Last month, the parachutes on Hélène Huby’s small spacecraft failed to deploy, and the vehicle and its cargo crashed into the ocean on Earth.
It was both a success and a failure.
The success was that after Huby founded The Exploration Company in Europe, she managed to move nimbly with the “Mission Possible” spacecraft such that it cost less than $25 million to build and reached space in less than three years. The vehicle ticked off a number of successes in spaceflight before making a controlled descent through the atmosphere.
But at 26 km above the planet, as the spacecraft slowed to Mach one, The Exploration Company lost contact. Huby was not sure how this loss would be received in Europe, where failures in spaceflight have not been traditionally well-tolerated.
“What was interesting is the feedback I got in Europe,” Huby said in an interview this week at the company’s offices in Houston. “The German Space Agency, the French space agency, the European Space Agency said, OK, that’s a great achievement. For the time and money we spent, performing 80 percent of that mission was a good investment.”
No drop tests
After the spacecraft was lost on June 24, the company established an independent investigation team. Huby said it is “99 percent” confirmed there was a problem with the deployment of the parachutes, either the drogue chutes or the main parachutes. The fault was not with the provider of the parachutes themselves, US-based Airborne Systems, but the company’s mechanism, she said.
To save time and money, The Exploration Company did not conduct any drop tests. Such a campaign would have added millions of dollars to a program that was trying to be lean, plus a year of schedule to a mission attempting to move fast.
“We made a mistake, basically, to underestimate the risks,” she said. In retrospect, Huby added, the company could have done more testing on the ground.
Now the firm faces a big decision: How to proceed from here. One option is building another small spacecraft, similar to Mission Possible, for testing purposes. But there is limited commonality in the parachute system for this vehicle and the larger Nyx spacecraft the company is building for operational missions. So if the Mission Possible parachutes were to work, that would not guarantee success for Nyx.
Steve Bannon joined a growing chorus of MAGA influencers coalescing behind President Donald Trump in the wake of the Wall Street Journal report about a ribald birthday letter bearing Trump’s name that was sent to Jeffrey Epstein, telling CNN Friday that he believed the story had united a base that had been showing signs of fraying.
“We are finally on offense,” Bannon, Trump’s former aide and a leader of the MAGA movement, said via text message to CNN. “President Trump has had enough and is fighting back – against his real enemies.”
Bannon was one of several of Trump’s high-profile supporters who had been skeptical of the administration’s handling of the Epstein case, pushing the administration to release more files on the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender who authorities have said killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges.
The pressure campaign intensified after the Justice Department said in a memo last week that there was no Epstein “client list” and announced it wouldn’t release any more documents related to the case. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino told people he was considering resigning amid a clash with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the matter, though he has remained in his position.
And some MAGA voices, like far-right activist Laura Loomer, had called for a special counsel to be appointed to look into the matter — which White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday was not something Trump would recommend, although she echoed the president’s earlier comments that Bondi could release other “credible” information.
But then came the Wall Street Journal’s article Thursday night. The news organization reported that it had reviewed a collection of letters gifted to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003, including a note bearing what appeared to be Trump’s signature and an outline of a naked woman. Trump vigorously denied he wrote the letter, telling the Journal, “It’s not my language. It’s not my words.” After the story published, the president threatened to sue the newspaper and owner Rupert Murdoch.
Many of Trump’s vocal online supporters quickly signaled their support for the president.
Loomer, one of Trump’s most vociferous defenders who had been one of Bondi’s biggest critics over the Epstein case, called the Wall Street Journal story “totally fake.” Charlie Kirk, another influential MAGA voice who had criticized Bondi, said on X: “This is not how Trump talks at all. I don’t believe it.”
Soon after the story, Trump ordered Bondi to unseal “pertinent” grand jury material from the Epstein case. It’s unclear whether the move will be enough to quell the calls from Trump’s supporters to release the entirety of the so-called Epstein files, given the grand jury transcripts represent a small portion of the evidence collected.
But Bannon said Friday that was a “good start.”
“Good start but stay on offense—it’s when Trump is @ his best –attack, attack, attack,” Bannon wrote in a message to CNN when asked whether the order to release grand jury materials will be enough to calm that pressure.
Bannon, a longtime critic of Murdoch, also argued that the media mogul will further serve as a uniting force for the president’s base.
“Murdoch showed how much he loathes Trump,” Bannon said. “Murdoch tried to destroy the President and failed – now Trump strikes back.”
For his part, Trump said after the Wall Street Journal published its story that he had called Murdoch and asked him to kill the article. The Wall Street Journal declined to comment on Trump’s post.
“The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued. Mr. Murdoch stated that he would take care of it but, obviously, did not have the power to do so,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday evening.
What’s a gal with a fabulous scarf collection to do during these hot, humid months? Enter Jennifer Lawrence, who is all in on repurposing the versatile silk scarf for summer.
Today, Lawrence and her husband Cooke Maroney, were spotted walking arm-in-arm in New York City. The actor, who has a well-documented love of tomato red (transcending baseball caps, jelly flats, and handbags alike) opted for a brightly colored T-shirt, lending a pop of color to an otherwise-neutral look. On the bottom, Lawrence wore a pair of flowing white trousers with black leather slides.
Diamond / BACKGRIDUSA
An expert accessorizer, Lawrence has finally hopped aboard the scarf skirt trend, trying a beige silk scarf with black trim and a surreal checkerboard print around her hips. She isn’t the only one who is embracing the asymmetrical overskirt. In April, Chloë Sevigny, wore a Vaquera number that, while not a 1:1 comparison, helped kickstart the scarf-as-skirt trend again. Soon after, Alexa Chung traipsed through the streets of London, a brown Gucci scarf tied around her waist. Meanwhile, in Tuscany earlier this month, Kylie Jenner coordinated hers to her floral bikini top.
With Jennifer Lawrence joining this list of stylish women, we’ll call that another ringing endorsement for the scarf skirt.
Ubisoft will be part of Gamescom 2025, which runs from August 20-24 in Cologne, Germany. The highlight of the experience will be the Anno 117: Pax Romana area, which will feature 72 gameplay stations where attendees can play the game for themselves using a mouse and keyboard or a controller. Developers from Ubisoft Mainz will be on site to help players through their experience. The Anno 117: Pax Romana area is designed after the game’s Roman setting, and will feature cosplayers inspired by Roman governors, oversized statues, and, on Wednesday, August 20, a special appearance from the Town Crier featured in the .
The Ubisoft booth will also feature a Community Lounge for the entire Gamescom event, which will connect players with developers through daily panel discussions, developer talks, and bespoke sessions for Anno 117: Pax Romana, The Division 2, The Rogue Prince of Persia, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, and Morbid Metal. The Community Lounge will be decorated with entries from Ubisoft’s past Photomode contests in celebration of the creativity and perspective of the community on Ubisoft’s open worlds.
“Some people get an endorphin rush — I don’t and it feels miserable,” Catwood, a 43-year-old mom in Oregon, tells TODAY.com. “Exercise can border on suffering.”
As a drag and burlesque performer, Catwood says exercise should feel fun and silly. “There has to be a costume and accountability,” she says.
Enter “Food Court 5000,” an indoor walking group founded by Catwood for “mall walkers” and 1980s enthusiasts. Once a week, the group dresses in neon leggings and acid-washed denim to “power walk” a 3.5-loop around the Lloyd Center in Portland. While the point is fitness, mall walkers love the lively chatter, ample rest stations and post-workout snacks, like Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and bubble tea.
Catwood admits she used to giggle at mall walkers when she worked in a mall. Now, she admires them — along with the electrifying fashion that enriched the 1980s.
As a self-professed “female Richards Simmons,” Catwood leads the pack wearing her blonde ponytail in a scrunchie, metallic fuchsia lipstick, a bright tracksuit and a fanny pack. Bringing up the caboose is Catwood’s sister Melissa Dickerson, who carries speakers blasting music by Paula Abdul, C+C Music Factory and Prince.
Krista Catwood leads a 1980s-inspired weekly walking group called “Food Court 5000.”Courtesy Amoxtli Reyes
The Unique Benefits of Mall Walking
The benefits of a walking routine are well documented.
“Walking is a low-impact exercise that offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and TODAY Fitness contributor, tells TODAY.com. She adds that walking can help you “maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and boosting metabolism while also strengthening the bones and muscles.”
Plus, she says, “It strengthens the heart and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.”
According to Mansour, walking also improves balance and coordination, helping to prevent falls and injuries, and improves mental health. “Walking has a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being as it reduces stress, anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood boosters,” says Mansour. “Walking also improves cognitive function, enhancing memory and concentration. It provides an opportunity to clear your head, and gain a sense of calm and relaxation.”
Krista Catwood (R) and her group of mall-walkers called “Food Court 5000” wave to shoppers. Courtesy Amoxtli Reyes
Getting your steps in with “mall walking” offers additional benefits. Mansour says the environment is a reliable, climate-controlled space “making it accessible year-round, regardless of weather conditions, which can encourage more regular exercise habits.”
The “visual stimulation” of a mall (bright lights, special events, excited children) can make walking feel less “monotonous” than walking on a treadmill, says Mansour. Stroll by an Orange Julius or Cinnabon stand and you time-travel back to the good ‘ole days.
“Emotionally, mall walking can tap into feelings of nostalgia and comfort, as many people associate malls with positive memories of social interactions and leisure activities of years past,” explains Mansour. “Mentally, mall walking provides an opportunity to connect with others, combatting feelings of loneliness and isolation.”
Members of “Food Court 5000,” a mall-walking group, stretch it out at the Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon. Courtesy Amoxtli Reyes
In Search of a Fun, Affordable Way to Lose Weight
Catwood founded “Food Court 5000” six months ago. “I gained weight over the last year and a half of dating my partner — she loves to go out to eat — and starting a new job in an office setting where I found myself moving around much less,” says Catwood.
While her weight has fluctuated a bit over the years around pregnancies (she has an 11 year old and was a gestational surrogate twice), this was the first time that Catwood struggled to lose weight.
“When your underwear starts to hurt, you know it’s time to figure something out … I needed to work movement into my life that was fun, cheap, and didn’t feel like a chore.”
Krista Catwood
“Honestly, I just wanted to fit into my own clothes!” she says. “When your underwear starts to hurt, you know it’s time to figure something out. I couldn’t afford a new wardrobe or to join a gym and simply cutting out desserts wasn’t helping. I needed to work movement into my life that was fun, free or cheap, and didn’t feel like a chore.”
And so “Food Court 5000” was born. The group welcomes anyone who vibes. “We are a friendly, joyous, blur of neon, waving at kids, shop owners, security guards,” says Catwood. “Everyone knows us.”
Not only does it provide a fun, social environment, but a dose of motivation and accountability, too. “You have to look like a mall walker by pumping your arms in a power walk,” says Catwood. “Otherwise you’re just walking in the mall — you’re not mall walking.” Catwood often yells into her mic, “Get those arms moving! You can do it!” If someone slows down, a buddy pauses to walk alongside them. The group’s mantra: There is no shaming at ‘Food Court 500.’”
Leslie Kelinson (L) and Krista Catwood (R) lead the way in their walking group “Food Court 5000” at the Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon. Courtesy Amoxtli Reyes
‘I Feel Seen’
At 80 years old, Leslie Kelinson says her peers can’t match her brisk pace. “I am a fast walker,” Kelinson tells TODAY.com, proudly adding that she is the eldest member of “Food Court 5000.”
Kelinson relies on “Food Court 5000” for feeling “fabulous.”
“If I don’t walk, I get a little bitchy,” says Kelinson. “It’s medication for feeling at the top of my game.”
For Kelinson, “mall walking,” exceeds fitness. “I have met people there who I would never have met,” she says. “They are way younger than me and live totally different lives than mine. I enjoy them so much. It’s enhanced my life.”
At her age, Kelinson craves community and belonging. “As you get older, you sort of drift away,” Kelinson notes, adding that in the group, “I feel seen — people notice me … I feel important because I am the senior member and yet, I am just as great as the rest of them. People notice me for that.”
How to Try Mall Walking
If you’re intrigued by the idea of “mall walking,” Mansour says most everyone can partake in a few easy “steps” — no pun intended.
Find a location. “Identify a local mall that opens early for walkers or has designated walking hours,” says Mansour. “Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.”
Ease into it. Start with a comfortable pace and duration. “Even 5 minutes a day can make a difference,” Mansour says, suggesting to gradually increase time and intensity as stamina builds.
Bring a buddy. “Walk with a friend or join a mall-walking group for motivation and social support,” says Mansour. “Make mall walking a regular part of your routine by setting specific days and times each week to walk, turning it into a consistent and enjoyable habit.”
Krista Catwood says that while mall walking did help her lose weight, the biggest benefit was how it changed her mindset on exercise.Courtesy Melissa Dickerson
Beyond Weight Loss: An Attitude Change About Exercise
Catwood says the 10 pounds she lost through “Food Court 5000” is inconsequential.
“It was a catalyst to re-think how I can seek out … more fun activities that … get my heart rate up,” says Catwood, adding that changing her attitude toward fitness, “Has relieved a lot of unnecessary pressure and shame that I was putting on myself.”
Catwood is now roller skating, jumping at the trampoline park, dancing and — her personal favorite — exercising to 80’s and 90’s aerobics videos by Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons.
“Mall walking” is Catwood’s self-care.
“Moving my body, getting offline and into my community has really been beneficial to my mental health,” says Catwood. “When we’re out there blasting our tunes and laughing through the halls of the mall, it’s joyous.”
Nearly a month ago, Google announced a small but highly anticipated addition to Chrome on Android — the ability to relocate the browser’s address bar to the bottom of the screen. “Depending on the size of your hand and your device,” Google explained, “one address bar position may feel more comfortable than the other.” This update gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred location.
Also: You can ask Gemini AI anything directly in Google Chrome – here’s how and why you should
It’s been a slow rollout, but things are picking up as the feature is now available to a wide number of users.
Some users are getting a notification about the new option when they open Chrome, but not all. I never received any notification on my Pixel 9 Pro, so I wasn’t aware of any changes, but I was able to relocate the bar when I tried.
Screenshot by Artie Beaty/ZDNET
How to move your Chrome address bar on Android
To move the address bar in Chrome, you’ll need to have the latest version of Chrome. If you do, you have two easy options. The first is to tap and hold on the address bar. You should see “Move address bar to the bottom.” Tap that option, and the bar will move. The other way is to tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, open the settings menu, and look for the new “Address bar” option.
If you’re curious about why this change even matters, try it out. Phones are larger than ever, and I have a large model. When I moved my Chrome address bar to the bottom, near my phone’s other navigation buttons, I found it significantly easier to head to a new site or access my bookmarks.
Recalling the times I’ve dropped my phone on my face while late-night scrolling, it’s almost always when I’m trying to access the browser address bar, so this is at least an improvement on that front.
Other mobile browsers like Firefox, Samsung Internet, and Microsoft Edge already have a similar feature.
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Samsung announced its newest devices during its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9. That happened to fall on the second day of Amazon’s Prime Day event. Do big tech companies not know what the others are doing? Do they care? Do they like making the lives of tech reporters difficult? I didn’t have time to consider. Only when I was done covering Amazon did I have time to begin properly testing Samsung’s latest wearable. That means I’ve been living with the Galaxy Watch 8 for four days now.
While that’s not enough time to complete a comprehensive review and tally a fair score, I was able to gather a good amount of first impressions — and let me tell you, they are nearly all positive. I’ll continue to evaluate the watch over the next few weeks or so and return for a final assessment. In the meantime, there’s a lot to say about the experience so far.
Samsung packed a lot of updates into its latest smartwatch, in terms of both hardware and software. But I put extra effort into testing one feature in particular — and it’s one of the more interesting.
Antioxidant tests and my persimmon intake
The Galaxy Watch 8 has the same processor and sensors as the previous generation, but it’s using those to detect a new metric: antioxidant levels. You have to take the watch off and hold your thumb on the sensor node for five seconds to get a reading and you’ll need to refer to the Health app in your phone for detailed results. The first time I tested, I got a score of 60, which falls right in the middle of the “low” segment of the scale. The only other results are “very low” and “adequate,” which will surely be a disappointment to the over-achievers out there.
The Health app suggested I “try eating one (100g) persimmon today.” When my grandmother was alive, she made persimmon cookies every Christmas and the last time she did so was also the last time I thought about that fruit. Considering South Korea is one of the world’s largest persimmon producers, it might make sense that a Samsung device suggested them. The produce guy at my local grocery store said they only carry them around the holidays (no doubt because grandmas insist, plus that’s when they’re in season).
Turns out persimmons are high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotine (Vitamin A). Cantaloupe also has those nutrients — plus it’s orange like persimmons — so I bought one. In fact, I went hard on the antioxidants and did everything I could to see if I could get a better score. I ate a bunch of cherries and a little dark chocolate. For breakfast, I had half a cantaloupe instead of the very tasty-smelling breakfast hash my husband made, and I drank plain green tea instead of my usual oat matcha latte. I did yoga and went to my monthly medical massage appointment (stress is said to increase oxidant levels). I got eight hours of sleep and drank my weight in water. I felt ready.
So I took the test again and my antioxidant levels were… two points lower. Sigh. I wasn’t expecting overnight transformation, but I’d hoped for a little improvement. Next time, I’m eating the hash.
Finally, a new design!
Since its fourth generation, the Galaxy Watch has looked pretty much the same: a round glass screen set in a round metal case with large prongs popping out of the top and bottom to hold the band. While there was nothing wrong with sticking with a good design, giving a device a refreshed look lends the yearly update cycle some meaning — instead of feeling like an obligatory move to appease stockholders.
With 3,000 nits of peak brightness, the watch is easy to read even in the bright Albuquerque sun. (Amy Skorheim for Engadget)
This time around, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks markedly different thanks to a shape borrowed from last year’s Ultra model. Samsung calls it a “cushion design” — a circular glass display set atop an aluminum case that looks like a roundish square (or squircle as our own Cherlynn Low calls it). The Sport band on my review model curves to meet the width of the case, creating a smooth arch that I think is more refined than the clunkier pronged configuration. In fact, the entire look is classy — much more so than the Apple Watch, which looks like a miniaturized iPhone 11 glued to a silicone strap.
The cushion design is great in one way, but also worrisome. Because the glass display stands proud of the case by at least two millimeters, my first thought was: “I’m going to trash this screen.” Immediately after taking the watch out of the box, I ordered screen shields and, during the short course of this review, managed to crack one. That’s possibly because I was cheap and ordered off-brand screen protectors, or perhaps the protruding glass cushion is simply begging for misfortune.
However, the raised glass solves one complaint I had with the Galaxy Watch 7. One way to scroll is by running your finger along the outer edge of the screen. In fact, on-screen cues suggest that gesture when there’s more content to view. On the Watch 7, my finger was always getting in the way of the text I wanted to read. Now that the display is elevated, there’s room for my finger to travel further out along the outer edge and stay out of the way.
Appearance aside, my favorite hardware update is how much more comfortable the watch is. The Watch 7’s underside had a sizable sensor node, and it took me a week to get used to the feel. Even then, I hated sleeping with it. The Watch 8, however, felt good the first time I put it on.
Gemini on your wrist and Wear OS 6
The Galaxy Watch 8 is the first smartwatch to ship with Google’s Wear OS 6, though Samsung overlays it with its own One UI interface. The headline feature for the new software is Gemini integration. Now, most things you can do with the Gemini app on your phone can be done through your watch. Just note that you’ll need to have your Gemini-compatible phone nearby to use it.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
Google’s AI was pretty snappy at basic tasks like setting reminders and timers. Requests that required more “thought” took only marginally longer (and completed more quickly when I was using my home Wi-Fi versus relying on cell signals out in the world). I asked for the best record stores in my city and a good place to eat lunch. I was pleasantly surprised to hear of a new-to-me answer for each category. The record store turned out to be two bins of LPs inside a book shop, but still, I hadn’t heard of it before. I asked why my eight-year-old talked about lava chicken all the time and was correctly informed about Jack Black and AMinecraft Movie.
The assistant displays answers in text form on the watch screen and also reads out every word. That can turn into a lot of talking, but tapping the screen stops the chatter if you prefer to read. Gemini can handle follow-up questions and tasks, but since it doesn’t usually keep listening after it speaks, you have to tap the mic icon to make your next request.
I reached out to Samsung to ask if I could change a setting to make Gemini keep listening, but there isn’t one at this time. For now, you’ll need to tap or say “OK Google” again for followups like, “Add that to my Google Keep” or “Remind me about that.” If Gemini asks you a question, however, such as verifying a text it’s about to send, it does keep listening for the answer. You can also combine commands at the outset, such as asking to look up an address and text it to someone.
I requested some fairly specific tasks and didn’t hit any snags. I asked it to text the address of a local restaurant to my husband and it verified which location I wanted then sent the message. I asked when the Albuquerque Isotopes were playing the Sacramento River Cats and it gave me the upcoming dates. I tapped the mic and said, “add that to my calendar,” which it did.
It only let me down twice. When I asked whether it was going to rain, it just read me the general weather forecast instead of answering the question. All the other assistants in my life (Alexa and Siri) can answer those questions — though technically that’s a Gemini problem, not the watch’s fault.
The other disappointment is a matter of proper integration. I was out on a walk and I asked for directions to a nearby grocery store. Gemini told me the address and the distance, but pointed me to look at my phone for the actual directions. When I asked Siri the same thing on the same walk, directions simply showed up on my Apple Watch. (Yes, I’ve been wearing two watches and carrying around two activated phones like a double agent, just much less cool.)
Tiles on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Amy Skorheim for Engadget)
In addition to Gemini, Wear OS 6 introduces updated and larger tiles which organize and display information on your watch. By default, the tiles are separated into categories: Health, Fitness and Basic (weather, media playback, calendar) with each box displaying a bit of pertinent info — activity metrics, current temp, your next event and so on. If the limited info isn’t enough, tapping a tile opens the respective app. You can categorize, rearrange, swap out and add as many pages of these cards as you want in the Wear app on your phone. I didn’t have time to get the defaults tweaked exactly how I wanted, but it already feels like a much smarter way of interacting with a watch. Now you can glean key information from the apps that are important to you just by browsing your tiles.
The running coach believes in you
The Galaxy Watch 8 now comes with built-in, AI-fueled running guidance. This sounds a bit like the upcoming Workout Buddy that Apple announced for watchOS 26, so it will be interesting to compare the two. Google Pixel watches and Fitbits currently have the option of an AI-powered running coach, but it’s limited to Premium subscribers. Garmin offers an adaptive training program called Run Coach as well, so this isn’t an entirely novel idea.
Samsung’s running coach begins with an assessment: Run as fast as you can maintain for twelve minutes. You’ll then be awarded a performance level ranging from one to ten. Each level comes with a tailored, four-week plan with four workouts per week intended to get you ready to complete a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon. My 12-minute, 22-second per-mile pace put me at a level three. My plan was geared towards getting me to run a 5K at the end of four weeks.
Samsung/Engadget
The first workout was low-intensity interval running with four segments of running hard, interspersed with cool-down walks. As I ran, the AI coach told me when and what to expect on the next segment and what my goals were for each. It spouted occasional words of encouragement and let me know when my pace started to lag. The guidance wasn’t intrusive and I appreciated the preview of and expectations for the next segment. I tried it relying just on the watch’s speakers, and I could hear OK as long as the streets were quiet, but I definitely recommend using earbuds.
I found myself running faster than I would have without a “coach” and now I’m honestly wondering whether I, a person my athlete sister describes as “not an athlete,” could actually complete a 5K. Maybe there’s some value in this concept after all. In any case, I find myself looking forward to taking it further. My next workout is a straight up, 30-minute jog. I’ve never continuously run for a half an hour in my life, so we’ll see how that goes.
Vascular load, bedtime reminders and battery life
The quick turnaround on this article means I didn’t get to properly test some of the new features. Vascular load takes readings while you sleep to evaluate the health of your circulatory system, then tells you when your load is higher or lower than normal and offers recommendations. It requires three nights of data to set a baseline, but after the third night of wearing the watch to bed, it said I still needed one more.
Three nights of sleep should also trigger a Bedtime Guidance feature, but I didn’t see an notification letting me know the guidance had begun. After asking Samsung why, I was told I needed to turn it on in the Health app (Health > Sleep > tap three dots icon > Bedtime guidance). So I’ll report back on the experience after using it for a few days.
One of the prior model’s shortcomings was battery life. The always-on display (AOD) tanked the charge, so I kept it off. The Galaxy Watch 8 has a bigger 325mAh battery, compared to the 300mAh one on the Watch 7. Twenty-five milliamp hours isn’t a huge jump, but bigger is always better. Because I was testing every possible feature (sleeping, running, workouts, antioxidants, Gemini and more), I was constantly dropping the watch on the charger for partial refills in between tests. That meant I didn’t have the opportunity to methodically test the battery’s runtime just yet.
I did note what I could. The first day of testing, the battery was at 100 percent at 4PM. The next day at 4PM it still had 17 percent remaining. That 24-hour period included driving directions, three workouts, lots of Gemini requests, watch face changes and a full night of sleep. I’d toggled the AOD on and off throughout that time, but the results were still better than what I tracked on the Watch 7.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is super swank
I didn’t have a ton of time to spend with the Classic version of the Watch 8, but it’s obviously aimed at the luxury watch-hound crowd. The knurled spinning bezel, inset diving bezel replica and the default chronograph watch face gives off serious Rolex Daytona/Omega Speedmaster wannabe vibes. It ships with a stitched leather-look band and the steel case has the heft and stature of an automatic mechanical timepiece. The always-on display and chunky buttons only add to the effect.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
For me, the main advantage it has over the standard Galaxy Watch 8 is the protection the spinning bezel offers the raised display. The glass is shielded at the edges and it’s even inset slightly which will ward off scratches. It’s a bit chonky for my taste, but it’s surprisingly comfortable for its size and is extremely attractive. I could see this appealing to style enthusiasts who want a smartwatch but don’t want to look like they’re wearing a wrist gadget.
Pricing and the competition
Samsung added $50 to the price tag on the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8, bringing it to $350. The larger 44mm model is now $380 (versus $330 last year) and the Classic variant is $500 for the single 46mm size. For reference, there was no Galaxy Watch 7 Classic and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic sold for $400 for the 43mm size and $430 for the 47mm.
At $350, the base model Galaxy Watch 8 costs the same as Google’s Pixel Watch 3 (though the Pixel Watch 4 is almost certainly on the way and could be more expensive.) The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399, but it went as low as $279 during Prime Day. And, of course, a new Apple wearable is likely coming this September with a potential price bump as well. So Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 could end up being the most affordable of the major smartwatch releases once the dust settles from 2025’s launches. And if you’re a Samsung smartphone user, it’s easily your best bet.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
Everything else and an eventual score
The core functions of the Galaxy Watch 8 haven’t changed all that much. We went in-depth on the fitness and health features for our review of the Galaxy Watch 6 and covered the notable perks of Samsung’s wearable in our Galaxy Watch 7 review and our Galaxy Watch 5 review. So I’ll just point out that the workout tracking is still accurate — and it’s faster to suss out when I’m on a walk than my Apple Watch. The companion Health app, where you view all the data your watch gathers, is helpful and a delight to use with its common-sense suggestions and friendly animations. And the daily Energy Score is a useful indicator of how I’m doing with my sleep and movement goals.
The Watch 8 covers the basics well, acting as an industrious accessory for a Galaxy phone. Although, as with the Watch 7, I wish the notifications were more intrusive as they’re easy to miss. The double tap feature is great — a pinch gesture that dismisses or triggers actions without you having to touch the screen. I use it often and the watch almost always registers the motion. And finally, I love how customizable the watch faces are. When you combine all that with a substantially refreshed look, some capable Gemini integration, a few new health features and a more navigable interface, Samsung’s latest wearable becomes a very capable wrist companion. I still need to live with it a while longer (with a new screen protector firmly in place) to assign a review score, but so far, I’m impressed.
Fans can exclusively follow the match worldwide by purchasing a Match Pass.
Match passes can be purchased for individual games, or for all of Newcastle United’s pre-season fixtures via an official pre-season match pass for Mags+, Mags and Non-members.
More information can be found here.
Supporters can also listen to BBC Radio Newcastle commentary across newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App with a Newcastle United Account.
Our Match Centre will provide minute-by-minute updates, as well as all the key stats. Fans can also choose their Player of the Match at full-time.
Match updates will be provided across the club’s social media accounts. Follow them here: X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Threads
When can I watch highlights?
Highlights will be available on newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App two hours after the match, with extended highlights from midnight.
A full match replay will be available the following day.
What’s the Newcastle team news?
New signing Anthony Elanga could be in with a chance of making his first appearance for the Magpies after his recent transfer from Nottingham Forest.
What’s the Celtic team news?
Celtic have recently welcomed the return of Kieran Tierney who rejoins the club after spending the last six seasons with Arsenal, including a loan spell at Real Sociedad. Tierney came through the youth ranks at Celtic and made his first senior appearance for the club in 2015, winning eight trophies during his first stint in the Hoops.
Which kits will be worn?
We will wear our brand new third kit, featuring a dark blue shirt with orange stripes, dark blues shorts and dark blue socks. You can buy the third kit here.
Celtic will wear their home kit, featuring a green and white striped shirt, white shorts, and white socks.
Dubai, July 18, 2025 – The UAE Dirham (AED) is trading at 77.57 Pakistani Rupee (PKR) today at 8:46 PM PST, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.02 PKR from yesterday’s rate of 77.59 PKR, as reported by trusted financial sources tracking interbank and open market rates.
UAE Dirham- AED RATE- Latest Updates
This minor dip follows a robust performance in June, when the AED gained 0.81 PKR, rising from 76.44 PKR at the month’s start to 77.25 PKR by its close, with a peak of 77.6111 PKR on July 1, 2025. The Dirham’s enduring resilience underscores the United Arab Emirates’ expertly crafted economic policies and its authoritative position as a global financial powerhouse.
Currency Profiles: AED and PKR
The UAE Dirham (AED), established as the official currency of the United Arab Emirates in 1973, is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 3.6725 AED to 1 USD, as maintained by the Central Bank of the UAE. This fixed peg ensures the AED’s dependability, making it a trusted medium for international trade and investment across the UAE’s seven emirates. The Pakistani Rupee (PKR), Pakistan’s official currency since 1948, operates as a floating currency under the State Bank of Pakistan’s supervision, vulnerable to fluctuations driven by domestic economic conditions, global market dynamics, and geopolitical developments.
Economic Impact on Pakistan
Today’s slight decline in the AED-PKR exchange rate offers marginal relief for Pakistani businesses importing from the UAE, slightly reducing costs compared to yesterday. However, the Dirham’s overall strength, driven by June’s significant gains, continues to shape Pakistan’s economic landscape. For the millions of Pakistani expatriates in the UAE, the robust AED enhances remittance values, which reached $717.2 million in June 2025, according to State Bank of Pakistan data, reinforcing the UAE’s position as Pakistan’s second-largest remittance source after Saudi Arabia. These inflows are vital, boosting household finances and fueling economic activity in local markets across Pakistan. Conversely, the elevated exchange rate increases the cost of importing goods from the UAE, from luxury products to essential commodities, posing challenges for Pakistani businesses and consumers. The AED’s tie to the US Dollar may further strain Pakistan’s trade balance and elevate debt servicing costs for loans in USD or AED. Economic analysts recommend that Pakistan prioritize export enhancement and monetary policies to stabilize the PKR, mitigating these economic pressures.
UAE’s Economic Mastery Sustains Dirham’s Value
The UAE’s economic vigor is propelled by its strategic shift from oil reliance to a diversified economy, with substantial investments in technology, sustainable energy, and vibrant trade and tourism sectors in hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Supported by authoritative fiscal governance and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the UAE ranks among the world’s top economies, attracting significant foreign capital, as evidenced by World Bank reports. The Central Bank of the UAE’s diligent oversight ensures the Dirham’s reliability, reinforcing its credibility as a trusted currency for global transactions. This expertise sustains the AED’s value, even amidst minor fluctuations, as seen in today’s rate.
