Technology
The Newest Garmin Forerunners Now Have a Smart Wake Alarm, a Calculator, and More
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The latest software update for Garmin Forerunner 570 and 970 watches, and for the Fenix 8, adds a smart wake alarm, previously only available on the Vivoactive 6 and the Index sleep monitor, which I reviewed here. The update brings a few other new features, including automatic rest countdowns for strength activities (even if you aren’t following a structured workout).
How to update
This is a regular update, not a beta. You can update by going to settings and then System, Software Update, and Check for Updates. You want to make sure you’re up to 12.70 to get the smart alarm and other new features.
Here are the release notes for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 versions of the update. The Fenix 8 also gets a smart alarm and other features in its 17.28 update.
Here are some of the other new features:
How the smart alarm works
Credit: Beth Skwarecki
Once you’ve updated, you’ll see a few new options when you set an alarm. To set alarms, go to your watch’s settings (from long pressing the middle left button) and then select Clocks.
Now, when setting an alarm, you can turn on a toggle for “Smart Wake.” When this is on, the alarm may wake you up at any time in the 30 minutes prior to the set time. (So a 7:30 alarm would wake you up between 7:00 and 7:30). The alarm will wake you early if the watch detects that you’ve gotten enough of a full night’s sleep and if it can detect you being in a lighter sleep stage.
Smart alarms will have a yellow sparkle icon, and will give the time as a window (like “7:00-7:30”) in the list of alarms.
Focus modes
Credit: Beth Skwarecki
You can now adjust your watch’s settings based on a focus. We’ve already had Sleep Mode, but now you can enable Theater Mode, which turns off move alerts (thank you!), mutes all sounds, sets brightness to low, and disables the gesture that turns on the screen when you move your wrist.
For now, my only options are Sleep, Theater, and Activity. I can edit the settings of each mode from the Garmin Connect app, but I can’t add new modes there. Instead, I have to go into settings on the watch and select Focus Modes, scroll to the bottom, and tap Add. This option isn’t available from the shortcut menu on the watch, only the settings.
Automatic rest countdowns for strength workouts
What it looks like after time is up
Credit: Beth Skwarecki
I’ve always loved the way I can program a strength workout and get an automatic rest timer when I finish each set, so that it buzzes when I need to get up and do the next set.
What do you think so far?
Now, you can get that feature even on “free” strength workouts—the ones where you aren’t following a specific workout, but just doing your thing in the gym and hitting the lap button to start and end sets.
Before you begin your strength workout, there’s now a menu item for Rest Countdown. Turn that on, and set it to your desired time—for example, two minutes. (Need help deciding? I’ve written about rest times here. Most of you are not resting long enough.)
Now, when you end a set, a timer appears that starts at 2:00 and counts down. Once it hits zero, the watch alerts you, and it starts counting up, with a plus sign and a red border around the time so you know how long you’ve been slacking.
You can change the rest time during the workout. Just go to the workout settings (long middle press the left button) and change the time. If a rest timer is currently running, it will be updated immediately.
Calculator app
Punch in the cost of your meal and hit “tip,” and you get this handy screen.
Credit: Beth Skwarecki
It took me a minute to find the calculator app, but it’s there! Go into your Controls menu (long press the top left button) and then Controls settings (long press the middle left button). Tell it you want to Add a control, and scroll down until you find the calculator.
There’s even a handy Tip button. Enter the cost for your meal, hit Tip, and you’re taken to a screen where you can decide on the percentage you’d like to tip (default 20%). This screen also shows the total, and can automatically split the bill, saying how much each person should pay to cover the final amount.
Samsung Electronics has unveiled its new most advanced Odyssey gaming monitor lineup. The lineup includes five new models that push the boundaries of resolution, refresh rates, and immersive visual performance.
Led by Samsung’s first 6K 3D Odyssey G9, the 2026 lineup debuts world-first display technologies for gamers and creators, including the next-generation Odyssey G6 and three new Odyssey G8 models.
First 6K glasses-free 3D monitor
“With this year’s Odyssey lineup, we’re introducing display experiences that simply weren’t possible even a year ago,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics.
“From the industry’s first 6K glasses-free 3D monitor to breakthrough 1,040Hz speed, we designed these monitors to meet the ambitions of today’s gamers and deliver a level of immersion that fundamentally changes how content looks and functions on screen.”
The 32-inch Odyssey 3D (G90XH model) debuts the world’s first 6K display with glasses-free 3D, introducing a new way to experience games on a monitor. Powered by real-time eye tracking, it adjusts depth and perspective in response to the viewer’s position, creating a layered sense of dimension for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay without the need for a headset, according to a press release.
PC gamers can enjoy high-quality expanded lineup
With 6K resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate boosted to 330Hz through Dual Mode, and 1ms response time, fast action stays sharp and smooth, according to Samsung.
The company claims that PC gamers can enjoy a high-quality expanded lineup of supported titles with optimized 3D effects developed in collaboration with game studios. Featured games such as The First Berserker: Khazan, Lies of P: Overture, and Stellar Blade will offer added dimensionality, enhancing terrain, distance, and object separation beyond standard 2D gameplay.
The South Korean company has also highlighted that the 27-inch Odyssey G6 (G60H model) gaming monitor advances competitive gaming with the world’s first 1,040Hz gaming monitor through Dual Mode and native QHD support up to 600Hz, delivering esports-level motion clarity to help players track targets and see fine details during high-speed movement.
When needed, the Odyssey G6 can boost performance in an instant, providing ultra-sharp resolution so viewers can experience breathtaking worlds and ultra-high speeds that fuel competitive adrenaline. With support from both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, the Odyssey G6 ensures that every frame is smooth, every color pops, and every moment feels responsive.
The Odyssey G8 series is expanding in 2026 with three distinct models, each offering a different balance of resolution and speed. Leading the lineup, the 32-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HS model), the industry’s first 6K gaming monitor, delivers native 165Hz performance with Dual Mode that supports up to 330Hz in 3K mode.
The 27-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HF model) offers a sharper 5K option with native support up to 180Hz, and Dual Mode boosts to 360Hz in QHD for smoother motion.
For users who want deeper contrast, the 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH model) pairs a 4K QD-OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, Glare Free viewing, 300-nit brightness, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. Its DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) supports up to 80 Gbps of bandwidth for seamless HDR and VRR playback, according to Samsung.
The complete Odyssey 2026 lineup will be on display at CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6-9.
Technology
Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 Rewrites the Playbook for Sports with Phygital Innovation
Published on
December 25, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 have closed an unforgettable chapter in the evolution of phygital sports. Hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the event marked an unparalleled fusion of physical and digital competition. Over six action-packed days, Abu Dhabi hosted more than 850 participants from 60+ countries, with fierce battles across 11 disciplines including Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, esports, Phygital Fighting, drone racing, and VR gaming.
Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 was not just a sporting event; it was a vision of the future. It set a global standard for what sports can look like in the digital age, where technology and human skill come together to create immersive and multi-dimensional experiences. The competition showed the world that the future of sports isn’t confined to a physical arena, but seamlessly integrates both the physical and digital.
The Champions of Tomorrow: Phygital Sports Takes Centre Stage
The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 featured 11 disciplines that blended traditional sports with futuristic technologies, including Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, esports, Phygital Fighting, and Phygital Shooter. These unique formats tested competitors in both the physical and digital realms. For example, Phygital Football powered by ADNOC saw the México Quetzales – Armadillos FC clinch the Phygital Football title, defeating Troncos FC 2-4 in a thrilling final that captivated crowds throughout the week. Likewise, in Phygital Basketball, the LIGA PRO TEAM triumphed in a 29-23 victory over Moscowsky.
Other high-stakes competitions included Phygital Fighting.FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, where Kuznya dominated, winning all four of their matches. Meanwhile, xGoat emerged victorious in the Phygital Shooter.CS 2 final, overcoming Dontsu Esports 2-0 in an intense digital shootout.
In the drone racing category, Drone Racing One wowed spectators by completing 50 laps of a challenging circuit, showcasing the high-tech thrill of phygital racing.
A Digital Revolution: The Rise of VR Gaming and Esports
Beyond traditional sports, Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 brought esports and VR gaming into the spotlight. The esports events featured top teams and intense matches across a variety of games, including MOBA Mobile.MLBB and MOBA PC.Dota 2. In a thrilling final, ONIC defeated Aurora Gaming in the Mobile.MLBB championship, while teamWin overcame Vikings 2-0 in Dota 2.
The Battle Royale tournament, featuring Fortnite, saw Kami + Swizzy crush their opponents ZYRO + RAPID in the final. In VR gaming, the HADO competition proved to be one of the most exciting events, where Team Rock claimed the victory.
The digital revolution didn’t stop there—Phygital Dancing.Just Dance was an engaging crowd favorite, with Ivan “myakekcya” Vlasov taking home the crown. These events proved that esports and VR gaming are no longer just niche interests but are now integral parts of mainstream competition.
The Future is Phygital: Tech and Sport in Perfect Harmony
Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 perfectly illustrated how technology and sports are converging to form an entirely new ecosystem. With events such as Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, and drone racing, the Games were a showcase of the groundbreaking possibilities that arise when sports embrace digital innovations. Technology was not merely an accessory at this event—it was the cornerstone upon which the competitions were built.
With immersive experiences that brought together digital avatars, VR environments, and physical action, the event revealed a new way of experiencing and consuming sports. It also showcased how athletes and fans alike can now engage with sports in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
Abu Dhabi Leads the Way: A Global Hub for Next-Generation Sports
As the host city, Abu Dhabi solidified its position as a global leader in the future of sports. This landmark event wasn’t just about showcasing phygital sports, but also about demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to innovation and technology. The event was a triumph of vision, execution, and global collaboration, bringing together athletes, clubs, and partners from around the world.
In his remarks, Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, remarked on the complexity of delivering an event on such a grand scale: “Delivering an event of this scale and complexity required close coordination across multiple disciplines, venues, and partners. The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 showcased competitive excellence, but also operational innovation and audience engagement at the highest level.”
Similarly, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, praised the event’s impact: “What we saw over six days was not just competition, but the emergence of a global ecosystem where sport, esports, technology, and innovation coexist on one stage. Abu Dhabi set a new benchmark for scale, delivery, and ambition.”
A Glimpse into the Future: The Global Impact of Phygital Sports
The success of Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 is not just about the event itself. It signals a transformative shift in how we view and experience sports in the 21st century. By embracing phygital sports, the UAE is not just shaping the future of competition, but also setting the stage for the next generation of athletes, fans, and sports industries.
The Phygital Sports Summit, which took place during the event, provided a platform for discussing the future of sports, technology, and innovation. The summit brought together industry leaders, athletes, and tech visionaries to discuss the convergence of physical and digital realms. The dialogue held here will help define the future trajectory of phygital sports and shape the policies that govern it.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Phygital Sports is Now
The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 wasn’t just a flash in the pan; it was a statement. The event demonstrated how sports and technology can work in harmony, paving the way for the next generation of competition. As Abu Dhabi continues to innovate and lead the way in phygital sports, the rest of the world is watching closely, eager to follow in the footsteps of this global hub for next-generation sports and entertainment.
As Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, pointed out, “The success of this edition shows what is possible when vision, technology, and execution align.” The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for even bigger, more ambitious events in the years to come, setting a new standard for what’s possible in the world of sports.
Technology
The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 Closes Landmark Edition, Setting New Benchmark for Phygital Sports
GOTF 1
Concludes GOTF.2
Concludes GOTF .3
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, December 25, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC concluded on Tuesday after six days of elite competition, innovation, and global participation, marking a milestone moment in the evolution of phygital sports.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the landmark event brought together more than 850 participants from over 60 countries and featured 11 disciplines, spanning Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, esports, Phygital Fighting, Phygital Shooter, Phygital drone racing, and VR Game.HADO. Across arenas, stages, and digital battlegrounds, the event showcased how technology and sport are converging to shape the future of competition.
During the globally-watched event, champions were crowned in each discipline, delivering their own defining moments and reinforcing the unique multi-sport identity of the Games of the Future.
Phygital Football powered by ADNOC and Phygital Basketball.3on3 FreeStyle brought to you by M42 both drew vocal crowds throughout the week, with MÉXICO QUETZALES – ARMADILLOS FC taking the Phygital Football title in a thrilling 2-4 final win over Troncos FC, and LIGA PRO TEAM secured the Phygital Basketball title with a 29-23 victory over Moscowsky. Meanwhile, in Phygital Fighting.FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, Kuznya finished top of the leaderboard after winning all four of their fights, dominating both on the digital stage and in the octagon, and xGoat won the Phygital Shooter.CS 2 final, beating Dontsu Esports 2-0 in the digital world to avoid the need for a deciding round of physical laser tag.
Tasting glory in the esports-focused disciplines, ONIC won the MOBA Mobile.MLBB final against Aurora Gaming, while the aptly-named teamWin beat Vikings 2-0 in the championship game of MOBA PC.Dota 2, and Kami + Swizzy conquered ZYRO + RAPID in the final of the Battle Royale.Featuring Fortnite. In the Phygital Drone Racing presented by InsuranceMarket.ae, which tasked clubs to complete 50 laps of a testing circuit filled with loops, hoops, and straights, Drone Racing One proved fastest on the final day ahead of Team BDS.
A pair of events taking place in the Atrium at ADNEC Centre drew plenty of attention as Ivan “myakekcya” Vlasov triumphed in the Phygital Dancing.Just Dance final, while Team Rock took the title in VR-game.HADO. Lastly, in Battle of Robots, proving itself one of the most spectacular disciplines of the week, Fierce Roc’s menacing Deep Sea Shark machine annihilated Team Cobalt’s Cobalt in a spectacularly destructive finale.
In parallel with the competitive program, the event week also featured an eye-catching and engaging Opening Ceremony and the inaugural Phygital Sports Summit, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for next-generation sport, innovation, and immersive entertainment.
Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, reflected on intricacy of the Games: “Delivering an event of this scale and complexity required close coordination across multiple disciplines, venues, and partners. The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 showcased competitive excellence, but also operational innovation and audience engagement at the highest level. We are proud to have played a role in bringing this landmark event to life and in supporting its growth on the global stage.”
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: “The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 demonstrated how far this movement has come in a short space of time. What we saw over six days was not just competition, but the emergence of a global ecosystem where sport, esports, technology, and innovation coexist on one stage. Abu Dhabi set a new benchmark for scale, delivery, and ambition, and this edition has reinforced the Games of the Future as a defining platform for next-generation competition worldwide.”
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, added: “Hosting the Games of the Future in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE’s commitment to shaping the future of sport and innovation. This event brought together athletes, clubs, partners, and audiences from around the world. The success of this edition shows what is possible when vision, technology, and execution align, and it positions Abu Dhabi firmly at the forefront of emerging sport formats.”
The Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 is organized by ASPIRE, the Local Delivery Authority, in collaboration with Ethara, the Event Delivery Partner, and Phygital International, the Global Rights Holder. The event is supported by key partners, including Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ADNOC, EDGE, M42, Solutions+, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Gaming, du Infra, InsuranceMarket.ae, Ministry of Sports, Advanced Technology Research Council, and ADNEC Group.
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The Samsung Odyssey 3D G90XH gaming monitor features a 165Hz refresh rate that can be boosted to 330Hz in Dual Mode. The monitor is slated to arrive in 2026 and is expected to be a hit amongst avid gamers.
The Tandem WOLED technology will offer fast response time, high refresh rates, low motion blur, dual modes, enriched color depths and more. The Tandem OLED technology will allow screens to blend more seamlessly into everyday spaces thanks to its natural performance.
The latest LG Display OLED technology comes as part of the company’s rebranding of its screen technology to help usher in a new age for the brand.
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