Amazon introduced a new 15 inch smart display that can hang on your wall today, along with a new robot that’s basically a smart display on wheels, and a weird new thing that kids can use to make video calls while playing games at the same time, or something. But that’s not all. The company has also introduced a new $80 fitness tracker called the Halo View that has an AMOLED display and support for sleep tracking and blood oxygen measurements.
In other recent tech news from around the web, Fairphone, a company that makes repairable phones using ethically-sourced materials, is launching a new phone this week and details keep leaking ahead of schedule. And Wendy’s also seems to be launching a phone… albeit a limited edition one that seems to be part of a publicity stunt.
Amazon launches Halo View fitness tracker (and new fitness and nutrition services) [Amazon]
Amazon Halo View is an $80 fitness tracker with a display (unlike the last one). It has an AMOLED screen, up to 7 days battery life, BT 5.0, swim-proof design, and support for sleep scores & blood oxygen levels. A $4/month subscription is required for some features, but customers will get a 1-year subscription for no additional charge.
Amazon and Disney Introduce ‘Hey, Disney!’ [Amazon]
Amazon and Disney introduce “Hey, Disney!” voice assistant. Coming in 2022, it’s basically a Disney version of Alexa that offers “over 1,000” interactions with Disney characters using an Echo device.
Fairphone 4 specs leaked [WinFuture]
More Fairphone 4 details leaked: a 5G phone with 6.3 inch, 2340 x 1080 pixel IPS LCD HDR-capable display, Snapdragon 750G, 6 to 8GB RAM, 128GB to 256GB storage, microSD support, dual 48MP cameras (primary + ultrawide) & removable 3905 mAh battery.
The Wendy’s Phone [@WendysCanada]
So, umm… apparently the Wendy’s Phone is a thing. Probably a limited edition thing just made for the purposes of this contest/publicity stunt. But still a thing. With a 6.4 inch display, 3 rear cameras and “Hey, Wendy” hotword for the voice assistant.
For the chance to get yours, download the Wendy’s app, 💗 and screenshot your favourite Wendy’s order, then Tweet it out with #WendysPhone and #Contest. You can try again every day. Learn more about the phone here: https://t.co/sRHZ7UXUuF
Rules & Regs: https://t.co/8C1lzgZuM1 pic.twitter.com/MfVFMAgO0V
— Wendy’s 🇨🇦 (@WendysCanada) September 27, 2021
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Ok. I want the Wendy’s phone. One more reason to regret not moving back to Canada sooner. Finally, a digital assistant with the sass of a real one “hey Wendy, what’s the weather like?”
“Why don’t you find out for yourself on the way to Wendy’s?”
Plus the fact that they only commit to is a HD+ screen and having multiple cameras with more pixels than bacon in the baconator (plus being able to make calls and text), this sounds like a fun kitschy low end device that you enjoy having for the sake of having it.
Plus:
A NEW KIND OF VOICE ASSISTANT
Just say “Hey, Wendy” and you can set an alarm, get directions, even ask Wendy to tell you a joke. And if she feels like it, she might even do it!
Halo View is very underwhelming when looking at competing products. Amazafit Band 5 has more sensors, 3x better battery life and is half the price. Amazafit also has magnetic charging cable connection and Alexa voice support (microphone only, no speaker). A day late and a dollar short.