wearables / caffeine / cortisol

Samantha Kelly / Bloomberg : Source: Google plans to release a screenless Fitbit band later this year; it will include basic features and require a paid subscription for more functionality — Alphabet Inc.'s Google is developing its own fitness band, aiming to compete with screenless wearable devices from upstarts like Whoop Inc. and Oura Health Oy.

Andrew Liszewski / The Verge : Samsung launches Hearapy, a free Android app to mitigate motion sickness by playing a 100Hz sine wave tone; a 60-second session can provide two hours of relief — Listening to a 100Hz sine wave tone for just 60 seconds could reduce motion sickness symptoms for up to two hours.

A Wired feature argues the best time to drink coffee for productivity is about an hour after you wake, not immediately. Citing neurologist Ellen Akkerman and dietitian Julia Zumpano, the piece explains caffeine raises alertness by blocking adenosine but also spikes cortisol; drinking coffee during the cortisol surge on waking can amplify jitters and lead to bigger energy crashes. Waiting lets natural cortisol fall, so caffeine can boost alertness more smoothly. The article notes individual variation—early risers, late risers, and circadian patterns matter—and suggests using wearable trackers to time caffeine to your personal rhythm. Practical tips include showering first and tailoring brew schedules to your wake pattern.

Vanessa Hand Orellana / CNET : Samsung rolls out blood pressure monitoring for Galaxy Watch 4 and newer models in the US, requiring a traditional upper-arm blood pressure cuff and a new app — The globally available feature is finally rolling out in the US, but you'll need to buy extra hardware to use it.