Jessica Irvine
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Senior writer, numbers nerd and policy wonk at The Sydney Morning Herald. I hang out more on Insta using the handle moneywithjess
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Articles by Jessica Irvine
Action Services Group Acquires Stouch Lighting to Expand Turn-Key National LED Upgrade Procurement Capabilities
Action Services Group Logo Acquisition strengthens product procurement capabilities, enabling cost savings and expanded lighting solutions for commercial clients nationwide.
Action Services Group Logo National Electrical Service Expansion Action Services Group expands nationwide electrical services to deliver scalable, 24/7 solutions for multi-site commercial facilities.
Action Services Group Unveils Next Gen LED Solutions to Future-Proof Commercial Lighting Systems
Action Services Group Unveils Next Gen LED Solutions to Future-Proof Commercial Lighting Systems Action Services Group Logo Next Gen LED - Upgrade Your Technology Action Services Group launches Next Gen LED Solutions to upgrade outdated systems with smarter, more efficient technology.
Incentive Rebate360 Welcomes WakeSMART to Energy Efficiency Partner Hub
Incentive Rebate360 Welcomes WakeSMART to Energy Efficiency Partner Hub Meet WakeSMART an Incentive Rebate360 Partner Partnership Brings Advanced Computer Power Management to Help Organizations Reduce IT Energy Waste and Maximize Incentive Opportunities We’re excited to welcome WakeSMART to our Energy Efficiency Partner Hub.
11 Perfect Weekend Getaways in Queensland
January 29, 2025 By Jessica Irvine, Natascha Mirosch, Kirsten Galliott Whether you're after family time, a romantic escape, a gourmet getaway or even something completely off grid – here are some of the best ways to have a quick long weekend in Queensland. For wellness: Eden Health Retreat Eden Retreat in Currumbin Valley in the Gold Coast’s lush hinterland is Australia’s longest-running health resort, guiding guests towards relaxation and restoration for more than 40 years.
Samsung Sneaks $350 Off Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 7 have been available for some time, yet Samsung has continued to keep discounts heavy on them if you have another smartwatch to trade-in. We’re talking $350 off the Galaxy Watch Ultra or $250 off the Galaxy Watch 7, just for giving up your current and older watch. If you were looking to upgrade gear, Samsung Back-To-School is kind of the spot, at least for tech stuff.
A new HarmonyOS beta program is live for Huawei Watch GT 4/Ultimate
Huawei has opened a new HarmonyOS beta program for the Watch GT 4 as well as the Watch Ultimate series. The recruitment is running live and users can participate in this testing pool using the Huawei Member Center application on their phones. This unexpected beta program arrived amid HarmonyOS NEXT beta recruitment for early adopters. Alongside smartphones and tablets, it seems Huawei aims to bring a new experience to its flagship wearables. Let’s learn more about this activity.
Galaxy Watch trade-in values are up alongside student discounts
As Summer break comes to an end for many students across the US, Samsung has announced new discounts available for students as well as improved trade-in offers towards Galaxy Watch. Available starting today through early September, Samsung is offering boosted trade-in credits on several Galaxy Watch models. This includes the latest Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, which get up to $250 and $350 in trade-in values, respectively.
Our favorite Garmin watch just hit its lowest price on Amazon
Garmin Forerunner 265 $350 $450 Save $100 Garmin’s top sports watch, the Forerunner 265, is now a steal on Amazon—22% off its regular $450 price! With its 42mm or 46mm OLED touchscreen and up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, this watch offers serious value. Grab it while you can. If you’re on the hunt for cutting-edge fitness-tracking gear, there’s no shortage of options—from smartwatches to fitness rings. But have you checked out what Garmin has to offer?
Personalize Your Apple Watch With These Unique Clock Apps
The original swanky $10,000 gold Apple Watch Edition is long discontinued, but since then, the popular Apple Watch has turned out to be the company’s most personalized product. A lucrative marketplace of watch bands plus several aluminum and stainless steel case colors make for an almost unlimited combination of looks. But what about the most decorative part of a watch, the clock face? A digital screen means anything can be displayed on it, but Apple keeps a tight rein on the designs it offers.
5 things Apple Watch 10 can learn from Pixel Watch 3
The Apple Watch 10 is coming. With a possible launch date of September 10th, there are plenty of rumors about the forthcoming wearable, which might be called the Apple Watch X. For example, we may get a larger display (nice!) but also a plastic case (boo). Of course, another massive smartwatch release just occurred and Apple would be wise to study what its rival Google got right with the Pixel Watch 3.
Samsung Galaxy Ultra Watch didn’t copy quite everything
About a month with the Galaxy Watch Ultra was enough for one user to see its action button fall off, and Samsung seems resistant to help despite being under warranty. Samsung revealed a new rugged smartwatch that borrowed more than a name from Apple Watch Ultra on June 10. Design aspects, including the orange accents and band, bear more than a passing resemblance to Apple’s product, though Samsung has long used the “ultra” moniker.
Smartwatch design is boring — 5 ways Apple, Garmin, Google and Samsung can make it exciting again - TechCodex
The latest crop of smartwatches — from the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 to the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Google Pixel Watch 3 — all have one enormous quality in common. No, I’m not talking about onboard heart rate sensors, GPS or even snazzy AI features. All of these devices look remarkably similar to those that came before them.
This rugged Garmin smartwatch is built for adventure and now $140 off
This is the watch to get if you need lots of battery life Garmin Instinct Solar $260 $400 Save $140 This is the watch you want to go with if you’re looking for something rugged, light, and relatively affordable. The Garmin Instinct brings a wealth of fitness and health tracking features and offers excellent battery life with a maximum runtime of up to 54 days. There’s a ton of options to choose from if you’re looking to buy a new smartwatch.
Big oof: The Google Pixel Watch 3 can’t be repaired, only replaced
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Google has confirmed to us that the Pixel Watch 3 can’t be repaired and can only be replaced. This is bad news for environmental reasons, suggesting that broken watches will end up in landfills. This isn’t the first Pixel Watch model that can’t be repaired, though. One of the most disappointing things about the original Pixel Watch was that it couldn’t actually be repaired. Instead, users would need to get a replacement watch.
This is what happened when I used the Galaxy Ring and Watch together
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority On July 10, Samsung officially joined the smart ring race by launching the eagerly awaited Galaxy Ring. The company touts its new petite fitness tracker as the “best for 24/7 wear.” However, on the same day, we also got a new Galaxy Watch 7 and a Galaxy Watch Ultra, suggesting there’s still reason to make room on our wrists for Samsung as well.
Second Galaxy Watch Ultra software update rolling out worldwide
Samsung’s most pro-grade, feature-packed, and expensive smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, received its first software update in late July. That update was seemingly released in only a few markets, and a week ago, it was followed by another update. That second update was initially available in the US, but now, it is rolling out in many other countries. Users from Europe and Asia have confirmed that they got the update on their Watch Ultras this week.
The Apple Watch SE may soon get a much-needed makeover
It looks like plastic is making a triumphant return to Apple’s product portfolio. According to Bloomberg, the next Apple Watch SE will ditch its metallic enclosure in favor of a plastic shell, and it could arrive this fall. This would be the first time that Apple would use plastic as the main building material for its smartwatch. The key objective is to bring down the production costs, with hopes of putting it close to around a $200 retail price.
A kids’ smartwatch that keeps parents in the loop
I didn’t aspire to be a professional badger wrangler, but that became my fate when I became a parent. And while I adore my son’s fiery and tireless spirit, it wouldn’t be an inconvenience if he someday became fond of occasional intermissions, like napping, watching a movie from start to finish, or merely sitting on the couch.
Unlike the Fitbit, this $22 smartwatch tracks blood pressure — don’t miss this deal - TechCodex
The Apple Watch is the standard bearer in the wearable tech space. Everything is compared to it, for better or worse. But not everyone wants to fork over nearly $200 (minimum!), and many people just don’t use Apple products. Sure, there are Android smartwatches, but they’re equally expensive. If you’d love to make a smartwatch part of your routine but feel priced out of the market, meet the Popglory. It’s loaded with features, easy to use and — get this — only $22 right now.
Hurry! The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a $100 price cut at Amazon
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a powerful and intuitive smartwatch that any outdoorsy Apple fan would be glad to own. And fortunately, there are plenty of good Apple Watch deals to take advantage of. As a matter of fact, one of the best discounts on the Ultra 2 can be found on Amazon. Right now, you can order the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $700, which is a $100 markdown from its full price of $800.
Google is already testing Wear OS 5.1, could be based on Android 15
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Android Authority has learned of test builds of Wear OS 5.1 for the Pixel Watch 2. These builds are based on the upcoming Android 15 release. This is noteworthy because Wear OS 5.0 is based on Android 14. We’re merely days away from the expected unveiling of the Google Pixel Watch 3 series, and because of leaks, many details about the watches have already been made public.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review: Not for everyone
Samsung fans are probably sick of hearing it, but you can’t deny that the company’s brand-new Galaxy Watch Ultra has a lot in common with the Apple Watch Ultra smartwatches. But is this (arguably) copycat device Samsung’s best and boldest answer to Apple’s domination of the wrist? To its credit, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the very best smartwatch Samsung has ever made if you care about specs. That doesn’t mean it’s the best smartwatch for you.
Google Pixel Watch’s August 2024 update is here, but with a twist
Google is rolling out August’s security patch for Pixel Watch ahead of its phones. To get the latest update, navigate to Settings > System > System updates and tap the watch icon on the “Your watch is up to date” page. After installing the new firmware, your watch will still show that it is running the July 2024 security patch. Like clockwork, Google has been rolling out monthly security patches for its Pixel Watch lineup.
Straightforward smartwatch with big battery life
A common critique of the best smartwatches today is that they’re just phones on your wrist, adding more distractions and tossing simplicity to the side. The new Galaxy Watch Ultra, which takes inspiration from the giant Apple Watch Ultra, is a great example. If you’re looking for the polar opposite of this trend, look no further than the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar. It’s a basic GPS watch with a few smartwatch features, putting a rugged design and a familiar navigation experience above all else.
9 common problems and the best ways to fix them
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has much to offer for the health-conscious and everyday user. If you’re into sleep tracking and want more health metrics to gain better insight into your health, the Galaxy Watch 7 does all that but better. Its Advanced BioActive Sensors and 480-by-480-pixel Super AMOLED display make this a powerful tracker without relying on your smartphone.
Last chance: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 on sale for $210
Samsung smartwatches are some of the best wearables in the business, and from one generation to the next, the tech keeps getting better. Now that the Galaxy Watch 7 is just around the corner, we’re going to start seeing markdowns on older Galaxy Watch models pretty much across the board. In fact, we found a great discount on a popular Watch 6 while scanning through Best Buy deals. As it stands, you’ll be able to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 for just $210.
6 features I wish Wear OS would copy
Wear OS made a strong comeback after Google joined hands with Samsung to revive the platform in 2021. Fast-forward three years, and the Android smartwatch ecosystem is thriving, with several good options from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and others. But despite regular improvements from Google’s side, Wear OS has some puzzling limitations and missing features that have been around on the Apple Watch or Android itself for years.
From Skeptics to Superfans: How I Sold My Boomer Parents on the Apple Watch
When I first gave my parents an Apple Watch each, my 70-year-old mother still signed her own text messages “love, mom,” and wouldn’t have been caught dead wearing anything around her wrist besides her delicate analog watch and carefully curated selection of bracelets. My dad, more tech-savvy and curious, thought the Apple Watch was a pointless waste of money that he’d never wear.
I walked 3,500 steps with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE — here’s the winner - TechCodex
Have you ever wondered which smartwatch brand is better at tracking your daily steps, Apple or Samsung? I sure have. To find out, I wore the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 on one wrist and the latest Apple Watch SE on the other before heading out on an afternoon walk, manually counting each step as a control. Which device was closest to my total of 3,500 steps? You’ll have to read on. Galaxy Watch 7 vs.
My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: Google Pixel Watch 2
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Credit: Product image courtesy of Amazon. Ever since Google acquired Fitbit, it has managed to improve its Pixel Watch series. The Google Pixel Watch 2 is a great mix of the Fitbit health-tracking features and Google’s tech-heavy smartwatch, and is one of the best smartwatch options available to Android users.
[Galaxy Unpacked 2024] A Look Inside the Galaxy Watch Ultra – Samsung Global Newsroom - TechCodex
A Galaxy Watch is more than a timekeeper — it is a partner that users can count on to support them in pursuing healthier, more balanced lives wherever they are. At Galaxy Unpacked 2024, Samsung unveiled the highest-performing Galaxy Watch ever with the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Designed to embrace adventure and optimized for people with a passion for maximizing performance, the Galaxy Watch Ultra takes the wearable experience to the next level.
Walmart cuts ‘must-have’ Apple Watch to just $189 as buyers rave ‘I absolutely love it’ – it’s on offer in three colors - TechCodex
WALMART shoppers have raved about an Apple Watch that has since had a major price cut. The watch, which comes in three different colors, also offers different band and screen sizes. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is on sale now for $189, per Walmart’s website. The popular accessory is normally priced at $249 so buyers are saving $60 with this deal.
Samsung is giving $350 for trade-ins when buying the Watch Ultra
Samsung is currently running a pre-order campaign for the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra – the company’s newest wearables. Right now, trade-in values are higher than they’ve ever been for older Galaxy Watches, meaning now is the time to trade them in and upgrade. Trading your old Galaxy Watch in for the new Watch 7 or Ultra is only worth it if you’re actually eyeing the new smartwatches.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch could be the ultimate wearable tag team – here’s why - TechCodex
We’ve all been waiting for more information – mainly a release date, full feature list, and price – for the Galaxy Ring since Samsung first teased it at its January 2024 Galaxy Unpacked, but the tech giant finally made it all official. Samsung’s latest wearable is up for order right now at $399 / £399 (and around AU$750, though exact pricing is TBC) and will have a street date of July 24, 2024.
Top 10 Innovative Smartwatches That Are Excellent Alternatives To The Apple Watch – Yanko Design - TechCodex
An exceptional smartwatch can really transform your everyday life.
Best Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 bands
Excellent news! Samsung did not opt for new connectors with the Galaxy Watch 7, unlike the Galaxy Watch Ultra. All the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 bands include all 20mm quick-release bands out there. Users get backward compatibility with bands for the Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Watch 4, and even the Galaxy Watch 3. That’s a whole galaxy of choices! Competition on this level is good for the consumer, but the sheer number of compatible bands can can be a little daunting.
Apple Watch Lost in the Sea Found 18 Months Later, Still Works
A YouTuber who lost his Apple Watch while swimming and diving in the summer of 2022 has had it returned to him, thanks to the Find My feature. Apple Watches can survive immersion in even salt water, up to certain depths. Jared Brick of Brick House Media made a video in which he shared both the return of his Apple Watch and the backstory behind the recovery. He bought Apple Watches for himself and his son to stay in touch during a family trip to celebrate his son’s 11th birthday.
Don’t let anyone you know buy these cheap smartwatch Amazon Prime Day deals
The Amazon Prime Day sales are almost upon us, and although the sales period isn’t due to officially kick off until Tuesday, July 16, some of the earliest Amazon Prime Day smartwatch deals are already live right now. Historically, Amazon Prime Day has been an opportunity to get the best Apple Watches, best Garmin watches, best running watches, or even the best golf watches at a sizeable discount, saving potentially hundreds of dollars or pounds.
Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch don’t have a subscription now, but Samsung exec says that could change
Samsung is hoping to win fitness tracker adopters over with a key advantage: no subscription fees. At a time when many consumer companies in the health space charge users monthly for their services, the new Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch 7, and Galaxy Watch Ultra arrive without software paywalls. Samsung Health, Samsung’s unified health and wellness app, has been free for customers since it launched in 2012.
The $5,650 timepiece that Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra looks like
It’s frankly silly how much Samsung took from the Apple Watch Ultra to make its latest wearable. However, it doesn’t end there. I’d also submit that the Galaxy Watch Ultra takes a few too many design cues from the Hermès H08. 9to5Google has a rebooted newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up to get it early in your inbox, or continue reading 9to5Google Log Out below: While most known for luxury leather goods, Hermès also makes watches.
iQOO Watch GT unveiled with a 1.85″ display, cheap iQOO TWS 1i feature low latency mode
11 July 2024 iQOO launched its first smartwatch earlier this year, a round watch with Blue OS. Now the company is introducing its second watch, this one with a rectangular shape, and also a new pair of TWS buds. iQOO Watch GT The iQOO Watch GT features a 1.85” OLED display with 390 x 450px resolution. It can reach 600 nits of peak brightness and can automatically select between 256 brightness levels based on ambient conditions.
Too young for an iPhone? Apple promoting Apple Watch for kids
“Easy to call and text. Know where they are. Great ways to keep them active. It’s independence for them. And peace of mind for you,” the message on the website says. The software that lets parents track their child’s location and manage the device is called “Apple Watch For Your Kids.” It was previously called “Family Setup.” Apple’s pitch is that a cellular-connected watch will give parents peace of mind when their kids are out and about by enabling them to call or text home.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: The rugged new watch’s price, release date, new features and more
Launched at the July 2024 Samsung Galaxy Unpacked showcase, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a new, premium-level smartwatch from Samsung, and it’s positioned as a direct competitor to the high-end wearables from Apple and Garmin. Here we’re going to bring you all the information you need about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, from the starting price in your part of the world, to the features and functions you can take advantage of once it’s strapped around one of your wrists.
A plastic Apple Watch SE could be in the works to help it hit the Galaxy Watch FE’s price tag
The next Apple Watch SE could be primarily made out of plastic. Notable industry expert Mark Gurman claimed in his recent newsletter the tech giant is thinking about getting rid of the aluminum shell for the upcoming wearable. In its place will be a body made from a “rigid plastic.” The current SE model has some plastic in its construction, with a back case made of a nylon composite. But with his move, Apple would be fully embracing plastic as the primary material.
Unlocking New Possibilities for Preventative Wellness with New Galaxy Watch and BioActive Sensor
Samsung has been driving digital heath innovation to help simplify health and wellness by bringing together insights and metrics to offer a more impactful and streamlined wellness experience. This approach starts by improving access to simple and accurate health tracking through Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, which provides you with more comprehensive, personalized, and accurate health data.
A fitness tracker to reduce kids’ screen time?
For the right age bracket, the Fitbit Ace LTE is a child-friendly smartwatch that puts the fun back into fitness. It offers young kids entertaining games and on-wrist experiences to inspire a more active lifestyle. It also packs powerful safety features for parents, including on-demand location tracking and in-app communication tools.
Apple Watch Series 10 to feature larger screen and thinner design, but new health features could be delayed
Apple has big changes in store for this year’s Apple Watch revamp. A new report today details that the Apple Watch Series 10 lineup will feature bigger screens, a thinner design, and faster performance. However, Apple has hit some snags in its plans for new health features. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that both Apple Watch Series 10 models, codenamed N217 and N218, will have bigger screens this year.
15 Things You Didn’t Know the Apple Watch Could Do
Apple hasn’t changed the design of the Apple Watch much over the years (with the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 being the exceptions). Yes, the displays have gotten brighter, and Apple has greatly improved their features and capabilities, but the crop of Apple Watches have the same basic design — consisting of a touchscreen display, a digital crown, and a side button — as the Series 1 from 2016.
Apple Watch Series 10 size, release date, bands
The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to arrive with some big changes. This is what the rumor mill thinks is on the way. A render of what the Apple Watch series 10 could look like The Apple Watch has been a mainstay over the years, getting an update like clockwork every fall for most of its life. But at the same time, there’s not been any major changes to the fairly static design of the smartwatch.
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