Wearables

The Best Of: 2024

by

2024 was the first year since 2019 that felt somewhat normal. No shutdowns, no mass panic, and no widespread illness. Despite that, I didn’t consume as much media as I once did. Still, I kept up my tradition of creating a “Best Of” list. While music and TV had standout years, movies and video games felt like they fell short in delivering top-tier entertainment. Take a look at my list below, and let me know what your “Best Of” picks for 2024 are!

Read more: The Best Of: 2024

Best Movie
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The long-awaited sequel to one of my favorite childhood movies finally came to life. While the story wasn’t perfect, it gave me everything I hoped for—a chance to revisit the world of Beetlejuice. It also happened to be the only movie I saw in theaters this year, during a date night with my wife while my sister watched our 1.5-year-old. Rumor has it there’s another installment in the works, and you can bet I’ll be first in line to see it!

BeetleJuice Beetlejuice Movie

Runners-up: The Instigators, The 4:30 Movie

Best TV Show
From
One of the most underrated streaming shows currently airing is From. It stands out in today’s binge-watch era by sticking to a weekly release schedule, reminiscent of traditional TV. This approach builds anticipation and keeps viewers engaged week after week, adding to the show’s unique appeal. With Season 3 now complete, the show seems to be gaining more momentum and recognition, but it still feels like a hidden gem. Unfortunately, like all great TV series, fans are left with a long wait for the next season, which only adds to the suspense and excitement. Part of its under-the-radar status likely comes from its home on MGM+, a relatively obscure streaming service that many people overlook. But make no mistake—this is a show worth seeking out. If you haven’t discovered From yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this gripping series and see what the buzz is all about.

From TV Show

Runners-up: Landman, Silo

Best Music Album
Post Malone – F-1Trillion
In a move that surprised the world, Post Malone ventured into country music with the release of his first country album—and unlike the attempts of some other pop stars, this one is genuinely great. Seamlessly blending his signature style with the rich sounds of Texas country, Post delivered an album that feels both authentic and innovative. The project features collaborations with several established country heavyweights, adding depth and credibility to the album while still letting Posty’s unique sound shine through. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, packed with tracks that feel like instant classics. As if the original release wasn’t enough, the extended version, Long Bed, includes a collection of solo songs that showcase Post’s versatility and storytelling prowess even further. These additional tracks prove he’s not just dabbling in country but genuinely understands and respects the craft. Fans are already speculating about what’s next for Post Malone—whether he’ll continue exploring the country scene or venture into yet another unexpected genre. Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: Posty knows how to keep us guessing, and we’re all here for the ride.

Post Malone F-1 Trillion: Long Bed Album

Runners-up: Muscadine Bloodline – The Coastal Plain, Quinn XCII – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Best Song
I Had Some Help – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
F-1 Trillion delivered a collection of undeniable hits, but the standout track of the summer was undoubtedly “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen. This collaboration brought together two chart-topping powerhouses to create a timeless anthem that perfectly captures the genre. The blend of Post Malone’s signature style and Wallen’s country grit resulted in a genre-defying masterpiece that resonated across audiences. The lyrics hit home with heartfelt storytelling, while the infectious melody made it impossible not to sing along. It’s the kind of song that feels just as fresh on a summer road trip as it does on a quiet night under the stars. With both artists at the top of their game, “I Had Some Help” feels like an instant classic, the kind of track you’ll be revisiting for years. It’s a testament to their ability to push boundaries and create something truly memorable. If this song is any indication of what’s to come from either artist, the future of music looks incredibly bright.

I Had Some Help – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen Song

Runners-up: 10-90 – Muscadine Bloodline, Little Love – Joe Samba

Best Video Game
College Football 2025
With the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, College Football 2025 marks a groundbreaking return to form for the franchise, finally allowing real players’ names, likenesses, and personalities to shine rather than just faceless numbers. For fans of the old NCAA Football games, this isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a full-fledged revival. What sets College Football 2025 apart is that it’s not simply a rebranded version of Madden. The game has its own distinct vibe, capturing the passion, unpredictability, and traditions of college football. From the electrifying atmosphere of campus stadiums to unique playbooks tailored to college programs, it’s a refreshing alternative to the polished but often formulaic Madden series. In fact, I find myself preferring it to Madden’s 2025 entry, as it feels more dynamic and less constrained. The game does an excellent job of honoring its legacy while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics, making it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers. It’s a return to what made the series so beloved in the early 2000s, with updated visuals and deeper immersion. This first new installment in years has set the stage for what could become a staple in sports gaming once again. Here’s hoping EA keeps the momentum going and continues to build on this solid foundation for future seasons. College football fans finally have the game they’ve been waiting for, and it was worth the wait.

College Football 2025 Video Game

Runners-up: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Best Mobile Game
Balatro
One of the most unexpected gaming successes of the year was Balatro, a game that, if someone had described it to me, I would have never imagined playing. Yet, after hearing glowing recommendations from fellow gamers, I decided to give it a shot—and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Balatro is a unique take on the roguelike genre, blending it with the strategy of a card game. The twist? It’s built entirely around draw poker, using standard poker cards as its foundation. But it’s far from your average poker game. You build your deck as you play, factoring in thousands of possible modifiers, upgrades, and synergies that completely change how each round unfolds. Every session feels fresh, unpredictable, and endlessly replayable. What truly pushed Balatro into the spotlight was its release on iOS and Android later in the year, making it more accessible than ever. With the portability of mobile gaming added to the experience, it’s become a go-to game whether I’m at home or on the move. In fact, I’ve played Balatro on no less than four platforms this year, and each one brings its own unique charm to the game. What makes Balatro so special isn’t just its innovative concept, but the way it draws you in with simple mechanics that quickly reveal layers of strategic depth. It’s the kind of game that hooks you for hours at a time without you even realizing it. For a game I initially thought I’d never touch, it’s easily become one of my favorites of the year.

Balatro Video Game

Runners-up: NYT Games, Vampire Survivors

Best iOS App
HerePix
Self-Promotion Alert:
This September, I hit a big milestone—I released my very first iOS app, HerePix! The app is designed to let you easily see the photos you’ve taken at your current location. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite spot, reminiscing about past trips, or simply curious about what moments you’ve captured nearby, HerePix brings those memories right to your fingertips. Creating HerePix has been an incredible learning experience. As a developer, I built this app primarily for myself to solve a problem I often had, but it turns out it’s something others find useful too. And honestly, I have no shame in plugging it here—it’s a project I’m genuinely proud of! What makes HerePix special to me is that it perfectly blends function with nostalgia. It’s incredibly rewarding to open the app and instantly reconnect with photos tied to specific places. Plus, seeing other people enjoy and benefit from something I created has been just as fulfilling as the development process itself. Even though it’s my own creation, HerePix is hands down my favorite app of the year. If you’re an iOS user, I’d love for you to check it out—who knows, it might become one of your favorites too! Here’s to the start of many more exciting projects ahead.

HerePix.app

Runners-up: Overcast, Untappd

Best Podcast
Upgrade
If you’re an Apple enthusiast or just love keeping up with the latest tech, Upgrade is a must-listen weekly podcast hosted by two people I always enjoy hearing from, Myke Hurley and Jason Snell. The show dives deep into everything happening in the world of Apple, covering new product releases, software updates, and the latest industry trends coming out of Cupertino. What sets Upgrade apart is its thoughtful structure. With regular segments like “Snell Talk” and “Ask Upgrade,” plus breaking news and occasional insider insights, Myke and Jason strike the perfect balance between informative and entertaining. Their chemistry and shared passion for the subject make even the most technical discussions engaging and approachable. One of my favorite aspects of the show is their annual “best of the year” episode, the Upgradies, where they celebrate the best Apple products, apps, and even broader categories like movies and TV. It’s a fun, insightful way to reflect on the year in tech and culture. In fact, their approach to the Upgradies inspired my own yearly “Best Of” list—it’s a tradition I look forward to every year. If you’re into Apple or tech in general, Upgrade is the perfect way to stay informed and entertained while getting perspectives from two seasoned experts.

Upgrade Podcast

Runners-up: Reconcilable Differences, Connected

Best Tech Product
Ray-Ban Meta
Smart glasses have arrived—well, sort of. Meta recently released a sleek pair of glasses (or sunglasses) that can do it all: talk to AI, snap pictures, and even play music. In short, they’re pretty impressive. With their blend of style and functionality, these glasses are poised to become the next big thing. They’ve already made a splash as one of the hottest holiday gifts this year, and it’s only a matter of time before you start seeing them everywhere. Read my review for more!

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Runners-up: Meta Quest 3s, reMarkable Paper Pro

Best New Apple Product
Mac mini M4 Pro
Apple redesigned the Mac mini for the first time since 2008. It got a lot smaller, faster, and better overall. Coinciding with the release of the M4 CPU, the Mac mini also gets the Pro version of the chip making it the current fastest desktop computer you can buy. I replaced my M2 Max Mac Studio with this tiny little guy and have been loving it ever since.

https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/

Runners-up: iPhone 16 Pro Max, AirPods 4

Ray-Ban-dwith: Smart Sunglasses That Might Make You Dumber

by
ray-ban-meta

Beard Blog Review – Meta Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

I’ve always been loyal to my Ray-Ban Wayfarers, even though recently I discovered the Oakley Holbrook and their impressive lenses. Over the past year, I’ve heard bits and pieces about the Ray-Ban Meta glasses but dismissed them due to concerns about Meta’s privacy track record. The idea of a wearable camera from them felt a little… unsettling. Typically, before trying out a new product, I dive into reviews, watch videos from creators, and gather feedback from peers to get a well-rounded perspective. After some deliberation, I finally decided to explore the world of “smart” glasses myself. I opted for a pair of Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Polarized in black.

LED indicator on one side, camera on the other

At first glance, they resemble slightly smaller versions of the Ray-Ban Wayfarers I’ve always loved, complete with the familiar rigid brown leather storage case. The fit is a bit different, mainly because of the thicker arms that house all the smart features. After wearing them for the good portion of the day, they start to become uncomfortable. Hopefully I’ll get used to this in time, but more than four hours of straight wear isn’t working right now.

The charging case is one of my favorite features. If you’re familiar with how AirPods work, you’ll find these glasses quite similar. The case has its own internal battery that you charge, and in turn, it charges the glasses whenever they’re stored inside. This ensures that your glasses are likely at 100% whenever you take them out to wear. There’s no need for a separate charger or a bulky dock—just place them in the case, and charge the case itself once a week using USB-C. Where the button snap usually is on a standard Ray-Ban case, there’s an LED indicator that shows the charging status, which is a handy addition. Another perk is that the case looks just like a regular Ray-Ban sunglasses case at first glance, making it less likely to attract unwanted attention or theft.

Glasshole Photography

The standout feature of the Meta glasses, aside from the obvious sun-blocking capability, is the integrated camera. This allows you to capture photos and videos of whatever’s in your line of sight. The camera is an ultra-wide-angle 12MP sensor, which gives images a slight fisheye effect. However, there are no zoom or telephoto options, so you can only capture what’s directly in front of you. A thin button on the top of the right arm is used for capturing media—a single click takes a photo, while a long press starts recording a video. Videos are only 30 frames per second, but you’re not shooting for quality here. Without the LED privacy indicator light next to the camera, it would simply look like you’re adjusting your glasses when taking a photo. To its credit, Meta has made it clear when a photo or video is being captured by incorporating a flashing light to alert people in view. This light remains solid when recording video and cannot be disabled, ensuring others are aware of the camera’s use.

Snapping photos while walking

When you take a photo or video, it’s stored on the glasses’ internal 32GB storage until you can import it to your phone. This can be done in two ways: either by connecting to the glasses’ built-in Wi-Fi network, or, when the glasses are in their case, they can connect to known Wi-Fi networks to sync. If the glasses are in the case and connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the media will automatically transfer to your photo library, provided the app is running. If you’re wearing the glasses, you’ll need to open the Meta View app and connect to the glasses for the media to import. This process can interfere with your phone’s Wi-Fi connection, such as when using wireless CarPlay, since the glasses require the phone to disconnect from the car to complete the transfer.

As for the quality of the photos and videos, they are decent considering the source, but don’t match the capabilities of current smartphone cameras. The glasses don’t support HDR or Live Photos, but they do include geotagging if they’re connected to your phone. Media files are saved in a high-efficiency format, allowing you to store over 500 photos or more than 100 videos of 30 seconds each. Interestingly, photos are taken in landscape orientation, while videos are in portrait. This choice was likely made by Meta to optimize sharing on their social media platforms.

The sunglasses also feature built-in speakers that can function as earphones for taking calls, listening to music, and interacting with AI. These speakers are convenient because they allow you to listen to music without needing anything in your ears. Depending on the volume, people around you may not overhear your audio, although they can get loud enough for bystanders to catch some sound. In noisy environments, even at maximum volume, the sound may be hard to hear, which is where noise-cancelling earphones come in handy. The glasses connect to your smartphone like any Bluetooth headphones, so you can use them for any audio from your phone. The Ray-Bans have five built-in microphones, ensuring you’re heard clearly during calls. In my experience, I had no issues with being heard.

What Am I Looking At?

The last feature, and likely what Meta considers the standout one, is the integration of Meta’s AI assistant directly into the glasses, called ‘Meta AI.’ Similar to Siri or Google Assistant, you can ask Meta AI questions, and it will provide audible answers through the speakers. One impressive capability of Meta AI is its ability to describe what you’re looking at. It does this by taking a photo and analyzing it using an AI model. This can help answer questions like “What type of flower is this?”, “Translate this sign to English.”, or simply “What am I looking at?” It performs well, but its effectiveness is somewhat limited by the wide field of view and lack of zoom on the camera, requiring you to get close to objects for accurate identification.

I really enjoy having an AI assistant on my head, eliminating the need to use my phone. Recently, I visited a zoo and could ask it questions about the animals, receiving instant responses through the speakers. You can even continue a conversation with the assistant without saying the wake word (“Hey Meta”) for several replies in a row, enhancing the conversational experience. I did encounter a few hiccups, such as Meta AI occasionally losing its internet connection, requiring me to restart the app to continue. However, some moments made me smile. For instance, when I tried to take a photo, Meta AI immediately said, “I’m unable to take a photo, there is a hat in the way,” and sure enough, my hat was blocking the camera. Another time, in a noisy environment, when I asked a question, Meta AI responded, “It’s too noisy, and I’m unable to hear you,” which I found accurate, as I could barely hear its response. I’d prefer knowledgeable replies like these over generic ones like, “Sorry, I can’t do that…”.

The Good

  • Premium hardware with a subtle design.
  • Functional as regular sunglasses even when the battery is depleted.
  • Innovative smart case and charging design.
  • Meta AI offers practical utility.

Missed Opportunities

  • Limited color and size options.
  • Speakers could be louder or better tuned.
  • Limited iPhone integration, largely due to Apple’s constraints.

The Bad

  • Camera quality falls short of basic smartphones.
  • Photo syncing is cumbersome while wearing the glasses.
  • Touch controls are not always reliable.
  • Less comfortable than traditional Wayfarers.
9 out of 10

How can the Ray-Ban Meta glasses get a 10/10?

  • Improve camera quality and image signal processing to take more feature-rich media.
  • Better integration with smartphone platforms.
  • Better controls and more physical buttons.
  • More brands, colors, and lens options for the smart glasses.

Should you buy Ray-Ban Meta glasses?

Meta’s smart sunglasses offer a stylish blend of premium hardware and innovative features, including the practical Meta AI assistant that provides real-time information and assistance. They function effectively as regular sunglasses even when the battery is low and come with a smart case that makes charging convenient. While the camera quality isn’t quite on par with basic smartphones and touch controls and photo syncing could be improved, the overall design and functionality make these sunglasses a great choice for tech enthusiasts and forward-thinkers who appreciate cutting-edge technology in a sleek, understated package.

Apple Vision Pro: First Impressions

by
Vision Pro

I recently had the opportunity to demo the new Apple Vision Pro at my local Apple Store, and I have many thoughts. Even though I was intrigued by the product, I decided not to be an early adopter and pre-order sight unseen, mainly due to the high cost. Up until about a year ago, I was skeptical about the idea of VR as a consumer device, but after reviewing the PS VR2, I was sold on the concept. Apple usually waits until they can make a big splash in a market segment before entering it, so I thought the Vision Pro would be the pinnacle of VR as we know it.

What is Apple Vision Pro?

Apple markets Vision Pro as the first spatial computing device, intentionally avoiding categorizing it as either a VR (Virtual Reality) or AR (Augmented Reality) system. Following my experience with the headset, I would categorize it more as an entertainment device.

What Can Apple Vision Pro Do?

Though not a complete computer, Vision Pro currently shares similarities with an iPad. It has the capability to run compatible iPad apps from the App Store, and developers can also create dedicated visionOS apps exclusively for Vision Pro. The iPad apps functioning on Vision Pro appear as flat windowed instances, similar to Safari. The advantage lies in the flexibility to arrange them within your “space” as desired, deviating from the confinement of one or two on the iPad screen.

Vision Pro

What Can’t Apple Vision Pro Do?

One notable limitation of Vision Pro is its inability to play VR games akin to those found on Meta Quest or PS VR2. While it’s plausible that similar or ported games may become available for Vision Pro in the future, there are currently none at its launch. It’s crucial to note that Vision Pro is not marketed as a gaming system, and purchasing it with that intention would be a waste of money and technology.

The Demo

Upon my arrival at the Apple Store at the scheduled time, an Apple specialist guided me through the process. Initially, he handed me an iPhone for a face and head measurement, similar to the Face ID setup. This measurement determined the appropriate size for the light shield of Vision Pro. Shortly after, another Apple employee presented a tray with a headset equipped with a pre-fitted light shield, along with a battery and cable. Something I found funny was the replaceable light shield had a mesh cloth protector on it, presumably to keep face grease from spreading person to person.

The Apple specialist then followed a scripted guide, instructing me on the precise placement of my hands on the headset and the correct method of putting it on my head. Surprisingly, the entire process took about 10 minutes. I anticipated a lengthier experience, but it seems I got all I needed during the brief period I spent in the goggles.

What I Liked

  • The overall feel of the device is much more premium and meticulously crafted than any of the other plastic headsets I’ve seen.
  • The internal screens you peer into surpass those of the PS VR2, a headset I’ve used extensively. This distinction is evident at first glance.
  • The software appears exceptionally refined, with ubiquitous Apple touches suggesting a thoughtful development tailored for mixed reality.
  • Spatial videos are a killer feature, reminiscent of how Live Photos changed the way I experience my photos. I intend to intentionally capture Spatial Videos with my iPhone, anticipating the possibility of enjoying them on Vision Pro in the future.
  • Panorama photos that you have taken in the past can be displayed as somewhat immersive photos that allow you to see the full perspective of the image.
  • Immersive videos (currently only produced by Apple as a demo) are definitely a look at the way we’ll consume media in the future. Whether this is live music performances, sporting events, or nature videos.
  • The Speaker Pods project sound downward toward your ears without entering them, unlike AirPods, are excellent. I wish Apple would develop a set of AirPods capable of replicating this design.

What Surprised Me

  • The overall weight of the headset was not an issue. It was a lot lighter than I initially thought after reading reviewers complain about the weight on their face.
  • The comfortability was beyond my expectation, again after reading reviews of the default head strap. It was much more comfortable and easy to wear compared to my PS VR2.
  • I didn’t finish the demo and immediately want to drop thousands of dollars on Vision Pro.
  • The eye tracking is good, but nothing revolutionary.

What I Didn’t Like

  • While the internal screens are very good, it’s immediately apparent that you’re looking at screens through a camera, rather than at the real world.
    Open the camera app on your phone and view your room on the display through the camera. That’s what it’s like inside the goggles, but even a little worse.
  • There were several times my hand gestures didn’t work correctly or even register with Vision Pro. About 25% of the time, it did not recognize my two-finger tap to signal an input.
  • The field of view, or lack of, is noticeable. So when you’re inside Vision Pro there are visible areas of your peripheral not engulfed in screen. Not dissimilar to wearing ski goggles.
  • The disparity between wearing the headset and utilizing the passthrough view within the well-lit Apple Store and removing the headset to see through my own eyes was significant. The existing cameras and screens struggle to capture the full spectrum of light and color in the real world.
  • My face was measured to get the correct light seal size, but I did have some light bleed into the goggles. I’m not sure if this is normal, my size was incorrect, or they didn’t have the exact size I needed in store.
  • The demo was too short. I would have liked more time to explore Vision Pro.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Vision Pro is impressive, and I’m excited about the direction the technology is taking. In a few years, I anticipate it becoming as ubiquitous as AirPods. While I’ll be observing from the sidelines for this initial generation, I eagerly await any chance to revisit the device. When Apple decides to release a second-generation Vision Pro with significant upgrades, I’ll be among the first to place an order.

Today I saved at least $3500!

Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Beard Blog Review

by

Apple Watch Ultra 1.5

What’s New With Apple Watch Ultra 2

The latest Apple Watch Ultra introduces an all-new System-in-a-Package (SIP) called the S9, marking the first significant update in this department since the Series 6 back in 2019.
One notable improvement is the on-device Siri processing, which ensures quicker responses as your requests no longer need to travel to the internet and back.
The screen is now brighter, peaking at 3,000 nits, a significant 1,000 nits brighter than the original Apple Watch Ultra, marking a 300% increase compared to previous non-ultra models (excluding the first-generation).

“This feature may come across as a somewhat hastily added novelty to drive new watch sales.”

A new double-tap gesture offers the convenience of controlling various aspects of the Watch interface with just one hand. However, in my testing experience, I found it somewhat lacking. While the double tap registers successfully 90% of the time, it often makes assumptions about the function you intend to perform. For instance, if you wish to decline a call using the double tap, it might mistakenly answer the call, and there’s no way to customize this behavior. Moreover, when reading a notification, such as an iMessage, the one-handed operation doesn’t allow for scrolling, making it challenging to double tap to reply without knowing the full message content. This feature may come across as a somewhat hastily added novelty to drive new watch sales.

New things that don’t matter: 2nd-generation Ultra Wideband chip, double the storage capacity (64GB), and that’s it.

The new Modular Ultra face

In a side-by-side visual comparison of the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2, I observed no discernible physical distinctions. Even the text engraved on the underside of both models simply reads “Apple Watch Ultra.”

In essence, this doesn’t appear to be a true second-generation product. Instead, it resembles more of a minor enhancement to the original, especially given that Apple no longer offers the original Apple Watch Ultra for purchase, exclusively offering the Ultra 2.

The Good

  • All new SIP that’s noticeably faster
  • Brighter screen for direct sunlight viewing
  • Siri is much faster to process and understand queries

Missed Opportunities

  • Headlining double tap feature is extremely limited
  • It seems the SIP improvements were focused on neural engine and brighter screen, not battery life
  • No visual indication you have the new hotness
  • Same case and screen size

The Bad

  • Software still not fully taking advantage of the Ultra’s screen
  • Watch faces lack variety. Only one new watch face for the Ultra
  • Apps are still mostly useless on the watch
8.0 / 10

How can the Apple Watch Ultra get to 10/10?
– Better software to utilize the screen size.
– Allow Night Mode on any watch face
– Custom watch faces
– Make better use of the all new SIP
– Ability to customize the gestures

Last year in my Apple Watch Ultra review I outlined who the Ultra watch is for. Apple seems to have leaned into that by not making many changes on the second generation. It sold well so they want to keep that up and have this be the top-tier Apple Watch for all walks of life.

Should You Upgrade?

If you are already the proud owner of an Apple Watch Ultra (first-generation) there is no need to upgrade. There is nothing in this year’s model that makes it worth it. Wait for the possible third generation in 2024. If you were on the fence last year about getting an Apple Watch Ultra, this is the watch for you. Everything about the first generation remains in the Ultra 2 with some nice enhancements. This is the ultimate Apple Watch, no matter if you run marathons, SCUBA dive, or like me and just wear it to the mall.

Read more Beard Blog tech reviews

My Apple Watch Face

by

From time to time I get questions about what watch face I use on my Apple Watch. After wearing an Apple Watch just about every day for over 8 years, I’ve settled on the information I want to see on my wrist at a glance.

apple watch ultra face

I use the Modular watch face which was been on the Apple Watch since the beginning, but has received several updates since launch. I almost always use digital time because when you have a smart watch, using analog time is inefficient. I have no problem telling time from an analog watch but other than aesthetic, analog time doesn’t have a place on a screen.

Complications

More so than telling the time, I use the watch complications to give me more information than a traditional watch can offer.

Calendar
I can never keep track of the date or even what day of the week it is. This gives me that information tucked neatly into the corner. I tend to look for this information multiple times per day, instead of just remembering the date or day.

Digital Seconds
While an analog clock usually offers a second hand, this digital face does not show seconds. Apple recently added the ability to add digital seconds as a complication. This gives me a way track seconds or just get an idea of when a minute will be rolling over.

Carrot Weather
Previously I was an avid user of the Dark Sky complication that gave me the information I wanted. After Apple retired this app, I needed to find a replacement. While Carrot doesn’t offer a direct replacement, I was able to use the custom complication feature in Carrot to get as close as possible. The data points I want to see are temperature, low/high predictions, and sunrise/sunset times. Carrot offers these data points in two lines, so I had the freedom to add another data point and I settled on the “feels like” temperature.

Activity
I use my watch to track my fitness, or lack there of, so I like having my activity rings on my watch face. This lets me know how I’m doing activity-wise throughout the day and if I need to step it up.

Geneva Moon
The lunar phase doesn’t really have an impact on my life, but it’s cool to be aware of it without having to search the sky. The built-in Apple moon complication does not accurately reflect the moon phase in my location. David Smith created Geneva Moon to fix this. He also provided the option to use a simple moon shape or realistic and I like the filled-in-circle look of the simple moon.

Battery
The Apple Watch battery has always been a problem, but if you get into a daily charging regiment, it works. When Apple released the Apple Watch Ultra, the battery life was stretched from 18 hours to about 40 hours. Now my charging isn’t as regular as it once was so I need to keep an eye on my battery level.

Digital Time
The digital time is clearly the most important part here, but I wish it could be bigger. Any of the other faces that offer larger digital time, sacrifice complication count or size. I hope in the future Apple better utilizes the Apple Watch screen and allows flexible on element sizes.

Download this watch face on your Apple Watch!

Read my Apple Watch Ultra review for more!

Apple Watch Ultra: The Beard Blog Review

by
The ultraist Apple Watch of them all.

Watching the recent Apple event where the Apple Watch Ultra was announced, I was elated at the feature set, but at the same time dreading the price reveal. When Jeff Williams revealed the $799 price tag, my jaw dropped. This is not the normal Apple pricing we usually see. I was throwing around $999 or $1099 in my head trying to figure out how I could justify spending that much. Compared to a normal Apple Watch with cellular, sapphire screen, and titanium body, $799 isn’t that far off, but the Ultra does so much more!

I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch every day since buying the first-generation in April of 2015. It was a big change for me as I was an every day traditional watch wearer. I even had a small watch collection growing. Since the first time I put on an Apple Watch, I had wished for a bigger screen for my large wrists. Over the years we’ve seen the (biggest) Apple Watch go from 42mm to 44mm, and then last year to 45mm. The Ultra watch is a generous 49mm.

What’s New on Apple Watch Ultra?

Compared to the Series 7 of last year and the Series 8 introduced with the Ultra, it has a lot more adventurous features than your standard watch. While on the surface it may seem like a whole new watch from the ground up, it’s not. More of a case redesign, it still has the same trusty Apple Watch features we’ve grown to love over the years. What sets the Ultra watch apart from the other Apple Watches is the addition of a 86db siren, 2000 nit display, dual-frequency GPS, customizable action button, and water depth and temperature gauge. If you’re only interested in the health sensors, it has the same exact sensors as the Series 8. Some other improvements to existing features that the Ultra watch has are sure to come to the lower watches like louder speakers, bigger battery, and three mic array.

What Makes This Watch Ultra?

Apple tells us this watch isn’t for everyone, it’s for the most extreme, athletic, and adventurous people out there. We all know that the majority of customers for the Apple Watch Ultra will likely not fit into any of those categories, myself included. This isn’t the first time Apple has offered a titanium case watch with sapphire glass. Last year’s Series 7 was available in that configuration for $699. What truly makes this watch special is the size as it’s Apple’s largest watch to date. Additionally it can withstand the elements more, dive deeper, and possibly not get damaged as easily. My main reasons for buying the Apple Watch Ultra were the large screen size and long battery life, everything else is just a bonus.

Sensor Watch

The new sensor this year on both the Series 8 and Ultra is wrist temperature sensing. This takes a reading of the ambient under-screen temperature and your wrist temperature and forms an opinion on what your body may be like over the course of your sleep. This was presented as a benefit to Cycle Tracking, but for those who do not menstruate, this was left as an unknown. After wearing the Apple Watch to sleep, it does in fact record temperature readings in the Health app. If these will be accurate or useful in the long term remains to be seen.

Water temperature sensing only works when the watch is fully submerged. I was unable to get this to function whilst running my watch under a water faucet.

The Alpine Loop band looks and feels good, but it’s much harder to adjust and remove than any of the traditional Apple Watch bands.

Read more

Which AirPods Are Right For You?

by
AirPods_hero

AirPods are completely wireless earphones that go in your ears to provide music or other audio from your Bluetooth device. Apple again revolutionlized music by making earphones that didn’t need wires and were super easy to use. They even went viral during their launch that made AirPods the trendy must-have accessory.

Five years later, Apple now sells four different versions of AirPods, and like some other product categories can be really confusing, especially when buying for others.

AirPods Max are a different kind of listening device and are more of a headphone than an earphone product.

I’m going to talk about the three white wireless versions of AirPods. These are always great gifts for the holidays and are still immensely popular with the younger crowds, but which AirPods are right for you?

AirPods (2nd-Generation)

The now iconic shape of wireless earbuds were refreshed in 2019 to offer additional features like “Hey Siri”, longer battery life, and wireless charging case. Other than the new features, the AirPods shape and design remained the same. It’s impossible to tell a generation 1 product from a generation 2 just by looking at them.

Like the EarPods that proceeded the AirPods, they were designed for a wide variety of ears and rest on the antitragus and intertragal notch. When they were first announced, everyone exclaimed that they were going to fall out of ears and get lost. Based on how EarPods always popped out, it was a hard sell. About 10 minutes after AirPods were in wearer’s ears, they were a hit. So much of a hit, they immediately faced a supply issue. I remember showing people my AirPods and they were in disbelief of the fact that they would stay in my ears, even while jogging.

AirPods Pro

With the success of the first generation AirPods came a lot of outcry that they just didn’t work in some ears. Additionally, the AirPods didn’t isolate sound and were basically useless on airplanes. About six months after the second generation AirPods were announced, Apple announced the AirPods Pro. These featured in-ear silicone tips that completely isolated sound and increased sound quality. Most people were familiar with earbuds that featured the same design, but Apple made the earbud a lot better. Noise cancelling, transparency mode, and increased frequency response were touted as the main features of the Pros. The biggest change was the shape. Gone was the long stem that projected out of people’s ears and was replaced by a stouter, less obvious version. The in-ear portion has silicone tips (in three sizes) to seal in the sound. The case was bigger and wider so the new style could fit in to charge magnetically like the original AirPods.

Apple will inevitably announce second generation AirPods Pro, but probably not until Spring 2022 at the earliest. The Pros being the flagship AirPods, they’ll probably receive new technology before it trickles down to the non-Pro AirPods.

AirPods 3

In October 2021, Apple announced what they’re calling the AirPods (3rd generation) but I’ll be referring to them as the AirPods 3 for confusion avoidance. This was the first time AirPods have changed shapes in almost five years. They look strikingly similar to the AirPods Pro by shrinking the stem and adding more speakers to the in-ear portion. The headlining features of the AirPods 3 are spatial audio, sweat/water resistance, and longer battery life. They also changed the controls to match the Pros by adding a force sensor to the stem so you can squeeze instead of jackhammering your ear. In a rare Apple move, the price also decreased from $199 to $179 for the wireless charging case.

Enjoy my ear as I cycle through wearing all three AirPods

Which AirPods Do I Want?

This is quite the subjective question because all ears are not created equal. The complicated answer falls into three categories to determine which AirPods are right for you.

  1. I want the cheapest AirPods, I don’t care about price.
    • AirPods 2nd generation are right for you, if you can find the 1st-gen, grab those instead
  2. I want to use my AirPods for working out and casual listening.
    • The added sweat resistance and comfort level of the AirPods 3 is great in this scenario
  3. I travel a lot and want to use my AirPods on planes, trains, and automobiles.
    • AirPods Pro offer noise cancelling and adjustable listening modes to aid you when traveling
Some caveats to those recommendations

AirPods (2nd generation) fit in most ears, while AirPods 3 are a bit larger and have trouble staying in ears with smaller openings. If you’re interested in moving from 2nd-gen to 3rd-gen, be aware that the AirPod is larger than the previous. My wife was able to wear 2nd-gen with no issue, but 3rd-gen do not stay in her ears.


AirPods Pro seal off outside noises and can cause you to hear internal noises while you’re ears a blocked. Think chewing and walking thumps. To me, this is the most annoying part of the Pros.

Tech Specs Showdown

AirPods 2nd-gen
AirPods Pro
AirPods 3
Price

$129

$249

$179

Active Noise Cancellation

No

Yes

No

Spatial Audio

No

Yes
Yes
Sweat/Water Resistant

No

Yes
Yes
Battery Life

5 hours

4.5 hours

6 hours
Wireless Charging Case

No

Yes
Yes
"Hey Siri"

Yes

Yes

Yes

Controls

Double-tap

Squeeze

Squeeze

Size (weight)

1.59"x.65"x.71" (4g)

1.22"x.86"x.94"(5.4g)

1.21"x.72"x.76" (4.28g)

Read more about Apple Products on Beard Blog

Product Review: Longvadon Watch Band

by

The holidays are over now, sadly, but you may be enjoying some nice holiday gifts. One of the most popular gifts this year is the critically acclaimed Apple Watch. Most new Apple Watches come with one band included, but one of the great features of the watch is that you can swap bands easier than you change your undergarments. That allows you to customize your look and find something that suits you. Apple sells a small variety of bands, but those are very expensive and leaves a lot to be desired.

If you’re like me and want a lot of variety in your choices of wrist wear, you collect different bands. I’ve tried a bunch of different ones and I have one to suggest to you today.

“Longvadon was founded by two French brothers with a passion for watches and style. It all started when one of the brothers, Robin, was sitting in a cab with a friend who’d just bought the Apple Watch and was complaining about how he just couldn’t find a really good looking, classy, quality strap for his watch after looking everywhere online. It was all either cheap knockoffs or the few extremely expensive options offered by Apple and its partners.”

The Longvadon Story

This is my second Longvadon strap, my first was featured in my Apple Watch review. I’m currently using the Men’s Classic Navy Blue Leather band as my daily driver. My favorite feature is the clasp. On the outside it looks like a traditional watch band buckle that sometimes can be tricky to put on and take off. Underneath the buckle is a butterfly style clasp that you may find on all-metal watch bands. With the press of a button you can easily slide this off your wrist when you need to charge and then put it back on with low effort.

Having tried other leather watch bands, I find the finish on the Longvadon band very comfortable and durable. With the clasp design you don’t have the normal wear and tear on the buckle that comes with a traditional style. The lugs, or where the watch band attaches to the watch, sometimes don’t fit right or slide around, unlike the Apple branded straps. The Longvadon band clicks in and stays put like it should. You can tell attention was paid to the details and fit on this band.

Longvadon is an easy company to order from. They use a secure payment processing system that even allows you to pay via PayPal, Apple Pay, or Amazon Pay. I prefer to use Apple Pay on the web where I can to ensure my transaction and information is secure.

If you’re looking for a band that both be a comfortable everyday band, but also class up your look when you want, give the Longvadon collections a look.

If you’re interested in getting your own Longvadon Apple Watch band, use this link to make your purchase.

The Apple Watch : A Retrospective

by

On April 25, 2015, I received my first generation Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch. You can read my original review here, where I talk about moving away from traditional watches and a Fitbit. Now, a year later I still have my same Apple Watch, and a whole new love for it.

Over the last 12 months, I have worn my Apple Watch 99% of the time I was awake. There may have been a day or two I forgot to put it on or did not charge it. After so long, it now becomes habit to want to check my wrist for messages, activity, and weather. At it’s core, which is receiving iPhone notifications, telling the time and showing me on-demand information on the watch face, the Apple Watch is a necessary device for my lifestyle.

Between my wife and I, we accumulated a good collection of sport bands in various colors to keep the look fresh. One of the joys of the Apple Watch is changing the band every morning to better match my clothing choice for the day.

I’ll admit that I don’t use the Apple Watch to it’s full technological extent. Third-party apps, different faces, and glances have all become secondary features. The watch is now more of an appliance in my life and a fashion accessory. That’s more than I can say for my iPhone which is somewhat an appliance, but more an entertainment device.

After a year, what I use my Apple Watch for is very simple:

  • Telling time (like a traditional watch)
  • Keeping track of time (alarms, timers, etc.)
  • Checking the weather (watch face complication)
  • Tracking activity (workouts, steps, standing, etc.)
  • Getting alerts from my iPhone (iMessages, emails, etc.)

That’s about it. Can’t imagine what my day would be like without it.

As Apple said, this is a very personal device indeed.

 

The 2015 Beard Blog Holiday Tech Gift Guide

by

Back in my day, toys were the rage of the holiday season. Everyone wanted the coolest, most popular toy, and stores had trouble keeping up supplies. From ‘Tickle Me Elmo’ to ‘Zhu Zhu Pets’ we’ve see our fair share of off-the-wall gifts of the year. Nowadays, the climate has shifted to technology. Kids and adults alike want the latest craze in technology whether it be wearables, tablets, or video games, nothing is out of bounds.

Read more

My Apple Watch Review: 3 Months of Joy

by

From Fitbit to Apple Watch

As an avid Apple enthusiast, I’m always excited about their new products. I’ve been following the Apple Watch or ‘iWatch’ news since it was first reported on MacRumors years ago. Previously I’ve never worn a smartwatch, but I have been collecting traditional watches for some time. Just about every day I could have been spotted wearing a watch on my left hand, so you could say I was ready for the next generation of watches. I later grew tired of waiting for an Apple iWatch to emerge so I ventured in the wearables market by purchasing a Fitbit Flex. This was great, it could track my steps and only needed charged about once a week. As this point I’m wearing a traditional watch on my left wrist, and a Fibit fitness tracker on my right wrist. This is where Apple captured my interest, by combining both a watch and fitness tracker into one device, both my wrists no longer needed to be decorated with straps.

Expense over Excitement

When the Apple Watch was announced in the fall of 2014, I was immediately immersed in the hype, and by spring of 2015 I was over eager to meet my new wrist companion. The publicity since fall kind of dissipated so I didn’t know that many people taking the plunge on this first generation device. On pre-order day I settled on ordering two Apple Watches, one for me of course, and one for my wife to share the experience with me… and send my heartbeat to. For me it was the Apple Watch (Stainless Steel Case) with black sport band and the Apple Watch Sport with white sport band for my wife. After adding AppleCare+ this was a large purchase and immediately I started having buyer’s remorse. Would I actually use this thing? Will it be another great Apple product? Apple Watch

My wife’s Apple Watch Sport band arrived first, and to my surprise, my Apple Watch had yet to be shipped. This was a tiny dilemma because it was a surprise gift for her and I wanted to have both at the same time. I ruined the surprise and asked if I can wear it until mine was delivered, of course agreed as it was already adorning my wrist. Ten days later my Apple Watch arrived in glorious fashion, while I was out of town. This put my time with the Apple Watch Sport at about two weeks. I enjoyed the sport, but fell in love with the look and design of the stainless steel Apple Watch. I’m pretty rough on watches so I knew I would not only need AppleCare+, but a scratch-proof sapphire screen sold me.

Since then I’ve been wearing my Apple Watch everyday, and I have the activity history to prove it.

Three months later I’m as happy as ever, especially when people ask me if I still like it as much as the day I got it. My only answer can be, “why yes, it is essential to me everyday.”

Read more