Apple Watch Series 3 reviews: Freedom from iPhone great, but battery-life and connectivity issues

The first Apple Watch Series 3 reviews are out, and while the device is generally well-received, it also seems the LTE model is not without issues.

The headline feature of the LTE model – the freedom to leave your phone behind while jogging, working out in the gym or heading to the beach – is what’s selling it to most reviewers. The snappier performance is also appreciated.

But some are also reporting short battery-life and connectivity issues, with Apple acknowledging one problem currently affecting the device …

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Twitter ‘popular articles’ feature rolling out to iOS app, tailored to your network

Twitter is rolling out a new Popular Articles feature to both iOS and Android apps, highlighting stories shared or discussed by people you follow. Twitter confirmed to Buzzfeed that it is rolling out to all users.

The Popular Articles feature is just what it sounds like — a list of stories people you follow on Twitter are currently tweeting about, or otherwise engaging with. It also shows links to articles popular in your particular location …

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Review: Apple Watch Series 3 unlocks new potential with LTE, dramatically improved Siri

When the first generation Apple Watch debuted in 2015, people often called it the Dick Tracy watch because you could make phone calls from your wrist like the comic book strip detective known for his 2-way wrist radio. Apple Watch wasn’t fully there yet, however, because it needed a nearby iPhone to actually carry those phone calls. Answering the phone on your watch could be convenient, but it was mostly just a neat demo since you had to carry the iPhone anyway.

Fast forward to today and Apple Watch Series 3 finally lets you make phone calls without carrying your iPhone thanks to optional LTE, but calling is only a part of what cellular enables for the watch. Apple Watch Series 3 can be your dedicated tour guide on your wrist with Maps, your connection to friends and family with Messages, and your always-present personal assistant with Siri — and now even when you’re away from your iPhone.

After using Apple Watch Series 3 for several days, it’s clear to me that LTE largely fulfills the promises made by the original Apple Watch. If the idea of getting away from your iPhone without being totally disconnected gives you peace of mind, Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular is for you. Even without LTE, Apple Watch Series 3 delivers performance improvements and new features that can change how Apple Watch is used.

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