Technical Doctorz

The Apple Watch Series 4’s long-promised electrocardiogram (EKG) feature may finally get support in the upcoming watchOS 5.1.2 update, according to an Apple Store training document obtained by MacRumors . The feature will let the wearable device take EKG measurements using electrodes built into the back of the Watch and the digital crown, improving the Apple Watch’s ability to measure and monitor users’ hearts. Apple has received Type II FDA clearance for the Apple Watch in the US, which, as Angela Chen explains , isn’t quite the same thing as full Type III FDA approval. According to the training document, the EKG features will only be available in regions where the Apple Watch has been cleared for use, which seems to only be the US at the initial launch. That said, it’s hard to imagine that Apple isn’t already working to get medical approval for other countries. The updated watchOS 5.1.2 is in beta testing for developers, but there’s no word yet as to when the final version will b...

The UK coffee chain Costa has announced plans to sell a reusable coffee cup called the “Clever Cup” that doubles as a way to make payments via a removable NFC chip (via Engadget ). As well as getting you the same 25p discount that using your own cup already grants you at the chain, the chip should theoretically let you leave your wallet in your pocket while you’re grabbing your coffee fix. The cup is able to offer this contactless payment technology thanks to a partnership with Barclays. Its bPay initiative has already brought payment technology to devices including wearables and smartwatches. A maximum of £15 of credit can be added to the chip at a time via the bPay app, and it should work anywhere contactless (read: NFC) payments are accepted. Incidentally, this includes rival coffee chain Pret a Manger, which offers a more substantial 50p discount. Fundamentally, we’re on board with anything that encourages people to pick up a reusable cup over the disposable alternatives. Less ...