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Apple took the wraps off a new discounted watch and a next-generation iPad during a virtual event held Tuesday. New iPhones are expected later this year. (September 15)

AP Domestic

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Smartwatch makers have caught up with each others’ innovations. So if you have your heart set on a watch with built-in ECG or blood-oxygen sensing, or SpO2, then Apple or Fitbit, respectively, aren’t your only choices anymore.  

The major brands now all have ECG, SpO2, fall detection/SOS and VO2 Max, an important fitness measure.

Of course, the real value comes not so much from collecting more data, but how well the devices help you translate what the numbers mean for your health and what you can do to improve.

With all the new capabilities, it’s easy to forget these devices are built first