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Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Watch: Review

Let me tell you now, before the nitty-gritty, there are many who assume the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED is something it is not. It is not just a cheaper version of Garmin’s Fenix smartwatch — that watch is designed for your Indiana Jones heading on expeditions. The Instinct line is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who […]

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Let me tell you now, before the nitty-gritty, there are many who assume the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED is something it is not. It is not just a cheaper version of Garmin’s Fenix smartwatch — that watch is designed for your Indiana Jones heading on expeditions. The Instinct line is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking and backpacking on established trails and camping in lean-tos or state-maintained campsites. 

Deep sigh.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I am stoked to share with you what the last 6x weeks of my life have been like with the new Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED. When people say, “It’s the little things in life,” they may very well be referring to what this smartwatch has to offer. And, in this case, the things it does not.

I am your average outdoor enthusiast and have found the Instinct 3 to be well-balanced, well-built, and visually impressive. I also cannot say enough about how much of a lifesaver the built-in LED flashlight has been while the state of Connecticut has been covered in ice. Now, after 2 months with this watch, this is my take on this updated classic.

In short: With the release of the Instinct 3, Garmin has given its most practical watch line the AMOLED treatment. While it still doesn’t have a touchscreen or turn-by-turn maps, it doesn’t need them. If you’re looking for a rugged smartwatch with exceptional battery life for your active life in the great outdoors, the Instinct 3 AMOLED is the answer.

Looking for a new fitness watch? Check out how the Instinct 3 AMOLED compares to the rest of the market in GearJunkie’s Best Fitness Watches and Best GPS Watches Buyer’s Guides.


  • Brilliant AMOLED screen

  • Lightweight yet rugged

  • MIL-STD-810 mil-spec thermal and shock resistant

  • LED flashlight

  • Onboard monitoring features


  • Simple breadcrumb navigation

  • Battery life isn’t the best out there

  • There is no AMOLED and solar version

Review: Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Watch

Design & Features

The Instinct 3 AMOLED is part of Garmin’s Instinct line, which has three distinct models, each with submodels and color configurations. It is a full-featured GPS smartwatch that visually errs toward the Timex Ironman more than it does an Apple Watch.

This rugged aesthetic appeals to the outdoor crowd. Its long battery life and wide array of functions keep us tethered to modern society while supporting our day-to-day lives, be it indoors or outdoors.

A close-up side view of a Garmin watch resting on a piece of woodA close-up side view of a Garmin watch resting on a piece of wood
The Instinct line is all about tough — without going wild with titanium and sapphire glass; (photo/Nick LeFort)

The Instinct 3 AMOLED is lightweight and has a fiber-reinforced polymer body, aluminum bezel, and chemically reinforced glass. However, this loftiness does not impact the ruggedness of the watch. You can expect it to take on scrapes, bangs, and bumps with little to no signs of wear. Additionally, its silicone band is comfortable to wear in all conditions, year-round. 

This version of the Instinct is also significant because of its use of an AMOLED display. AMOLED is rich in color, vibrant, and crisp to the point where even a direct hit from the sun won’t impact its visibility. The Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct E still use an MIP LED display. Also, like previous models, all models of the Instinct 3 use five buttons to operate it. There is no touchscreen here, and that’s all right by me!

Smart Features

This is a multiband GPS watch. It uses SatIQ technology to help choose which satellite band will offer the best performance based on your location. It also has an altimeter, compass, and thermometer to keep you plugged in and informed. The watch also has an expanded series of activity trackers and health and wellness monitoring features. 

The Instinct 3 AMOLED uses the latest Bluetooth technology to pair with your smartphone and other smart devices. This allows you to receive phone notifications (Android and Apple) like texts, phone calls, and calendar alerts. Additionally, you can accept or reject phone calls with the watch and provide canned text responses.

Four features that have stood out to me in my day-to-day life have been the Morning Report, which gives you a summary of how you slept, weather forecasts, and Find My Phone, which I use nearly every day. It also has a Find My Watch feature that allows your phone to ping the watch. As I have worn the watch consistently, aside from the 3 hours the one time I had to recharge it, I’ve never used that feature.

The fourth feature, which gets its own segment below, is the built-in LED flashlight. This is a bit of fried gold that Garmin has pioneered on modern smartwatches, and I am blown away.

Beyond all of this, the Garmin Connect IQ store allows you to expand the possibilities of the Instinct 3 AMOLED. I’ll get into that more when I cover hiking and navigating with the watch.

Health & Wellness Monitoring

Closeup of Garmin instinct 3 on person's wristCloseup of Garmin instinct 3 on person's wrist
The Morning Report gives you insight into your sleep patterns; (photo/Nick LeFort)

I blame my competitive nature for my adoption of things like knowing how many steps I’ve taken and what my heart rate is. However, I’ve never been one to monitor my sleep patterns. Well, that’s all changed now. During setup, I was asked if I wanted to enable the Morning Report (Sleep Tracking) feature. This puts the Instinct 3 AMOLED into a soft sleep mode (you still get smartphone notifications), and when you wake up, it gives you a report of how you slept.

If I wasn’t testing this watch, I might not have opted into this. But I am glad I did as I am more conscious of when I go to bed every night, which I now try to do at the same time every night — 43 is a great age to start being responsible about stuff like this.

Regarding the heart monitor, I’ve read some complaints about it not being the latest and greatest that Garmin has to offer, and I did my due diligence and compared my heart rate during activities and while at rest. The numbers matched up with my Apple Watch Ultra. And, not for nothing, Apple Watches are the industry standard right now. That said, I couldn’t find any issues worth reporting.

One feature that I can’t use but that I think is wicked cool — especially with a preteen daughter — is the Women’s Health feature. This allows the user to track both menstrual cycles and pregnancy. As a dad, I can keep up with my daughter without prying into her life. For women, this is a wonderful benefit that keeps you from having to hunt down the right apps for your phone. 

LED Flashlight

A close-up of a Garmin Instinct 3 smartwatch being held in a person's handA close-up of a Garmin Instinct 3 smartwatch being held in a person's hand
One of the best smartwatch innovations: an effective flashlight; (photo/Nick LeFort)

If I could write solely on the LED flashlight, I would. It has come in handy for everything from navigating trails to my icy driveway at night. It also saved the day when I had to head into the basement to figure out why my solar battery backup didn’t kick in when the power went out during a storm a few weeks ago. Two clicks of the top left button allowed me to navigate through spiderwebs and snake skins.

Additionally, the Instinct 3 AMOLED has a Red Shift mode where you can turn the display to red to save your eyes and be a little less noticeable at night. Pairing this with the red light setting on the flashlight is an excellent experience. I’ve long used the red light setting on my headlamps when hiking at night. This is a nice feature to have when I don’t have a headlight or I need to read a map. 

Maps (Deal With It!)

In the last decade, aside from testing watches, I’ve never been concerned about detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, or anything like that. Even when I owned a Fenix 7, I never used the watch as my GPS, and that was a major feature. That’s what my phone is for. That’s what your phone is for as well.

However, I do understand where people are coming from in wanting the convenience of using one device to track their activities and help them navigate. If you want that, you can buy a Fenix.

However, I guarantee that at some point, a majority of people who go that route will end up using All-Trails, Gaia GPS, or even Garmin Explore on their phones. It’s much easier to refer to a 5-inch-plus phone screen than a 1- to 1½-inch watch face. #facts.

Garmin Instinct 3 showing a Wikiloc trail download confirmationGarmin Instinct 3 showing a Wikiloc trail download confirmation
Do you want maps? Wikiloc has you covered. Trust me; (photo/Nick LeFort)

The caveat to that is those folks running ultra-marathons and people going on trailblazing expeditions. You all are an inspirational yet different breed of human being. You keep doing what you do.

That all said, you can download maps to the Instinct 3 AMOLED from your smartphone. This is common with quite a few Garmin products. It requires you to think about where you’re going ahead of time, take a few minutes to find your trail, and download it to the watch.

Garmin recommends Wikiloc, and I have been using it since I started testing the watch. It’s a simple map app that shows you that you’re heading in the right direction on your path. $20 a year gives you access to a massive database of trails that you can use and even add to. You can also follow the trail markers on the trail, you silly gooses!

Battery Life Goes a Long Way

Coming from an Apple Watch Ultra, the battery life on the Instinct 3 is a real treat. At the time of writing, I have only charged it once, 22 days after I first put it on. Garmin claims that I could get 24 days out of a single charge, but you won’t catch me complaining.

For the first week, I was constantly fiddling with settings to get everything just right for my needs. I figured that alone would have drained a couple of days’ worth of juice, but it barely moved the needle.

When you consider the half dozen hikes I logged, the constant heart rate monitoring, and even the sleep tracking and phone notifications, that’s a lot going on. Even with Garmin’s 24-day claim, I wasn’t expecting to get 2 weeks out of it. So, color me surprised.

Charging

When it comes to charging the Instinct 3, Garmin doesn’t stray from its proprietary charging path. The brand has long used a specific four-pin cable for its watches. That hasn’t changed for the Instinct 3, and I have a love/hate relationship with it. It’s just another cable I need to keep tabs on; however, the upgrade to USB-C on the power source end is a bonus. 

Considering the watch’s overall height, I am not sure Garmin could switch to a standard USB-C cable. The plug is too tall, so it would still need to provide a specific cable. I only need to deal with it every few weeks, so it’s not a deal-breaker for me.

In Conclusion: Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED

Garmin Instinct 3 displaying an hourly weather forecastGarmin Instinct 3 displaying an hourly weather forecast
You don’t need a meteorologist when you’ve got an Instinct 3 AMOLED; (photo/Nick LeFort)

When it comes to watches, I go from being a casual user to being addicted to what it can do for me, like the moon phases. I found the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED to be easy to jump into. The buttons are clearly labeled, and after a few days, you understand what menus you can access through each button as well as what holding the buttons can do.

There’s no touchscreen here, nor does there need to be. The only reason I would want a touchscreen on this phone is to wake it up, as sometimes raising the watch to view it doesn’t work (usually when lying down). But after wearing an Apple Watch Ultra for 2 years and switching over to the Instinct 3, there was little to no adjustment for me.

I would also like to add that a majority of what I have written in this review pertains to the 45mm version of the Instinct 3 AMOLED. I am a bigger guy, and I like big watches, but you might prefer a smaller version.

Overall, I am pleased with the watch. Considering how much smartwatches are going for these days, $500 is right in the middle. For what you’re getting out of it, I believe the price of the Instinct 3 AMOLED is justified.

If you’re looking for a rugged GPS-enabled smartwatch, I think you’ll enjoy what the Instinct 3 AMOLED has to offer. It’s easy to use, it looks fantastic, and that LED flashlight is going to spoil you rotten.





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Smarter Deliveries & Even More Automation

As the logistics world is changing fast, tech is at the center of it all in 2025. From warehouse robots to delivery drones, companies are stepping up their game to move things faster, safer, and with less waste. More than 80% of logistics businesses are planning to digitize operations. That means fewer paper logs, more […]

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As the logistics world is changing fast, tech is at the center of it all in 2025. From warehouse robots to delivery drones, companies are stepping up their game to move things faster, safer, and with less waste.

More than 80% of logistics businesses are planning to digitize operations. That means fewer paper logs, more real-time tracking, smarter inventory systems, and better planning tools. Logistics software vendors, in turn, adopt the latest AI, IoT, and blockchain practices to make it happen.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the latest technology trends from Acropolium’s custom logistics solutions — one of the leading tech partners for supply chain businesses. 

1. Smarter Warehouses with Automation & Robots

In 2025, robots are picking, sorting, and moving items around automatically. These bots help speed up the process and reduce mistakes, while workers focus on more strategic tasks.

Think conveyor belts with eyes and hands, or robotic carts that follow paths across the warehouse floor. This automation helps companies deal with labor shortages and ramp up productivity, especially during busy seasons.

Moreover, many of these systems come with built-in AI tools that help predict demand so companies know what to stock up on and when.

2. AI Is Taking the Wheel

AI and ML are the logistics technology trends that dig through piles of data to uncover patterns and help companies make smarter decisions: which route will be fastest, where delays are likely, or when a truck might need maintenance.

Companies using AI have cut logistics costs by 15%, reduced overstock by 35%, and improved delivery times and service by over 60%.

3. Blockchain, Not Just for Crypto

In logistics, blockchain creates a digital paper trail that can’t be tampered with. Every product gets a digital ID, showing where it came from, who handled it, and what condition it’s in.

That’s useful for tracking things like food safety, verifying sustainability claims, or cutting down on fake goods. 

4. Real-Time Tracking with IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects containers, trucks, and pallets to the internet. Attach a sensor, and you can track location, temperature, humidity, or even vibrations in real-time.

It works great news for sensitive shipments like medicine or fresh food. For example, if a truck’s temperature rises too much, alerts go out instantly. You always know where your stuff is, and what shape it’s in. IoT is also used to spot vehicle issues early, so breakdowns don’t ruin delivery schedules.

5. Virtual and Augmented Reality Training

VR and AR are helping train warehouse staff faster and more safely. With a headset, a new worker can learn how to handle equipment or pack orders correctly without ever setting foot on the warehouse floor.

AR glasses can guide employees with on-screen instructions as they walk around. And for customers, AR can add transparency. Some companies are letting users see live tracking data through mobile apps with interactive maps or 3D views.

6. Big Data: Making Better Decisions

Every delivery, order, and inventory move creates data. In the past, this info was underused. Now, with big data tools, logistics teams can spot trends, forecast demand, and avoid slowdowns before they happen.

For example, shipping companies can use weather data to avoid storm delays, or analyze past orders to prep stock in the right regions before demand spikes.

As a result, you can have fewer delays, better stock control, and smarter planning.

7. Greener Logistics & Sustainability 

From electric delivery vans to route optimization that cuts down fuel use, companies are working hard to reduce their carbon footprints.

Warehouses are also getting makeovers with energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and smart HVAC systems.

Then there’s reverse logistics: recycling, refurbishing, or reusing returned products. It’s all about extending product life and cutting waste. More than two-thirds of consumers now say they prefer eco-friendly brands, so this trend isn’t going anywhere.

8. Drones and Driverless Deliveries

While self-driving trucks and delivery drones won’t replace drivers overnight, they’re already making an impact on short routes and in rural areas.

Drones, for example, are dropping off medicine and small packages where regular deliveries take too long or cost too much. As traffic systems get smarter and laws catch up, we’ll likely see these tools playing a bigger role in how goods move.

9. Digital Twins as the Supply Chain’s Crystal Ball

A digital twin is basically a virtual model of a physical object or process. In the logistics context, this could mean creating a digital copy of a warehouse or transport route to test “what-if” scenarios before making changes in real life.

Say you’re planning a new delivery route or changing warehouse layout — running simulations on a digital twin can show how it’ll affect time, cost, and efficiency before you spend a dime.

Conclusion

In 2025, logistics is all about working smarter, not harder. With AI, automation, sensors, and virtual models, companies are cutting costs, boosting speed, and reducing waste. And all of that results in more accurate deliveries, greener operations, and a better experience for everyone involved.

Whether it’s a warehouse robot or a flying drone, the future of logistics is here — with the power of technology, it changes the supply chain for the better.



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Kevin Durant Signs Deal With Qatar Sports Investments To Become An Investor In Paris Saint-Germain

New changes are underway for professional basketball star Kevin Durant on and off the court. Durant is experiencing shifts within his expanding business portfolio.  Durant is now an investor in the Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), having purchased a minority stake through Boardroom Sports Holdings, his investment arm established alongside his business partner, Rich […]

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New changes are underway for professional basketball star Kevin Durant on and off the court.

Durant is experiencing shifts within his expanding business portfolio. 

Durant is now an investor in the Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), having purchased a minority stake through Boardroom Sports Holdings, his investment arm established alongside his business partner, Rich Kleiman, according to Sports Illustrated. 

He signed the deal with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), PSG’s majority shareholder.

“QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our group,” QSI Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in a company press release. “We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.”

In the press release, Durant expressed excitement about the new deal, stating that Paris and the club hold a special place in his heart. 

“This club has big plans and I look forward to being part of the next phase of growth and exploring new investment opportunities with QSI,” he said.

Durant will advise “on Paris Saint-Germain’s multi-sport strategy, including potential plans in basketball.”

New opportunities are expected to come from this partnership across various commercial ventures, investments, and content initiatives. Durant will also assist with Paris Saint-Germain’s growth in the U.S. and internationally, as mentioned on Boardroom’s website.

On the court, the Phoenix Suns reportedly traded the 15-time All-Star to the Houston Rockets on Sunday, according to the NBA.

The news broke while Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest NYC, described as the world’s largest arena for sports and collectibles for enthusiasts, athletes, and collectors on its website. 

“Anything can happen at Fanatics Fest, like me getting traded, but being a part of the Houston Rockets, I’m looking forward to it,” Durant said in an interview with Sports Commentator Kay Adams.





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AI, new clot-busters enable faster blood clot care | Moves in Medicine

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — From smoking to living in the South, many people face a higher risk of a pulmonary embolism: a blood clot in the lungs. Now with technology, new drugs, and specialized care, a local team is working for better outcomes. Last year, Stephany Brown fulfilled a lifelong dream – taking a cruise. “It […]

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PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — From smoking to living in the South, many people face a higher risk of a pulmonary embolism: a blood clot in the lungs.

Now with technology, new drugs, and specialized care, a local team is working for better outcomes.

Last year, Stephany Brown fulfilled a lifelong dream – taking a cruise.

“It was part of our 20th wedding anniversary,” Stephany remembers with a smile.

But she also remembers last year for surviving a pulmonary embolism.

After being startled at work, her fitness tracker said her heart was in overdrive, and couldn’t slow down.

She was also getting short of breath.

“My mother was adamant – ‘You need to hurry up and go to the hospital,’ ” she recalls.

At Temple University Hospital, tests quickly found the cause.

“There were blood clots in both lungs, and they were extremely big,” she notes.

“A blood clot that starts in the leg, breaks off, comes to the lung – It can affect anyone. It spares no one,” explains Dr. Parth Rali, a Temple Health thoracic surgeon.

Dr. Rali says P-E’s can come without warning, block blood flow and cause heart or lung damage.

A third of people with them die before getting a diagnosis and treatment.

To find lung clots faster, Dr. Rali’s team uses A-I software to read CT scans.

“If it detects the blood clot, it will put it at the top of the queue for the radiologist,” he explains.

“Instead of waiting for 5, 6 hours, you are getting reads in like 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes,” he says.

The P-E response team gets an alert, so they can start blood thinners faster and plan other treatments – such as a catheter that puts drugs right into the clot.

“I get it right on my phone. I don’t need to look for a computer,” he adds.

Dr. Rali is also testing A-I guided ultrasound even non-technicians can use.

“It will self-prompt you, saying go here, go here, go – next steps,” he says, adding, “How fast you act changes your trajectory, meaning that how well you’re going to do.”

Stephany took part in trials of a new clot-busting drug.

Because the clots shrank so fast, she thinks she got the drug, not a placebo.

Now, her family is back making plans.

“We’re gonna cruise in December again. I think we’re addicted to it now,” she says with a laugh.

She’s also back on her weight loss journey, losing 95 pounds so far.

Dr. Rali says long-term follow-ups with both specialists and primary care is essential to preventing future clots.

Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Calling all gadget geeks! The fanciest new fitness tech to turbo-charge your workouts

From the £69 sore muscle miracle-worker to the £600 futuristic recovery boots that’ll be on every athlete’s Christmas list this year, we’ve got the best fitness tech to boost your strength, speed and endurance. And make you look cool at the gym… Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy […]

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From the £69 sore muscle miracle-worker to the £600 futuristic recovery boots that’ll be on every athlete’s Christmas list this year, we’ve got the best fitness tech to boost your strength, speed and endurance. And make you look cool at the gym…

Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy something we mention, we may earn commission.

Here at Get the Gloss, we love a clever gadget to boost our fitness, whether a high-end luxury treat (a Prada padel racket? Why not!) or practical and affordable (we were early adopters of weighted vests).

An increased awareness of the importance of fitness means that more of us are taking steps (literally) to be less sedentary. The global under-desk treadmill market alone reached $131.8 million in 2024, and is predicted to skyrocket to $203.8 million by 2033, according to market research firm Imarc Group. Plus more of us than ever are investing in what might previously have been considered niche products and the preserve of elite athletes, such as compression therapy devices.

While some might argue that investing in fitness kit is simply a way to delay doing the actual hard work of getting fitter, writer Oliver Burkeman says it can be a powerful tool. “Taking pleasure in the equipment that you use can be a positive force,” says the author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, £9.03. “I’m not in favour of the approach that says: ‘You don’t need nice running gear to run.’ Yes, focusing on that can go too far, leading to avoidance and procrastination, but getting pleasure from the tools you use makes you more likely to do the thing.”

So are the 10 fitness tech gadgets that we really rate right now – and, here’s hoping, will make you more likely to do the thing.



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FunFitLand Is A Compelling Workout On Quest With Mixed Reality & Hand Tracking

Over the past 14 months I’ve lost more than 35 pounds working out primarily in VR. I’ve never enjoyed exercise. I avoided gyms. I could never stick to any kind of routine, and nothing clicked. Then I started looking through the many VR fitness apps and what surprised me the most was how much fun […]

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Over the past 14 months I’ve lost more than 35 pounds working out primarily in VR.

I’ve never enjoyed exercise. I avoided gyms. I could never stick to any kind of routine, and nothing clicked. Then I started looking through the many VR fitness apps and what surprised me the most was how much fun I found exploring them. 

What made VR different for me was the environment. There was no judgment, no mirrors, no pressure to compete. I didn’t have to drive anywhere or psych myself up for a crowded class. I could just put on the headset and start moving – in my own space, on my own terms. That shift made fitness feel less like a chore and more like something I actually wanted to do. I began looking forward to getting “in-headset” and working up a sweat. The combination of movement, music, gamified interaction, and full-body immersion created something I hadn’t found anywhere else. It wasn’t just tolerable. It was fun.

As I tested out VR fitness apps, a few quickly became part of my regular routine. One of them was an early-access app with a funny name: FunFitLand. I downloaded it early in my fitness journey, and early in their development journey as well – the app was in Alpha release stage when I first used it in early 2024. At the time, it was still evolving, but something about it grabbed me right away.

Fitness Dancing & Combat With Hand Tracking & Controllers

To me, FunFitLand feels very light and approachable. Michael Zhang, CEO of DelightScape Interactive and the creator of FunFitLand, told me the idea started with his mother. She wanted to stay active but couldn’t connect with traditional exercise routines. That challenge became the foundation for the app’s design. It aims to make movement feel approachable and fun, especially for people who don’t see themselves as typical fitness “types”.

“We need to lower the barrier for people to reconnect with themselves. Movement. Mindfulness. Inner strength. These things shouldn’t be luxuries. They should be accessible to everyone,” Zhang wrote in a prepared statement.

A significant amount of my time in FunFitLand, particularly when dancing, has been using hand tracking. In a lot of VR apps, hand tracking can feel unreliable or gimmicky. But here, it feels intentional and expressive.

I remember one of my first sessions clearly. I chose a DanceFit routine expecting to just test the mechanics. Ten minutes in, I was completely absorbed – not just moving but enjoying myself. The environment is vibrant, the pacing is smooth, and the voice guidance struck the right tone. It isn’t overwhelming, and it doesn’t feel like it is trying too hard to be motivational. It feels honest. I came out of the session sweaty, smiling, and genuinely surprised at how much I wanted to do another one.

Of all the fitness apps in my rotation, Supernatural draws the closest comparison to FunFitLand. Supernatural was one of the earliest and most polished fitness offerings available on the Quest platform, and Meta purchased Supernatural in 2021 to bring it in-house. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The music is licensed from “mostly independent artists to the world for the first time” and the environments are breathtaking, with flow-state and boxing routines being thoughtfully crafted.

FunFitLand shares some of that DNA. It also places you in beautiful environments and guides you through full-body movement. But there are key differences. In place of Supernatural’s Flow mode, FunFitLand offers DanceFit, which feels less about structured repetition and more about expressive movement. Instead of abstract triangles and orbs, FunFitLand’s CombatFit boxing uses colorful targets and clearly designed mechanics that combine boxing movements with game-like visuals.

And while Supernatural’s music library benefits from high-profile licensed tracks, FunFitLand works with original or non-commercially licensed music – something that allows them to reach a broader audience globally. That’s worth noting, since Supernatural is only available in the US and Canada, while FunFitLand is accessible worldwide.

In practice, I don’t miss the Billboard hits. The tracks in FunFitLand are rhythmic, well-curated, and tightly synced to each workout. It may not have the star power of Supernatural’s playlists, but it absolutely holds its own in terms of energy and atmosphere.

In DanceFit, you move through sweeping arcs and patterns that build a natural sense of rhythm and flow. The experience feels expressive and personal, more like guided movement than strict choreography. Subtle visual cues help direct your hands without ever feeling intrusive. It’s approachable for newcomers but still offers room for experienced users to move with creativity and confidence.

CombatFit also supports hand tracking, allowing you to strike targets without controllers. I prefer the added feedback of haptics but it’s impressive how well the hand tracking works too. Giving users that choice adds a welcome layer of flexibility.

If you’re using a headset like the Meta Quest 2, Quest 3/3S or Quest Pro, FunFitLand gives you the option to switch on mixed reality mode. That means you can still see your physical space while you’re working out. It adds a layer of comfort, especially in tighter rooms or shared spaces, and helps prevent the usual stubbed toes, knocked-over chairs, and stepped-on pets.

Zhang described over written responses doing a session with his mother using mixed reality. They were in the same room, visible to each other through passthrough doing the same workout in headset. That blend of physical and digital presence created something unique – a sense of connection that full VR sometimes can’t replicate. I’ve tried it myself and understand the appeal, especially in shared spaces. That said, I still prefer full immersion for my solo workouts. FunFitLand’s virtual environments are vibrant and polished, with high-resolution visuals that really pull you in.

Fitness coach Dasha Walmsley is one of the standout voices in FunFitLand. Her tone during DanceFit sessions is clear, grounded, and emotionally responsive. Before recording voiceovers, she collaborates closely with the choreography team to align each routine with its intended mood and pacing. Her goal is not just to lead a workout but to guide, encourage, and connect.

As she put it over email, “I’m only a tiny human pouring her soul out on set, genuinely wishing someone on the other side will share the emotion.”

CombatFit features a different instructor, the upbeat and energetic Coach Mike. Both coaches bring distinct personalities to their sessions and gradually build a sense of rapport with users. Over time, it begins to feel like they’re speaking directly to you rather than reciting preset instructions. And yes, Coach Mike looks like he could punch through a brick wall – in the nicest way possible. That connection matters. When you’re sweating through a tough sequence, hearing someone who sounds like they’re right there with you makes a big difference, and it pushes you to complete the session.

Development on the app is ongoing, and recent updates include adjustable barrier heights in both workout types, customizable target size and reach in DanceFit, and a single-lane mode – ideal for smaller play spaces or users with limited mobility. That inclusive spirit extends far beyond gameplay. In Facebook groups and creator spaces, users share sweaty selfies, stories of transformation, and supportive advice.

One of the most powerful examples comes from Jacqueline Drake, a therapist, artist, and life coach who incorporates VR into clinical therapy at The Drake Center for Transforming Conversations. Known on YouTube as ‘VR for Mind, Body & Creative Spirit with Jacqueline’, Drake uses DanceFit sessions with clients recovering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.

“For me, FunFitLand checks every box,” she told me during our video call interview. “It supports the mind, body, and creative spirit. That makes it uniquely effective as a post-treatment tool in our integration programs.”

Drake began using VR herself during the pandemic after closing her healing arts gallery. She says she lost over 100 pounds, regained a sense of self, and began using movement in VR as a meditative and emotional outlet. She now introduces FunFitLand to patients emerging from ketamine therapy and teaches them to use it as part of a new lifestyle.

“I’ve never met anyone who came out of a DanceFit session feeling sad,” she said. “It’s play, it’s presence, and it’s deeply therapeutic. That’s why I recommend it. Not just for physical health, but for emotional resilience and creative reconnection.”

Her story reflects a growing use case for VR fitness apps – not just as workout tools, but as platforms for embodied wellness, community support, and personal transformation. This is why I stuck with VR fitness when nothing else worked for me. When the barrier to entry is low and the vibe is welcoming, showing up gets easier. FunFitLand has been an important part of my health journey. It wasn’t the only app I used, but it’s become one of my most consistent tools. Some days I wanted something fast and intense. Other days, I just need to move and feel good. This app gives me both. It helps make fitness feel like something I could enjoy, not just endure. That mindset shift is what’s making the progress stick. 

Zhang mentioned several additions coming to future versions of FunFitLand. These include new workout types, smartwatch and fitness tracker integration, a multiplayer mode, and expanded footwork routines. He emphasized the care his team is taking to be sure to implement new modes in a way that enhances the experience and aligns with the “effortless feeling” that they are targeting.

FunFitLand competes in a crowded field of VR fitness apps, but takes an approach that works particularly well for me. Rather than focusing on intensity or brand-name playlists, it emphasizes accessibility and long-term consistency. The experience feels user-centered, with room to move at your own pace. I’ve never connected with traditional workouts and the difference in this approach makes a difference. Zhang set out to build something inviting and, based on my time with the app, I’d say they’ve succeeded.

FunFitLand is available on the Meta Quest store as a subscription for $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually. The team behind the app is exploring potentially adding additional platforms as early as this year.



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Meta’s new glasses shoot in 3K, work with AI, cost Rs 43,000

Meta has partnered with Oakley to release a new line of AI-enabled smart glasses tailored for sports and fitness users. The new product, called Oakley Meta HSTN, merges performance technology with design elements and marks Meta’s continued push into wearable AI gear. These smart glasses are equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that captures 3K resolution […]

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Meta has partnered with Oakley to release a new line of AI-enabled smart glasses tailored for sports and fitness users. The new product, called Oakley Meta HSTN, merges performance technology with design elements and marks Meta’s continued push into wearable AI gear.

These smart glasses are equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that captures 3K resolution video and open-ear audio, eliminating the need for separate earphones. Meta’s AI assistant is built-in, offering real-time responses to voice prompts. Designed to assist athletes during workouts or training, the glasses also support voice-controlled tasks like posting clips or checking the weather.

The limited edition Oakley Meta HSTN is priced at $499 (approximately Rs 43,200) and will be available for pre-order from July 11 in select countries, including the U.S., UK, and parts of Europe. A broader rollout is expected later this year, with entry-level models starting at $399 (roughly Rs 34,600).

Initially available in markets such as the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Australia, Meta plans to expand availability to India, Mexico, and the UAE by the end of 2025.

The Oakley Meta HSTN builds on Meta’s earlier Ray-Ban glasses, with improvements in both hardware and software. Video recording has been enhanced from 1080p to 3K, while the audio experience is handled by frame-embedded speakers, allowing for ambient listening without isolating users from their environment.

Other key features include:

* IPX4 water resistance, suitable for outdoor activities and light rain

* 8 hours of battery life on a single charge

* Quick charge support, providing 50 per cent charge in 20 minutes

* Up to 48 hours battery life with the included charging case

This launch positions Meta deeper into the performance wearables space, particularly among athletes and tech-savvy users seeking integrated AI features on the move. With the Oakley brand’s strong presence in the sports eyewear segment, Meta aims to bridge utility and lifestyle in its smart device offerings.



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