Garmin has introduced the Cirqa Smart Band, its first screenless wearable designed for health and fitness tracking without display distractions. Priced at $200, it offers 10-day battery life, tracks over 80 activities, and monitors various health metrics via the Garmin Connect app.
Screen-free cameras and digicams are experiencing a resurgence among Gen Z and millennials, driven by a nostalgic aesthetic and a desire to disconnect from smartphones. Companies like Camp Snap and Canon report significant sales increases as consumers embrace the vintage, grainy photo style.
Amazon Prime Day features significant discounts on a wide range of products, including Apple devices like iPhones and MacBooks, as well as headphones, vacuums, and smart bird feeders. Deals are highlighted across various price points, with some Apple products seeing their first-ever sales.
Holy Family Catholic primary school in west London, inspired by a year 6 pupil, introduced screen-free Mondays, banning teachers from using smartphones, laptops, monitors, and tablets. The initiative, now a monthly event, has unexpectedly engaged parents, who report increased family interaction through activities like reading, walks, and sports, reducing screen time. The school's approach has attracted interest from other schools, the UK government, and ministers, including discussions on restricting social media for under-16s.
Experts offer strategies to combat smartphone addiction, including tracking usage, scheduling screen-free time, changing lockscreens, cutting notifications, and making screens less engaging. Solutions range from software tools to physical deterrents and switching to feature phones.
Parents are increasingly choosing screen-free environments for their children, citing concerns about addiction, sleep disruption, and mental health. Some families are making significant lifestyle changes, including relocating and opting for screen-free schools, to prioritize a less tech-dependent upbringing.
Oura has launched its Ring 4 smart ring in India, priced between ₹28,900 and ₹39,900 depending on finish. The premium wearable focuses on continuous health tracking — including sleep, heart rate, and wellness insights — through a minimal ring form factor without a screen. The companion app requires a ₹599 monthly subscription. Oura positions the device as a wellness companion rather than a fitness tracker, competing in an emerging smart ring category in India.
