The forthcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Samsung may feature an exceptionally bright display, but I have concerns regarding the tax implications.

      If there’s one aspect of using a smartwatch outdoors that frustrates me, it’s trying to see the screen in bright sunlight. Whether I'm checking directions while walking or glancing at notifications during a bike ride, a dim display can quickly turn a premium smartwatch into a frustrating guessing game.

      That’s why the recent leak about the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 caught my attention. However, after going through the details, I couldn’t shake the thought that these enhancements are likely to come with a hefty price tag.

      Finally, will we have a smartwatch that can outshine the sun?

      As per a new tip from Ice Universe, Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartwatch might boast a display capable of reaching a staggering 5,000 nits of peak brightness. If this proves true, it would represent a significant improvement over the current Galaxy Watch Ultra and make it one of the brightest smartwatch displays to date. The leak also indicates that Samsung may incorporate its latest On-Cell Film (OCF) OLED technology. This not only enhances the screen's brightness but is also designed to be more power-efficient while occupying less space in the watch. That’s the kind of enhancement I appreciate, as it would enhance everyday usability.

      But there’s more! The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is also rumored to have an IP69K rating, providing superior defense against high-pressure water jets and extreme conditions. While many might not deliberately expose their smartwatch to hot water, having tougher protection is always beneficial for a wearable meant to accompany you everywhere.

      Every upgrade typically carries a hidden cost

      The leak continues with news of an 800mAh battery, a significant increase from the original Galaxy Watch Ultra's 590mAh battery. Combined with a more efficient display and whatever processor Samsung selects next, this could lead to noticeably extended battery life. That’s precisely what I desire from an Ultra smartwatch.

      However, I’m tempering my excitement for one reason. Larger batteries, brighter screens, and more durable hardware seldom come without impacting the final cost. Samsung has consistently moved its Ultra branding toward the high-end market, and these anticipated upgrades only reinforce that trend. Naturally, this is still just a leak, so it’s wise to take every detail with caution until Samsung confirms the information. If the recent rumors hold true, we won’t have to wait long: the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 series and Samsung's latest foldables at the next Unpacked event. For now, I welcome a smartwatch that’s easier to read in sunlight. I just hope my wallet won’t suffer as a result.

      Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, boasting over five years of experience in the tech industry.

      Researchers at the University of Ottawa are developing an AI stress assistant that interprets physical signals from your smartwatch and earbuds. This AI therapy system prototype can detect when you need assistance even before you ask for it.

      While numerous mental health chatbots exist, they all face the same challenge: the user must initiate contact first. This can be difficult when someone feels stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or struggles to articulate their feelings. Researchers are creating a new type of AI assistant that can detect emotional cues in real-time by analyzing signals from devices that people already use, such as smartwatches, smartphones, and earbuds.

      OpenAI's recent recruitment of talent from Apple raises speculation about the company's potential development of ChatGPT-powered wearables targeting facial applications. Paul Meade, a long-time engineering leader at Apple who has worked on the Vision Pro headset and its upcoming smart glasses, is moving to OpenAI's hardware division.

      As Prime Day approaches its conclusion, I have found the best remaining deals to spare you the regret of missing out.

      With just a few hours left and many excellent deals still available, I have combed through the website to find the most appealing offers that are still active. Below are the selections I would confidently invest in myself, including everything from mid-range Android smartphones to flagship foldables, bone-conduction earbuds to Bose products, and smartwatches in various price ranges. Act quickly before time runs out.