Technology has revolutionized mental health care, making it more accessible, affordable and efficient for patients. Telehealth innovation enables providers to offer highly personalized, proactive, and scalable mental health care in ways that weren’t possible a decade ago.

I’ve been a therapist for 12 years, and like many of my colleagues, I had to adjust my practice drastically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, I was resistant to embrace virtual health care, but I quickly saw the advantages it offered to both my clients and my practice. Teletherapy platforms facilitate secure virtual sessions between therapists and clients, enhancing effectiveness while minimizing accessibility barriers, such as long commutes and child care accommodations. This means more people seek care on their own terms, eliminating the stigma that has long been associated with mental healthcare.

Beyond telehealth, technology continues to transform the mental healthcare space. AI-powered language translation helps foster meaningful client-provider interactions, while wearable technology and mood-tracking apps provide valuable data insights that help clients identify patterns and providers offer real-time treatment options.

It’s important to look at the positive impact of technology and innovation on our world, and improved access to mental health care is one of the clearest examples. In just the past 10 years, America has led the way in health care innovation that has reshaped the health care industry. Imagine what’s to come in the next decade.

I hope lawmakers from Springfield to Washington can see the value of America’s tech leadership and prioritize policies that support continued innovation and improved client outcomes.

Danielle Beardsley, LCPC, CADC, ATR

Barrington

Apple has unveiled the first beta of watchOS 26, offering a preview of the next evolution for the Apple Watch. This update introduces 15 notable features, emphasizing improvements in the user interface, advanced health and fitness tracking, app performance, and customization. While still in its early stages, this beta hints at a more refined and versatile Apple Watch experience. The video below from Zollotech gives us more details on the new watchOS 26 beta.1

Refined User Interface Enhancements

The user interface in watchOS 26 Beta 1 has been thoughtfully redesigned to deliver a smoother and more intuitive experience. Navigation has been optimized for faster and more efficient transitions between screens, making sure that interactions feel seamless. You’ll notice improved responsiveness when swiping, tapping, or scrolling, making tasks like checking notifications or launching apps more effortless. These updates aim to enhance usability, making sure the Apple Watch remains a practical and user-friendly device.

Advanced Health Tracking Features

Health tracking continues to be a core focus of the Apple Watch, and watchOS 26 Beta 1 introduces several new features to elevate its capabilities. The update includes additional metrics to monitor critical health indicators, such as:

• Heart rate variability, offering insights into your cardiovascular health
• Blood oxygen levels, providing a clearer picture of your respiratory efficiency
• Sleep patterns, with detailed analysis of sleep stages

The enhanced sleep tracking feature now delivers actionable insights, helping you optimize your rest and recovery. These updates empower users to make more informed decisions about their overall health and well-being, making the Apple Watch an even more valuable tool for personal wellness.

Enhanced Fitness Tracking for Active Lifestyles

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the new workout modes and tracking improvements introduced in watchOS 26 Beta 1. The update includes:

• Hiking with elevation tracking, ideal for outdoor adventurers
• Customizable interval training, allowing you to tailor workouts to your goals

Additionally, GPS accuracy has been significantly improved, making sure that outdoor activities such as running, cycling, or hiking are tracked with greater precision. The Activity app now provides more comprehensive post-workout summaries, offering a clearer and more detailed view of your performance and progress. These enhancements make the Apple Watch an indispensable companion for achieving fitness goals.

Improved App Performance and Stability

Apple has prioritized app performance and reliability in watchOS 26 Beta 1. Apps now launch faster, and interactions feel smoother, minimizing any delays that could disrupt your experience. Background processes have been optimized to enhance battery efficiency, making sure that your Apple Watch remains dependable throughout the day, even during intensive use. These improvements contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable user experience, reinforcing the Apple Watch’s role as a reliable daily tool.

Expanded Customization Options

Personalization takes a significant step forward in watchOS 26 Beta 1. The update introduces new watch face designs and additional complications, allowing you to display the information that matters most to you. Whether you prioritize fitness metrics, calendar events, or weather updates, these new options make it easier to tailor your watch face to your needs. The settings menu has also been reorganized for greater clarity, allowing you to adjust preferences more efficiently. These updates ensure that your Apple Watch feels uniquely yours, reflecting your individual style and priorities.

New Productivity and Communication Tools

watchOS 26 Beta 1 introduces tools designed to enhance productivity and streamline communication. A new task manager allows you to organize and track your to-do lists directly from your wrist, while improved calendar integration helps you stay on top of your schedule. Communication tools have also been upgraded, with enhanced messaging and call-handling capabilities. For instance, dictation accuracy has been improved, making it easier to send messages quickly and efficiently. These features aim to make the Apple Watch an even more integral part of your daily workflow.

What to Expect from the Beta Experience

As with any beta release, watchOS 26 Beta 1 is a work in progress. While the new features are promising, users may encounter occasional bugs or inconsistencies. These issues are expected to be addressed in subsequent beta updates, leading to a polished final release. For those eager to explore the latest advancements, the beta offers an exciting glimpse into the future of the Apple Watch, even as it continues to evolve.

Elevating the Apple Watch Experience

watchOS 26 Beta 1 showcases a range of updates designed to enhance the functionality and personalization of the Apple Watch. From a more intuitive user interface to advanced health and fitness tracking, improved app performance, and expanded customization options, this update aims to make the Apple Watch even more versatile and indispensable. Whether you’re focused on productivity, communication, or personal wellness, these features highlight the potential of the Apple Watch to seamlessly integrate into and elevate your daily life.

Enhance your knowledge on watchOS 26 Beta 1 by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject.

Source & Image Credit: zollotech

Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Top News

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If you’re looking for the best fitness app to download onto your Android phone, you’re probably sick of having people recommend to you Strava. The social run app is ubiquitous, but if you’re not keen to overshare your workouts or don’t base your personality around your weekly 5k jog, you’ll want something different.

Different is what you’ll find in this app. I’ve listed seven apps for runners, gym goers and general health buffs that will help you transform your workout or your fitness. Not all of these are by definition fitness apps, but I wanted to look outside the box to find you more interesting options.

The New Nerd Economy

Once upon a time, being a nerd meant trading Pokémon cards at recess or arguing over which superhero would win in a fight. Fast forward to now, and nerd culture is leading the digital frontier—fueling innovation across gaming, collectibles, entertainment, and even tech startups. The “nerd” identity has gone mainstream, and the skills that once helped fans dominate high scores are now being applied to venture capital, crypto, and digital business models.

Whether it’s building a gaming app, launching a collectibles marketplace, or riding the NFT wave, fans who were once obsessed with lore and levels are now cashing in on passion-driven tech.

How Nerd Culture Is Driving Business Innovation

Today’s entrepreneurs aren’t always suits and ties. Often, they’re cosplayers, fan-fiction writers, streamers, and coders who decided to channel their fandom into a business. Pop culture fans bring a unique edge to startups—they deeply understand audience engagement, aesthetics, loyalty systems, and most importantly, community.

These are some of the biggest business wins stemming from nerd-centric minds:

• Fan-powered crowdfunding campaigns (Kickstarter for board games or comics)
• Tech platforms for indie creators (like Patreon, Webtoon, or Itch.io)
• Gamified investment platforms for younger, digitally native audiences
• Crypto-based entertainment ecosystems where fans are stakeholders

In this landscape, what sets startups apart isn’t just innovation—it’s storytelling. And nobody tells stories better than nerds.

Gamification + Tech = Real World XP

At the heart of many successful startups today is gamification—a design concept straight out of RPGs and mobile games. Think badges, levels, leaderboards, and daily streaks. These mechanics are not just fun; they’re effective at keeping users engaged.

Enter platforms like Foxygold, which apply game logic to online interaction and financial incentives. Foxygold bridges the worlds of tech and play by creating an experience that feels less like a chore and more like an achievement system. For users familiar with the dopamine hit of unlocking new skins or reaching platinum rank, this crossover is intuitive—and highly motivating.

What’s brilliant about these models is they don’t just entertain—they teach users how to think critically about risk, strategy, and timing. It’s business with a boss level.

Table: Key Pop Culture Concepts Inspiring Tech Startups

The Rise of the Fan-Founder

What’s especially exciting is how fans are no longer just consumers—they’re creators, investors, and entrepreneurs. Armed with internet savvy and a deep understanding of online culture, today’s “fan-founders” are:

• Launching niche apps that solve hyper-specific problems (like LFG tools for MMO players)
• Creating merch brands that cater to microfandoms
• Building VR or AR environments rooted in classic geek lore
• Developing platforms that reward creativity and contribution

This new generation isn’t waiting for big studios to validate their ideas—they’re building them from scratch, using digital tools, crowdfunding, and their communities as launchpads.

Bullet Points: Why Nerds Make Great Entrepreneurs

• Analytical Thinkers: Years of breaking down storylines, character arcs, and game stats make for sharp business minds.
• Creative Storytellers: Nerds know how to pitch an idea with emotion and imagination.
• Tech Literate: Most have grown up alongside the internet, forums, and digital tools.
• Resilient: Rejected fan theories and lost game nights build emotional endurance.
• Passion-Driven: Fandom is a fire that doesn’t burn out easily—essential for startup grit.

Embracing the Business of Play

The line between entertainment and entrepreneurship has officially blurred. Whether you’re a developer who cut their teeth modding Skyrim, a fan artist selling enamel pins, or a gamer with a head for market analysis, you’re part of a wave of innovation reshaping how we interact, invest, and grow.

Tech is no longer just for the traditionally trained. It’s for the imaginative, the curious, and yes—the nerdy. Because sometimes, the best business ideas come from those who spent their weekends raiding dungeons and binge-watching anime.

Do You Want to Know More?

The Galaxy Watch 7 is one of the best smartwatches around at the moment, but the problem with it being so good is that it costs more than most people are prepared to pay. That’s why we’re glad to tell you about Samsung’s newest deal on the popular smartwatch.

For a limited time only, you can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for $199.99 (was $299.99) at the official Samsung site. That’s a match for the record low price, and if it’s not cheap enough, you can instead trade in an old device and get it for as little as $124.99!

Note that the trade-in requires an eligible smartwatch from Samsung, Apple, Fitbit, or Garmin. The biggest $175 saving is given for the Watch6 Classic and Watch5 Pro, however, so you may prefer to simply opt for the upfront discount if your watch is a little older.

Today’s best Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 deal

We love the signature, sleek, bezel-free circular design that you find with the Galaxy Watch 7. The smartwatch has a beautiful AMOLED display and a newer, more powerful Exynos chip than its predecessor, which keeps everything moving smoothly.

In addition, the Galaxy Watch 7 features personalized suggestions to improve your health and an AI-calculated energy score based on your metrics from the day before at the start of each day. These metrics give fitness nerds more information to work with and help those still learning on their fitness journey get even closer to their goals.

Read all this and more in our comprehensive Galaxy Watch 7 review.

We have guides to the best smartwatches for the iPhone and the best Android smartwatches so you can decide which is best for you. If you’d like a device more suited to tracking exercise, then you might like one of our best fitness trackers instead.

Huawei wearable devices Surpassed 200 Million Cumulative Shipments

SHENZHEN, China, June 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker data, Huawei ascended to the top position in the global wrist-worn device market in Q1 2025, while maintaining robust growth momentum and retaining its leadership in shipment volume within China. Additionally, as of 5 June 2025, Huawei’s cumulative global wearable shipments have exceeded 200 million units.

Five Product Series Catering to Global Users’ Diverse Scenario Needs

Huawei wearables integrate fashionable design, professional and comprehensive sports and health features, and efficient, practical smart experiences. Tailored to different user needs, Huawei has developed five product series to fulfil the diverse scenario requirements of all user groups—spanning smart living, scientific exercise, and health management.

The HUAWEI WATCH Series incorporates cutting-edge smart technology, featuring standalone calling capabilities and smart vehicle control functions to enable an efficient, intelligent lifestyle. The newly launched HUAWEI WATCH 5 delivers enhanced intelligence, efficiency and convenience. Equipped with the innovative multi-sensing X-TAP technology, it unlocks new dimensions in health monitoring and tactile interaction. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT Series fulfils lightweight wear needs through its slim design and extensive sports functions, allowing users to fully enjoy daily life. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI WATCH GT Series combines exceptional battery life with fashionable aesthetics and professional sports health features, serving as a comprehensive wrist-worn fitness coach.

For users who push boundaries and challenge extremes, the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate Series delivers ultimate reliability with its rugged construction, advanced sports modes including 100-metre professional diving and outdoor expedition features, as well as advanced golf course mode, to bring cater to users’ needs.

Additionally, addressing hypertension management challenges, Huawei innovatively broke through wrist-based blood pressure technology to launch the HUAWEI WATCH D Series. Through its breakthrough 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring function, it helps users measure and manage blood pressure anytime, anywhere, integrating professional-grade blood pressure health guardianship into daily life.

Technological Innovation Driving Breakthroughs in Sports Health Technology

Behind the satisfaction of users’ sports health management needs lies Huawei wearables’ continuous innovation investment. Huawei has established three Health Labs globally, leveraging capabilities from over ten Huawei research institutes to relentlessly explore the frontiers of sports health technology.

In 2024, Huawei launched its new digital health & fitness paradigm—TruSense System—achieving higher accuracy and speed in vital sign data monitoring. In 2025, the TruSense System was upgraded again, fusing the advantages of fingertip and wrist detection to deliver a fuller, more accurate, and faster health monitoring experience, including 10-second fingertip blood oxygen readings and an increase in micro-body measurement indicators to 17 items.

In the field of blood pressure management, Huawei pioneered the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH D, a wrist-based blood pressure monitor that obtained Class II medical device registration certification in China.  Now this innovation included in the “Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension (2024 revision)”.

As of now, Huawei wearable devices have obtained 7 domestic medical certifications and medical device certificates in 13 overseas countries/regions, with nearly 1000 patent applications in the smart wearables field.

Huawei has collaborated with over 160 global professional institutions, conducted 300+ health research projects, and attracted over 17 million users to participate in health studies.

Active Rings: Where Huawei and Users Unite to build Sports Health Lifestyles

Huawei accompanies global users to build sports health lifestyles together. In September 2023, Huawei initiated the “Light Up Your Rings” campaign, which has seen over 6 million global users participate, lighting up rings over 300 million times. In 2025, the fully upgraded “Active Rings” initiative was introduced, inspiring global users to move joyfully anytime, anywhere with Huawei wearables.

The Active Rings campaign has already been held in Germany, Spain, and China, and beyond, where consumers jointly enjoyed active moments. It will progressively launch in APAC, Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions in the future.

SOURCE HUAWEI