Tech
This new Whoop dupe solves one of the biggest problems with fitness trackers
Polar started teasing its Polar Loop wearable back in June. Like the similar-looking Whoop fitness tracker, the idea was simple: a fitness tracker you can wear 24/7 but without the constant distractions of various buzzes, beeps, and notifications. After all, who needs another screen?
Now, the brand has formally announced the Polar Loop, which differs from the Whoop in one critical way — it doesn't require a monthly subscription.
Unlike the Oura ring, Whoop, and other fitness trackers, the Polar Loop promises to deliver health, fitness, and sleep monitoring without any annoying monthly fees.
Credit: Polar
Credit: Polar
Polar says that its new tracker can keep tabs on your heart rate, sleep, and daily activity while remaining incognito on your wrist. You can instead check your stats from the smartphone app. Of course, the list of available features is less than you’d find in a subscription-based fitness tracker system, but some folks like it simple.
This is a relatively new product category with a few competitors, but not many. Amazefit came out with its Helio Strap, and of course, there are the Whoop bands that have swiftly popularized the trend of screen-less fitness trackers. Smart rings have also stepped into this space of having your stats tracked in the background while you focus on other things. Garmin has also dipped its toes into the mix with the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor, which does the sleep part but not the fitness stuff.
The Loop comes in three colors, including Night Black, Greige Sand (beige), and Brown Cooper. It is available for pre-order on Polar’s website for $199.99. The company is also offering replaceable wristbands for $29.99 that come in the aforementioned colors, along with Ocean Blue as a fourth color option.
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Tech
Bad Bunnys halftime show sparked emotional reactions across the Americas. See the heartwarming videos now.
During Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show, millions of viewers experienced the performance together — cheering in living rooms, filming on their phones, and reacting in real time. But for those of Latin American descent, hearing their home countries named out loud during Benito's grand finale made the moment especially meaningful.
In his closing act, Bad Bunny transformed the stage into a celebration of the Americas. Dancers carried flags from countries across North, Central, and South America, while a massive screen behind him flashed messages like "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." He capped the roll call of nations with a declaration that "together, we are America," framing the finale as a moment of shared identity and joy.
For those watching at home, the emotion didn't end when the music stopped. Viewers immediately took to social media to document their reactions, sharing clips of their friends and families cheering, hugging, and erupting with pride when their countries were named — turning a televised performance into a collective celebration.
Together, these clips formed a digital mosaic of diaspora, stitched from small, intimate moments across phone screens and time zones. Each video captured the same feeling: that for a few minutes, home — wherever it was — didn't feel so far away.
Tech
Best last-minute deals on Valentines Day flowers so far — you have way more options than plain roses
The Bouqs Co.
1-800-Flowers
Urban Stems
Unless your recipient has explicitly expressed their disdain for receiving flowers (we all know at least one hater), you really can't go wrong with surprising someone with fresh blooms for Valentine's Day. Not when there are so many opportunities to pick out a truly unique bouquet that fits his or her tastes: Most of the best flower delivery services are offering great last-minute Valentine's Day deals on flower deliveries, saving you 25% to 50% on a gift for the upcoming romantic weekend.
1-800-Flowers is your go-to spot for a classic bouquet of roses on a budget, while The Bouqs Co. and Urban Stems have elevated takes on traditional arrangements that aren't like anything you'd walk past in the grocery store. A majority of bouquets on sale can be delivered by Saturday, Feb. 14 (check the earliest possible delivery date for each). Either way, you're bound to find some pretty stems that scream "them" — so while the timing itself is rushed, the flowers they receive don't have to feel like an afterthought.
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SAVE $30: As of Feb. 10, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is on sale for just $69.99 at Amazon. That's 30% off its list price of $99.99.
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Mashable's shopping team has spent quite a bit of time with Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speakers and we're big fans. We love the Hyperboom and Epicboom, but the itty bitty Wonderboom is one of our absolute favorites. If you're in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker, we highly recommend this tiny powerhouse — especially when it's on sale.
As of Feb. 10, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is down to just $69.99 at Amazon. That's 30% off its list price of $99.99 and just 10 bucks shy of its best-ever price from Black Friday.
Our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker, the Wonderboom 4 fits in the palm of your hand but offers surprisingly balanced and powerful sound. As Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard noted in our roundup, "the sound profile is well-rounded and can get loud."
It can last up to 14 hours on a full charge, handles drops from up to five feet like a champ, and can be submerged in water for up to half an hour. We do wish it offered a companion app to customize the sound profile, but for a ultra-portable no-frills speaker, it's an excellent value.
Bad Bunnys halftime show sparked emotional reactions across the Americas. See the heartwarming videos now.
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