This modular Pebble and Apple Watch contender has just exceeded its funding objectives.

      UNA / UNA

      Both the Pebble Watch and Apple Watch are facing strong competition from a new modular brand, UNA, which is generating significant enthusiasm and support. The UNA Watch is developed by a Scottish company aiming to provide users with modular control over smartwatch upgrades and repairs. In an era where many smartwatch brands are requiring subscriptions and restricting access for third-party developers, UNA seeks to offer alternatives.

      The UNA Watch has launched as “the world’s first” repairable and upgradable GPS sports watch, raising over £200,000 (US$255,000) in just two days, indicating clear demand. Its features are noteworthy, boasting – deep breath – dual-GPS, a 10-day battery life, altimeter, accelerometer, and continuous measurements of heart rate, blood oxygen, steps, and floors climbed. It also includes heart rate zone training, pace, laps, and the ability to download GPX routes.

      Charging is done via USB-C, meaning it can be charged with most phone chargers when necessary. UNA claims it will last for 20 hours in constant GPS mode. However, the primary focus here is longevity. The company points out that due to fragile screens and rapidly outdated hardware, “most GPS sports watches end up in landfill after only a few years.” UNA believes its watch can mitigate this issue as upgrades and replacement parts can be easily installed with just one tool.

      Additionally, the software is designed to be modular, enabling users to customize what they want to see and interact with. It will also integrate well with other platforms like Strava. Importantly, UNA is collaborating with the community for changes, allowing users to have a say in both software and hardware upgrades—an aspect that is becoming increasingly limited with larger brands. UNA's timing for entering the market seems to be spot on.

      The UNA Watch is set to be released in August. At the time of publishing, it can be backed for $275, offering a discounted price from the typical $350.

      Luke has over twenty years of experience reporting on technology, science, and health. He frequently writes about health technology.

      The future of the Apple Watch SE 3 seems uncertain due to a potential price increase. Apple last updated its budget-friendly “SE” series smartwatch in 2022, priced at $250, which offered a good blend of wellness features, sleek design, and long battery life. However, since then, competitors like Samsung, OnePlus, and Mobvoi have released excellent value-focused models.

      Apple has remained silent regarding the next iteration of the Watch SE. It appears that the third-generation Apple Watch SE may take some time to release, and the delay might not be intentional. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the affordable model could be in “serious jeopardy” due to hardware-related issues. “The design team doesn’t like the look, and the operations team is struggling to produce the casing at a significantly lower cost than the current aluminum chassis,” the report states. Recent reports indicate that Apple has been experimenting with alternative materials to reduce manufacturing costs.

      In terms of a major shift, Apple has not introduced significant hardware-focused health advancements in its latest smartwatches. The current Series 10 smartwatch is primarily a streamlined version of its predecessor, and forthcoming features like blood pressure monitoring are facing challenges.

      However, Apple is contemplating adding a different type of sensor to its smartwatch, one that is somewhat familiar to us. Bloomberg indicates that the company is planning to include a camera in both the standard and premium Ultra models of the Apple Watch. “The current concept is to integrate the camera within the display of the Series version, similar to the front-facing lens on the iPhone. The Ultra will adopt a different configuration, positioning the camera lens on the side of the watch near the crown and button,” according to the report.

      Interestingly, Meta had explored this idea years ago but ultimately scrapped the project. It’s uncertain when we will see these camera-equipped Apple Watch models hit the market, and details about the cameras' functions are also vague. Nevertheless, a quick glance at Apple’s AI and health resources gives us some insight into potential applications.

      It may prove to be a significant advancement in wellness technology.

      Additionally, did Apple just reveal the long-rumored HomePad, a HomePod with a screen? After examining the iOS 18.4 beta release, the team at Macworld noticed several changes hinting at brand-new hardware from Apple in the near future.