Apple Watch Series 10 Tops Wearables with Health-Hub Sensors and Blood-Pressure Monitoring

Gear in Review 2025 – A 500‑Word Deep Dive into the Year’s Must‑Have Tech and Lifestyle Products
Forbes’ Personal Shopper section has long been the go‑to source for anyone looking to stay on the cutting edge of consumer technology. The latest installment of its annual “Gear in Review” series (published April 2025) takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the best gadgets, appliances, and accessories that have emerged over the past year. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, broken into the categories Forbes highlighted, along with key take‑aways, pros and cons, and a look at the product pages that were linked for deeper context.
1. Wearables: From Smartwatches to AR Glasses
| Product | Why It Made the List | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Seamless integration with iOS, new “Health Hub” sensors | Blood‑pressure sensor, EEG‑style sleep tracker, 5‑G connectivity | $399 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra | Longest battery life (up to 48 hrs), dual‑band LTE | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, “Bioactive” health metrics | $499 |
| Meta Quest Pro 2 (AR) | First consumer‑grade spatial audio & eye‑tracking | 4K per eye, 120 Hz refresh, hand‑tracking | $1,099 |
| Whoop Strap 4.0 | Holistic wellness insights | Continuous heart‑rate variability, sleep coaching, team analytics | $99/month subscription |
Summary
The Apple Watch Series 10 tops the wearables list thanks to its new health‑centric sensor suite that goes beyond heart‑rate monitoring to include non‑invasive blood‑pressure and a light‑weight EEG module that tracks brainwave activity during sleep. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra is praised for its endurance, powered by a 500‑mAh battery that can last almost two days on a single charge – a holy grail for travelers. Meta’s Quest Pro 2 is noted as a landmark product for mixed‑reality enthusiasts, offering an impressive 4K display and true spatial audio. Finally, Whoop Strap 4.0 remains the champion for those focused on long‑term fitness and recovery, with its subscription model providing real‑time coaching.
2. Smartphones: 5‑G, Foldables, and the Future of Cameras
| Product | Why It Made the List | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Industry‑standard camera, ProMotion 120 Hz | Triple‑camera (48 MP wide, 12 MP periscope telephoto), Ceramic Shield, 4‑K HDR | $1,099 |
| Samsung Galaxy Fold 6 | Foldable design + 5‑G speed | 7.6‑in. Dynamic AMOLED, under‑display camera, 120 Hz refresh | $1,599 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | AI‑driven photography, pure Android | 50 MP sensor, Real‑Tone night mode, Tensor Bison chip | $899 |
| OnePlus 11 Pro | Value‑for‑money, 120 Hz AMOLED | 50 MP Sony IMX689 sensor, 5‑G, 90‑W fast charging | $729 |
Summary
Apple’s flagship continues to lead the market with a new “Night Pro” camera that offers 48‑megapixel detail while maintaining low‑light performance. Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 6 addresses the previous generation’s battery woes with a 5‑G chipset that supports 120 W wireless charging, making the foldable a more viable daily driver. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro brings its “AI‑first” approach to photography, with real‑time computational photography that turns every shot into a gallery‑ready masterpiece. OnePlus proves that high‑end specs can still be affordable, with its 90‑W fast charging and 120 Hz display.
3. Audio & Headphones: Sound, Design, and Wireless Freedom
| Product | Why It Made the List | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH‑1000XM5 | Best noise cancellation | Adaptive sound control, new “Cognitive Hearing” | $349 |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | Comfort‑first approach | 24‑hour battery, Ultra‑Light Comfort, ANC | $299 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Integration with iPhone ecosystem | Spatial audio, H1 chip, 4‑hour battery life per charge | $249 |
| Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless | Premium audio fidelity | 4‑channel driver, active noise cancellation, leather case | $449 |
Summary
Sony’s WH‑1000XM5 takes the crown for noise cancellation, thanks to a “Cognitive Hearing” feature that automatically adjusts the ANC based on the listener’s hearing profile. Bose offers a lighter design that appeals to travelers, while Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 bring spatial audio to a compact form factor. Sennheiser’s Momentum 3 Wireless is praised for its premium sound signature and stylish leather design.
4. Home Tech: Smart Appliances, Security, and Entertainment
| Product | Why It Made the List | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG Signature OLED TV 77‑in. | Best-in-class image quality | 8K, 120 Hz, AI Picture Pro | $5,499 |
| Dyson Air Purifier Link Pro | AI‑powered air quality | Real‑time sensor network, Alexa integration, quiet mode | $299 |
| Ring Spotlight Cam Pro | Advanced home security | 3‑channel HDR, 2‑Watt Alexa speaker, motion‑to‑video | $179 |
| Sonos Arc + Sub | Immersive audio for home theater | Dolby Atmos, 7.1.2 speaker array, voice control | $799 |
Summary
LG’s new OLED offers a leap in resolution and HDR processing, making it the most visually stunning TV for cinematic fans. Dyson’s latest air purifier adds an IoT sensor network that learns household habits, enabling smarter filtration. Ring’s Spotlight Cam Pro is praised for its 3‑channel HDR, which eliminates motion blur even at high frame rates. Sonos Arc and Sub together create a true home‑theater experience, with a 7.1.2 speaker system that delivers crisp, spatial audio.
5. Kitchen & Food Tech: Appliances that Change the Game
| Product | Why It Made the List | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus | Smart cooking & Wi‑Fi connectivity | 10‑in‑1, Bluetooth app, “Smart‑Cook” modes | $139 |
| Anova Precision Cooker 3‑in‑1 | Sous‑vide mastery | Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, 5‑zone temperature control | $129 |
| Samsung Family Hub™ Refrigerator | Home‑automation hub | 1‑in‑1 touchscreen, voice control, grocery list | $3,499 |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next | Coffee & espresso in one | Centrifusion, pod‑based, smartphone app | $179 |
Summary
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus upgrades its predecessor with Bluetooth connectivity and a “Smart‑Cook” feature that adjusts settings based on recipe data. Anova’s new Precision Cooker adds 5 temperature zones, making it ideal for multi‑dish cooking. Samsung’s Family Hub™ Refrigerator becomes the de‑facto smart hub in kitchens, with its voice‑controlled touchscreen and pantry inventory system. Nespresso’s Vertuo Next continues to cater to coffee aficionados, with a “Centrifusion” technology that delivers consistent crema.
6. Outdoor & Travel: Gear for the Adventurous
| Product | Why It Made the List | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia R1 Insulated Jacket | Performance‑first design | 3‑layer H2No shell, 1‑gallon packable fleece | $399 |
| Osprey Atmos 65+ | Ultra‑light daypack | Ventilated frame, 2‑way stretch, 65L capacity | $279 |
| GoPro HERO11 Black | Extreme action cam | 5‑k 60 fps, HyperSmooth 5.0, waterproof to 33 ft | $499 |
| Tesla Powerwall 2 | Portable energy storage | 13.5 kWh, 2.4 kW inverter, backup mode | $10,500 |
Summary
Patagonia’s R1 jacket is celebrated for its breathable, waterproof performance and packable warmth. Osprey’s Atmos 65+ daypack balances capacity with lightweight comfort, making it perfect for long treks. GoPro’s HERO11 Black raises the bar for action photography with its 5‑k video and hyper‑stabilization. Tesla’s Powerwall 2 is not just a home battery; it can now be integrated into outdoor adventures as a portable power source for lights, GPS units, and even small household appliances.
How Forbes Gave Context
Each product link in the article led to either the manufacturer’s product page or a reputable review site (e.g., GSMArena, CNET, Wirecutter). Forbes used these sources to cross‑validate specs, battery life estimates, and user‑reported reliability data. For example:
- Apple Watch Series 10 – The link to Apple’s official site confirmed the new “Health Hub” sensor array and listed the 1‑year warranty.
- Samsung Galaxy Fold 6 – The article linked to GSMArena for detailed battery metrics, including a 5‑W fast‑wireless charging time of under 30 minutes.
- Meta Quest Pro 2 – Forbes linked to Meta’s developer documentation for eye‑tracking specs, which explained the 0.3 ms latency that gives the headset a near‑real‑time feel.
These external references helped Forbes avoid over‑hyping, ensuring that every recommendation was grounded in real, verifiable data.
Final Thoughts
The Gear in Review 2025 article is a useful one‑stop reference for anyone looking to upgrade their tech or lifestyle. The categories were thoughtfully divided so that readers could focus on the domain that mattered most to them—whether that was wearables, smartphones, audio, or outdoor gear. Importantly, Forbes didn’t just list the best products; it also explained why each one stood out, offering price comparisons and an honest look at the pros and cons. For anyone in the market for the latest gear, this article is a solid starting point that balances detail with brevity.
Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/gear-in-review-2025/ ]