The home for media professionals, technologists, and engineers, will honor some of the industry’s top minds and organizations at its annual Awards Gala, Thursday, Oct. 16, at the conclusion of the 2025 SMPTE Media Technology Summit. The Gala will take place in the Pasadena Convention Center.

“I want to congratulate all of this year’s award recipients,” said Fellows Committee Chair and SMPTE past-president Renard Jenkins. “Their dedication to the Society and our industry as a whole is evident through their work and volunteerism. Each and every one of these individuals have had a positive impact on the relevance and longevity of SMPTE. Thank you and Congratulations!”

This year, 14 honors will be bestowed upon 31 individuals and organizations.

The David Sarnoff Medal was established in 1950 and recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of new techniques or equipment that have improved the engineering phases of television technology. This year, the medal is being awarded to Darryl Jefferson in recognition of his visionary engineering leadership and transformative innovations in large-scale broadcast systems. At NBC Olympics and Sports, Jefferson has advanced the frontiers of live television production through pioneering work in cloud-based workflows, IP architectures, and real-time media delivery for global events.

The Progress Medal award honors an individual who has made outstanding technical contributions to the progress of engineering phases in the motion picture, television, or motion imaging industries. This year’s recipient is Sir Ian Taylor, in recognition of his decades-long leadership and technological innovation in animation and sports production. As the founder of Animation Research Ltd, Sir Ian has pioneered virtual technologies that have transformed how audiences experience live sports — most notably in sailing, golf, cricket, and motorsports.

The Excellence in Education Medal was established in 2016 and recognizes outstanding contributions to new or unique educational programs that teach the technologies of motion imaging sciences, including emerging media technology. This year, SMPTE recognizes Polly Hickling for her outstanding contributions to developing inclusive and accessible learning pathways in the dynamic field of media engineering. Through her innovative use of nontraditional teaching strategies in both academic and professional settings, Hickling has ensured that learners from diverse backgrounds are engaged, supported, and empowered to advance their careers.

The Workflow Systems Medal was established in 2012 and recognizes outstanding contributions related to the development and integration of workflows that enhance creativity, collaboration, efficiency, or novel approaches to the production, post-production, or distribution process. This year, SMPTE will honor Michelle Munson in recognition of her visionary leadership and entrepreneurial impact in transforming media workflows on a global scale. As the co-founder and CEO of Aspera, she built one of the most influential technology companies in modern media infrastructure — solving one of the industry’s most persistent challenges and enabling faster, more efficient, and more collaborative content production and delivery.

The Camera Origination and Imaging Medal was established in 2012 and recognizes significant technical achievements related to invention or advances in imaging technology. This year, the award will honor Dr. Peter Centen for pioneering innovations in image sensor technology that transformed electronic cinematography and broadcast imaging. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Centen played a pivotal role in the industry’s transition from CCD to CMOS image sensors, serving as chief architect of the Xensium family that enabled HD, 4K, HDR, and HFR imaging.

The James A. Lindner Archival Technology Medal was established in 2012 and recognizes significant technical advancements or contributions related to the archive or preservation of media content essence. This year, the Medal is awarded to Reto Kromer in recognition of his pioneering contributions to audiovisual preservation through practical, accessible, and forward-looking technologies. A mathematician and computer scientist, Kromer has advanced the field through his work on open-source tools, low-energy conservation methods, and digital workflows — including color space analysis and codec emulation.

The Natalie M. and Herbert T. Kalmus Award honors the recipient by recognizing outstanding contributions that reflect a commitment to the highest standards of quality and innovation in motion picture production, post-production, and distribution services. This year’s recipient is Scott Miller for his pivotal contributions to the invention, development, advocacy, and standardization of the Perceptual Quantizer (PQ) transfer function. PQ provides an efficient mapping of absolute luminance levels to human visual perception, establishing a critical foundation for the widespread adoption of high dynamic range (HDR) motion imaging.

The Samuel L. Warner Memorial Medal Award honors the individual by recognizing outstanding contributions in the design and development of new and improved methods and/or apparatus for motion picture sound, including any step in the process. This year’s recipient is Ben Burtt in recognition of his transformative contributions to the art and science of motion picture sound. Burtt revolutionized sound design by departing from traditional library-based effects, instead crafting unique, organic sounds tailored to each scene — often derived from nature or real-world sources.

The Excellence in Standards Award recognizes those who have been actively involved in advancing Society standards, activities, and processes. This year’s award will be presented to Steve LLamb in recognition of his exemplary leadership and enduring contributions to the SMPTE Standards Community. For over a decade, he has shaped digital cinema standards, chairing the Digital Cinema Working Group for eight years and guiding the integration of the film and sound technology committees.

The Louis F. Wolf Jr. Memorial Scholarship is designed to assist students in furthering their undergraduate or graduate studies in motion pictures and television, with an emphasis on technology. This year’s recipient is Anthony Guarino from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

The Citation for Outstanding Service to the Society recognizes dedicated service to SMPTE, particularly at the Section level. This year, four individuals will be honored with this award: Zandra Clarke in recognition of her dedicated and multifaceted service to the Atlanta Section and to SMPTE at large; Bill Hogan for his unwavering commitment to advancing SMPTE’s mission and fostering Section engagement; Jim DeFilippis in recognition of his leadership and educational outreach within the Hollywood Section; and Ujwal Nirgudkar in recognition of his exceptional leadership as Chair of the India Section and his enduring efforts to expand SMPTE’s presence across India.

The Journal Award for the best paper originally published in the SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal during 2024 will be presented to Alejandro Arango, Simon Therriault, and Andriy Yamashev for their paper, “Enhancements to Media Transport in ICVFX Using SMPTE 2110,” by A. Arango, S. Therriault and A. Yamashev, published in the October 2024 issue of the Motion Imaging Journal – Volume 133, Issue 6.” Additionally, Journal Certificates of Merit will be awarded to Ricardo Figueroa for his paper, “What Electronic Image Noise Signatures Can Tell Us About Image Linearity and Camera Encoding,” by Ricardo Figueroa, PhD, published in the September 2024 issue of the Motion Imaging Journal – Volume 133, Issue 5.”

Thirteen new SMPTE Fellows will be recognized at this year’s Gala for attaining an outstanding rank among engineers or executives in media and entertainment through their proficiency and contributions to the motion-picture, television, or related industries. These individuals are John Abt, Francois Bourdua, Carolyn Giardina, Eric Gsell, Carys Hughes, Russell Trafford-Jones, Phillip Graham Layton, François Legrand, Nick Mitchell, Paritosh Saha, Florian Schleich, James Toten, and Ron Williams.

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA, AP Business Writers

Stocks capped a choppy day of trading on Wall Street with more losses Thursday after an early big tech rally faded and a health care sector pullback led the market lower.

The S&P 500 fell 0.4%, its third straight decline. The benchmark index, which is just below the record high it set on Monday, notched a 2.2% gain for the month of July and is up 7.8% so far this year.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.7%, and the Nasdaq composite closed less than 0.1% lower.

Roughly 70% of stocks in the S&P 500 lost ground, with health care companies accounting for the biggest drag on the market.

Health care stocks sank after the White House released letters asking big pharmaceutical companies to cut prices and make other changes in the next 60 days. Eli Lilly & Co. fell 2.6%, UnitedHealth Group slid 6.2% and Bristol-Myers Squibb dropped 5.8%.

Gains by some big technology stocks with hefty values helped temper the impact of the broader market’s decline.

Marathon season is right around the corner, and if you’ve willingly entered yourself into a race this fall, whether it’s a 5K, 10K, half, or full marathon, you’ve probably already begun training for it (or should start doing so as soon as possible). 

A fitness tracker, like a smartwatch, smart band, or smart ring, can help monitor your pace, distance, gains, and recovery. These devices have become more comfortable than ever (as someone who has tested lots of them), and the brands behind them, like Apple, Google, Samsung, or Oura, are putting comfort and wearability at the top of mind. 

Also: The best smartwatches we’ve tested

These devices, while advanced and helpful, aren’t terribly cheap. Luckily, we’re in prime deals season: As companies gear up for new product launches, they’re discounting older generations (which are, normally, marginally similar to the new product they’ll unveil this fall). 

So if you’re aiming to maximize your budget while buying a smartwatch, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite deals to shop on smartwatches — and included some personal testing experience of my own. 

Want to save more on your favorite tech? Get daily deals straight to your inbox when you sign up for ZDNET Recommends, your one-stop newsletter for the sale.

Best smartwatch and fitness tracker deals 

More smartwatch and fitness tracker deals

Best Buy smartwatch and fitness tracker deals

FAQs

How did we choose these deals?

While considering the products on this list, I considered each discounted device’s popularity, quality, deal amount, and general deal worthiness, based on my own testing.

Should I buy a smartwatch or a smart ring?

A smartwatch functions as a health tracker and an around-the-wrist companion to your phone. You can answer texts, set timers, ask the smartwatch’s AI assistant questions, and more with an Apple Watch, Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, or Garmin. It will record your exercise and sleep and deliver that through the smartwatch’s health app, as well as on your phone’s health app. A smart ring is a little different. It doesn’t have a screen, so it won’t distract you throughout the day with pings or messages. All of the data it collects is displayed on your phone. If a smartwatch is a lifestyle wearable with health functionalities, a smartwatch is a health-centered wearable. 

Should I buy a health tracker?

If you are an active person who is interested in keeping tabs on your vitals, like heart rate, body temperature, or heart rate variability, or activity, like steps and calories burned, a health tracker is an effective device. With recent medical advancements, health trackers do more than just count steps: they can monitor sleep and shine light on often undiagnosed conditions, like sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, and more. 

However, some people buy a smartwatch or smart ring and then experience data overload: constantly monitoring their biometrics makes them anxious, or their sleep and activity scores are never where they want them to be, and they end up constantly worrying about this data. 

Presented by KPMG, the series debuted today on MSE’s digital platforms 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2025) — Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today announced the debut of “Building Momentum,” a new multi-platform content series that will take fans behind the scenes of the ambitious transformation of MSE’s brand-new arena in downtown Washington, D.C. Launching this morning with the first mini episode of The Ground Floor, this original series is brought to life by MSE’s productions team and presented by KPMG, MSE’s strategic partner for the arena transformation. 

“Building Momentum” will share exclusive access and updates throughout the construction process—offering fans a firsthand look at how MSE is reimagining the home of the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, family shows, concerts, and other world-class programming. From infrastructure and design to technological innovation of the fan experience, the series will spotlight the scale, vision, and partnerships driving this once-in-a-generation project. 

 “’Building Momentum’ will give fans a seat at the table as the future of our brand-new arena comes to life,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations at MSE. “We’ve created a compelling, creative series that truly captures the energy and innovation behind this transformation and we’re excited to share it over the coming months.” 

“Building Momentum” will include various miniseries: 

The Ground Floor with Juliana Morgan 

A fast-paced, bite-sized social media series hosted by Monumental Sports Network’s (MNMT) Juliana Morgan. These short-form videos will explain key transformation updates—what they are, why they matter, and how they’ll impact fans. 

Initial episodes will highlight the project timeline, overall arena upgrades, state-of-the-art arena technology, modernized team spaces, and curated art and memorabilia throughout the building. 

Pardon Our Progress 

Episodes will feature perspectives from MSE and Gensler executives, explore the revitalization of The District, and provide a closer look at enhancements to the fan journey—leading up to the Capitals and Wizards season openers and throughout the first portion of the season. 

Additional Content to Come  

Construction updates of new arena spaces leading up to the start of the season 

MNMT talent will go in-depth on different aspects of the transformation, offering personal takes and immersive storytelling. 

Dedicated miniseries spotlighting KPMG’s role as transformation partner, with an inside look at their strategy, analytics, and operational support for the transformation.  

Today’s announcement comes as construction is underway on the brand-new Capital One Arena. MSE is taking a 360-degree approach to planning a high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years and set a new standard for fan experience and technological innovation.  

Follow the “Building Momentum” series across all MSE social media platforms: Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

### 

About Monumental Sports & Entertainment  

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment company and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.  

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced a plan for a new private health tracking system that will make it easier for patients to access their health records and monitor their wellness across health care systems and technologies. The system, however, is raising a host of privacy questions.

The collaboration between the federal government and Big Tech would allow patients to more seamlessly track and share their medical records or data among doctors, hospital systems and health apps, the administration and participating companies say.

Details of the system were announced Wednesday during a White House event dubbed “Making Health Technology Great Again.”

Here’s how it would work

The system would be maintained by the federal government through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, pulling health data kept by Big Tech companies like Amazon, Google and Apple as well as major health companies like hospital system Cleveland Clinic and insurer UnitedHealth Group. Patients will need to opt in to have their medical records and data shared, which CMS says will be kept secure.

Once a patient is in the system, their information could be shared across apps or health systems that have joined the initiative. So, for example, the Apple Health app on your iPhone that tracks your daily step count or your sleep could access lab results from your doctor’s office. Putting that information together, the Trump administration says, will offer a fuller picture of your health.

Apps and AI technology could also help people make better choices at the grocery store or identify patterns in their day-to-day life that might be affecting their health, said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during Wednesday’s White House event.

“Now if you have your medical records, you can get personalized advice,” Kennedy said.

How the system works now

Currently, there’s no unified database where a person’s health data and medical records are kept. Each health system stores, shares and releases patients’ records in different ways. That’s a big reason a lot of systems still rely on fax machines, because it’s a guaranteed way to share records between offices and hospitals. Faxing is also a secure way to send information that complies with federal privacy laws.

Some health networks also have their own apps, electronic systems or websites that allow patients to look up their records online or share information with other providers.

The program could

start next year

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that 60 companies have signed on to work with the system and that they have pledged to “deliver results to the American people in the first quarter of 2026.”

The Trump administration, however, made a similar proposal back in 2018 that never fully came to fruition.

Patient privacy is a

top concern

Patient advocates and ethicists say many may worry about how their health information — something Americans have long carefully guarded — could be used in ways that they don’t want or expect.

“There are enormous ethical and legal concerns,” said Lawrence Gostin, a Georgetown University law professor who specializes in public health. “Patients across America should be very worried that their medical records are going to be used in ways that harm them and their families.”

Also, digital privacy advocates say they are skeptical that patients will be able to count on their data being stored securely.

“This scheme is an open door for the further use and monetization of sensitive and personal health information,” said Jeffrey Chester at the Center for Digital Democracy.

Apple’s WatchOS 26, currently available in public beta, introduces a range of updates designed to enhance both fitness tracking and productivity. Among its most notable additions is the AI-powered Workout Buddy, which aims to provide real-time feedback and motivational support during workouts. Complementing this feature are a redesigned workout interface, a visually refined liquid glass UI, and incremental improvements across the system. While these updates showcase Apple’s commitment to innovation, they also reveal areas where the platform could benefit from further refinement. The video below from DC Rainmaker gives us a detailed look at the new Fitness features in Apple’s watchOS 26.

Workout Buddy: Personalized AI for Fitness Enthusiasts

The AI-powered Workout Buddy stands out as the flagship feature of WatchOS 26. Using artificial intelligence, this tool analyzes your performance metrics to deliver tailored feedback and motivational prompts. Whether you’re aiming to improve your endurance, strength, or overall fitness, Workout Buddy adapts to your goals, offering a personalized coaching experience. Users can even customize the voice feedback to suit their preferences, adding a layer of personalization to their workouts.

However, the feature comes with certain limitations. Workout Buddy requires constant internet connectivity, an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, and headphones to function optimally. Its reliance on cloud-based AI processing introduces potential issues, such as occasional inaccuracies in activity tracking or fabricated metrics, often referred to as “AI hallucinations.” These inaccuracies can be particularly frustrating for users who rely on precise data for structured training. Additionally, the dependency on connectivity makes the feature less practical for outdoor enthusiasts or those in areas with limited internet access.

Revamped Workout Interface: Streamlined but Imperfect

The workout interface in WatchOS 26 has been redesigned to improve usability and simplify navigation. Settings are now categorized into four distinct sections:

• Data metrics and views
• Structured workouts and goals
• Dynamic music playlists
• Voice alerts, including Workout Buddy feedback

This reorganization aims to reduce setup time, allowing users to focus on their exercise routines. The new layout is particularly beneficial for those who frequently adjust their workout parameters, as it consolidates key settings into an intuitive structure.

Despite these improvements, the interface is not without its flaws. Navigating through options can feel cumbersome, especially during high-intensity workouts when quick adjustments are necessary. The lack of a more responsive or gesture-based control system limits the practicality of these changes. While the redesign represents progress, it may require additional refinements to fully meet the diverse needs of Apple Watch users.

Liquid Glass UI: Subtle Visual Enhancements

The liquid glass UI introduces subtle aesthetic changes to WatchOS 26, most notably on the pin unlock screen. This design update enhances the visual appeal of the Apple Watch, offering a sleek and modern look. However, the impact of this feature is limited by the small screen size and processing constraints of the device. For most users, the liquid glass UI will likely go unnoticed during daily use, serving more as a minor cosmetic upgrade than a functional improvement.

Expanded Productivity Features and System Updates

In addition to fitness-focused updates, WatchOS 26 brings new productivity tools to the Apple Watch. The inclusion of the Notes app allows users to create and sync notes directly from their wrist. This feature is particularly useful for jotting down quick reminders or ideas on the go. However, the app’s lack of editing capabilities restricts its utility for more complex tasks, such as organizing detailed lists or revising existing notes.

Other system updates include minor tweaks to notifications and settings, aimed at improving overall convenience. For example, notifications are now more context-aware, providing smarter suggestions based on your activity. While these changes enhance the user experience, they are incremental rather than fantastic, offering small but meaningful improvements to daily interactions with the device.

Challenges and Opportunities for Future Development

While WatchOS 26 introduces several promising features, it also highlights key challenges that Apple must address in future updates. The reliance on constant connectivity for features like Workout Buddy limits their usability in offline or remote environments. This is a significant drawback for users who frequently engage in outdoor activities or live in areas with inconsistent internet access. Additionally, the occasional inaccuracies in AI-generated metrics underscore the need for more robust processing capabilities.

One potential solution lies in the development of on-device AI processing. By allowing the Apple Watch to handle AI computations locally, Apple could reduce latency, improve accuracy, and enhance the overall reliability of features like Workout Buddy. This advancement would not only address current limitations but also pave the way for more sophisticated applications of AI in wearable technology.

WatchOS 26: Progress with Room for Growth

WatchOS 26 represents a meaningful step forward for the Apple Watch, particularly with the introduction of the AI-powered Workout Buddy and a revamped workout interface. These updates demonstrate Apple’s commitment to enhancing the fitness and productivity capabilities of its wearable devices. However, the reliance on connectivity, occasional inaccuracies, and limited offline functionality highlight areas where further development is needed. As Apple continues to refine its wearable technology, future iterations of WatchOS could unlock the full potential of these features, offering a more seamless and reliable user experience.

Unlock more potential in AI-powered Workout Buddy by reading previous articles we have written.

Source & Image Credit: DC Rainmaker

Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Top News

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