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What we’re hearing about the new homepage

Screenshot of The Verge’s new homepage design on desktop and mobile

We’ve been reading your feedback on the new homepage. All of it. The kind and encouraging comments, the brutal ones, the “actually this rules,” the “please undo this immediately,” the bug reports, the feature ideas, and yes, the eternal request for dark mode. We appreciate it.

A lot of you took the time to share detailed, thoughtful reactions right after launch, and that kind of feedback is useful. It helps us understand where the experience is landing or missing the mark, spot issues and friction, and ultimately sort that feedback into a few buckets. We want to be open and transparent with you about how we’re looking at those buckets of feedback.

Bucket 1: Yes, we should fix that. Some feedback points to things we should clearly fix or smooth out, like bugs and rough edges.

Feedback that falls into this bucket:

  • The scrollbar presence on the feed (✅ Fixed)
  • Adding “Read More” from the groups of stories when there’s something to link to (✅ Fixed)
  • Adding a way to read more from a category toward the bottom of the page (✅ Fixed)

Bucket 2: This is worth investigating. Some feedback points to things worth exploring further. These are repeated requests that may reflect a broader need or pain point, even if the exact proposed solution is not the one we ultimately pursue.

Feedback that falls into this bucket:

  • How the Latest feed is presented and engaged with, especially for those of you who love the pure revchron feed (which Latest is). 
  • Dark mode. We are actively working on this.
  • Dates on stories in curated story sets. Removing them was intentional so we could more easily bring older stories back to the forefront, especially when they can add color and context to a timely topic. But we hear the frustration here and are thinking about how to address the underlying pain point.
  • Marking a story as read vs. unread. This is a recurring request and speaks to a broader need for more personalized homepage experiences. That’s something we’re actively planning for, even if this exact feature isn’t currently on the roadmap.

Bucket 3: Not right now. Some feedback falls into the category of ideas we’re not planning to take on right now. Not because the feedback is bad, but because we have to be deliberate about what we can support.

Feedback that falls into this bucket:

  • Free-to-Read and Subscriber Perks sections. We’ve deprecated these sections for now. We’ll revisit if it makes sense down the road.
  • The page structure. We’ve seen a lot of strong opinions on combining curated stories with the firehose feed. We believe in this approach and we need to give it time before considering big structural changes. Many of you love the mix; others, not so much. That’s okay.

I want to be candid about what we can support. We’re a pretty small team and every decision has to be weighed against time, resourcing, complexity, editorial needs, business priorities, and the longer-term vision for where The Verge is going (and we have big ambitions for where we want it to go). We can’t commit to every suggestion, even if we genuinely agree that it’s a great idea.

We’ll fix what needs fixing and dig into the themes that feel most meaningful. We’ll keep prioritizing and working through tradeoffs and constraints. Most importantly, we’ll stay open about what we’re seeing and learning as we go. Please keep the feedback coming.

Here are are the best ways to reach us:

  • Right here in the comments. 
  • We also have a feedback form here where you can submit bugs, feedback, requests, etc.
  • Join our user research group for the chance to participate in user interviews, user testing, and surveys, and get access to prototypes and beta drops. We will reach out when a good opportunity aligns.
  • Reach out to our team directly at product@theverge.com
  • Support with your account and subscription is handled by our wonderful support team at support@theverge.com.

Mira Murati tells the court that she couldn’t trust Sam Altman’s words

Mira Murati, OpenAI's former CTO, has testified under oath that CEO Sam Altman lied to her about the safety standards for a new AI model. In a video deposition shown during the ongoing Musk v. Altman trial on Wednesday, Murati said Altman falsely stated that OpenAI's legal department determined a new AI model did not need to go through the company's deployment safety board. "As you understand it, was Mr. Altman telling the truth when he made that statement to you?" Murati was asked in the deposition. "No," Murati said.

Murat said that during her tenure at OpenAI, Altman made her work more difficult. Her criticism "is completely management r …

Read the full story at The Verge.

The 44 best last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas for 2026

Whether it's managing a busy home or looking out for everyone around them, moms spend a lot of time every day caring for others. This Sunday, Mother's Day, is an opportunity to return the favor, so we've rounded up practical gadgets and little luxuries that can lighten her load.

This year's picks are designed to support moms in a variety of ways, regardless of their interests. Some of our recs, like Roborock's mop-equipped Q10 Plus, can help save precious time, while smart screens like the Skylight Calendar 2 can help take the stress out of managing a busy family schedule. Other gifts are all about relaxation and self-care, whether through

Read the full story at The Verge.

Here’s what Microsoft is offering long-serving employees to voluntarily retire

Vector illustration of the Microsoft logo.

Microsoft revealed last month that it's planning to offer long-serving employees in the US the ability to voluntarily retire. While the terms of the buyout were supposed to be announced to employees tomorrow, sources at Microsoft tell me the company has posted them on its internal HR website a little earlier than expected.

US employees whose combined years of service added to their age totals 70 or more will be eligible for voluntary retirement, and the package will include five years of access to Microsoft's healthcare coverage, a lump sum cash severance payment, and six months of vesting for unvested stock options.

The five years of medi …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Native Instruments Komplete 26 adds weird new synths and experimental piano sounds

Native Instruments Komplete 26 logo and tiled screenshots of included instruments.
Komplete is a complete music production bundle even if you don’t spend $2,000. | Image: Native Instruments

The latest version of Native Instruments' Komplete music production bundle is here with 62 new additions, including the wonderfully weird Absynth 6. Komplete 26 comes in several flavors, starting with three $99 Select bundles: Beats, Band, and Electronic. Prices jump pretty steeply from there, with Standard costing $549, Ultimate costing $1,249, and the Collector's Edition priced at an eye-watering $1,949. You save some money if you're upgrading from Komplete 15 (and yes, they switched from sequential numbers to years for 2026), but upgrading the Collector's Edition will still set you back $399.

Komplete 26 Standard should satisfy all but …

Read the full story at The Verge.

The best beauty tech you can still grab in time for Mother’s Day

Close up of L’Oreal Colorsonic and accessories

If you’re looking to indulge mom this Mother’s Day, a gift that makes her feel a little more taken care of is a good place to start. Fortunately, if you’re looking for something to make her feel pampered, we know a thing or two about beauty tech, which can deliver on that front.

Some of the options below let your mom achieve professional-level results at home, including high-end tools that re-create salon blowouts and FDA-cleared devices that target signs of aging. Others are simpler and more practical, letting her freshen her hair without washing it or quickly touch up her roots with little to no hassle. There are also options to help her unwind, so she can ease tension after a long day or care for her hair as she sleeps. It’s called beauty rest, after all.

Below, we’ve rounded up a mix of Verge-approved picks that achieve all of the above and then some, regardless of your budget.


Shark FlexStyle Air Hair Styler and Dryer

The Shark FlexStyle Air is like getting multiple hair tools in one. It works as both a powerful hair dryer and a styling tool, with add-ons for curling, smoothing, and introducing volume. It’s lighter and often more affordable than comparable tools, but still delivers salon-like results at home for all types of hair.

Where to Buy:

Buxom Plump Shot Lip Serum

If mom wants fuller, smoother lips without injections, Buxom’s Plump Shot Lip Serum is the way to go. Made with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, it smooths and visibly plumps lips in under a minute in a way that’s not over the top, while adding an attractive glossy sheen.

Where to Buy:

Medicube Booster Pro

The Hailey Bieber-backed Medicube Booster Pro is a glow wand specifically designed to improve your skin. It features four modes that use gentle electrical stimulation, light therapy, and sonic vibrations to help improve absorption, firm skin, and refine pores. It’s lightweight, rechargeable, and pairs with the Age-R app, providing your mom with a host of guided routines.

Where to Buy:

The Clean Sweep Detox Duo Kit

Drybar’s Clean Sweep Detox Duo Kit is a great gift for busy moms who may not always have time for a full hair wash. The bundle includes two oil-absorbing dry shampoos with gentle scents that can refresh roots and add a bit of volume without leaving a noticeable residue.

Where to Buy:

Omnilux Contour Face

The Contour Face is an FDA-cleared LED mask that uses red and near-infrared light to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, boost collagen production, and smooth uneven textures for a more youthful complexion. With 132 medical-grade LEDs, it delivers professional-level treatment in quick 10-minute sessions; the soft, flexible silicone is surprisingly comfortable, too.

Where to Buy:

Sephora Favorites “Smells Like Love” perfume sampler set

Not sure what her favorite perfume is? The Sephora Favorites Smells Like Love Sampler Set with a redeemable voucher is a great option, offering nine popular fragrances in travel sizes that your giftee can have fun testing. The real highlight is the included voucher, which they can use to get a slightly bigger version of their favorite perfume from the lineup.

Where to Buy:

L’Oreal Colorsonic Hair Color Device

L’Oréal’s Colorsonic makes the messy process of at-home hair dying far less of a hassle — or it should, anyway. The device automatically mixes the color and distributes it evenly as it glides through your hair, speeding up the dye job, reducing mess, and simplifying the procedure overall.

Where to Buy:

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

If sunscreen isn’t already a part of your mom’s daily skincare routine, it really should be. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun offers excellent SPF 50 protection, thus shielding your mom from sunburns and cancer-causing agents. At the same time, the TikTok-famous sunscreen uses rice water, grain-fermented extracts, and other ingredients rich in minerals to brighten and moisturize all types of skin.

Where to Buy:

Chi Original Digital Ceramic Hairstyling Iron

A capable flat iron that heats up in seconds is a must for any mom who has trouble getting out the door in the morning. Not only is the Chi Original fast but the high-heat flat iron also features ceramic plates that allow it to safely straighten even the frizziest of hair. Plus, your mom can even use it to add beachy waves or create flips if she’s feeling something fresh.

Where to Buy:

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

You can help mom indulge in a bit of self-care with Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Masks. Filled with moisture-boosting ingredients like antioxidants, Vitamin C, and coconut butter, the overnight masks hydrate and protect the lips, leaving them soft and silky smooth. Plus, they comes in a variety of delicious scents, from vanilla to peach iced tea.

Where to Buy:

Theragun Mini (third-gen)

A massage gun is the kind of gift that keeps on giving. When muscles and tendons are tight or sore, the three-speed Theragun Mini serves as a quick and easy remedy, allowing your giftee to get on with their day with less discomfort. The latest model is slightly smaller than prior iterations, making what was already an ultra-portable device even more compact.

Where to Buy:

Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

The Quince Mulberry Silk Pillowcase can take care of mom’s skin and hair while she catches up on sleep. The smooth silk helps minimize frizz, tangles, and split ends while also being gentler on the skin, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also temperature-regulating, so it should keep her comfortable while she’s resting.

Where to Buy:

Sharper Image Spahaven Soothe foot bath

Sharper Image’s heated foot bath is an underrated gift that can show just how much you care about your mom’s health and well-being. You can throw in some Epsom salts, set your desired temperature using the built-in LED display, and move your feet across the massaging rollers to relax after a stressful day at work.

Where to Buy:

Queen of the Dead nail polish

Mooncat’s Queen of the Dead nail polish is like a new-age mood ring. The dark lacquer changes color as your body warms up, transitioning from a shade of deep red wine into a festive raspberry that’s perfect for holiday parties. A percentage of the proceeds will also go toward helping adoptable cats find their forever homes, so you’ll feel as good as you look.

Where to Buy:

Dyson Supersonic Travel

The Supersonic Travel takes everything people loved about Dyson’s original hair dryer and makes it easier to actually travel with. It’s both smaller and lighter, but it still dries hair quickly and evenly. It also automatically adjusts to different voltages for use abroad, and since it works with regular Supersonic attachments, your mom doesn’t need to splurge on any new add-ons if she owns the OG model.

Where to Buy:

Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask (four-pack)

Sungboon’s collagen mask is the rare TikTok sensation that actually lives up to the hype. Like magic, the face mask works overnight to improve elasticity, temporarily erasing fine lines and wrinkles. It also soothes, hydrates, and rejuvenates your skin, leaving you with a glowing complexion that should last far longer than the viral videos from which it sprang up.

Where to Buy:

Dieux Forever Eye Mask

The Forever Eye Mask is a reusable eye patch designed to help mom get more out of her skincare. It sits comfortably under the eyes, helping gels, serums, and creams absorb better. Over time, it helps boost hydration, soften the look of fine lines, and leave the under-eye area looking smoother. As a bonus, it can double as a handy makeup tool, catching fallout or helping you create a sharper wing.

Where to Buy:

Nuface Trinity Plus Starter Kit

The Nuface Trinity Plus Starter Kit is designed to help mom lift and tone her face and neck over time. It targets 69 facial muscles with low-level electrical currents that gently stimulate them, similar to a workout for your face. Just five minutes of use a day can help improve firmness and definition, and she can adjust the intensity and frequency to suit her needs.

Where to Buy:

Esarora Ice Roller

If your mom wants to reduce puffiness and soothe redness, all she has to do is run Esarora’s Ice Roller over her face in the morning. The cooling sensation can also help ease headaches and facial tension, making it both practical and pampering. It’s especially useful under the eyes, where it can help soften the look of bags.

Where to Buy:

Lifx SuperColor Smart Mirror

Lifx’s upcoming SuperColor Smart Mirror features individually controllable front and back lighting with full-color effects. Modes like Makeup Check boost brightness and color accuracy, while a built-in anti-fog setting helps keep the mirror clear after hot showers. It also features Matter support and three programmable buttons, which let you control other smart devices directly from the mirror.

Where to Buy:

This slim ice cream maker could fit in my already crowded kitchen

The Nutribullet Chill ice cream maker next to bowls of ice cream on a kitchen counter.
The Nutribullet Chill won’t demand as much counter or storage space as other ice cream makers. | Image: Nutribullet

For the past few months, I've defiantly walked past the Ninja Creami at Costco as I think about our air fryer, toaster oven, breadmaker, rice cooker, and stand mixer already vying for limited counter space. Nutribullet's new Chill ice cream maker could finally break my resolve with its smaller footprint. While the Creami's base measures 17.44 by 8.58 inches, the Chill's is just 9.6 by 5.74 inches, making it easier to squeeze onto a kitchen counter and later store once my family tires of DIY frozen treats.

The Chill is now available from Nutribullet's online store and Amazon for $199.99 and comes with a pair of 16-ounce pint cups. You'll als …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Live updates from Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s court battle over the future of OpenAI

Graphic photo collage of Sam Altman and Elon Musk.

Sam Altman and Elon Musk are facing off in a high-stakes trial that could alter the future of OpenAI and its most well-known product, ChatGPT. In 2024, Musk filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of abandoning its founding mission of developing AI to benefit humanity and shifting focus to boosting profits instead.

Elon Musk, his financial manager and Neuralink CEO, Jared Birchall, and OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman have already testified before the jury. Now, on Wednesday, May 6th, Shivon Zilis, a former OpenAI board member who shares four children with Musk, is taking the stand, and the courtroom is seeing testimony from former OpenAI exec Mira Murati via video.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is scheduled to appear on Monday, with OpenAI cofounder and former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever lined up to testify after that.

Musk was a cofounder of OpenAI and claims that Altman and Brockman tricked him into giving the company money, only to turn their backs on their original goal. However, OpenAI says that “This lawsuit has always been a baseless and jealous bid to derail a competitor” in a bid to boost Musk’s own SpaceX / xAI / X companies that have launched Grok as a competitor to ChatGPT.

In his lawsuit, Musk is asking for the removal of Altman and Brockman, and for OpenAI to stop operating as a public benefit corporation. Musk has also demanded that OpenAI’s nonprofit receive up to $150 billion in damages he’s asking for if he wins the case.

People to Know

Plaintiff

Elon Musk — plaintiff, OpenAI cofounder and now CEO of rival xAI

Steven Molo — lead counsel for plaintiff

Jared Birchall — manager of Musk’s family office

Shivon Zilis — former OpenAI board member who shares multiple children with Musk

Defendant

Sam Altman — defendant, CEO of OpenAI 

William Savitt — lead counsel for defendant

Greg Brockman — president of OpenAI as well as a cofounder 

Ilya Sutskever — former chief scientist at OpenAI and a cofounder

Judge

Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers — aka YGR, trial judge

Here’s all the latest on the trial between Musk and Altman:

Xbox changes continue with new console boot animation

Vector illustration the Xbox logo.

It feels like not a day goes by at the moment without some Xbox news, and today is no different. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma just announced that Xbox owners will get a new boot up sound and animation on May 13th. The console boot animation is the new Xbox logo, complete with a slight twist on the existing boot-up sound.

Microsoft first revealed its new Xbox logo last month, and the company has already released Xbox dynamic backgrounds of the logo, as well as profile pictures for Xbox fans to use. The new Xbox logo has a more glassy look, and I understand Microsoft has also been using this new design for some of its internal next-gen Project Helix …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Here are the fitness trackers I actually recommend

Person looking at the Apple Watch Series 10 from an angle.

Why do you want a fitness tracker? This is the first question I ask any time I’m asked to recommend a device. 

The number-one rule of wearable tech is that it has to be something you actually want to wear. So instead of molding yourself to a device, it’s better to pick something that isn’t too hard to slot into the life you already lead. The tech specs will fall into place once you’re honest with yourself about who you are and where you’re currently at. You can always revisit your choice once you’ve leveled up, but buying for who you want to be someday isn’t helpful. 

Are you a couch potato who wants to hit 10,000 steps a day? Are you a gym rat who prioritizes lifting heavy? Do you have absolutely no idea, but have a vague vision of six-pack abs and know you have an Android phone? There are a zillion permutations, but in my experience, people typically fall into a handful of categories.

Here’s what I recommend for each.

Casual wellness seekers

It’s nigh impossible to escape the barrage of health metrics and scores these days. But if it’s possible, you’d like to. All you really want is credit for the activity you do and some insight into how your sleep is, screw the bells and whistles. Also, you’d be caught dead wearing a hockey-sized puck on your arm. If that’s you, I’d recommend a Fitbit Charge 6 or an Oura Ring 4. Both work regardless of what phone you have and are good at getting you the basics with minimal overwhelm. 

Oura Ring 4

Close up of silver Oura Ring 4 on a wooden surface

Score: 9

ProsCons
  • More sizes
  • Slimmer design
  • Expanded auto workout detection
  • Redesigned app
  • Better battery life
  • Subscription required to get all features
  • I still wish this had a charging case

Where to Buy:

The Oura Ring is the more stylish of the two. It’s the better option if you’d prefer to keep your wrist free or would rather notifications stay on your phone. I vouch for shelling out a smidge extra for the ceramic version. (In my years of testing, I find the metal finishes scratch easily. Whatever you do, skip rose gold. It doesn’t hold up well.) It’s a little more annoying to get, and I don’t advise skipping the sizing kit. Your fingers will swell and shrink depending on the weather, so you want to see how a ring size fits over 24 hours. I’d also keep this in mind if you plan on losing a significant amount of weight. I hate that it comes with a $6 monthly subscription, but it’s a good product, and as far as wearable subscriptions go, it’s among the most affordable.

Fitbit Charge 6

Score: 7

ProsCons
  • Solid fitness and health tracking feature set
  • It’s $20 cheaper!
  • Adds more apps
  • Can broadcast HR to fitness equipment
  • The haptic button is better than the groove
  • YouTube Music is the only option and that’s $11 monthly
  • The Fitbit-Google transition is a lil bumpy
  • It’s not a physical side button

Where to Buy:

Go for the Fitbit Charge 6 if you’d like to see the time or stats while exercising. This is also the pick if you want a few notifications or don’t want to rely on your phone quite as much. It’s much easier to leave your phone in a gym locker with a Charge 6 and lift weights — you don’t want to do that with a smart ring. Oura is the more premium feeling of the two, but there are plenty of ways to dress up a Charge 6 with third-party straps. None of the metrics are behind a paywall anymore, though if you want access to Google’s experimental AI coach, that’ll set you back $10 a month or $80 a year. 

Honorable mentions: I dig Withings’ hybrid smartwatches, which are a great blend of simple tracking and style. The new Pebble watches also feel right for those yearning for 2015-era simplicity.

A one-stop smartwatch

This type of person needs a bit more functionality from their fitness tracker. It’s about feeling alright leaving your phone behind because cellular and emergency calling are options. When you’re not being active, it’d be nice to easily set timers, check a weather widget, unlock your laptop, or perhaps quickly view the feed from your doorbell camera. In that case, a smartwatch is the way to go.

This is when your phone matters. If you’ve got an iPhone, I’ll point you to the Apple Watch SE 3. Android users, may I interest you in a Google Pixel Watch 4?

Apple Watch SE 3

Score: 9

ProsCons
  • We finally get an always-on display
  • We get double tap and wrist flick!
  • So many more health features!
  • 5G!
  • Fast charging!
  • More durable!
  • On-device Siri!
  • Upgraded processor
  • You get a speaker too
  • Those bezels are still thicc
  • Wish the battery life was a skosh better

Where to Buy:

I recommend the $249 SE 3 because it offers the best bang for your buck feature-wise of all the new Apple Watches. If you want the bigger screen and advanced health features like EKGs, look for a refurbished Series 10 in a nicer material. (The Series 11 is fiiiiine, but the difference from the Series 10 is negligible and you might as well save a lil extra.) However, I don’t recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for most people unless that’s the look you’re going for, you work out a lot, and you want the biggest battery / screen possible. 

Google Pixel Watch 4

Score: 8

ProsCons
  • All-around better battery and fast-charging
  • Material 3 Expressive design refresh is smart
  • Better auto activity tracking
  • Raise-to-Talk is quite natural
  • Domed display looks quite nice
  • Repairability!
  • Satellite SOS
  • Third proprietary charger in four years
  • Gemini is still hit or miss
  • GPS maps are better, but still a bit wonky

Where to Buy:

Now for Android. Arguably, if you have a Samsung phone, you could go for the Galaxy Watch 8. But I was more impressed by the Pixel Watch 4’s approach to repairability, feature updates, and AI implementation. As a caveat, I’m not a fan of AI fitness and health features, but of the ones I’ve tested so far, Google’s is among the best.

Honorable mentions: For Android users who want superior battery life, check out the OnePlus Watch 3

Fitness fiends, you know who you are

Hi, friends. How’s your Whoop band or eight-year-old Garmin holding up? I’m guessing you already know what you want to buy and don’t really need me to list out the pros and cons of a Garmin, Coros, Polar, Whoop, or one of the Ultra smartwatches. Game recognizes game, and yeah, I agree, the price increase starting with the Garmin Fenix 8 is banana-balls bonkers. 

You don’t really need my opinion here, especially since I suspect a good chunk of you keep DC Rainmaker bookmarked. (He’s great! I’m also a big fan.) Just in case, here are some of my thoughts on some of the products and brands in this space.

Garmin Forerunner 265S

Close-up of the Garmin Forerunner 265S on the wrist of a person putting their hand into a jacket pocket.

Score: 9

ProsCons
  • More intuitive menu navigation
  • Multiband GPS
  • Long battery life — even with AOD enabled
  • Adds helpful training features
  • Oh, oh, it’s OLED, you know
  • It’s $100 more than the 255
  • OLED displays don’t cost $100

Where to Buy:

  • I’m a huge fan of the Garmin Forerunner 265, which is my platonic ideal for a running watch. I also enjoyed the Forerunner 970 if you want a bit extra, but as a petite-wristed person, I prefer the smaller Forerunners. I also think the Forerunner line is a much more budget-friendly alternative to the Fenix while also keeping much of the same features and functionality. That said, if you can splurge a bit, a newer Garmin with the flashlight is well worth it.
  • I’ve liked Coros watches on the whole. Battery life is incredible, but as my colleague Liz Lopatto noted in her Nomad review, the app isn’t as well equipped for adventurers as it is for runners.
  • The only people who should give a whoop about Whoop are athletes — I stand by that in my review of the latest device. That said, I’ve found its newer health features to be dubious. The Whoop age feature is my villain origin story, and its forays into wellness have left me a tad concerned.
  • The Apple Watch Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra are good devices, even if the latter is fugly on my lady wrist. The Ultra 3 is my current daily driver because my garbage eyes love a giant screen, the interoperability with my other gadgets is convenient, and the superior notifications are a godsend for my work life. To me, that’s worth the trade-off in battery life since I constantly switch between wearables anyway. But in another life, one where I don’t do this job and spend more time training, I think I’d be a Garmin Forerunner gal. 
  • You don’t need an Oura Ring, but it is kinda helpful if you really want to prioritize recovery metrics and are committed to a Garmin, Coros, or some other smartwatch. (Garmin’s sleep tracking has never been my favorite, though it’s improved over the years.) I’ve run the numbers, and even with the subscription, I find dual-wielding an Oura and a smartwatch more cost-effective for my needs over a period of three to five years than a Whoop. And since I know you Garmin heads tend to keep your devices for an average of eight years, I think the math works out similarly.