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There’s never a bad time to start a new fitness routine or improve on an existing one. And while we can’t all afford a personal trainer to get us through the reps and work towards those goals, remember this is the 21st Century — there are other options. Most notably, enlisting the help of a fitness tracker.

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a tracker for the first time or upgrading your current model, the benefits of these little training buddies are wide-ranging. You might be looking to shift a couple of kilos or work towards a marathon. Either way, a fitness tracker can help. In fact, you don’t need to be training at all to see the benefits. They’re great for providing rolling data on all kinds of wellness and health metrics, such as sleep and body composition.

The tricky business is picking one that suits you. We all have different lives and schedules, and each fitness tracker is made for different lifestyle requirements. And with so many brands and models, you want to find one that suits you — not to mention your budget. Fortunately, we’ve done some research and put together this roundup of fitness tracker options, along with some helpful pointers.

Do you need a fitness tracker?

Actively monitoring your fitness progression isn't just for athletes or people training for their local parkrun. It's a factor of wellness that people are building into their daily groove. The best fitness trackers are the ones that will keep you in check throughout your workout as well as the rest of your day. The positive impact that these high-tech bracelets and other wearable fitness gadgetry can have on your lifestyle as a whole is pretty incredible.

What can fitness trackers do?

Fitness trackers have gone way beyond just step counting and heart rate monitoring. Depending on the spec, fitness trackers can monitor and feedback on your sleep, blood oxygen, energy levels, stress, body temperature, menstrual cycles, BMI, and more. In terms of actual fitness, they can give your workout plans, track calories burned and fitness progress and coach you towards smashing your personal best. Fitness trackers with GPS can also track runs and set routes for you. Oh, and you'll also get smartphone compatibility, including text and call notifications.

What's the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?

A fitness tracker is essentially a bracelet with sensors that send data to your phone to provide an expanded picture of the data it collects, and usually requires a phone for GPS and music, too. A smartwatch is essentially your phone, but on your wrist. It has GPS built-in and can download apps, from the likes of Spotify to Tinder. With something like an Apple Watch, you can send voice messages or take calls, or have a full conversation via iMessage.

But for people strictly focused on black and white fitness metrics or people who want a hands-off tracker that doesn't require a super-involved setup process or daily charging, we'd make the case that a fitness tracker without high-end connectivity is the smarter, more cost-effective choice.

We've included a selection of both fitness trackers and smartwatches on this list.

Are fitness trackers waterproof?

Any respectable tracker should be able to accompany you on a run in the rain without breaking down. At this point, almost every tracker goes past splash and sweat resistance to hit a 5 ATM rating, meaning the device can withstand pressure equivalent up to 50 metres (164 feet). These should be fine to wear in the shower, in the ocean, or in a hot tub.

Swimmers have a bit more to consider than the waterproof rating. Look for a tracker with built-in GPS that can not only follow you underwater, but accurately track your laps and pace. Dedicated modes for pool swims and open water swims are ideal. Even the most rugged, most swim-friendly watches and trackers probably aren't suitable for extreme water sports or activities that involve high-velocity, deep submersion.

What is the best fitness tracker?

There are a whole lot of models out there for you to consider, with something for everyone and every budget. We have taken stock of everything on the market to bring you a selection of the very best devices, including fitness trackers from top brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin.

These are the best fitness trackers in 2024.

Shopping for gifts for gamers is a double-edged Master Sword. On the one hand, there are so many cool games, consoles, and accessories to choose from. But there's also just so much to choose from, to the point where you might feel under-leveled for the "simple" task of picking that just-right gift. That's where we come in.

To help you on your side quest to find the perfect present for a gamer friend or loved one, we've compiled a massive list of more than 50 gamer gift ideas for the 2024 holiday season — including a bunch of games we've played and products we've tested ourselves. If you're gifting on a budget, you'll do well with a new accessory for your recipient's existing setup, a few months' worth of their favorite video game subscription service, or a copy of a popular game from the past few months. Leveling up over the $100 mark expands your options to high-end peripherals, while $200 and above unlocks current-gen consoles, bundles, and gaming laptops. We've peppered in a few limited-edition collectibles at different price points, too.

Once upon a time, kids (and kids at heart) longed for the biggest present in the pile. But size doesn't matter when picking out the best tech gifts. Some of the year's top gadgets are small enough to fit inside your pocket, and thanks to digital downloads, many popular gaming gifts take up no physical space whatsoever.

Our tech gift guide includes some of the best new releases of the year, most of which we've written about and reviewed. From the new Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition to new Amazon devices, we've focused on the gadgets our editors really loved this year — the true drool-worthy I can't believe you got this for me gifts.

Here are over 50 of Mashable's favorite gift-worthy gadgets and tech gifts.

8BitDo has started taking pre-orders for the Ultimate Mini Wired Controller, a smaller and lighter version of its Ultimate C controller. It's specifically designed for people with smaller hands, like children and teens.

"About 488,000" Charmast power bank chargers are being recalled because they can catch fire or cause burns. The recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after the issues were reported.

Password managers are powerful tools that are a massive upgrade to your online security. Better yet, some password managers can even protect you and your family at the same time.

Do you ever feel like there's just nothing on the PC chassis market that interests you? Do you want something unique, or modified to your exact needs? Well, if you have access to a 3D printer, it turns out you can make pretty much an entire PC case using nothing but files from the internet, and a few bits of hardware from your local store.

If you don't want to buy ringtones or the one that came with your iPhone, you can create your own custom ringtones with iTunes.

Max, the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, is introducing a new feature called Max Rewind. This feature is like Spotify Wrapped and gives subscribers a personalized summary of their viewing habits over the past year.

The next big iOS update probably isn't too far off, but don't expect a ton from it.

Apple's next software update will be iOS 18.3, or at least, that's what everyone expects right now. Since iOS 18.2 just came out, that would make sense. It should be noted that we don't know specifically when iOS 18.3 will launch or entirely what it will entail when it does come out. However, per 9to5Mac, the x.3 update for each of the last three versions of iOS came out in late January, so expect iOS 18.3 to launch in late January, unless something weird happens.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 18.2 arrives: Here's 4 new features to be excited about

As for big new features coming to iOS 18.3, we really only know about one right now, and "big" might be a generous word to use for it: robot vacuum control. Specifically, you'll be able to use the Home app to control robot vacuums, in the same way you can currently use the app to control smart home lights and other devices. The weird part is that Apple doesn't currently produce a robot vacuum of its own, but that could happen in the future.

Everything else that's currently in the developer beta for iOS 18.3 fits under the umbrella of "bug fixes and minor improvements," unfortunately. That doesn't mean there won't be bigger features eventually to be unveiled, but things like Apple Intelligence will probably need to wait until iOS 18.4, at the earliest.

ASUS announced its AirVision M1 glasses a year ago at CES. They're now available for pre-order on the company's official website almost twelve months later.

There was a time when it looked like dedicated handheld gaming would die a quick death thanks to the rise of smartphone games, but it hasn't turned out that way, and thanks to the nature of each device, it probably never will.

SAVE UP TO 80%: Hundreds of holiday-themed audiobooks are on sale at Amazon for up to 80% off.

Best holiday-themed audiobooks at Amazon Best overall holiday audiobook deal 'Faking Christmas' by Cindy Steel $7.99 at Amazon (save $19.30) Get Deal Best audiobook title for dog-lovers 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' by Susan Wiggs $7.99 at Amazon (save $17.20) Get Deal Best murder-mystery audiobook title 'Murder at an Irish Christmas' by Carlene O'Connor $7.99 at Amazon (save $22.66) Get Deal

Welcome to the season of needing to take a bit of extra time for ourselves. The holidays can be a chaotic time and one when it's easy to get overwhelmed. One of the simplest ways to take a small bit of time out is to turn on an enjoyable audiobook. Tuning in can be a great way to decompress and regain some stamina to tackle the next to-do list. Audiobooks can also be perfect to put on a smart speaker while you're baking dozens of sugar cookies or tidying the living room.

As an extra treat, Amazon has discounted hundreds of holiday-themed audiobooks by up to 80%, with most coming in at just $7.99 per title. Here are some of our top picks if you plan on tuning into some holiday audiobooks this season.

Best overall holiday-audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscape Media 'Faking Christmas' by Cindy Steel $7.99 at Amazon
$27.29 Save $19.30 Get Deal Why we like it

Sometimes a small lie we think will be harmless blows up into a huge deal that we never intended. That's exactly what happened to this novel's main character. Unfortunately, it's landed her taking her nemesis from work to her family's Christmas gathering in snowy Vermont.

Landing just a bit under 10 hours in length, Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel is a perfect escape from your own holiday woes. Thanks to today's sale price, you can purchase, download, and tune in for just $7.99.

Best holiday audiobook deal for dog-lovers Opens in a new window Credit: Harper Audio 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' by Susan Wiggs $7.99 at Amazon
$25.19 Save $17.20 Get Deal Why we like it

For anyone who loves Christmas and heartwarming stories of rescuing dogs, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Susan Wiggs is a perfect match. Brenda had a rough time last Christmas when her dog ended up in the emergency vet. While the dog is perfectly fine now, the ordeal led to a breakup that she's spent the last year recovering from. This Christmas, Brenda has opted to do something for herself — rescue 12 dogs by driving them across the country. Of course, driving in December weather poses some issues, as does the energy of 12 puppies.

With narration from Sophie Amoss, get lost in the Christmassy tale of The Twelve Dogs of Christmas for just $7.99.

Best murder-mystery holiday audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscape Media 'Murder at an Irish Christmas' by Carlene O'Connor $7.99 at Amazon
$30.65 Save $22.66 Get Deal Why we like it

The musically included O'Sullivan family has gone off to West Cork to spend an idyllic Christmas together. It seems their biggest concern is picking presents for each other when a local music conductor ends up dead in the local concern hall, suffering from the impact of a 90-pound harp. Follow along with Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O-Connor as the family untangles this holiday mystery.

More holiday audiobook deals at Amazon

• Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne — $4.99 $15.59 (save $10.60)

• Humbugged by Pippa Grant and Lily Valente — $5.99 $19.95 (save $13.96)

• Christmas at Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown — $7.99 $27.29 (save $19.30)

• A Kilt for Christmas by Tricia O'Malley — $7.99 $27.29 (save $19.30)

If you're looking for a cost-effective, last-minute gift, I have the perfect solution: add people to your existing subscriptions, like movie streaming or cloud storage services.

Like any genAI model, Google Gemini responses can sometimes be inaccurate, but in this case it might be because testers don't have the expertise to fact-check them.

According to TechCrunch, the firm hired to improve accuracy for Gemini is now making its testers evaluate responses even if they don't have the "domain knowledge."

SEE ALSO: Google adds Deep Research to Gemini for browsing the web on your behalf

The report raises questions about the rigor and standards Google says it applies to testing Gemini for accuracy. In the "Building responsibly" section of the Gemini 2.0 announcement, Google said it is "working with trusted testers and external experts and performing extensive risk assessments and safety and assurance evaluations." There's a reasonable focus on evaluating responses for sensitive and harmful content, but less attention is paid to responses that aren't necessarily dangerous but just inaccurate.

Google seems to disregard the hallucination and error problem by simply adding a disclaimer that "Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it," which effectively absolves it from any responsibility. But that doesn't account for the humans doing the work behind the scenes.

Previously GlobalLogic, a subsidiary of Hitachi, instructed its prompt engineers and analysts to skip a Gemini response they didn't fully understand. "If you do not have critical expertise (e.g. coding, math) to rate this prompt, please skip this task," said the guidelines viewed by the outlet.

But last week, GlobalLogic changed its instructions, saying, "You should not skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge," and to instead "rate the parts of the prompt you understand," and note that they don't have the required expertise in their analysis. Expertise, in other words, is not being treated as a prerequisite for this work.

Contractors can now only skip prompts that are "completely missing information," according to TechCrunch, or those that contain sensitive content that requires a consent form.

SAVE $25: As of Dec. 19, get the Xbox Wireless Controller at Best Buy for $39.99, down from its usual price of $64.99. That's a discount of 42%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Xbox Wireless Controller $39.99 at Best Buy
$64.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

The end of the year is fast approaching. What better time to kick back and enjoy some video games? It's also the best time to do a quick upgrade on all your gaming equipment. For instance, you can still snatch a discounted console or two here and there ahead of the holidays. And if you've been in dire need of a new controller for a while, it's a good time to get one of those, too, thanks to a sale going on at Best Buy right now.

As of Dec. 19, you can get an Xbox Wireless Controller for just $39.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $64.99. That's a discount of 42%. This price applies to the Shock Blue colorway, and the deal is available for the next 13 hours at the time of writing.

The base Xbox Wireless Controller is the same one you get when you purchase an Xbox console. It's compatible with all Xbox platforms as well as Windows, so you can use it to game on PC as well, even if you're not playing an Xbox game – it works beautifully with mot Steam games.

It fits great in the hand, and offers a hybrid D-pad, textured grip on each trigger, bumper, and back casing, and it also allows for customizable button mapping with the Xbox Accessories App. If you have a headset that uses a 3.5mm jack, it supports that, too. It's super simple to connect and go via Bluetooth, which means it's a worthy upgrade to third-party wired offerings or the old Player 2 controller with analog sticks that just don't work anymore. Grab yours quick before the sale is over so you can get your game on comfortably.

SAVE UP TO 39%: Get Sonos speakers on sale ahead of the holidays. Get the Sonos Ray soundbar for just $169, saving you 39%.

Best Sonos deals Best Sonos deal Sonos Ray Soundbar $169 at Amazon (Save $110) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal Sonos Roam 2 $139 at Amazon (Save $40) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sonos Ace headphones $349 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal

As you prepare for the holidays, a good speaker is part of any host's toolkit. You can deck the halls and turn on the holiday lights, but you need a speaker to complete the ambiance.

Sonos makes speakers, soundbars, and headphones for true audiophiles. Their speakers deliver multi-dimensional sound all throughout your home. While we love Sonos devices, we've never been thrilled by their expensive prices. Luckily, ahead of the holidays, you can find Sonos speakers up to 39% off at Amazon. Plus, they arrive in time for the holidays.

Here are the best deals to shop now.

Best Sonos deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ray soundbar $169.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ray soundbar delivers Sonos's signature audio in an affordable package. It connects simply to the TV with one cord and an easy-to-use app, keeps things straightforward. The biggest disappointment is the lack of Bluetooth connection here, but that's easily overcome through the included app.

At its list price of $279, it's one of Sonos's more affordable soundbars. However, you can find it for just $169 ahead of the holidays. That knocks off $110 for 39% off.

More Sonos deals

• Sonos Roam 2 — $139 $179 (save $40)

• Sonos Ace headphones — $349 $449 (save $100)

• Sonos Era 300 — $359 $449 (save $90)

• Sonos Move 2 — $359 $449 (save $90)

• Sonos Beam 2 soundbar — $369 $499 (save $130)

• Sonos Five — $439 $549 (save $110)

I've been a Mac gaming proponent since my first Apple Silicon machine, and Apple itself has been taking gaming much more seriously since the M1 launched as well, yet the selection of titles is still thin. So why not just play Windows games on your Mac? Turns out it's not just possible, but kind of awesome thanks to Whiskey.

Depending on how much body hair you do or don't have, your grooming routine may be quick and painless or fairly elaborate. With the new Manscaped Dome Shaver, now is the perfect time to go bald—whether it's a choice to simplify maintenance or confidently embrace that lost hairline.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 19: OUR TOP PICK Apple iPad, 10th generation (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $249.99 (save $99.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Mini 2 $23.99 (save $16) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Sony ULT Field 1 $88 (save $41.99) Get Deal BEST APPLE ACCESSORY DEAL Apple Pencil 2 $79.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Sonos Beam Gen 2 $369 (save $130) Get Deal

The deals aren't done yet, folks. If you still have some gifts to check off your list, big brands like Apple, Sonos, and Sony are still dropping prices ahead of the holidays. It can be pretty tedious to sort through the chaos of Amazon's daily deals, so we've rounded up a few of the best ones to help you complete your shopping (or just treat yourself) on Dec. 19.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these spark your interest, be sure to take a peek at our selections from Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 as well. Most of those deals are still live, including a $40 price drop on the Fitbit Charge 6 and a Prime-exclusive 38% savings on the 55-inch Omni Fire TV.

Our top pick: Apple iPad, 10th generation Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10th generation (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $249.99 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $99.01 with on-page coupon Get Deal

While the 10th generation iPad may not turn heads as the fanciest Apple tablet, we still highly recommend it — especially if you're on a budget. As the entry-level iPad, it packs the A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a new landscape camera layout that makes video calls look better, and upgraded stereo speakers for better sound quality. In our best iPad roundup, Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino writes, "It's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop but don't want to spend a ton of money." It's $349 at full price and has been chilling on sale for $279 for a couple weeks now. As of Dec. 19, however, an on-page coupon popped up that drops the price to a record-low $249.99.

Blink Mini 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Mini 2 $23.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal

The second-generation Blink Mini dropped earlier this year and offers better performance in low light, a wider field of view, a built-in LED spotlight for in-color night vision, and an overall enhanced image quality. Plus, you can pair it with the Blink weather resistant power adapter (sold separately) and use it both indoors and outdoors. As of Dec. 19, it's down to just $23.99 at Amazon. That's 40% in savings and just $4 shy of its best price ever.

Sony ULT Field 1 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 1 $88.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal

Mashable's shopping and reviews editor Miller Kern tested the Sony ULT Field 1 and had largely positive things to say. She found its sound quality, customizable EQs, and ULT setting that pumps up the bass to be particularly impressive selling points. It's battery life could certainly be better, but with the affordable price tag, we're willing to look past it. As of Dec. 19, you can snag it in any color at Amazon for just $88. That's 32% in savings and its best price ever.

Check out our full review of the Sony ULT Field 1.

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil 2 $79.99 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal

Whether you already own an iPad, you're expecting one under the tree, or you're gifting one to someone else, an Apple Pencil is a game-changing accessory. And as of Dec. 19, the second-generation stylus is on sale for just $79.99. That's 38% off and just 99 cents shy of its all-time low. The magnetic stylus charges while attached to your tablet and offers pressure sensitivity that makes note-taking or drawing fine details feel like using an actual pen or pencil. Double-tap gestures also let you switch tools effortlessly, which can really benefit artists and designers.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Beam Gen 2 $369.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is our favorite soundbar to pair with your TV. And as of Dec. 19, it's still on sale for its record-low Black Friday price of $369. That's 26% off its usual cost. The second-generation soundbar enhances what we already loved about the first generation Beam, which Mashable tech reporter Raymond Wong said "hits the sweet spot on price, design, sound quality, and features." It adds a new grill, a better processor, and Dolby Atmos compatibility to its already immersive sound, impressive clarity, and convenient voice assistant support.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.