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Kindles are great e-reading devices thanks to their lightweight design, distraction-free UX, insane battery life, and easy access to books and digital media. However, Amazon has largely stuck to black-and-white displays for its e-readers, shunning color to focus squarely on a great text-reading experience. But change seems to be on the horizon, as the company has announced (and unannounced) its first color Kindle, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Amazon prematurely announced four new Kindle e-readers, only to pull down the announcement, although The Verge summarizes all that was presented. It’s possible that Amazon will reannounce the device later on. Considering this was an official announcement, one can place a high degree of confidence in it.

The biggest announcement is the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, “designed to offer a rich and paper-like color” for book covers and highlighted text. This new Kindle is waterproof and features fast page turns, wireless charging, up to 8 weeks of battery life, and a new light guide with nitride LEDs. The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition costs $279.99 and ships from October 30 onwards.

The original Kindle Scribe was launched in November 2022, so Amazon is refreshing the note-taking Kindle this year. The new Kindle Scribe, i.e., the Kindle Scribe 2, carries on the note-taking legacy with a 300ppi screen with new white edges. It also features the new “Active Canvas” feature that lets you add notes directly to the pages of books, and the text flows around them. You’ll also be able to add notes in the side panel soon, which can be hidden later. The integrated notebook is infused with AI to summarize pages into concise points. Notes can also be made readable in preparation for export with a handwritten-style font.

The announcement mentions that the Kindle Scribe costs $399.99 and will ship from December 4 onwards, with pre-orders starting today. This Kindle pairs well with Amazon’s Premium Pencil with a new soft-tip eraser.

The new Kindle Paperwhite 6 has a larger 7-inch screen in a thinner profile while sporting a battery life of up to three months. The device is water-resistant and comes with 16GB of storage.

The Kindle Paperwhite 6 costs $159.99 and is “available now” (but not really, since the announcement was pulled down). You can also get the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition for $199.99, which has 32GB of storage, wireless charging, and an auto-adjusting front light.

The entry-level Kindle is also being refreshed to its 12th generation. The Kindle 12 weighs just 159g and comes with a 300ppi non-reflective screen with faster page turns and 16GB of storage. Like the Paperwhite 6, the Kindle 12 is also “available now” for $109.99.

We’ll have to wait for Amazon to reannounce the devices to get purchase links and final confirmation on the details of these new Kindles. Still, how do you like the new Kindles so far? Let us know in the comments below!

OnePlus is gearing up to launch the OnePlus 13 in China soon, but a new leak suggests the company could also have a potent mid-range phone up its sleeve.

Leaker Digital Chat Station posted a variety of apparent specs for a mid-range OnePlus phone. The tipster didn’t actually name the phone in question, but the specs point to a device in the OnePlus Ace series (most likely the Ace 5 series).

These specs nevertheless make for an impressive mid-tier device. The leaker says you should expect a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, a 6,000mAh silicon battery, and a flat, 1.5K screen. The phone could also deliver a flexible camera system, featuring the OPPO Find X8 line’s image processing tech, a Sony IMX906 main camera (1/1.56-inch sensor size), and a 50MP telephoto camera (Samsung JN1).

The company’s Ace line is largely restricted to China, but the Ace 2 and Ace 3 were rebranded in global markets as the OnePlus 11R and OnePlus 12R. So there’s a good chance that this leaked device could launch outside China as the OnePlus 13R.

In saying so, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip mentioned here is swapped out for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or another less capable processor in global markets. After all, the OnePlus 11R and 12R were both equipped with older (but still powerful) flagship SoCs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is also tipped to be ~20% more expensive than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and that’s bad news for a mid-range phone.

Instagram is launching redesigned profile cards that are richer and more personalizable. On the front side of the card, the app will display your profile photo, username, display name, preferred pronouns, bio, song, occupation, and linked website. Flipping the card reveals a QR code that anyone can scan to visit your profile, along with your Instagram handle. Notably, you can optionally upload a custom background image and change the color to make your card even more unique. Once set, you can share your card using any messaging app or social media platform.

The previous version of profile cards was pretty basic, as it only displayed the QR code and username. Additionally, customizing it was limited to choosing between a few preset themes. Now, you can fully adjust the look and feel of your card to match the overall vibe of your profile.

There are three main ways to share Instagram profile cards. You could send a URL redirecting users to your card, an image of the QR code they can scan, or a video that previews both sides of your card. All methods serve the same purpose while catering to different use cases and scenarios.

The new profile cards have already started rolling out to Instagram users. You can access and customize your card by heading to your profile and tapping the Share Profile button. If you don’t spot it on your end, ensure that your app is up to date and wait until the company enables it for your account.

We got a first look at the Google Home app’s Favorites widget back in May, allowing users to control their smart home devices and actions directly from the home screen. It’s taken a while, but the option is finally available for all Android users.

9to5Google spotted a Google support page confirming that the Google Home Favorites Widget no longer requires you to join the Public Preview program on Android. Instead, the page notes that the widget is available to all users running Android 12 or higher. You still need to join the Public Preview program if you’re on iOS, though.

This Android widget is a handy way to quickly control your frequently used smart home devices and automations. The widget is also scalable, so you can go from a tiny 1 x 2 size all the way to a full-screen option that dominates your home screen. Google also lets you add multiple Favorites widgets to your home screens.

“Check the status of your device through your Favorites widget. The widget will indicate if the device is active or not and will refresh its status every 30 minutes,” reads an excerpt from Google’s support page. The page also notes that devices with an on/off toggle can be directly controlled via the widget. However, tapping tiles for gadgets without an on/off toggle (e.g. camera and thermostat tiles) will open the device controls menu instead.

To confirm you are on the latest update on your Pixel device, go to Settings > About phone, and confirm that the Android version shows as Android 15 and the Android security update shows as 2024-10-05. Further, your build number will be AP3A.241005.015. This applies to the following Pixel devices:

1. Pixel 6
2. Pixel 6 Pro
3. Pixel 6a
4. Pixel 7
5. Pixel 7 Pro
6. Pixel 7a
7. Pixel Tablet
8. Pixel Fold
9. Pixel 8
10. Pixel 8 Pro
11. Pixel 8a
12. Pixel 9
13. Pixel 9 Pro
14. Pixel 9 Pro XL
15. Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Android Security Bulletin includes security fixes that apply to the entire Android platform, while the Pixel Update Bulletin restricts itself to Pixel-specific fixes. The Bulletins are listed separately, but both updates are clubbed together for Pixel devices. For supported Pixels eligible for the platform update, the update is rolled out as part of the Android 15 update, so this one update will handle all the security patches and the Android platform update.

To complicate matters even further, the Android Security Bulletin contains patch levels 2024-10-01 and 2024-10-05. The first patch fixes nine vulnerabilities, while the second patch fixes an additional nineteen vulnerabilities (though not all fixes will apply to the Pixel, given the hardware). The Pixel Security Bulletin contains 29 fixes specific to Pixel devices, of which five are critical elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities.

If all of this sounds confusing, fret not, as you don’t really have to do anything. Simply ensure that your device has installed the latest updates available to it. On your Pixel device, go to Settings > System > Software update and download and install any updates available.

Non-Pixel users will also get the October 2024 Android security patches, depending on your OEM’s phone update policies. Manufacturers like Samsung are very quick to roll out security patches for their portfolio, so stay tuned for an update reaching your supported phone.

In what appears to be a bug, the Android 15 update has rendered the Instagram app almost unusable. Stories aren’t loading properly, and it’s not possible to skip from one story to the next. The app is also randomly freezing up.

I can confirm that this is an issue with the Instagram app on my Pixel 8 Pro running Android 15. The Instagram app version I’m on is 352.1.0.41.100, and I’m not the only one experiencing the problem. Multiple reports on Reddit mention the Instagram app breakdown after the Android 15 update.

Worry not — there seems to be a fix that can get your Instagram working again. All you need to do is download the updated version of the app. Unfortunately, for many users, including me, the new Instagram version is still unavailable through the Play Store. You’ll have to sideload version 353.1.0.47.90 of Instagram for Android to get past whatever bug is affecting the older version of the app.

If you don’t wish to sideload the updated app, you’ll simply have to wait for the updated Instagram app to hit the Google Play Store. Until then, it may be very difficult to use Instagram in its current state on a device running Android 15.

We discovered a battery charging limit feature in beta versions of Android 15 back in July, allowing your phone to stop charging once it reaches 80% capacity. Now, the stable Android 15 software has been released but the feature isn’t here, so what happened?

Well, as Redditor JMPesce notes on the GooglePixel subreddit, this charging feature appeared in the Android 15 QPR1 betas rather than the standard Android 15 betas. Android Authority contributor Mishaal Rahman also mooted this possibility back in July.

QPR updates are typically minor updates that follow the initial stable Android release. For example, Android 14 was released in October 2023, while Android 14 QPR 1 landed in December 2023 and Android 14 QPR2 arrived in March 2024.

In other words, the battery charging limit feature will likely arrive in December, when Android 15 QPR1 is expected to launch. So we have a couple of months to wait at the very least.

This feature is a handy solution for people who are concerned about their phone’s battery health. Every phone battery is rated for a certain number of charging cycles before it effectively reaches 80% of its initial capacity, resulting in noticeably shorter endurance after a couple of years. However, charging to 80% reduces the number of charging cycles your phone battery is subjected to, resulting in a phone battery that degrades at a slower rate.

This charging limit feature is especially important for Pixel phones, as Google offers seven years of OS and security patches. Many phone batteries tend to significantly degrade after two or three years of usage, so slowing this degradation could help you eke out an extra year or two before you need to replace the battery.

OPPO might not be very well known in the States, but that doesn’t change the fact that it has produced quite a few unique, memorable Android phones over the years. The OPPO Find X7 Ultra definitely fits that bill, thanks to its powerful quad-camera setup. There’s a lot to like about the X7 Ultra; it’s too bad we can’t experience it. The Find X series has so far remained a China exclusive. But what about its successor? Here’s to hoping it could have a wider release for a change. With that in mind, here’s what I’d like to see from the OPPO Find X8 Ultra.

Outside of its sibling company OnePlus, OPPO is virtually unheard of in the United States, aside from hardcore Android enthusiasts. I don’t think this will ever change, and for that reason alone, I’m not sure the X Ultra would ever come here unless it was rebranded by OnePlus instead. That said, OPPO has much better brand recognition in India, Europe, Africa, and pretty much every market that isn’t North America. Considering the OPPO Find X7 Ultra has been getting quite a bit of attention, it seems only natural it would come to more markets.

For whatever reason, OPPO has been hesitant to release the model elsewhere, but I think the OPPO Find X8 Ultra will offer the perfect opportunity to expand. The series will have had one other model under its belt and will be refined enough that it can better compete with other well-known high-end camera phones from Samsung, Apple, and others. The good news is there are early rumors suggesting the X8 Ultra could indeed see a wider global launch, just be aware that these rumors can’t be fully substantiated just yet. Of course, the company needs to do more than just release it elsewhere; it also needs to ensure the phone has a more westernized approach when it does.

While OPPO isn’t moving away from Color OS anytime soon, even in global markets, I’d at least like to see them clean up the experience substantially. Models built specifically for the Chinese market tend to have a lot of bloatware and unnecessary apps, though global models aren’t often that much better. Still, if the OPPO Find X8 Ultra is to find true success globally, it would not only need a wider release but also a few tweaks to the software experience to make it fit western audiences better.

The current design is a bit too top-heavy

The quad camera on the X7 Ultra isn’t just the headliner; it’s pretty much the only reason it’s getting this level of attention from tech publications and other enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this design might take great photos, but it also results in an experience that’s a bit too top-heavy. Holding this phone will feel awkward, as the weight isn’t balanced all that well. It’s definitely fully usable, but be aware it might be more prone to drops as a result.

If the OPPO X8 Ultra wants to be a bigger deal in 2025, it needs to consider making some design tweaks. This could be as simple as adding some weight or heft to the bottom to better balance the distribution, though this might result in a thicker phone that’s also not particularly easy to hold. Granted, this might not be an easy problem to solve, but I’m hoping the OPPO X8 Ultra can deliver the same kind of impressive camera chops while also at least slightly mitigating the top-heavy design issue that plagues the current model.

Battery life on the OPPO Find X7 Ultra isn’t particularly bad, as it can easily last through a full day or even a little beyond. That’s not too surprising given the phone’s larger size and beefy 5,000mAh battery. That said, there are other similarly sized phones that can provide the same or better battery life, all without using the aggressive battery management strategy that OPPO has implemented here. By default, you’ll find that it turns off or restricts a lot of background settings and apps to keep battery life smooth. This is common in a lot of the China market phones I’ve used over the years, but it can be a bit frustrating, and turning off some of these battery management settings can be a little hard to figure out for those new to Color OS.

I really hope the OPPO Find X8 Ultra makes a few software changes around battery optimization. For one, it should be easier to turn on and off. For another, OPPO needs to try to strike a better balance between saving battery life through battery management and keeping the phone usable. It’s infinitely frustrating when you think an app is doing something for you in the background, only to find it’s been closed out by the OS’ software.

While there are no rumors about battery optimization, recently OPPO confirmed the Find X8 series will have so-called Glacier Battery technology, which should offer greatly upgraded battery life. This tech first debuted with the Ace 3 Pro and is based around silicon-carbon batteries instead of traditional lithium-ions.

Will there be an OPPO Find X8 Ultra?

Yes, the OPPO Find X8 series is a sure thing. As we mentioned earlier, there are already several rumors around the OPPO Find X8 Ultra, and even OPPO itself has since revealed that the Find X8 series is on its way. We’ve also heard that OnePlus, OPPO, and Realme are working on an ecosystem of accessories with magnets as an alternative to Apple’s MagSafe accessories, and OPPO subsequently confirmed the existence of these peripherals.

That’s not all we’ve heard about the X8 series. The device will reportedly have a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC and a new hardware button similar to the iPhone 16 capture key. Previously, leaker Digital Chat Station also claimed on Weibo that the phone could feature four 50MP cameras, just like its predecessor. Two of the cameras will reportedly be periscope telephoto shooters. The same leak also claims the phone is coming this year, but no sooner than October 21.

We saw the first images of the Find X8 in September, sort of. OPPO gave us our first look at the device, but only a small glimpse with it set against the iPhone 16. The new device appears to have a flatter display and thinner bezels than before.

OPPO executive Zhou Yibao also posted an image of the Find X8 Pro on September 26. The picture, seen above, shows an out-of-focus device with an iPhone in the background. The picture confirms a relatively small camera bump and an alert slider. The executive added that the phone was 7mm thick, had increased battery capacity, wireless charging support, and the camera capabilities of the “Ultra version.” He later confirmed IP68 and IP69 ratings for the entire series.

Yibao also posted another image of the standard Find X8 on September 26, giving us a full view of the device’s front. So, those hoping for thin bezels should be happy here.

The executive posted a video on Weibo on September 30 which reveals a couple of magnetic accessories for the Find X8 series, namely a 50W charger and a 5,000mAh power bank. These accessories were shown to work with the iPhone, but the Find X8 series requires a special magnetic case.

We got an extensive look at the device on October 16 thanks to OPPO and a company executive. The images also show the back of the phone for the first time, confirming a circular camera housing akin to the OnePlus Open. These images also confirm Hasselblad branding and an alert slider.

Leaker Yogesh Brar also posted apparent OPPO Find X8 Pro specs on Twitter on September 30. Some of the more notable specs include a 6.8-inch quad-curved 120Hz OLED screen, a quadruple 50MP rear camera system (including 3x and 6x lenses), and a 5,800mAh battery with 80W wired charging. OPPO also subsequently confirmed features like the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip, an IP68/IP69 rating, and 50W wireless charging.

OPPO also detailed an iPhone 16-style camera button for the Find X8 series in October. This button also supports swipe gestures to zoom in and out. Check out the video below.

An OPPO employee confirmed at MWC 2024 that the next-generation Find X flagship line would be launching in Europe. This is indeed expected to be the Find X8 range.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the Find X8 Ultra would be released separately from the standard and pro models, though. The company confirmed an October 24 launch date for the Find X8 series. But OPPO launched the Find X6 range and Find X7 series on January 8 in China, so it’s possible we could see the Find X8 Ultra model launching in January 2025 if it doesn’t appear in October.

In saying so, leaker Rodent950 claimed on October 9 that the Find X8 Ultra would launch in Q1 2025. So it sounds like you shouldn’t expect to see it in 2024.

The OPPO Find X7 Ultra launched in January and it didn’t even arrive outside of China. While it’s possible the X8 Ultra could come to more markets given confirmation of a global Find series launch next year, there’s no reason to wait for it. If you’re really set on an OPPO phone, your best bet would be to import an OPPO Find X7 ($829 at Amazon) or OPPO Find X7 Ultra (on the product’s website). You still won’t officially find it in the US, however.

At the Lenovo Tech World 2024 conference, Motorola announced several upcoming AI features for its phones. The company is rolling out a new suite of features, known as Moto AI, designed to enhance user interaction and provide personalized assistance.

Moto AI was first introduced at the 2023 Lenovo Tech World conference. At the time, Motorola had just begun developing the AI assistant. In June of this year, the company partnered with Google to launch two Moto AI features for the Razr 2024 family: Moto Magic Canvas and Style Sync. Moto Magic Canvas is a cloud-based image generator that creates AI-generated pictures from text commands, while Style Sync is an AI wallpaper creator.

Now, Motorola has showcased some more Moto AI features that will be coming to its phones as part of an invite-only beta program later this year.

Moto AI is powered by Large Action Models (LAM), which enable the device to understand the user’s environment and allow users to communicate using natural language. Soon, Moto users will be able to say things like “order me an iced americano,” and Moto AI will locate the nearest coffee shop to place the order, notifying the user when it’s ready for pickup. This functionality extends to other everyday tasks, such as requesting rides from Uber, where users can simply state their destination, and the AI handles the rest.

The company says future updates to Moto AI will also automate daily routines, like setting alarms, ordering coffee, and curating music playlists. However, Motorola did not give a time frame for when these AI updates will reach its phones.

Additional Moto AI tools showcased at the event include the “Catch Me Up” prompt, which summarizes personal communications to save users from scrolling through missed notifications.

The “Pay Attention” feature helps users remember specific details from conversations without the hassle of taking notes. Users will be able to record discussions, which are then transcribed and summarized for easy review.

“Remember This” allows users to capture live moments or on-screen information with just a command. This functionality leverages AI to generate context and details about the captured content, similar to Google’s Pixel Screenshots app. Users will be able to retrieve their memories at any time through simple queries.

As the beta program rolls out, the company says it’s looking forward to incorporating user feedback to refine Moto AI and its capabilities.

Apple continues its legacy of dropping a powerful smartwatch year after year with the newest Series 10 model. The device is loaded with features and tools to deliver one of the best user experiences available in the market. If you’ve already strapped one onto your wrist, check out these top Apple Watch Series 10 tips and tricks to get the most from your device.

Apple’s famous rings are one of the brand’s most iconic features. Now, you can finally customize your Apple Rings with personalized move, exercise, and stand goals. You can even pause your rings if you need time off.

Here’s how to customize your Apple Rings

• Open the Activity app on your Apple Watch and tap the rings, then tap Change Goals.
  • Tap Change for Today or Change Daily Goal.
  • Tap the plus or minus symbol to update your goal, then tap Set.
• To pause the rings, tap Pause Rings and select the duration you want to pause your rings.

Introduced on the Series 9, Apple’s Smart Stack is a home screen tool that offers easier access to your most frequently used details and features. Simply swipe up on your watch face, and your customizable Smart Stack will display whatever widgets serve you best. WatchOS 11 brought even more widget options, including interactive ones, and now utilizes AI to add and suggest widgets based on time, date, location, and your daily routine. Customize your Smart Stack further by deleting, adding, pinning, and personalizing your widget stack to prioritize your most used tools.

Customize your Smart Stack

• Scroll up from your watch face to access your Smart Stack.
• Press and hold the top widget to access edit mode.
• Tap the yellow pin icon to pin a desired widget to the top of your stack, or tap the red minus symbol to remove widgets.
• Customize your app widget by tapping the red minus symbols attached to the app you want to replace, then tap the encircled plus symbol to add a new shortcut.

Enable sleep apnea detection

When worn to bed for sleep tracking, the Apple Watch Series 10 can now track breathing disturbances to detect signs of sleep apnea. If, over 30 days, the device detects frequent elevated breathing disturbances, you will receive a notification of possible sleep apnea as well as access to a PDF to discuss the data with your healthcare provider.

Here’s how to enable sleep apnea detection

• On your paired iPhone, open the Health app.
• Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner.
• Tap Health Checklist, then tap Set Up below Sleep Apnea Notifications and follow the onscreen instructions.

Apple’s Low Power Mode helps users eke out a few extra hours between charges. Rather than settle for the company’s 18-hour claim, you can use this mode to reach beyond a full day of use.

Here’s how to stretch battery life with Low Power Mode

• From your watch face, press the side button to access your Control Center.
• Tap the battery percentage listed.
• Tap Low Power Mode.
• Scroll down and tap Turn On.

Track your pregnancy

Apple also introduced pregnancy tracking via watchOS 11 to provide more support for users already tracking their cycles in the Health app. Log your own pregnancy to keep tabs on your gestational age, log symptoms, and receive helpful notifications for things like high heart rate (a metric that typically increases during pregnancy), walking steadiness alerts, and hydration reminders.

Here’s how to track your pregnancy

• On your paired iPhone, open the Health app and tap Cycle Tracking.
• Scroll down to and tap Factors, then tap Add Factor.
• Tap Pregnancy, then tap Options next to Estimation Method.
  • Log the first day of your last period, an estimated due date, how far along the pregnancy is in weeks, or when the embryo was transferred during IVF.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to turn on notifications for mental health questionnaires, add your pregnancy to your Medical ID, and review medications.

Apple Watch Series 10 users can now save offline maps to the device to view even without access to Wi-Fi or cellular service. This includes information like hours and ratings, plus the ability to utilize turn-by-turn directions for saved hiking, driving, walking, cycling, or transit routes. You can even create and save custom routes.

Here’s how to use Offline Maps

• Sync offline maps between your paired iPhone and Apple Watch via the Maps app on your iPhone.
  • In the Maps app, tap your picture or initials next to the search field, tap Offline Maps, then turn on Sync with Apple Watch.
• Create walking or hiking routes on your iPhone and sync these to your Apple Watch.
• Open the Maps app on your Apple Watch and tap the Search button. Then tap your picture or initials in the top-right corner, tap Offline Maps, and tap the map you’d like to access.

Keep an eye on tidal conditions

For surfers, swimmers, and water enthusiasts everywhere, Apple introduced a new Tides app for monitoring the conditions of your go-to coastlines. Be sure to enable location permissions to use the app effectively.

Here’s how to add a location to the Tides app

• Open the Tides app on your Apple Watch.
• Tap the three horizontal lines, then tap the plus sign.
• Tap the search icon and enter the location you want to view, then tap Search or search for nearby locations in the maps view.
• Tap a location to add it to your list.

How to view tidal information for selected locations

• Open the Tides app on your Apple Watch.
• Tap the location you are interested in viewing, then tap the tide summary at the bottom of the screen to view tides, swells, water temperature, weather, wind, sunrise, sunset, and severe weather alerts.

Check in during workouts

Work out more safely than ever by using the Series 10’s Check In feature. The tool is accessed directly from the Workout app and allows you to keep a friend or family member in the loop while you head out to exercise. It can also be used via the Messages app. When enabled, Check In will automatically notify your chosen contact when a workout session is completed, you’ve arrived at a destination, or after a specific period of time has elapsed. Note, though, the device must be within Bluetooth range of its paired iPhone or connected via Wi-Fi or cellular service.

Here’s how to use Check In from the Workout app

• Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch Series 10.
• Tap the workout you plan to complete, then swipe right and tap Check In.
• Check In will notify your chosen contact once you complete your workout.

Here’s how to use Check In from Messages

• Open the Messages app on your Apple Watch Series 10.
• Start a new message or select an existing conversation, tap the Apps button, then tap Check In.
• Tap Edit, then tap Check In and choose When I arrive or After a timer.
• Tap Send

As always, the Series 10 equips interchangeable bands, so it’s easy to personalize your device. I love the brand’s FineWoven Magnetic Link Band, though it is certainly a bit pricey. Swap up your look with one of Apple’s offerings, or shop third-party bands from retailers like Amazon.

Here’s how to swap your Apple Watch band

• Place your Apple Watch face down on a clean surface.
• Press and hold the band release button, then slide the strap along the watch case to remove it.
• Repeat for the opposite side.
• Slide the new band into place one side at a time.

Send and receive money with Tap to Cash

Apple Cash offers a simple way to exchange funds with people you know who are also tied into the Apple ecosystem. Now you can send funds with a simple tap of devices thanks to Tap to Cash on the Apple Watch Series 10. Send Apple Cash to someone without sharing your information by holding your Apple Watch near their iPhone or Apple Watch.

Here’s how to use Tap to Cash

• Open the Wallet app on your Apple Watch.
• Tap the Apple Cash card, then tap Tap to Cash.
• Use the Digital Crown to input the amount you would like to send.
• Tap Send, confirm the payment, then double-click the side button.
• Hold your Apple Watch near the recipient’s iPhone or Apple Watch until the payment information appears on their device’s screen.

Here’s how to send money via the Messages app with Apple Cash

• Open the Messages app and tap an existing conversation.
• Tap the plus icon, then tap Apple Cash.
• Use the Digital Crown to adjust the total amount you want to send.
• Tap Send, then double-click the side button to confirm payment.

Here’s how to send a request via the Messages app with Apple Cash

• Open the Messages app and tap an existing conversation.
• Tap the plus icon, then tap Apple Cash.
• Enter the desired amount, then swipe left on the Send button to show the Request button.
• Tap Request.

WatchOS 11 introduced a few new faces, including Reflections (shown above), which offers a truly timeless look, and Flux, which utilizes the display’s improved refresh rate to include a second indicator. Customize your home screen with one of these new options or one of Apple’s other many first-party watch faces.

Here’s how to customize your Apple Watch Series 10 face

• Press and hold your current watch face.
• Swipe all the way left and tap Add new.
• Use swipes and your digital crown to choose custom settings.

To customize a face already in your gallery, press and hold your current watch face and tap edit under the design you want to customize.

That’s it for our favorite Apple Watch Series 10 tips. Have more? Drop your top recommendations below in the comments section.