Medical Grade EKG analysis coming to Apple Watch via 'Kardia Band.'

The Apple Watch has always been about tracking health and now the first of what we hope are many health-focused third-party accessories is coming. AliveCor announced that it will bring "the first medical-grade EKG band" to the Apple Watch with the "Kardia Band," in addition to a new smartphone app for users of its heart-rate reading devices. 

Users can record a single-lead EKG by simply touching Kardia Band’s integrated sensor that communicates with the Watch app, Kardia by AliveCor. The Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Detector then uses Kardia’s automated analysis process (algorithm) to instantly detect the presence of AF in an EKG, the most common cardiac arrhythmia and a leading cause of stroke. 

The kardia Band is undergoing approval for clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration and can't come to market until it has been cleared. AliveCor, the company behind the band, expects it to come to market as soon as "late spring." This could be the first of many accessories that address specific health concerns and help monitor users more comprehensively.

Source: Macrumors

Waze planned drives now available for iOS

Waze introduces Planned Drives for iOS, taking the stress out of planning an appointment or important trip, whether it’s today or in the week ahead. Now you’ll always know when to go! Enter the time and date you need to arrive and Waze will recommend the best time to leave. You’ll also receive a reminder closer to your event with an updated departure time based upon real-time road conditions. Just set it and forget it.

Planned Drives also makes it easier to manage your time and schedule more flexible to-do’s (like errands or road trips) to avoid traffic.

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First look at the 2016 Chevrolet Spark

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Chevy Spark is a very interesting car designed for an emerging segment. Chevrolet seems to want to have cars available for people at every stage of their lives and the Spark is really aimed at the first-time car buyer who might otherwise buy a second hand car.

Chevrolet’s Spark is a neat new subcompact which brings many of the key features and technologies found in GM’s larger vehicles. The new mini-car was marketed and teased as a ‘mobile device’ and this is somewhat accurate since it does feature GM’s OnStar, a rear backup camera and onboard 4G-LTE connectivity plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. 

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Review: Samsung Galaxy S7

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is an accomplished flagship smartphone and one that is undeniably a Samsung creation from top to bottom. 

Samsung’s latest flagship is a confluence of cutting edge technology, innovative features and a response to user requests. This is undeniably the company’s most ambitious smartphone yet.

The Galaxy S7 is also one of the most expensive Android handsets to come to market, and one of the most premium phones available. For Samsung, it is the right product coming out at just the right time, and a huge play for them to reclaim the throne as leading smartphone manufacturer as well as put forward the features that separate them from the herd.

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