Category: All News

  • Motorola Edge 2026 Unveiled: Compact, Triple 50MP Cameras

    Motorola Edge 2026 Unveiled: Compact, Triple 50MP Cameras

    Key Takeaway

    – 6.3-inch “Extreme AMOLED” display with 120Hz refresh rate and 5,200 nits peak brightness
    – 5,000 mAh battery with 60W wired and 15W wireless charging
    – Triple rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
    – MediaTek Dimensity 7450 chipset with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
    – Launches in the USA on June 11, 2026, for $599.99

    Compact Design Meets Durable Build

    Following the Motorola Edge 70 (priced at $545 on Amazon), the company has introduced a fresh mid-range smartphone in its Edge lineup, featuring that familiar Motorola look with a flat frame, colorful fabric back, and a squarish camera module. The Edge 2026, boasting a screen size of 6.3 inches, stands out as one of the most compact options available in the series, making it easyer to hold and use with one hand without much strain.

    Display, Battery, and Camera Specs

    Motorola equips this device with an “Extreme AMOLED” panel that delivers a resolution of 2,640 x 1,216 pixels, a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, and an eye-popping HDR peak brightness of 5,200 nits. Despite its smaller frame, they managed to pack in a 5,000 mAh battery, which supports charging up to 60 watts via USB-C or 15 watts wirelessly. The Edge 2026 also features a 50-megapixel selfie shooter, a 50 MP main camera using the Sony LYT-710 sensor, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10 MP telephoto camera with triple optical zoom for decent zooming capabilities.

    Performance and Software Promises

    The main camera can record 4K footage at 30 frames per second and 1080p slow-motion video at 120 fps. Inside this smartphone lies a MediaTek Dimensity 7450 chipset, which includes four ARM Cortex-A78 performance cores along with four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. The device supports standard Android AI features such as Circle to Search, and Motorola pledges at least three major Android updates for this mid-range handset, ensuring it stays relevant for a while.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    The Motorola Edge 2026 will launch in the USA on June 11, 2026, and will be sold exclusively with 8 GB of RAM plus 128 GB of internal storage at a price of $599.99. For any additional specifics, you can check out the official Motorola website for more information on this upcoming device and its features.

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  • Leica Camera AG may be acquired by Chinese firm

    Leica Camera AG may be acquired by Chinese firm

    Key Takeaway

    – Blackstone is in talks to sell its 45% stake in Leica Camera AG to HongShan Capital Group (formerly Sequoia Capital China).
    – HSG also aims to acquire the remaining 55% from Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and is considering a future IPO for Leica.
    – Leica could be valued at around €1 billion in the event of a takeover.
    – The outcome of the talks is uncertain; Kaufmann’s decision and strategic direction may shift if a deal is reached.

    Ownership shakeup at Leica

    Leica Camera AG is currently 55 percent owned by the Austrian billionaire Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and 45 percent by the US-based investment company Blackstone. According to Bloomberg, Blackstone is currently in talks to sell this stake to the Chinese HongShan Capital Group (HSG), formally known as Sequoia Capital. The investment company from China is also said to be interested in Dr. Andreas Kaufmanns stake and is considering another IPO of Leica Camera AG after the company was fully privatized and delisted from the stock market in October 2012.

    Ongoing talks remain uncertain

    It is not yet known wether the Austrian has agreed to a sale. Blackstone and HSG have declined to comment on the takeover talks. The talks are still ongoing and an announcement on a takeover could be “weeks” away if Blackstone, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and HongShan Capital Group can reach an agreement. This would mark another shift for the famed German optics maker, which has long been a symbol of precision engineering.

    Potential valuation and historical context

    According to Bloomberg, Leica Camera AG could be valued at around €1 billion in the event of a takeover. With this takeover, another traditional camera manufacturer would fall into the hands of Chinese companies, after Hasselblad was took over by drone manufacturer DJI in 2017. As Dr. Andreas Kaufmann currently also acts as chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, a takeover could have a significant impact on the companys direction and strategy. Analysts are watching closely to see how this might affect product development.

    What this means for the brand

    The potential sale has sparked debate among photography enthusists. Some worry that Chinese ownership could change the companys ethos, while others see it as a natural evolution in a consolidating market. For now, all parties remain tight-lipped about the negotiation progress, but insiders suggest that a deal might be finalized before the end of the quarter if no major roadblocks arise.

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  • Revolut Unveils Numberless Visa & Mastercard for Better Security

    Revolut Unveils Numberless Visa & Mastercard for Better Security

    Key Takeaway

    – Revolut now offers numberless debit cards by default, with an option to keep the number printed if preferred.
    – Numberless cards prevent visual theft of card details in public (e.g., by cameras or copying).
    – Numberless cards may cause issues at hotels or airlines that require the physical card number for reservations or payment guarantees.
    – Card numbers and security details remain accessible in the app if needed.
    – Users can maintain multiple Revolut cards and toggle them on/off individually to manage different use cases.

    New Security Update

    The neobank Revolut has rolled out a new security feature in its app. According to an in-app announcement, users ordering a new debit card—whether Visa or Mastercard—will no longer have the card number printed on the physical card. However, it will still be possible to opt for a card with the number printed on it if desired.

    Communication Gaps in the App

    In the app, however, this new feature is not yet clearly communicated. For some cards, it remains unclear whether approving the shipping costs might accidentally trigger an order. We did, however, find the feature immediately on the card that allows for a custom design. With a simple toggle, the number on the card can be opted out of.

    Public Payment Protection

    When paying with this card in public, users no longer risk someone copying the card number, security codes, and expiration date, or filming them with a security camera, smart glasses, or a smartphone. The numberless card thus catches up with Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

    Hotel and Travel Challenges

    The feature is also helpful in other ways. Some hotels, for instance, have developed a habit of writing down card numbers on slips of paper. Although this is not permitted, it still happens even at major chains like NH or Marriott, as we know from personal experience. Not everyone feels comfortable arguing with hotel staff. Especially when the staff is used to this practice, they feel they are in the right, which is when it becomes problematic.

    Potential Booking Issues

    However, this can also lead to issues if, for example, the card number needs to be entered directly into the reservation system. Some hotels use this specific number to secure a payment guarantee instead of simply blocking an amount. In such cases, Apple Pay or Google Pay is often not accepted as a payment guarantee. The hotel wants to see the physical card. Anyone traveling with a numberless Revolut card should therefore be prepared for discussions.

    Accessing Card Details via App

    If in doubt, however, Revolut states that the card number and other security details can still be accessed via the app. There are also occasionally still airlines that request to see the “credit card” used to pay for the flight ticket. One should be aware of such issues, even if they occur rarely. When in doubt, however, a Revolut card with a number can still be used. Revolut allows the use of multiple payment cards, which can be turned on and off individually.

    Final Considerations

    Travelers should know that using a card without a number might slow things down at check-in counters or rental desks. But the added security is a tradeoff many will appriciate. Its good that the app stores all the details though this requires your phone to be charged and accessible.


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    • Asus World’s First Wi-Fi 8 Router: 30Gbps, Dual 10G Ports

      Asus World’s First Wi-Fi 8 Router: 30Gbps, Dual 10G Ports

      Key Takeaway

      – World’s first “Wi-Fi 8” gaming router announced (ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro)
      – Theoretical data rate up to 30Gbps on the new IEEE 802.11bn standard
      – Quad-band design with “Ultra-High Reliability” and Multi-AP coordination
      – Dual 10G ports with up to 20Gbps link aggregation
      – Currently a future-proof preview; no consumer devices support Wi-Fi 8 yet

      Asus has officially set a new record in the networking space with the debut of the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro, announced at Computex 2026. While the industry is still adapting to Wi-Fi 7, Asus is looking further ahead, unveiling what it claims to be the world’s first “Wi-Fi 8” gaming router.

      Pricing and Specifications Details

      Boasting a massive theoretical data rate of up to 30Gbps, the GT-BN98 Pro is built on the new IEEE 802.11bn standard. While the full standard is not expected to be finalized by the IEEE until 2028, Asus is leveraging early-spec hardware to push the boundaries of what home networking can achieve. The router features a quad-band design and Multi-AP coordination, shifting the focus from simple raw speed to the “Ultra-High Reliability” that defines the future of wireless connectivity.

      Cooling System and Interface Overview

      Designed for the most demanding gaming scenarios, the GT-BN98 Pro is equiped with a high-performance cooling system, including an aluminum heat plate with a nanocarbon coating, to ensure sustained peak performance. The ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro offers dual 10G ports and up to 20Gbps link aggregation, ensuring that even the most bandwidth-heavy setups wont hit a bottleneck.

      Future-Proofing Considerations

      Its worth noting that while the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro is an impressive piece of hardware, it is currently more of a “future-proof” preview than a practical upgrade. Becuase the official Wi-Fi 8 standard is still being developed and won’t be finalized until 2028, there are no consumer devices like phones or laptops currently built to communicate with it. Using this router today means your existing devices will simply fall back to using older standards like Wi-Fi 6 or 7, meaning you wont see any speed or reliability benefits compared to current top-tier gear.

      Release Date and Pricing Status

      Based on the current info, Asus has not announced a specific release date or pricing for the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro. You can check out the rest of Asus’ announcements below.

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    • Asus Unveils New Android Tablet with Tandem OLED

      Asus Unveils New Android Tablet with Tandem OLED

      Key Takeaway

      – 12.2-inch 3:2 tandem OLED with 144Hz refresh rate
      – MediaTek Dimensity 8300 with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage + microSD
      – 9,000mAh battery with 45W charging
      – 6.5mm thin, 523g, magnalium chassis with fiberglass back
      – Runs Android 16; pricing and availability TBA

      New Tablet from Asus at Computex

      Asus has announced a new Android tablet at Computex 2026. The design of this new Asus Pad (T3201) includes a square camera housing on the back. It uses a magnalium chassis with a fiberglass back cover. The device measures 6.5mm in thickness and tips the scales at 523 grams. So far, Asus has only shown the device in a white colorway, which looks quite sleek.

      Display and Screen Specifications

      The Asus Pad features a 12.2-inch two-stack tandem OLED panel. This screen has a resolution of 2,800 x 1,840 pixels. It also includes a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 144Hz refresh rate. The typical brightness for this display is 600 nits, which should provide decent visibility outdoors.

      Processor and Memory Details

      Under the hood, the tablet is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset. This same chipset was used in the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, which scored around 1.2 million points on AnTuTu V10 in reviews. The device offers up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. Additionally, it supports memory expansion via a microSD card, allowing for up to 1 TB of extra space.

      Battery, Camera and Connectivity

      The Asus Pad comes with a 9,000mAh battery and charges at up to 45W using a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port. For photography, there is a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera. The tablet supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity needs. On the software side, it runs Android 16 out of the box. As of now, pricing and availability details have not been revealed by the company.


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    • Intel Combats DRAM Shortage Using Less, Older Memory

      Intel Combats DRAM Shortage Using Less, Older Memory

      Key Takeaway

      – AI giants like OpenAI and Anthropic are consuming most DRAM capacity, driving up consumer prices for PCs and laptops.
      – Intel is addressing the DRAM crisis by keeping Raptor Lake (with DDR4 support) active for cheaper memory options.
      – Wildcat Lake targets the low-end market with 8 GB single-channel DDR4, while Raptor Lake covers mid-to-high segments.
      – Intel is validating more RAM suppliers, including from China and Indonesia, to offer cheaper alternatives.
      – The DRAM crisis is expected to last until at least 2028, making further price increases likely.

      So the big AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are hogging all the worlds DRAM capacity, leaving consumers to pay through the nose for the scraps left over for PCs, laptops, and gaming handhelds. The market has already reacted to this, because after the Apple MacBook Neo, the new Dell XPS 13 now only comes with 8GB RAM, while Acer has even hinted at laptops with only 4GB RAM.

      Intel’s Answer to the DRAM Shortage

      Intel spoke to Tom’s Hardware about the DRAM crisis. According to this, Wildcat Lake in the lower price segment and Raptor Lake in the mid to higher price segment would currently be the answer to the crisis, because while Wildcat Lake is often offered with 8GB RAM in a single-channel configuration, while Raptor Lake still supports DDR4, both in desktop and laptops. The older RAM standard is currently somewhat cheaper, as a kit with 2 x 16GB DDR4 RAM sticks currently costs $199, while DDR5 costs $449.

      Raptor Lake Is Here to Stay

      Intel says Raptor Lake is far from being phased out and they plan to keep offering processors which support older RAM standards for as long as that makes sense. Intel is also collaborating with more RAM suppliers, including from China and Indonesia, to approve as many products as possible and offer customers a wider selection of potentially cheaper memory.

      Future Price Hikes Likely

      With these steps Intel can at best dampen the price increases, but if the DRAM crisis continues at least until 2028 as expected, further price increases are unlikely to be avoidable. Intel, via Tom’s Hardware

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    • Cheaper Dell XPS 14 2026: Ubuntu Linux, 64GB RAM

      Cheaper Dell XPS 14 2026: Ubuntu Linux, 64GB RAM

      Key Takeaway

      – Dell XPS 14 (2026) now available with Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS pre-installed, starting June 2.
      – Ships on June 15 with Core Ultra 5/7/X7 variants; Core Ultra X9 388H models delayed until July 22.
      – No configuration limits for Ubuntu versions, offering up to Core Ultra X9, Arc B390, 64GB RAM, 4TB storage, and OLED display.
      – Choosing Ubuntu saves $100 (vs. Windows 11 Home) or $160 (vs. Windows 11 Pro), with pricing from $1,899 USD.
      – Currently limited to North America; no global release timeline confirmed.

      Dell’s XPS 14 2026 Gets Ubuntu Linux – What’s New

      The XPS 14 2026 has been available for a while now. Announced in January during CES 2026, the new XPS 14 then started shipping on February 12 with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 355 processor to replace older DA14250 variants with Arrow Lake-H processors. That version cost about $2,271 on Amazon but we’ve been told to ignore that link entirely.

      • From June 2, Dell is offering its new 14-inch XPS with Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS pre-installed
      • Shipments should begin on June 15 across Core Ultra 5 325, Core Ultra 7 355 and Core Ultra X7 358H variants
      • However, Dell is holding back Core Ultra X9 388H variants until at least July 22 to match Windows 11-backed counterparts

      No Configuration Limits – You Can Fully Spec It

      As far as we can tell, Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS versions face no configuration limitations, either. Hence, one can order the XPS 14 running Ubuntu with up to the Core Ultra X9 388H, Arc B390 graphics, 64 GB of LPDDR5X-9600 RAM, 4 TB of storage and a 1-120 Hz IPS or 20-120 Hz OLED display. In all cases, choosing Ubuntu saves $100 on versions with Windows 11 Home installed and $160 on SKUs running Windows 11 Pro.

      Pricing and Regional Availibility

      As such, pricing starts at $1,899 in the US and CAD 2,539 in Canada. Unfortunately, Dell’s expanded XPS 14 offering only extends to North America for now. The company has not confirmed when Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS variants will reach other markets yet. Please see our recent reviews with Core Ultra 7 355 and Core X7 358H processors for more details about Dell’s latest XPS 14.

      Where to Buy and What to Expect

      Dell Canada and Dell US are the only places you can currently order this Linux laptop. The Ubuntu option is a great deal if you want to save some cash and avoid Windows licensing fees entirely. The base model gives you a solid Core Ultra 5 325 chip with decent integrated graphics, but you can bump it up to the top-tier X9 388H if you wait until July. Expect the same build quality and sleek design as the Windows version, but with a fresh OS to boot.


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    • Amazon Prime Members: Get Spider-Man Tickets 2 Days Early in US

      Key Takeaway

      – Amazon Prime members can buy early Spider-Man tickets on July 29, two days before wide release.
      – Tickets are not yet on sale; click “Notify Me” while logged into Amazon.
      – New users can sign up for a free 30-day Prime trial to access early tickets.
      – Members aged 18-24 get a 50% discount on Prime ($7.49/month or $69/year).

      Amazon Prime members in the US will be able to purchase tickets to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 29, two days before the wide theatrical release. Amazon has created a dedicated page where you’ll be able to purchase tickets via the company’s deal with Fandango for the special screenings, which will be held at select theaters across the country.

      How to Get Notified for Tickets

      Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but if you’re logged into your Amazon account, you can click the Notify Me button on the page to be notified when they’re available for purchase. The company announced an early theatrical release for the next chapter in the Marvel Spider-Man story as part of its Prime Day announcements running from June 23 through June 26.

      Prime Membership Pricing and Free Trial

      Prime membership in the US is $15 a month or $139 for the full year if you pay for it all at once, but you do get a free 30-day trial if you’ve yet to sign up for it. Yes, that means you can redeem your free trial in time for tickets to the new Spider-Man movie. This offer seems like a pretty good deal for fans who want early access without paying upfront.

      Special Discount for Young Adults

      Under “Prime for Young Adults”, you can get a 50 percent discount on membership if you’re between 18 and 24 years old for a subscription. Instead of $15, you’ll pay $7.49 a month or $69 a year, plus you’ll also get a six-month-long trial. Prime membership also includes Prime Reading, Amazon Music, and Prime Video, where you can now stream Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Noir series. And you get free shipping on your Amazon purchases, as well as access to advanced screenings for the new Spider-Man.

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    • Oppo Find X9 Ultra vs Vivo X300 Ultra: Best Value

      Key Takeaway

      – Oppo Find X9 Ultra wins on battery life, audio quality, and connectivity speed.
      – Vivo X300 Ultra has a superior display, better cameras, and more powerful haptics.
      – Oppo runs cooler under load, while Vivo’s software and brightness control are more polished.
      – Vivo is significantly more expensive in Europe (€2,000 vs. €1,500), but prices drop as imports.
      – Choice depends on priorities: performance & endurance (Oppo) vs. display & photography (Vivo).

      Comparing the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra

      In our reviews of the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra, both smartphones, powered with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, present themselves as strong companions for everyday use. However, a direct comparison between the Oppo and Vivo phones reveals that both flagships have different strengths and weaknesses and therefore appeal to different types of users. Their pricing also realy differs right from the start.

      Pricing and Storage Configurations

      There are already clear price differences. In Europe, the Find X9 Ultra is available for an RRP of just under €1,500, while the X300 Ultra is more expensive. The RRP for the only storage option with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, is just under €2,000. As imports, however, the prices already start noticeably lower for both flagships (around $1,100). This makes the Oppo a considerably more affordable option, but the Vivo’s premium price tag may be justified by some high-end features.

      Audio and Battery Performance

      The difference between the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra is clear when it comes to audio quality. The Oppo phone delivers more powerful and balanced speakers and the drivers offer more depth, more stable highs as well as a significantly more linear frequency response in our measurements. The SPL value is also around 4.5 dBA higher than that of the Vivo phone, which sounds flatter in direct comparison and drops more sharply at high frequencies. Another advantage of the Find X9 Ultra is its battery life.

      The 7,050 mAh silicon-carbon battery lasts over five hours longer in the Wi-Fi battery test than the 6,600 mAh battery of the Vivo X300 Ultra. This is a difference that is definitely noticeable in everyday use. The slightly lower temperature development also speaks in favor of the Oppo flagship. Both top phones struggle with the high heat output of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 under continuous load, but the Vivo phone reaches almost 55 °C in our measurements, while the Find X9 Ultra’s case remains slightly cooler at around 50 °C.

      Connectivity and Storage Speed

      The Find X9 Ultra is also ahead in terms of connectivity and storage performance. It even sets new records in our Wi-Fi measurements, while the Vivo flagship only achieves around half the speed. However, the approximately 2,000 Mbit/s of the Vivo phone is more than sufficient in everyday use, so the Find X9 Ultra’s advantage is more theoretical. The situation is similar with UFS storage. Here, the Oppo flagship is almost twice as fast in our review but the practical added value is likely to be rather small. For most users, the Vivo’s slower speeds will not be a hinderance.

      Display and Camera Advantages of the Vivo

      On the other hand, the Vivo X300 Ultra has noticeable advantages when it comes to the display and cameras. The 6.82-inch OLED panel is significantly brighter in everyday use than the Oppo phone’s 144 Hz screen. While the Find X9 Ultra only achieves around half of the advertised maximum brightness and cannot maintain it for long, the Vivo phone remains stable in our measurements and impresses with better automatic brightness control. Oppo’s automatic brightness control often sets it too low in everyday use. The vibration motor also seems more powerful on the Vivo phone, a point that is often underestimated in everyday use.

      The Vivo X300 Ultra is also ahead in terms of camera quality. The ultra-wide-angle camera delivers visibly better results thanks to its larger sensor, and the main camera also benefits from Vivo’s truly excellent, probably industry-leading software. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra can keep up here, but in our opinion, it does not quite reach the level of the Vivo flagship. On the other hand, the Oppo flagship offers practical special buttons, including for camera functions, which the Vivo model completely lacks.


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    • Casio Sauna Watch 12-Min Timer Now Available

      Casio Sauna Watch 12-Min Timer Now Available

      Key Takeaway

      – Casio’s Sadokei sauna watch (SAN-100H-1B and SAN-100H-7B) is now available in Europe for €99.990 via the Casio store for free Casio ID members.
      – Designed to withstand extreme conditions: up to 100°C heat, high humidity, and waterproof to 5 bar.
      – Key features include two analog hands (accuracy within ±15 seconds/month), a 12-minute timer, and a low moisture permeability resin case.
      – The watch runs for approximately five years on a heat-resistant BR1225A battery before needing replacement.

      Sauna Watchs Arrive in Europe

      Casio has finally released its Sadokei Sauna Watch in Europe. Revealed way back in 2024, this Japanese sauna-inspired model became available to purchase in the US earlier in 2026. Now, at the Casio store in countries like the Netherlands, France and Italy, you can buy the Sadokei SAN-100H-1B (all black) and SAN-100H-7B (black/white/orange) watches for €99.990 each. They are only available for Casio ID members, though you can easily sign up to the scheme for free on the brand’s website.

      High Heat and Humidity Resistence

      The Casio Sadokei is designed to withstand high temperatures of up to 100°C (~212°F) and high humidity levels. For example, it uses a low moisture permeability resin for the base, and is powered by a heat-resistant BR1225A battery. The model measures 40.2 x 35.4 x 12.9 mm (~1.58 x 1.39 x 0.51 inches) and comes with a coiled bracelet, also made from resin.

      Timer Feature and Water Resistancy

      Casio’s Sadokei SAN-100H-1B and SAN-100H-7B watches have two analog hands indicating the hour and minute, which should remain accurate to within 15 seconds monthly. There is a 12-minute timer feature, controlled using the ‘mode’ and ‘reset’ buttons on the top of the watch. The model is waterproof up to 5 bar and should run for around five years before the battery needs replacing.

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