Digital Trends Live: Apple Watch partners with gyms, Fortnite becomes a sport

By Todd Werkhoven Published April 25, 2023

On Thursday’s episode of Digital Trends Live, hosts Greg Nibler and Adrien Warner discuss the biggest trending tech topics of the day, including Apple Watch partnering with gyms, Surface Duo details, Fortnite is officially a high school sport, Picard debuts, Seattle votes by phone, and more.

John Kent

Nibler then speaks with John Kent, program manager for IBM’s sports and entertainment partnerships, about its partnership with the Recording Academy, and using A.I. at the Grammys.

Gray Scott

Gray Scott, futurist and host of Futuristic Now, discusses how Amazon is planning to use “pay-by-hand” biometric scanners.

Adrienne Liebenberg

We then talk with Adrienne Liebenberg, co-founder of the NotForgotten Digital Library, about preserving a history of yourself on blockchain that will be around for over 300 years.

Finally, we take a look at what’s coming to the box office with our Reel News segment. This week, we review The Gentleman, The Turning, and The Rhythm Section.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Todd Werkhoven's work can be read at numerous publications and he co-authored a personal finance book called "Zombie…

Topics

Wearables

Snap launches SPECS, its big bet on glasses as the next computer

From hands-free AI to virtual screens and real-time translation, SPECS is aiming beyond Snapchat.

Kaia Gerber wearing Snap SPECS featured

Snap is taking another swing at the idea that glasses could become the next computer. The company has officially introduced SPECS, a pair of augmented reality glasses with an AI-native operating system designed to put digital information directly into the wearer’s view. Unlike some AR experiments that need a separate computing puck or tether, SPECS packs its computing hardware directly into the glasses.

And this isn't just Snapchat with a fancy pair of frames. SPECS can handle navigation, real-time translation, entertainment, fitness, education, shopping, and even productivity. Users can get directions overlaid onto the real world, translate conversations into subtitles across 60 languages, stream content onto a virtual 115-inch display, and wirelessly connect the glasses to a computer for a larger workspace.

Wearables

Meta’s next smart glasses could ditch the camera to win back your trust

Meta may be ready to tackle smart glasses privacy concerns by ditching the camera.

Meta Ray Ban Glasses

Meta's smart glasses have had a rough time earning trust. Ever since they launched, people have used them to record others without so much as a heads-up, and a cottage industry has popped up to help wearers disable the recording light so they can film people without anyone noticing.

On top of that, there's growing unease over Meta using footage captured by these glasses to train its AI without users' consent. It looks like Meta might finally be doing something about the backlash. According to a report from The Information, Meta is developing a pair of smart glasses that skip the camera altogether.

Audio / Video

How to pre-order Apple’s new iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5

Apple's latest lineup is finally official. If you're interested in one of the new devices, here's how you can pre-order them to get your new iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods as soon as they launch.

Apple Fall 2026 devices featured 2

Apple has refreshed its hardware portfolio with its most ambitious lineup yet. Headlining the company's September 9 event is its first-ever foldable, the iPhone Duo, and it's joined by the iPhone 18 Pro series, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and the AirPods 5. Pre-orders for all devices, except the iPhone Duo, begin September 12, with general in-store and online availability starting September 18. The iPhone Duo will be available for pre-order starting October 16, with retail availability set to begin October 23.

Apple will handle pre-orders through its official website and the Apple Store app. The devices will also be available for pre-order through major US carriers and authorized retailers. Here's a breakdown of available configurations, colors, and where to secure your pre-order.