WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG Announced – Redefining Health Tracking for 2025
WHOOP has officially unveiled two next-generation wearables — the WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG — and they represent a major leap forward in personal health and performance tracking. While previous WHOOP bands were largely favored by elite athletes and hardcore fitness enthusiasts, these new models signal a much broader mission: to bring advanced, clinical-grade health […]
WHOOP has officially unveiled two next-generation wearables — the WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG — and they represent a major leap forward in personal health and performance tracking. While previous WHOOP bands were largely favored by elite athletes and hardcore fitness enthusiasts, these new models signal a much broader mission: to bring advanced, clinical-grade health tracking to everyday users.
With slimmer builds, smarter sensors, and dramatically expanded health metrics, WHOOP is stepping firmly into territory traditionally occupied by medical devices — and doing so with style, innovation, and flexibility.
What’s New in WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG?
Design & Hardware Upgrades
Smaller & Sleeker: Both devices are 7% more compact than WHOOP 4.0, offering a more discreet and comfortable fit for 24/7 wear.
Extended Battery Life: Battery life now stretches to 14 days on a single charge, and with the optional Wireless PowerPack, you can go up to 30 days without needing to plug in.
Performance Boost: The processor is 60% faster, and sensor data is sampled 26 times per second, enabling more accurate and timely insights.
Breakthrough Health Features
WHOOP Age & Healthspan
This new feature calculates your “physiological age” based on recovery, cardiovascular fitness, and sleep trends. It’s not just a gimmick — WHOOP Age uses real metrics to help you improve long-term health through guided coaching.
ECG & Heart Monitoring (WHOOP MG Exclusive)
The WHOOP MG includes an FDA-cleared Heart Screener — an on-demand ECG that detects atrial fibrillation and other irregularities. It’s an ambitious move, bringing hospital-grade monitoring to the wrist.
Blood Pressure Insights
While not a replacement for a cuff, WHOOP MG tracks daily blood pressure trends after a one-time calibration with a traditional device. It’s especially useful for identifying long-term trends, especially when paired with other cardiovascular metrics.
Advanced Hormonal Tracking
Women’s health is finally front-and-center. WHOOP’s latest software update supports tracking of menstrual cycles, perimenopause symptoms, and pregnancy metrics — offering tailored recommendations based on hormonal changes.
Revamped Sleep & Recovery Tools
Enhanced Sleep Score algorithms provide deeper insight into REM, deep, and light sleep stages.
Haptic Alarms now let you wake up during light sleep, minimizing grogginess.
Personalized bedtime recommendations adjust in real-time based on your schedule and sleep debt.
WHOOP Advanced Labs (Coming Soon)
Set to launch later this year, this service will allow users to receive periodic clinical blood test results and integrate them directly into their WHOOP dashboard for holistic health tracking.
Membership Options to Fit Every Lifestyle
WHOOP has moved to a tiered subscription model designed for broader accessibility. Each tier includes hardware and tailored feature access:
Plan
Annual Cost
Includes
WHOOP One
$199/year
WHOOP 5.0 hardware, wired charger, AI coaching, basic fitness tracking
WHOOP Peak
$239/year
Adds Healthspan metrics, stress tracking, wireless charger, health dashboard
WHOOP Life
$359/year
WHOOP MG hardware, ECG, blood pressure, full suite of clinical-grade features
The subscription model allows users to pick a device and feature set that matches their lifestyle and wellness goals, whether they’re training for a triathlon or simply monitoring stress and sleep.
Available Now
Both the WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG are available starting May 8, 2025, via WHOOP’s official website. Accessories like the SuperKnit Luxe Bands, SportFlex Bands, and Wireless PowerPack provide further customization, and the WHOOP app has been updated to support all new hardware features immediately.
WHOOP is no longer just a fitness tracker — it’s evolving into a true health optimization platform. With the launch of WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG, the company has planted a flag in the future of consumer health technology, merging wellness and medical insights into a single, sleek device.
Key Takeaways
Whoop’s new 5.0 and MG wearables feature 14-day battery life with prices starting at $199.
The Whoop MG introduces medical-grade monitoring capabilities including ECG and blood pressure tracking.
These devices represent Whoop’s effort to expand beyond athletes to a broader health-conscious audience.
Whoop 5.0: Key Features and Upgrades
The new Whoop 5.0 brings significant improvements to its tracking capabilities with enhanced sensors and a more efficient processor. The device offers triple the battery life of its predecessor while delivering more accurate health and fitness metrics.
Advanced Fitness Tracking Capabilities
The Whoop 5.0 features dramatically improved sensors that capture data 26 times per second, allowing for more precise fitness tracking. This increased sampling rate means users get more accurate readings during workouts and daily activities.
One of the most notable upgrades is the redesigned processor that delivers 10x more power efficiency than the previous model. This efficiency boost enables the impressive 14-day battery life, nearly triple the 4-5 days offered by the Whoop 4.0.
The fitness tracker continues to provide professional-grade insights including:
Strain measurements
Recovery metrics
VO2 max calculations
Improved heart rate monitoring
These enhancements make the Whoop 5.0 more reliable for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who depend on accurate data for training optimization.
Enhanced Sleep Quality Monitoring
Sleep tracking has received a comprehensive overhaul in the Whoop 5.0. The device now features an updated Sleep Score system that provides more detailed analysis of sleep quality and patterns.
New to the 5.0 model are haptic alarms that can wake users during optimal sleep stages. This feature helps users avoid the grogginess associated with being awakened during deep sleep phases.
The improved sensors allow for more accurate tracking of:
Sleep stages (REM, deep, and light)
Sleep disturbances
Sleep consistency
Sleep efficiency
With personalized bedtime recommendations, the Whoop 5.0 helps users optimize their sleep schedule based on their unique patterns and recovery needs. The enhanced battery life means users can track sleep for two full weeks without needing to recharge.
Respiratory Rate Innovations
The Whoop 5.0 brings new capabilities for respiratory monitoring with its enhanced sensor array. The device now tracks breathing patterns more accurately during both activity and rest periods.
Users can monitor their respiratory rate trends over time, which serves as an important indicator of overall health and potential issues. Abnormal respiratory patterns can signal stress, illness, or other health concerns before other symptoms appear.
The respiratory tracking features include:
Continuous respiratory rate monitoring
Breathing rate analysis during exercise
Respiratory recovery metrics
Breathing pattern anomaly detection
These innovations help users understand how their breathing affects performance and recovery. The data can be particularly valuable for endurance athletes who need to optimize their respiratory efficiency.
Whoop MG: What It Is and How It Works
The Whoop MG, which stands for “medical grade,” represents a significant advancement in wearable health technology. This premium device goes beyond standard fitness tracking by incorporating clinical-level monitoring capabilities with a focus on long-term health assessment.
Unique Sleep Score Integration
Whoop MG introduces an enhanced sleep score system that analyzes sleep stages with unprecedented detail. The device tracks REM, deep, and light sleep phases, creating a comprehensive picture of sleep quality each night.
Sleep metrics include disturbances, respiratory rate variations, and sleep consistency. The MG’s advanced sensors capture data 26 times per second, providing more accurate sleep analytics than previous models.
Users receive personalized recommendations based on their sleep patterns. These insights help optimize bedtime routines and environmental factors that affect sleep quality.
The interface presents sleep data in easy-to-understand visuals that track progress over time. This helps users identify trends and make adjustments to improve their sleep health.
Benefits for Health and Wellness
The Whoop MG introduces several clinical-grade features for comprehensive health monitoring. Users can take ECG readings directly from their wrist, enabling cardiac rhythm assessment outside medical settings.
A beta feature for blood pressure estimation makes continuous cardiovascular monitoring more accessible. This provides valuable data points between doctor visits.
The MG also incorporates the new Healthspan score, part of Whoop’s focus on longevity metrics. This score evaluates overall health based on multiple factors:
Heart rate variability
Resting heart rate
Sleep quality
Activity levels
Recovery patterns
With its redesigned processor delivering 10x more power efficiency, the MG can run these advanced features while maintaining battery life. The device integrates seamlessly with healthcare providers through secure data sharing options.
Empowerment Through Data: Insights and Personalization
The new WHOOP devices transform health data into actionable intelligence, giving users unprecedented control over their wellness journey. Both the WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG capture information 26 times per second, creating a detailed picture of the body’s responses to daily activities.
Personalized Recommendations
WHOOP’s advanced algorithms analyze millions of data points continuously to deliver tailored guidance. This analysis translates complex health metrics into clear, practical recommendations that help users build better habits.
The platform identifies patterns unique to each individual, creating truly personalized health insights. Users receive specific guidance rather than generic wellness advice.
For female users, the devices offer specialized tracking for women’s health, addressing a significant gap in health technology. This feature delivers hormone-specific insights that help women make informed decisions about exercise, sleep, and recovery.
Key personalized recommendations include:
Sleep optimization based on daily strain and recovery needs
Activity adjustments that account for current recovery status
Stress management techniques tailored to individual stress patterns
User Empowerment and Engagement
WHOOP devices empower users by transforming complex data into understandable insights that drive meaningful behavior change. The platform’s design encourages daily engagement through an intuitive interface that presents information clearly.
Users report feeling more in control of their health decisions when backed by WHOOP’s objective data. Rather than guessing about recovery or readiness, they can make confident choices based on personalized metrics.
The WHOOP community feature creates additional engagement through shared challenges and benchmarking. Members can compare their metrics with peers or elite athletes, finding motivation in collective improvement.
Digital coaching prompts help users establish consistent habits that improve overall health markers. These gentle reminders serve as digital accountability partners that keep wellness goals front of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG launch brings significant upgrades to hardware, software, and subscription options. Users have many questions about these new fitness tracking devices.
What are the new features of the Whoop 5.0 compared to its predecessor?
The Whoop 5.0 represents a significant hardware and software update from the previous 4.0 model. It includes enhanced sensors for more accurate health metrics tracking.
Users will notice improved accuracy in sleep tracking, strain measurement, and recovery insights. The device also features more advanced VO2 Max calculations and detailed heart rate zones.
One notable addition is the expanded Women’s Hormonal Insights feature, which provides more detailed health data related to menstrual cycles and hormonal changes.
How does the Whoop MG differ from the Whoop 5.0 in terms of functionality and applications?
The Whoop MG is a new addition to the Whoop lineup, offering specialized features beyond the standard 5.0 model. It appears to be positioned as a premium option with additional health monitoring capabilities.
While specific details are still emerging, the MG variant likely offers more advanced health metrics and possibly medical-grade monitoring features. This would represent Whoop’s move toward more clinical applications.
The announcement of both devices suggests they serve different market segments, with the MG potentially targeting users with specific health concerns or those wanting deeper insights.
What improvements in battery life and charging technology are present in the Whoop 5.0?
The Whoop 5.0 boasts an impressive 14+ day battery life, a significant improvement over previous models. This extended battery performance allows users to track their metrics for longer without interruption.
Unfortunately, the new hardware means that charging pucks from Whoop 4.0 are not compatible with the 5.0 model. Users will need to use the new charging technology that comes with their device.
The charging system likely includes faster charging capabilities to complement the longer battery life, though specific charging times haven’t been detailed.
Are there any special partnerships or integrations associated with the Whoop MG model?
While complete partnership details haven’t been fully revealed, the MG designation suggests potential medical or healthcare partnerships. These collaborations would align with Whoop’s expansion into more health-focused metrics.
Integration with healthcare providers or medical systems would represent a new direction for Whoop. This could potentially allow sharing data with healthcare professionals or integration with medical records systems.
The company may announce specific partnerships in the coming weeks as the rollout continues and more features are unveiled.
What is the price range for the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG, and are there any subscription plans required?
Whoop has introduced three distinct subscription levels: One, Peak, and Life. Each tier offers different features and pricing options to suit various user needs.
The subscription model remains central to Whoop’s business approach, with the hardware included as part of the subscription cost. This continues Whoop’s strategy of offering ongoing service rather than a one-time purchase.
Importantly, the pricing structure appears designed to broaden Whoop’s appeal to more users, possibly indicating more accessible entry-level options alongside premium tiers.
How does the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG offer personalized health insights and what metrics do they track?
Both devices provide comprehensive health tracking with personalized insights based on individual data patterns. The core metrics include sleep quality, physical strain, and recovery status.
Users receive personalized coaching recommendations based on their unique physiological responses. This includes guidance on workout intensity, recovery needs, and sleep optimization.
Beyond basic metrics, the devices track VO2 Max, heart rate zones, and various specialized health indicators. The MG model likely offers even more detailed health metrics, possibly approaching medical-grade accuracy for certain measurements.
Victims of explicit deepfakes will soon be able to take legal action against people who create them – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
New York (CNN) — In recent years, people ranging from Taylor Swift and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to high school girls around the country have been victims of non-consensual, explicit deepfakes — images where a person’s face is superimposed on a nude body using artificial intelligence. Now, after months of outcry, a federal law criminalizing the […]
New York (CNN) — In recent years, people ranging from Taylor Swift and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to high school girls around the country have been victims of non-consensual, explicit deepfakes — images where a person’s face is superimposed on a nude body using artificial intelligence.
Now, after months of outcry, a federal law criminalizing the sharing of those images is finally coming.
President Donald Trump is set to sign the Take It Down Act in a ceremony at the White House on Monday. In addition to making it to illegal to share online nonconsensual, explicit images — real or computer-generated — the law will also require tech platforms to remove such images within 48 hours of being notified about them.
The law will boost protections for victims of revenge porn and nonconsensual, AI-generated sexual images, increase accountability for the tech platforms where the content is shared and provide law enforcement with clarity about how to prosecute such activity. Previously, federal law prohibited creating or sharing realistic, AI-generated explicit images of children. But laws protecting adult victims varied by state and didn’t exist nationwide.
The Take It Down Act also represents one of the first new US federal laws aimed at addressing the potential harms from AI-generated content as the technology rapidly advances.
“AI is new to a lot of us and so I think we’re still figuring out what is helpful to society, what is harmful to society, but (non-consensual) intimate deepfakes are such a clear harm with no benefit,” said Ilana Beller, organizing manager at progressive advocacy group Public Citizen, which endorsed the legislation.
The law passed both chambers of Congress nearly unanimously, with only two House representatives dissenting, in a rare moment of bipartisan consensus. More than 100 organizations, including non-profits and big tech companies such as Meta, TikTok and Google, also supported the legislation.
Firstlady Melania Trump threw her support behind the effort, too, lobbying House lawmakers in April to pass the legislation. And the president referenced the bill during his address to a joint session of Congress in March, during which the first lady hosted teenage victim Elliston Berry as one of her guests.
TexasSen. Ted Cruz and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar first introduced the legislation last summer.
Months earlier, a classmate of Texas high schooler Berry shared on Snapchat an image of her that he’d taken from her Instagram and altered using AI to make it look like she was nude. Berry wasn’t alone — teen girls in New Jersey, California and elsewhere have also been subject to this form of harassment.
“Everyday I’ve had to live with the fear of these photos getting brought up or resurfacing,” Berry told CNN last year, in an interview about her support for the Take It Down Act. “By this bill getting passed, I will no longer have to live in fear, knowing that whoever does bring these images up will be punished.”
Facing increased pressure over the issue, some major tech platforms had taken steps to make it easier for victims to have nonconsensual sexual images removed from their sites.
Some big tech platforms, including Google, Meta and Snapchat, already have forms where users can request the removal of explicit images. And others have partnered with non-profit organizations StopNCII.org and Take It Down that facilitate the removal of such images across multiple platforms at once, although not all sites cooperate with the groups.
Apple and Google have also made efforts to remove AI services that convert clothed images into manipulated nude ones from their app stores and search results.
Still, bad actors will often seek out platforms that aren’t taking action to prevent harmful uses of their technology, underscoring the need for the kind of legal accountability that the Take It Down Act will provide.
“This legislation finally compels social media bros to do their jobs and protect women from highly intimate and invasive breaches of their rights,” Imran Ahmed, CEO of the non-profit Center for Countering Digital Hate, said in a statement to CNN. “While no legislation is a silver bullet, the status quo—where young women face horrific harms online—is unacceptable.”
Public Citizen’s Beller added that it’s also “important to signal as a society that this is unacceptable.”
“If our federal law is passing a law that says, this is unacceptable and here are the consequences, that sends a clear signal,” she said.
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 […]
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
Nick LeFort
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
Global Investment Giant IFC (World Bank) Invests in VUZ $12M Pre-Series C, the World’s Leading Immersive Media Company
IFC investment supports VUZ’s international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VUZ, the world’s leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. […]
IFC investment supports VUZ’s international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VUZ, the world’s leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment.
Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of VUZ
The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over $1 trillion in global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector.
This round also includes participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success fund (a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ’s presence in key markets across the world.
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IFC’s Strategic Role in Telecom and Media Expansion
The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, including Souq.com (acquired by Amazon). With over 100 investments in telecom and communications companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies.
Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly in Africa, the USA, and Asia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC’s mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity.
A Profitable, Scalable Media Powerhouse
In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company’s platform – home to 30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content – blends XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered media across sports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems. VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors.
“We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor, said Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group’s track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally, and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we’ll bring immersive media to the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
Key highlights:
3 billion+ screen views to date; targeting over 5 billion by 2026
Exclusive immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more
The largest exclusively owned immersive premium content library of over 30,000 hours
Over 40 global telecom integrations, with 20+ in progress
Strategic launches across TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and VUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer
4 global patents powering proprietary streaming technologies
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ’s tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators”, said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds.
A Magnet for Global Creators and Partners
VUZ empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the center of conversations with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations.
“This is the scale-up stage we’ve been building toward for years,” Zaatarah added. “With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media.”
World-Class Investor Backing
In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin – reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ’s vision, performance, and global growth potential.
Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages with These Proven Tricks!
A message deleted by someone else can still be retrieved, under certain conditions. The notification “This message was deleted” that sometimes appears in WhatsApp chats can be quite annoying for many users. Whether it’s out of simple curiosity or the need to follow a conversation thread, the disappearance of a message often leads to frustration. […]
A message deleted by someone else can still be retrieved, under certain conditions.
The notification “This message was deleted” that sometimes appears in WhatsApp chats can be quite annoying for many users. Whether it’s out of simple curiosity or the need to follow a conversation thread, the disappearance of a message often leads to frustration. Many users then wonder: is it possible to recover a deleted message on WhatsApp?
Although the primary purpose of deleting a message is to permanently remove it from the view of chat participants, there are certain scenarios and specific techniques that might allow the retrieval of such messages. It’s important to note right off the bat that the “This message was deleted” notification cannot be removed from a chat, whether it’s a group or individual chat. However, there are a few methods that can reveal the contents of the deleted message.
Firstly, it’s still possible to rely on message quoting. If the deleted message was quoted by someone else in the chat, it can be retrieved within the quote. This allows, at least partially, to see what was written. Note that WhatsApp developers are currently working on removing this feature, so take advantage of it while it’s still available.
For those who own a Samsung smartphone, a built-in feature of the device can also help you recover a previously deleted message. This feature is the notification history, which is available in the phone settings under the “notifications” tab. If the message you’re trying to retrieve was visible in a notification on your Samsung device, then it’s possible to find this notification in the history.
If a backup of the chat was made before the message was deleted, you can even restore the conversation, including the deleted message. However, since chat messages are usually deleted in the short term, such a recovery option is very rarely available.
Lastly, there are apps available on the Google Play Store (and across the internet) that are developed by third parties which claim to make deleted messages visible. However, it’s crucial to note that these apps are not affiliated with WhatsApp and typically require access to your conversations. The use of such apps is strongly discouraged due to significant risks to the privacy and security of your personal data.
From studio floors to digital classes, FITRADIO blends curated playlists, licensing peace of mind and AI innovation to deliver a consistent audio experience at scale When a new Burn Boot Camp opens, coaches don’t just press play — they launch a signature FITRADIO mix that delivers the high-energy, curated sound members know and love. That […]
From studio floors to digital classes, FITRADIO blends curated playlists, licensing peace of mind and AI innovation to deliver a consistent audio experience at scale
When a new Burn Boot Camp opens, coaches don’t just press play — they launch a signature FITRADIO mix that delivers the high-energy, curated sound members know and love. That familiar mix then powers a digital class later in the day, reinforcing a seamless, brand-aligned experience across every touchpoint.
This is the power of sonic consistency — and FITRADIO is helping fitness brands master it.
“Music is more than background noise,” says FITRADIO founder and CEO Rusty Greene. “In our latest survey of over 7,000 gym members, 95% said music is just as important as the instruction itself. That’s a massive signal to operators. Music isn’t just part of the experience — it is the experience.”
FITRADIO is a fitness-first audio platform designed specifically for movement. With over 40,000 DJ-crafted, tempo-specific mixes and new playlists added daily, plus a team that curates and designs custom mixes for partner brands, the platform ensures workouts stay fresh, engaging and performance-optimized. The service also takes the stress out of compliance: every mix is licensed for commercial use, and FITRADIO supports its partners with full public performance licensing.
“Instructors spend hours programming workouts but may only spend 30 minutes a week on music,” Greene says. “The reality is that most don’t have time to curate fresh playlists. That’s where we come in — with clean, diverse, fitness-geared music that’s built to scale.”
credit: FITRADIO
Personalization at Scale
For growing fitness franchises, consistency is everything, and music plays a bigger role in brand identity than many operators realize. FITRADIO empowers brands to create a unified audio signature across locations, platforms and markets. It allows instructors to focus on coaching, not curating, while ensuring every member gets a seamless, high-quality experience that reflects the brand’s ethos.
“Once a brand starts scaling, music can become a real problem,” says Greene. “Letting every instructor choose their own playlist doesn’t work when you’re running hundreds of locations. It’s not just about legal compliance — it’s about sonic identity. What does your brand sound like?”
Burn Boot Camp provides a strong example. Working with FITRADIO’s music team, they’ve developed custom playlists aligned with all of their specific formats from HIIT to strength training and more. The goal? Ensure the music intensity matches the physical intensity — across a wide demographic.
One of the core challenges FITRADIO addresses is the diversity of musical tastes among members. What works in an OrangeTheory studio in Georgia might not land the same way in Portland. To meet that need, FITRADIO blends DJ experience with data, using open-format mixes that touch on Top 40, hip hop, rock, EDM and more, cycling through tracks quickly to keep everyone engaged.
“My background in nightlife helps us understand how to keep people energized across genres,” Greene says. “If you don’t like a song, it’ll be gone in two minutes. That’s how you keep the room moving.”
And FITRADIO isn’t stopping there. The company is currently testing an AI DJ tool that allows instructors to plug in class formats, BPM, and energy levels to generate real-time, studio-ready playlists tailored to the workout. Launching this summer, the new technology is designed to enhance instructor control without sacrificing quality or consistency.
In addition to elevating the brand experience, FITRADIO also supports member engagement through analytics. Operators will soon be able to track what stations perform best, how members interact with music and how sound influences satisfaction – making music a true retention lever.
“Music is an emotional connector,” says Greene. “It should be part of your feedback loop. If your members aren’t loving the music, they may not say it, but it can absolutely affect how often they show up or how long they stay.”
He recommends treating music as a measurable part of the member journey. “There should be a moment in every class where someone thinks, ‘This is my song.’ That’s stickiness. That’s ROI.”
credit: FITRADIO
The Infrastructure Behind the Experience
One of the biggest compliance blind spots for gym operators is music licensing. Many don’t realize that personal Spotify or Apple Music accounts aren’t licensed for commercial use. FITRADIO solves this problem through its own licensing structure and supports broader compliance through a sister company, GetMusicLicensing.com.
See Also
“Every gym is legally required to have a public performance license,” Greene explains. “We make that process simple. No paperwork, no confusion – just full legal coverage for ASCAP, BMI, GMR and SESAC.”
This allows facilities to operate with peace of mind while focusing on member experience.
For partners with hybrid or virtual fitness models, FITRADIO’s SWEATBASE platform extends the value of its audio catalog. The white-label solution enables fitness brands to livestream and host on-demand workouts with professionally curated, fully licensed music.
“It’s turnkey, scalable and purpose-built for fitness,” says Greene. “We help brands show up professionally and consistently, no matter the platform.”
In a crowded market where member experience is the biggest differentiator, music is a surprisingly overlooked asset. Yet as operators navigate retention challenges, brand-building pressures, and the complexity of scaling, FITRADIO offers a streamlined way to amplify impact.
“Everyone knows music is important,” Greene says. “We’re here to help operators use it strategically to energize members, protect their business and scale their brand.”
From studio floors to digital streams, FITRADIO is turning sound into a strategic asset for modern fitness — and giving brands a way to scale their vibe, one beat at a time.
Marsha Blackburn Report: Securing a Brighter Future for our Children – Clarksville Online
Washington, D.C. – Big Tech companies repeatedly choose profit over principle by selling America’s children as the product on their platforms. These companies have knowingly pushed children to harmful material promoting suicide, eating disorders, lethal drugs, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and on and on. This week, I reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act to provide young […]
Washington, D.C. – Big Tech companies repeatedly choose profit over principle by selling America’s children as the product on their platforms. These companies have knowingly pushed children to harmful material promoting suicide, eating disorders, lethal drugs, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and on and on.
This week, I reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act to provide young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to protect against online harms. I also spoke on the Senate floor about how Big Tech must be held accountable. KOSA is just common sense.
Parents know that there are just as many dangers lurking online as in the real world, which is why 86 percent of Americans support KOSA. We have a generational opportunity to secure a brighter and safer future for children across the country whose lives depend on our ability to act. The time to pass KOSA is now.
Read more here.
Weekly Rundown
On Tuesday night, I held a tele-town hall where I heard from hardworking Tennesseans who are so excited about President Trump’s work to usher in the Golden Age of America. Among many victories for the American people, the Trump administration has allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to do its job again, and, alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol, they arrested nearly 200 illegal aliens in Nashville, including gang members and rapists. President Donald J. Trump is making our communities safer, and I’m fighting in the Senate to get a Big Beautiful Bill across the finish line to implement the America First agenda.
This week, I wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, raising concerns about the Biden administration’s IRS pass-through compliance unit, which was motivated by ideology over principles of sound tax administration and targets main street businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they often lack the resources to navigate these audits brought by the Biden-era pass-through compliance unit. Read more here.
As global competition accelerates when it comes to quantum information science and technology, the United States cannot afford to fall behind to adversaries like Communist China. I introduced the Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy (LEAP) Act to ensure the United States remains the world leader in quantum by establishing a legislative commission to tackle the issues facing American ingenuity. We can’t let the Chinese Communist Party take the lead. Read more here.
The Chinese Communist Party has operated secret surveillance centers across the United States, setting up shop to threaten our communities and our national security. This week, I introduced the Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act, which would ensure that we know the full extent of the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to counter threats to U.S. national security. Read more here.
Marsha’s Roundup
ICYMI
Passengers shouldn’t have to sacrifice their right to privacy the moment they step into a rideshare vehicle, and they deserve to know if they are being recorded. Last week, I introduced the Safe and Private Rides Act, which would require transportation network companies to notify passengers when their driver has a video recording device in the car and give passengers the opportunity to opt out of riding with a driver with a dashcam, preventing rideshare drivers from violating passengers’ privacy. Read more here.
When it comes to health care, one of the biggest issues Tennesseans face is access to affordable care. The rising costs of prescription drugs are unsustainable. This is why President Trump took executive action last month directing his administration to evaluate how pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, increase costs and limit choices for patients. Read more in my weekly column here.