Consumer Corner
Amazfit Announces the Active 2; the Ultimate Everyday Smartwatch for Active and Healthy Living
Amazfit launched the Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch at CES 2025, featuring advanced health monitoring, stylish design, over 160 sports modes, and extended battery life, priced from $99.99.
MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 6, 2025 /CNW/ — Amazfit, a leading global smart wearables brand owned by Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company, today announced the launch of its latest lifestyle smartwatch: the Amazfit Active 2, a wearable that bridges elegance and functionality.
Debuting at CES 2025 and featured at Pepcom and ShowStoppers media events, the Amazfit Active 2 is a lifestyle statement for fashion conscious and health-oriented consumers who want to monitor their fitness without compromising on aesthetics.
Stylish Design Meets Competitive Advantages
Along with a body crafted from stainless steel, the Amazfit Active 2 boasts a round 1.32-inch high-definition AMOLED display that can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, ensuring that users can see their exercise data and maps even under bright sunlight. Consumers can choose from two models when purchasing: a premium version priced at $129.99 that features a black genuine leather strap and a resilient sapphire glass screen covering, or a standard version priced at $99.99 that comes with either a red or black sports-style silicone strap for enhanced breathability during exercise. The premium version will also come with one of these sports-style red silicone straps in the box, as a secondary strap option to equip for workouts.
Cutting-Edge Technology
– Latest Generation Biosensor: The BioTracker™ 6.0 PPG biosensor features a dual-LED and 5PD build, which picks up more biometric signals for enhanced precision in health monitoring and measurement. Zepp Health Corporation zepp.com 2
– Upgraded Heart Rate and Sleep Algorithms: The PulsePrecision™ algorithm enhances heart rate tracking accuracy to the level of the Amazfit T-Rex 3, while the RestoreIQ™ algorithm gives sleep monitoring a similar accuracy boost.
– Additional Sensors: Compared to the previous generation of Amazfit Active, the new release adds a barometer for accurate altitude measurements and support of new sports like skiing, along with an accelerometer and gyroscope for precise recognition of sleep and movement, and an ambient light sensor for optimal display under varying light conditions.
– Extended Battery Life: With a robust 10-day battery life under typical use, the Active 2 is a device that won’t need recharging every night.
– Zepp Flow™: Enables users to control their watch settings, adjust their calendar, and more with just their voice, while also granting Android users the ability to reply to instant messages with either keyboard or speech-to-text input.
– Zepp Pay: Users in Europe can experience secure contactless payments when they purchase the premium version, with this model being named the Amazfit Active 2 NFC on European channels.
Fitness and Wellness Features
– Dynamic Fitness Modes: Over 160 sports modes including HYROX Race Mode, a smart Strength Training mode that can auto-detect specific exercises and intelligently count reps, sets, and rest time, and new winter sports like Skiing.
– Offline Maps with Turn Directions: Supported by 5 satellite systems, users can navigate with ease by importing offline maps and route files to the watch that come with turn-by-turn directions, which can be followed on-screen or broadcast via the built-in speaker or the user’s connected Bluetooth headphones.
– Zepp Coach™ Integration: Offers personalized training and running plans, empowering users of all levels to achieve fitness milestones from 3K runs to full marathons.
– Tailored for Women: With the Wild.AI mini app, women can connect to their accounts directly from the watch for personalized wellness insights tied to their menstrual and hormonal cycles.
– Advanced Health Insights: A daily Readiness score summarizes mental and physical recovery and provides actionable insights, while the HRV feature delivers specialized recovery data.
With its stylish design, premium materials, and advanced capabilities, the Amazfit Active 2 delivers exceptional value as the ultimate companion for fitness enthusiasts and trendsetters alike.
Availability and Pricing
The Amazfit Active 2 is now available for pre-order in the United States on us.amazfit.com, and will be available globally in February, via Amazfit’s official website and through retail partners, with prices starting at $99.99 for the standard version and $129.99 for the premium version. Zepp Health Corporation zepp.com 3
For more information, please visit www.amazfit.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
About Amazfit
Amazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company. Offering a wide selection of smartwatches and bands, Amazfit’s brand tagline “Discover Amazing”, encourages individuals to break their barriers, and exceed expectations while finding joy in every moment.
Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health’s proprietary health management platform that delivers cloud-based 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users attain their wellness goals. With outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won many design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award.
Launched in 2015, Amazfit is today embraced by millions of users. Its products are available in more than 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information about Amazfit, visit www.amazfit.com.
SOURCE Amazfit
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HGTV Unveils the HGTV Dream Home 2026: A $2.4M+ Lake Wylie Retreat Near Charlotte
HGTV unveils the Dream Home 2026 on Lake Wylie near Charlotte, NC—a 3,000+ sq.-ft. waterfront retreat. Enter daily through Feb. 13, 2026.
HGTV just pulled back the curtain on its HGTV® Dream Home 2026—a newly built, fully furnished waterfront escape set on a secluded peninsula along Lake Wylie near Charlotte, North Carolina. And yes, the stakes are big: the sweepstakes winner takes home a grand prize package valued at more than $2.4 million, including the home plus $100,000 cash.
Designed to feel equal parts “weekend getaway” and “forever home,” the property leans hard into lake life—panoramic water views, warm natural finishes, and outdoor spaces built for slow mornings and long sunsets.
A lakeside home built for views (and actual living)
Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, HGTV Dream Home 2026 includes three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, with a layout intentionally oriented to capture Lake Wylie views from nearly every angle.
HGTV describes the home as a calm, curated retreat—where indoor comfort and outdoor beauty are basically in constant conversation. The design palette is rooted in the landscape: earth tones, organic materials, hand-laid stone, custom millwork, classic furnishings, and vintage collectibles that keep the vibe warm and timeless rather than overly trendy.
Some of the standout interior features include:
- A central great room anchored by a reclaimed-wood mantle
- A welcoming dining space with a café-style door
- A chef-style kitchen featuring an over-grouted stone backsplash
- A morning room for casual coffee-and-light moments
- A garage with pantry access plus a dedicated pet wash
- A main bedroom suite with sweeping lake views and a spa-like bath, plus a closet that includes an all-in-one washer/dryer
Outdoor living takes center stage—hello, two-story dock
If the inside is designed for comfort, the outside is designed for the lifestyle. HGTV’s Dream Home 2026 leans into relaxed waterfront living with natural landscaping, laid-back outdoor furnishings, and a pebbled pathway leading to what might be the showstopper: a spectacular two-story dock.
It’s the kind of feature HGTV fans will immediately picture in use—sunrise coffee, sunset watching, and full-on lake days without leaving your property line.
Why Lake Wylie? Location meets laid-back Southern charm
Lake Wylie sits across the North Carolina–South Carolina border and is known for calm waters and an outdoors-first pace. HGTV highlights the lake’s 300+ miles of shoreline and its reputation as a haven for water activities—boating, paddling, and everything in between.
The location also hits that sweet spot of “peaceful but not remote”: it’s about 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, and within easy reach of nearby towns like Belmont and Fort Mill.
The team behind the build and design
The home was built by Knotts Builders, with interior design led by Brian Patrick Flynn, who said he aimed to reflect Lake Wylie’s natural beauty while keeping the home “warm, inviting, and effortlessly livable.”
HGTV’s Howard Lee, Chief Creative Officer & President, US Networks, added that the home showcases the lifestyle of the Lake Wylie destination—and invited viewers to explore and enter for a chance to make it their own.
Sponsors featured throughout the home
HGTV Dream Home projects are also a showcase for sponsor products integrated into the build and lifestyle experience. This year’s lineup includes:
- Spectrum (connectivity)
- HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams (paint palette)
- Husqvarna (lawn tools)
- SimpliSafe (home security)
- Snuggle (laundry products)
- Stanley Steemer (cleaning)
- Trex (decking/outdoor materials)
- VELUX (skylights and sun tunnels)
- Wayfair (furniture, décor, appliances)
How to enter the HGTV Dream Home 2026 giveaway
The official entry window runs from 9 a.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 through 5 p.m. ET Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Eligible fans can enter daily at:
- HGTV.com
- FoodNetwork.com
HGTV notes that both sites will include full details, official rules, and additional home features.
When to watch the HGTV Dream Home 2026 special
Viewers can tune into the one-hour special HGTV Dream Home 2026 on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on HGTV, with streaming availability on Max and discovery+ the same day.
For fans who want a closer look right now, HGTV also has a dedicated Dream Home hub and photo tours online.
Sources:
- https://www.multivu.com/warner_bros_discovery/9364151-en-hgtv-dream-home-2026-sweepstakes
- https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home
- https://www.hgtv.com/sweepstakes/hgtv-dream-home/2026/tour-hgtv-dream-home-2026-pictures
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home improvement
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
Energy-Efficient Home: Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isnít just a smart way to lower utility bills, itís also good for the planet.
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
(Family Features) Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isn’t just a smart way to lower utility bills, it’s also good for the planet. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget further or shrink your energy footprint, small upgrades can transform your home into a more efficient, comfortable living space.
While steps like unplugging electronics when not in use and letting natural light in through windows and skylights throughout the day are small habits that can add up over time, these cost-effective ideas can have a more immediate, noticeable impact.
Seal in Comfort
Check for drafts around windows, doors and vents. Tiny leaks or openings can allow warm air to escape or cool outside air to enter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and maintain cozy indoor temperatures. Adding extra insulation in your attic or crawl spaces can also lead to a more efficient heating system.
Update Lighting
Switching to LED lightbulbs is a simple way to cut down on energy usage. LEDs not only consume a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs but also last longer. To save even more energy, consider pairing them with dimmers or motion sensors, which also add customizable comfort and style.
Replace Outdated Appliances
If your refrigerator, dishwasher or washer and dryer are 10 years old or older, consider investing in an energy-efficient replacement. Modern models are designed to use less water and electricity. Similarly, upgrading to a smart thermostat can make it easier to manage heating schedules automatically and adjust your home’s temperature while out and about.
For more ideas to make your home more efficient year-round, visit eLivingtoday.com.
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Automotive
2025 KIA TELLURIDE RANKS NUMBER ONE IN ITS SEGMENT IN J.D. POWER 2025 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY (IQS)
2025 Telluride
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- Award highlights Telluride’s strong performance in quality, and customer satisfaction
@stmblog Excited to introduce the KiaEV9! This all-electric SUV combines style, space, and sustainability. Ready for your next adventure! ⚡🌍 #ElectricVehicle
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