Technologies

New Study Shows Smartwatch Stress Sensors Have No Idea What They’re Doing

Dutch researchers found that not only are stress sensors inaccurate, but they sometimes report the opposite of user experiences.

You might want to think twice before you put a lot of stock in the latest stress charts from your fitness wearable. A recent study from the Netherlands’ Leiden University, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, has found that when smartwatches and similar devices record readings on stress, fatigue or sleep, they’re frequently getting it wrong.

Researchers studied 800 young adults using the same Garmin Vivosmart 4 smartwatch model. They compared the data the smartwatches produced with the reports that the users created four times per day about how sleepy or stressed they were feeling. Lead author and associate professor Eiko Fried said the correlation between the wearable data and the user-created data was, «basically zero.»

A representative for Garmin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Stressed or sex? Your watch doesn’t know

So why do wearables like fitness smartwatches get it so wrong? Their sensors are fairly limited in what they can do. Watches like these need to be worn correctly at all times (a loose or tight watch may give poor readings, for example), and they typically use basic information like pulse rate and movement to make guesses about health.

Those guesses don’t always reflect real-world scenarios. A wearable may identify high stress when the real cause of the change was a workout, excitement over good news, or sex. There are so many potential alternatives to stress or fatigue that the watches in the study never really got it right — and the devices sometimes guessed the complete opposite emotional state from what users recorded.

The Dutch study did note that Garmin’s Body Battery readings, which specifically measure physical fatigue, were more reliable than stress indicators, but still inaccurate. And sleep sensing performed the best of them all, with Garmin watches showing a two-thirds chance of noting the differences between a good night’s sleep and a bad one.

It’s also worth noting that smartwatch sensors can become more accurate as technology improves. It would be interesting to run a similar study with the newer Garmin Vivosmart 5 to see if anything has improved, as well as see if other models like the latest versions of the Apple Watch have similar accuracy results.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im