having custom molds made.” That said, remember that it’s not just your hearing you have to think about when you’re walking down the street with your music blaring. “Be mindful of your surroundings when using noise canceling technology,” Dr. Jurado cautions. “There are some loud ambient sounds, like a car honk or approaching ambulance siren, that we still need to hear.”

If you feel comfortable broadcasting the fact you’re listening to a device and don’t mind carting around the extra bulk, headphones might be a better choice than earbuds. Dr. Whitney Hardy, a family medicine specialist with Ochsner Health System, warns, “Earbuds are more dangerous than headphones, because they sit closer to the eardrum and provide more direct vibration, increasing the decibel level of the sound by seven to nine decibels from its original level.” Solid justification for the headphones-as-accessory look.

What’s the Safest Usage?

The two key components of safe headphone use that all of our experts pointed to are, as Dr. Miller summarizes, how long and how loud? She describes a formula to keep in mind: “80 decibels (dB) is safe for up to eight hours: That’s about as loud as the garbage disposal in your sink. For every 3 dB you add to the volume, you have to cut the time in half. So if I listen to music at 83 dB and want to keep it at a safe level, I have to cut my listening time to four hours. At 86 dB, I will be safe at two hours, and so on.” So how do we make sure we’re not going over 80 dB? “Set the music so only you can hear it. If you turn headphones up loud enough that someone else in the same room can hear, it’s too loud.”

Don’t automatically trust your smartphone to protect you, either. “Many smartphones and MP3 players can reach a maximum volume as high as 100 dB, which is only safe for five minutes,” Dr. Hardy tells us. “A good rule to remember is the 60/60 rule, which is to listen for 60 minutes at 60 percent volume, then give your ears a break.”

One clue that the volume is too high, Dr. Jurado says, is tinnitus — that ringing in your ears you’ve probably experienced after going to a gig or a noisy nightclub. This specific form of tinnitus is known as a temporary threshold shift because it fades after a few hours, but “continuing use at this volume will certainly lead to hearing loss.” Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if overexposure to loud noises is damaging your hearing until it’s too late. Dr. Hogan says other symptoms to look out for are “feeling like your ears are full; difficulty understanding speech; having to ask people to repeat themselves; and having to turn the volume up on the TV or radio. If you notice any of these signs, get tested by a licensed audiologist.”

Even if you don’t — and especially if you use headphones a lot — Dr. Miller recommends getting tested to establish your baseline hearing, so you have a control to compare to later. Hearing safety might not be the height of rock ‘n’ roll, but take the careful approach now, and you can be tuning out the world with your headphones for years to come.

What headphones are your jam? Share them with us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

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Um, Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell Were "Real Close" At His Sister's Wedding

Pop culture lovers definitely remember all the buzz surrounding Anyone But You — and the affair rumors circulating Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney. The actors ended up admitting they played into the rumor for the movie's marketing, but fans can't quite let this duo go. Well, after Sydney allegedly postponed her wedding to fiancé Jonathan Davino, even more rumors surfaced that the actress allegedly stayed at a hotel on her own and called off her wedding. And this weekend, Sydney was spotted with none other than Glen Powell at Glen's sister's wedding. Which, if you remember, is literally the plot of Anyone But You.

Here's everything we know about Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell at that wedding this weekend.

Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell were spotted grabbing Tex Mex.

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney were spotted this weekend in Dallas, Texas — and DeuxMoi reports it was for his sister's rehearsal dinner at Joe Leo Fine Tex Mex. In the photos, Glen stands at the bar in a polo shirt while Sydney wears a black scoop neck top and long waves.

Fans of the duo immediately flooded the comments to join the conversation, with some Instagram users asking, "Can't they be friends?!" with others pointing out, "People are saying good friends but idk if I'd bring a friend to my SISTER'S wedding." (And this tweet referencing Taylor Swift's "Fresh Out The Slammer" made me laugh). DeuxMoi also reported Sydney had her own invitation to the wedding, but that the pair was "real close" at the Park House members-only club.

A source did tell TMZ that Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell did not attend the wedding as a couple, and that Syd is "very good friends with the Powell family," and that she's been "very close" with Glen's sister Leslie Powell "for a long time."

Did Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell have a relationship?

There were rumors surrounding Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell having an affair while filming & promoting Anyone But You, but Sydney shut those rumors down after the movie's release.

"Once [the movie] did become a success, a lot of the interviews were just questions about [the rumors], so I don’t know if we necessarily were planning on ever talking about the strategy behind any of it," she told Vanity Fair. "We just had very specific questions and when you say no to a question, people think that you’re a b—ch, so."

"I wanted to make sure that we were actively having a conversation with the audience as we were promoting this film," she added in an interview with the New York Times. "Because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who created the entire narrative."

Why did Sydney Sweeney call off her wedding?

Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino reportedly called off their wedding because of "major" problems, and a lot of work stress.

"Sydney and Jonathan have been having major issues but are not fully split," a source told MailOnline. “Things are not great right now, but they aren’t throwing in the towel yet. They are working on their relationship but have called off the wedding for now.”

The sources adds that “the wedding is not happening, and they aren’t having further discussions about it. Sydney wanted to cancel everything and couldn’t handle the stress...A lot of their issues stem from Sydney being extremely busy with work commitments."

What is the age difference between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell?

Sydney Sweeney was born in 1997, making her 27 years old. Glen Powell is 36 and was born in 1988. There's 9 years between them.

Stay tuned for the latest news on Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell — and congrats to the Powell family! Check out Sydney Sweeney Is A Total Bombshell After Postponing Her Wedding for more on the Euphoria actress.

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Your Weekly Horoscope Is In — & It's "Magical" For These 5 Signs

Get ready for this week's weeklyhoroscope, because Aries season just got a whole lot more interesting. Not only is the Sun still blazing in this fiery sign, but we're welcoming Neptune into the Aries party – and trust me, this is a game-changer. Think less daydreaming, more doing. This week's astro-weather is all about turning those big, beautiful visions into tangible realities, not just for us, but for the whole planet. Get ready to channel your inner warrior for good, because the universe is giving us the green light to make some serious magic happen. Let's dive into your weekly horoscope!

Scroll to see your zodiac sign's weekly horoscope for March 30-April 5, 2025.

Taryn Archambault

This weekly horoscope is all about Aries— not only because the Sun is in Aries, but because Neptune has just entered the sign. Neptune, the ruler of Pisces, embodies peace and ethereal wisdom, while Aries is bold, courageous, and a warrior. This shift presents a powerful opportunity: instead of just dreaming of a more just and equal world, we can take real steps toward making it a reality—not only for humanity but for all species and ecosystems. It’s a big task, but history offers inspiration. The last time Neptune entered Aries, in 1864, the International Red Cross was founded to provide aid to war-wounded soldiers, regardless of which side they fought for. That altruistic mission has endured for 161 years.

Neptune spends roughly 14 years in each sign, shaping the collective outlook of an entire generation. Moving from Pisces, the zodiac’s final and most intuitive sign, into Aries, the first and most action-oriented sign, marks the start of a new cycle. While Neptune may take time to adjust to Aries’ fiery energy, we have an opportunity to manifest the highest potential of this pairing—using Aries’ drive to actively pursue Neptune’s vision of peace.

This week also brings other planetary movements that support positive action. On April 4, Saturn sextiles Uranus, blending Saturn’s discipline with Uranus’ inventive, out-of-the-box thinking. This energy encourages us to take calculated risks and work hard toward meaningful goals, transforming chaos into order.

Mallory Vandervelde

Adding to the momentum, Mars sextiles Uranus on the same day. This alignment delivers an extra push to innovate, experiment, and pursue what makes us feel free and authentic. Trust your instincts—if there’s a move you’ve been considering to bring more fulfillment into your life, this is a great time to make it happen.

On April 6, Venus trines Mars, blending love and beauty with action and drive. These two planets will continue this harmonious dance for months, sparking creativity and passion. It’s a great time to expand social activities and embrace the fresh, inviting energy of spring. Assertiveness and affection will be well-balanced, making it easier to connect with new people and strengthen existing relationships. Advocate for yourself and take charge of your life.

For a deeper and more personalized look at how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.

Read Your Zodiac Sign's Weekly Horoscope Here!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Ensure your projects are grounded in reality. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Conserve your energy for attainable goals and refine your ideas before taking action. This dreamy phase is excellent for creativity, so carve out a space where you can freely create. Prioritize your artistic or personal passions and allow fluidity in the process.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You stand at the edge of profound personal growth. Take time for quiet reflection, deepen your spiritual practice, and open your heart to intuitive insights. Use any tools that help you expand your understanding of the universe and your place in it. Patience is key; setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for cleansing and realignment. Release anything that no longer serves your highest evolution.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

It may feel like you’re the only competent one, and doing everything yourself seems easier than waiting for others to catch up. However, be cautious—this can lead to resentment. Instead, evaluate your role within your group or community. You are a natural leader, so set boundaries and teach others rather than shouldering all the work. Empowering others lightens your load and strengthens your influence.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This may be a confusing period. Ask yourself: does your outward persona truly reflect who you are? Reflect on the different aspects of your personality and whether you’ve been limiting yourself. Explore new interests beyond your daily routine. You might find that career ambitions shift once you connect with other facets of yourself. Avoid impulsive decisions; instead, organize your life to accommodate both stability and growth.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Trust the universe and your intuition. Let go of ego-driven desires, power struggles, and the need to control. Mystical insights will emerge when you surrender to the flow. Explore art, culture, or travel to broaden your horizons. Seek out experiences that challenge and expand your understanding of the world. Engaging with diverse perspectives will lead to exciting and meaningful interactions.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

You are entering a deeply introspective and spiritual phase. Peel back the layers of ego, dive into your subconscious, and strengthen your connection to the cosmos. This period offers a chance for self-transformation, leading to a more peaceful, authentic version of yourself. Establish rituals that nurture your higher self. However, don’t neglect daily responsibilities—especially financial matters, which require extra attention now.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Clear, direct communication is crucial, particularly in your relationships. Honesty and transparency will serve you best. If conflicts arise, practice Nonviolent Communication (as taught by Marshall Rosenberg). Keep your eyes open and scrutinize agreements carefully—have contracts reviewed by a professional before signing. Take a cautious, discerning approach in your interactions until intentions become clear.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Listen to your body’s signals. Seasonal transitions can make you more susceptible to illness, so prioritize self-care. Strengthen your immune system with healthy habits. You may also be more sensitive to substances like alcohol or processed foods—moderation is key. Your heightened intuition will guide you when assessing new opportunities; trust your instincts and be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

You are entering an exceptionally creative phase. Push beyond your current perceptions of what creativity means to you. Experiment with new methods and techniques while ensuring that the process remains enjoyable. Inspiration can strike from unexpected places, so stay open. However, avoid speculative risks for now. Instead, channel this ethereal energy into artistic and imaginative pursuits.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

The comfort of home may be especially appealing, but ask yourself whether you’re using it as an escape. If so, redirect that energy into creative activities that soothe your soul, such as gardening, tending to your houseplants or growing kitchen herbs. Establish meaningful rituals to connect with your inner self. If emotions feel overwhelming, seek guidance from a counselor or trusted advisor to gain perspective.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Communication requires extra care. Before expressing heartfelt emotions or presenting ideas, take time to clarify your thoughts. Negotiations are especially delicate—pay close attention to details, and seek legal counsel before signing agreements. This is also an excellent period for writing or refining creative projects. Diligence will pay off, allowing you to produce some of your most compelling work.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Be mindful with finances and possessions. If something promises quick riches, be skeptical. You may feel slightly disoriented, so detach from rigid expectations. Approach material matters with a spiritual mindset—do your belongings bring joy and elevate your energy? Take time to assess what truly adds value to your life and let go of anything that no longer serves you.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

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