This week’s roundup of the latest gear and tech news brings updates from mobile carriers, health technology, and luxury watches. Verizon introduces an enticing three-year price lock on mobile and home internet plans, Withings unveils a game-changing blood pressure monitor, and the watch world faces off with two iconic brands—Rolex and TAG Heuer—unveiling their new releases for 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about these exciting developments.
Verizon’s Price Lock: Predictability Meets Value
Verizon is shaking up its mobile offerings with a new promotion aimed at providing customers with greater predictability and value. The telecom giant now offers a three-year price lock on mobile and home internet plans, allowing both new and existing subscribers to lock in their pricing for three years. Along with this price stability, Verizon is also offering a free smartphone with the deal—provided you trade in an eligible device from Apple, Google, or Samsung, regardless of condition.
“This promotion offers predictability, control, simplicity, and value that is particularly relevant in today’s economic environment,” Verizon stated, emphasizing the benefits of long-term pricing stability. The price lock applies to Verizon’s myPlan and myHome network plans, but there is a catch: “Plan perks, taxes, fees, and surcharges are subject to change,” meaning that while the base rate of your mobile or internet plan will remain the same, extra costs could still appear down the line.
The deal also includes Verizon’s free satellite texting feature for qualifying devices, providing a backup communication option in areas with no cell service. However, customers must be on the myPlan, which Verizon rolled out in 2023, to take advantage of this offer.
Withings Releases FDA-Cleared Blood Pressure Monitor
In the world of wearable health tech, Withings is making waves with the release of its FDA-cleared BPM Vision Blood Pressure Monitor. This device is a game-changer for those looking to monitor their blood pressure at home—a crucial health metric that many wearable fitness trackers have yet to include. The BPM Vision syncs with the Withings app, offering users an easy way to track and manage their health data over time. The device also features an educational tutorial to guide users through the process of measuring their blood pressure correctly.
Blood pressure monitoring is critical, especially as hypertension affects nearly half of all adults in the United States. Withings’ new blood pressure monitor is designed to be a more accessible, convenient solution for individuals who want to stay on top of their health. The device is priced at $150, which is a small investment compared to the potential healthcare costs associated with untreated hypertension, which is estimated to cost the U.S. economy $131 billion annually.
Withings’ BPM Vision targets individuals in their thirties, forties, and fifties—the demographic most at risk for hypertension. The product is available directly from Withings, making it easier for people to monitor their cardiovascular health without visiting a clinic.
Rolex and TAG Heuer Battle it Out at Watches & Wonders
The prestigious Watches & Wonders event in Geneva is the annual showcase for the watch industry’s latest releases, and this year’s show didn’t disappoint. Two brands, Rolex and TAG Heuer, stole the spotlight with their latest timepieces, both of which are poised to make a major impact in the luxury watch market.
TAG Heuer’s standout release is the Formula 1 Solargraph collection, a revival of its iconic, color-popping Formula 1 line that was first introduced nearly 40 years ago. This time, the collection comes with a solar-powered upgrade, capable of running for up to 10 months on a single charge. The watches come in a variety of materials, including sand-blasted steel and TH-Polylight plastic, and are available in limited editions with bold, vibrant strap colors. The new Solargraph watches are priced starting at $1,800 and boast a larger 38mm case size, a noticeable update from the original 35mm model.
Meanwhile, Rolex unveiled the much-anticipated Land-Dweller, a new model that has been 10 years in the making. This watch features Rolex’s first-ever mechanical high-frequency movement, running at 5 Hz. The Land-Dweller is available in two case sizes—36mm and 40mm—and comes in a variety of materials, including steel with a white gold bezel, Everose gold, and platinum. Prices for the Rolex Land-Dweller start at $13,900. With this release, Rolex continues to maintain its reputation for precision and innovation in the luxury watch market.
The Latest in Gear Tech: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re upgrading your mobile plan, investing in health tech, or eyeing a luxury timepiece, this week’s gear news has something for everyone. Verizon’s price lock offers peace of mind in uncertain economic times, while Withings’ blood pressure monitor gives you the tools to stay ahead of your health. Meanwhile, the battle between Rolex and TAG Heuer at Watches & Wonders shows that innovation is alive and well in the luxury watch industry.