Feed aggregator

Some Americans seem to be extra-alarmed about Ebola and hantavirus in the wake of COVID-19. But public health experts say they don't expect another pandemic this time.

(Image credit: Drew Angerer)

Turning your grass into a garden isn't as complicated as you think, but it will take time and effort. This step-by-step guide breaks down the process, from killing your lawn to picking plants to grow.

(Image credit: Celia Llopis-Jepsen/KCUR)

Pratt, a former reality TV star, is flooding social media with edgy humor, AI slop and combative rhetoric as a way of grabbing attention and winning the vote of the very online. It's a strategy some political experts see as the future of online campaigning.

(Image credit: Andy Kropa/AP)

The Federal Student Aid office lost half its staff last year as part of Trump administration downsizing. Now, it's hiring hundreds of new workers.

About 400 years ago, beavers were hunted to extinction across Britain. Now they're being reintroduced as little climate warriors, as communities harness their dam-building skills to mitigate flooding.

(Image credit: Dan Kitwood)

The agency calls the program an update to the Screening Partnership Program, in which 20 U.S. airports currently use private security screeners rather than federal workers.

(Image credit: Scott Olson)

Alexa+ can now create AI-generated podcasts on any topic for you, but Spotify is going to help you avoid them.

Republicans work to pass reconciliation bill but ballroom money may get left out, Trump says Gulf allies persuaded him not to resume attacks on Iran, U.S. indicts Cuba's former President Raúl Castro.

Roku is bringing two projectors to the market, plus a free update for existing devices, to make World Cup watching easier.

Huawei Band 11 Pro: One minute review

The Huawei Band 11 Pro is a bridge device, sitting right between a simple fitness tracker and a full-blown smartwatch. Released in early 2026, it extends the capabilities of the standard Huawei Band 11 by featuring a more sophisticated build and an upgraded set of sensors. In comparison to many of the best fitness trackers, the Band 11 Pro feels more premium than most cheap ones that I've worn, such as the Amazfit Bip 6, but I'm far from convinced about the 'pro' label.

To give it its due, one feature inclusion that sets it apart from budget counterparts is the onboard GPS for tracking outdoor runs, cycles, and hikes, which is reason enough for the higher price tag compared to the likes of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, which requires users to "piggyback" on a phone's GPS connection.

Despite its core focus being a simple tracker for exercise and health, the watch also includes basic smartwatch features such as notification handling, quick-reply texts, and even a remote camera control. These are handy features that help people feel connected to the world around them, but they're far from deeply integrated due to the lack of a QWERTY keyboard for the text replies, along with non-existent third-party app integration.

In terms of health tracking, Huawei looks to push the boundaries at this price point with Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis for detecting irregular heart rhythms and Sleep Breathing Awareness to monitor for potential issues like sleep apnea. I wouldn't want to rely on these for perfect accuracy, but they're helpful indicators of potential health problems.

Within the broader market of the best smartwatches, the Huawei Band 11 Pro sits in the premium budget sweet spot, directly challenging rivals like the Fitbit Charge 6. While it is considerably more affordable than flagship smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Huawei's own Watch GT series, it provides nearly all the same core health and tracking features, even if they're not quite as accurate.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Huawei Band 11 Pro: Specifications

Component

Huawei Band 11 Pro

Price

$97 USD / £69.99 UK / $139 AUS

Dimensions

43.5 x 28.2 x 8.99mm

Weight

18 g (without strap)

Case/bezel

Aluminium alloy

Display

1.62-inch AMOLED Screen, 286 × 482 pixels, PPI 347

GPS

GNSS

Battery life

Max 14 days, Typical 8 days, AOD 3 days

Connection

Bluetooth 6.0

Water resistance

5 ATM

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Huawei Band 11 Pro: Price and availability

• $97 USD / £69.99 UK / $139 AUS
• Very reasonably priced considering the onboard GPS feature
• Stiff competition from Fitbit, Garmin, and Amazfit

At this price, the Huawei Band 11 Pro is an absolute steal. Getting onboard GPS, an AMOLED display, and an aluminum case is almost unheard of at this price. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the US.

Comparable options include the Amazfit Bip 6 ($79.99 US / £79.90 UK) and the Fitbit Charge 6 ($159.99 / £139.99). If you’d like a cheaper alternative and are happy “piggybacking” onto your phone’s GPS, then you could go for the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 ($73.99 / £39.99).

The Band 11 Pro ships with a fluoroelastomer strap in either Black or Isle Blue finishes. If you’d prefer a braided nylon strap, you can have this in Field Green. Whichever strap you choose, the spec of the watch remains the same.

• Value score 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Huawei Band 11 Pro: Design

• Large and bright AMOLED display
• Aluminum alloy case, which is a step up from polymer alternatives
• 5 ATM water resistance rating

The Huawei Band 11 Pro is a basic band-style design but with a more premium 'pro' aesthetic than most cheaper trackers. This is most noticeable in the upgraded 1.62-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, which is nearly 30% larger than its predecessor.

As impressive as the size is, it's actually the brightness of it which struck me first. Maxing out at 2,000 nits, it falls short of the much more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 3, but at this price the brightness is excellent; it delivered clear graphics, whether inside in a dark room or outside in full sun. The 347 PPI resolution isn't too shabby either, with text appearing sharp and icons vibrant.

From a build quality perspective, Huawei has opted for a CNC-cut aluminum alloy case which looks and feels markedly more premium than the polymer frames typically found on cheap fitness trackers. This metallic finish is complemented by a slim profile, measuring just 8.99 mm in thickness, allowing the device to sit flush against the wrist. In short, it looks the part, whether you're down the gym, out on a run, or at work.

I tested the version with the breathable fluoroelastomer strap and was surprised how comfortable it was. It’s also easily cleaned when exposed to dirt or sweat. All-day wearability, including at night, is possible due to the 25g weight (with strap), as it’s comfortable and you hardly notice it's there.

To ensure durability, the device carries a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning it's waterproof and able to withstand showering, swimming and even water sports.

• Design Score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Huawei Band 11 Pro: Features

• Onboard GPS and sleep insights
• Pulse wave arrhythmia analysis
• Sleep insights and emotional wellbeing

The ‘Pro’ label is on account of a number of feature decisions that Huawei has made to elevate the user experience beyond other entry-level alternatives. This begins with built-in GPS (GNSS), which means you can leave your phone at home when going out for a run or cycle and still track your route. It can also detect when you have stopped at a traffic light or for a break and will automatically pause the workout tracking, although like other Huawei watches, you can toggle this feature on or off.

Overnight, it tracks your average sleep HRV, along with heart rate and SpO2, and lets you know when something’s outside your usual range. It also includes Sleep Breathing Awareness, which monitors breathing disruptions during sleep for insights into your nighttime breathing. A basic presentation of your sleep data is provided on the watch, but a more in-depth set of graphs, reports, and advice are viewable in the Huawei Health app.

Next up is 'Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis', which identifies atrial fibrillation (AFib). It utilizes the same optical sensor technology that measures your heart rate, but applies a much higher level of data processing. The best Apple Watches also have an AFib feature, useful for determining whether your heart rate is irregular and whether you need to see a medical professional. If this is an important measurement to you, then I would go with this Huawei rather than a cheaper model.

For users who want help with monitoring their mental health, there's the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. This provides real-time insights through its comprehensive mood and stress management system. Rather than just showing a "stress score", it uses physiological data to categorize your mood into visual states. These act as quick identifiers of what is going on inside your body.

• Features Score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Huawei Band 11 Pro: Performance

• A very easy and enjoyable watch to use
• Sub-par GPS accuracy not surprising at this price point
• Excellent battery performance

As is the case with all Huawei watches, the user experience is a positive one. The Huawei OS interface is clearly laid out with easy-to-understand icons. Moving between features and settings is quick and responsive with little room for confusion about how to navigate around the menus. You can also choose between a list or grid view depending on your preference. The lack of a microphone means there are no voice commands, but that would be a lot to ask at this price.

There are over 100 workouts to choose from with the entire set pre-loaded onto the watch. The order of these, and whether they appear in the quick list, is easily customized. The watch can auto-detect workouts like running, which I made use of a few times when I had forgotten to set things up prior to exercising. As soon as you choose your workout, the watch searches for a GPS signal and alerts you when it’s found. You can begin the workout prior to a GPS lock, but accuracy will be compromised.

I was impressed by how quickly and easily the Band 11 Pro was able to find a GPS signal, even when I was indoors. In terms of GPS accuracy, I ran side-by-side comparisons with the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, which performed as well as our gold standard, the Apple Watch Ultra series. Unfortunately the Band 11 Pro was left wanting with up to a 10% discrepancy on a range of tracked activities, including runs, walks, and bike rides.

As for health tracking, heart rate and SpO2 were in close range compared to the Watch Ultimate 2. Both watches also reported no abnormalities in relation to the Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis, which was not only great to see from an accuracy point of view but also from a personal health perspective!

When I wore the watch at night, it successfully picked up most of my waking, but not all instances. No surprises there given the low cost of the device and limited complexity of the sensors. Despite its claims to be able to track REM, deep, and light sleep; HRV (Heart Rate Variability), and more, I would take its reports with a pinch of salt. It can give indications and provide general trends, but this isn't medical quality data. The Oura Ring 4, one of the best smart rings, is a wearable sleep-tracking gold standard (or as close as it gets) and is considerably more expensive than this slender band.

The Band 11 Pro excels when it comes to battery performance and is in fact one of its strongest selling points. Despite having a significantly brighter and larger screen than its predecessor, it manages to achieve a maximum of two weeks' use when Always-On Display (AOD) is disabled and GPS tracking is kept to a minimum, worthy of one of the best Garmin watches.

When I turned on continuous heart rate monitoring, performed sleep tracking, and carried out a few workouts per week, the battery stayed alive nearly a week, which is reasonable given that you're not going to be using this type of tracker for long-distance off-grid excursions. I found recharging to be very quick, with 0-100% achieved in a little over an hour.

• Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)Huawei Band 11 Pro: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A great price for a budget smartwatch with some advanced features.

4.5/5

Design

A simple design with a metal case and AMOLED display sets it apart.

4/5

Features

Onboard GPS and excellent sleep tracking help elevate this smartwatch beyond super-budget alternatives.

4/5

Performance

Intuitive user experience and excellent battery life but lacks GPS accuracy.

4/5

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You want a simple fitness tracker that just keeps on going

With a low-power HarmonyOS, the Band 11 Pro can stretch to up to 14 days. That means it won't be a problem if you forget to pack the charger when going on holiday.

You need to sort out your sleep and need some accurate metrics

Through the use of medical-grade algorithms, the watch is capable of detecting sleep apnea risks and breathing interruptions.

You want a great-looking smartwatch without the premium price tag

With an aluminum alloy case and an AMOLED display, it moves beyond super-budget trackers without entering into flagship or ultra territory.

Don't buy it if...

You're an avid fan of the Google or Apple ecosystem

If you're reliant on Google Fit, Apple Health, Maps, or YouTube Music, then you'll find it difficult to make full use of the Band 11 Pro experience.

You love having third-party apps on your wrist

With zero support for WhatsApp, Spotify, or even Uber, you'll have a very limited smartwatch experience.

You buy a smartwatch for its pro features

Despite the name, it's hard to justify that this is a pro tracker. The lack of advanced health diagnostics and NFC capabilities limits its use beyond exercise tracking.

Also consider

Fitbit Charge 6

A very similarly specced smartwatch to the Huawei Band 11 Pro but with a slightly higher price tag. If you want a more recognisable budget smartwatch brand, then this Fitbit will do the job nicely.

Read our Fitbit Charge 6 reviewView Deal

Amazfit Bip 6

A square-shaped alternative with onboard GPS. Very similarly priced, so if you want a larger display, this is a great option.

Read our Amazfit Bip 6 reviewView Deal

Xiaomi Smart Band 10

A super cute and very affordable fitness tracker, but it lacks onboard GPS. We’d recommend this one if you’re on a seriously tight budget and don’t mind taking your phone with you for GPS connectivity when exercising.

Read our Xiaomi Smart Band 10 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Huawei Band 11 Pro almost non-stop for three weeks. I used it while running, cycling, walking, showering, working out, sleeping, playing with my children, texting, photographing, and daily life. I tested its GPS against the reliable Huawei Watch Ultimate and compared its specs to contemporaries in its price category.

First reviewed: May 2026

The Huawei Band 11 Pro has an impressive set of features but it lacks GPS accuracy

Two police officers who helped defend the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot are suing to block anyone from receiving payouts from a new settlement fund.

(Image credit: John Minchillo)

The former prosecutor faces federal charges over allegations that she sent a report on Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's hoarding of classified documents to her personal email account.

(Image credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Israel's national security minister triggered a backlash after releasing videos taunting detained flotilla activists who tried to breach the blockade of Gaza, telling them they should be imprisoned.

(Image credit: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Healthcare workers in eastern Congo said Wednesday they are underprotected and undertrained in a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak of a rare type of the virus in one of the world's most vulnerable places.

(Image credit: Moses Sawasawa)

Gigabyte MO27U2: Two-Minute Review

We’ve seen many glitzy gaming monitors over the past few years, so it’s almost refreshing to see a premium model that eschews all the in-your-face RGB lighting and pointy bits for a more sober option that better suits a mixed work-and-play environment.

But is the Gigabyte MO27U2 actually worth buying?

It’s a tandem QD-OLED screen with a multi-layer OLED structure that boosts brightness and efficiency, while Gigabyte’s OLED Care features help reduce burn-in risk. Its latest-gen sub-pixel technology fends off the spidery text that blighted predecessors, and this, plus the high resolution, high-pixel-density, reflection-reducing, glossy coating, means it’s also very good for work: multiple windows can be comfortably used at once and large spreadsheets can be more easily viewed.

When it came to multimedia, the QD-OLED’s penchant for color vibrancy and contrast quickly came to the fore, but there were some issues.

Despite a huge number of image-tinkering options in the on-screen display (OSD) menu, finding a perfect balance of HDR contrast and image clarity proved trying. No matter what I did, highlights would blow out noticeably in bright areas while patchy image aberrations often blighted content. I haven’t seen image-processing issues like that for a while.

Switching color spaces and preset modes often felt like installing a too-small carpet: shifting in one direction might smooth out some color issues but introduce horrendous blocky artifacts to gradients. It’s not altogether terrible, but I expect better from a premium gaming monitor.

(Image credit: Future)

The 240Hz refresh rate keeps rapidly moving objects practically blur-free, with G-Sync helping prevent image tearing.

Motion clarity is supposedly enhanced by Gigabyte’s ‘Ultra Clear’ technology, but the setting was grayed out no matter what settings I adjusted. Indeed, fighting with settings became a regular annoyance: while some changes provided instantaneous results, others would see the monitor essentially reset and potentially require a full Windows reconfiguration. A firmware upgrade made no difference.

The new Gigabyte Control Center app also felt like a broken mess. It struggled to identify the monitor, offered fewer options than the OSD and didn’t automatically sync with them. While you might not change settings regularly, you won’t want to tinker with this too much.

(Image credit: Future)

Beyond the 4K QD-OLED screen, the MO27U2 hangs its hat on its gaming enhancements. The OLED variable refresh rate (VRR) anti-flicker feature will appeal to console gamers keen to reduce flicker when variable refresh rates are in play. The ‘Tactical Switch’ button quickly drops the display size down to a 24-inch mode and switches the aspect ratio to 4:3 or 5:4 to suit particularly persnickety competitive first-person shooter (FPS) players.

There’s an all-green-screen night-vision feature, an Eagle Eye sniper-zoom window plus the usual on-screen crosshairs and contrast-busting Black Equalizer features to stop enemies from jumping out of shadows. Some feel gimmicky, but they’ll appeal to niche audiences.

Another core feature is Gigabyte’s multifaceted anti-burn-in technology, backed by a three-year warranty, which potentially provides additional peace of mind.

Ultimately, though, the MO27U2 is priced as a premium gaming monitor but misses the mark in just too many areas. There are better options for similar money.

(Image credit: Future)Gigabyte MO27U2: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $650 / £539 / AU$1,499
• When is it available? It’s out now in most regions
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, Australia and elsewhere

Gigabyte’s MO27U2 is available at significantly different price points all over the world, yet it’s expensive everywhere.

It’s worth comparing it with other premium UHD, 240Hz QD-OLED monitors in your region as it’s likely you’ll find a better deal, especially in Australia where the price is significantly higher, for some reason.

• Value: 3 / 5

Gigabyte MO27U2: SpecsGigabyte MO27U2 specifications

Screen size

27-inch

Aspect ratio

16:9

Resolution

3,840 x 2,160

Brightness

250 nits typical SDR; 1,000 nits peak HDR at 3% average picture level

Refresh rate

240Hz

Response time

0.03ms GTG

Viewing angle

178°(H)/178°(V)

Contrast ratio

1,500,000:1

Color coverage

99% DCI-P3

Inputs

1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C (18W power delivery), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-B, 1x 3.5mm audio jack

Weight

7.1kg (15.7lb)

Gigabyte MO27U2: Design

• Sober, work-friendly design
• Good connectivity
• Excellent gaming features

The Gigabyte MO27U2 has a thin yet robust glass screen that’s supported by a (refreshingly small) sturdy base. It’s simple to assemble owing to the stem clipping onto the back of the screen and screwing onto the base with a single thumbscrew.

The stem affords plenty of adjustment: there’s -5° to +21° of tilt, -15° to +15° of swivel, 90° of counterclockwise pivot and a generous 130mm (5.1in) of height adjustment. Its small footprint means competitive gamers can get right up close to it.

(Image credit: Future)

All of the important ports are covered. There are two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, one USB-C port (that supports DisplayPort, 18W power delivery and USB hub connectivity) plus one USB-B upstream port and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 downstream ports. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack and (usefully) two 5W speakers. Some may lament offering only 18W of power delivery in the modern market, but that’s nitpicking. DisplayPort 2.1 is also an omission that few in the real world will miss.

FutureFuture

You can access the settings by a joystick button (and two programmable buttons) at the bottom of the screen. It’s mostly responsive and intuitive, but some adjustments can reset the screen and even require setting up in Windows all over again.

I'm not sure what’s happened to the Gigabyte Control Center app, which is now barely functional. On the occasions that it did detect the display, it only provided access to a handful of settings and then wouldn’t always sync them with the screen.

FutureFuture

A Game Assist menu provides access to ‘Game Info’ such as an on-screen timer, refresh rate display and multiple on-screen crosshairs. The Tactical Switch setting allows configuration of the shortcut button (next to the joystick button). You can also use it to automatically switch the display from a 16:9 ratio to 4:3 or 5:4. Resolution can be switched to a 24-inch mode with 4:3 and 5:4 options, something that makes a difference when playing competitive shooters.

Other features include an Eagle Eye sniper zoom box in the middle of the screen. I find this unusably annoying, but if you’re a camping sniper-type player, it might be beneficial to your ‘gameplay.’ There’s also ‘green-screen-style’ night vision (which I couldn’t get on with) plus (a welcome) flash dimming setting.

Other gaming features include AI Black Equalizer, which flattens contrast to reveal enemies hiding in shadows.

(Image credit: Future)

If you’ve got a console, then VRR mode can help prevent tearing in supported 120Hz games. Separately, Ultra Clear inserts black frames at 120Hz to reduce motion blur. It’s very effective and something that pro-gaming esports screens often make use of.

Other features are the usual monitor fare. There are plenty of image adjustment options and presets, so you can (at least attempt to) set up the monitor just so.

Finally, there’s a suite of OLED Care options including Pixel Clean, Static Control, Pixel Shift, Sub-Logo Dim, Corner Dim and much more. It also regularly performs an automatic maintenance cycle, but you can delay it if you’re in the middle of something important (unlike some rivals).

All in all, there are few features missing from the Gigabyte MO27U2, but it gets marked down for the terrible partner app and slow adjustment of some settings.

• Design: 4 / 5

Gigabyte MO27U2: Performance

• Impressive QD-OLED panel
• Mediocre HDR handling
• Fast 240Hz gaming performance

The tandem QD-OLED panel is generally very impressive. It gets bright (1,000-nit peak HDR brightness), with rich and vibrant colors, very good contrast and very nearly true blacks. The issue of spidery text (that we’ve seen with previous-generation panels) has been banished, and this, plus the UHD resolution and a physics-defying, low-reflection glossy screen means it’s excellent for work as well as multimedia consumption.

However, being a premium monitor means my expectations are higher. HDR performance is an issue: while details are visible in dark areas and bright lights pierce through them in localized areas of the screen, highlights get lost in bright areas too easily.

This image shows how highlights get lost in bright areas too easily (Image credit: Future)

Transitions and gradients are mostly very smooth, but most adjustments will transform them into a stepped, blocky, artifact-riddled mess. This will be a minor point for many gamers, but there are better performers for similar money (not least from Gigabyte) available, so it’s marked down accordingly.

Still, the 240Hz refresh rate marries with a fast, 0.03ms pixel response time to banish blur to a degree where only the most demanding competitive FPS players might grumble. Nvidia G-Sync compatibility ensures image tearing isn’t an issue.

The twin 5W speakers might not offer the best fidelity, but they get loud and punchy and are very useful for watching casual videos from time to time, so I appreciate their inclusion.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Gigabyte MO27U2?Gigabyte MO27U2 scorecard

Value

The Gigabyte MO27U2 is expensive in all markets but performance doesn’t quite live up to the price.

3 / 5

Design

Many gaming monitors are dripping with RGB and design flourishes. The MO27U2 is far more sober, which will appeal to many.

4 / 5

Performance

The MO27U2 is great for work but not perfect when it comes to multimedia and gaming performance.

4 / 5

Final score

Ultimately, the Gigabyte MO27U2 promises much but doesn’t quite deliver at its premium price point

4 / 5

Buy the Gigabyte MO27U2 if...

You want a fast, colorful, UHD gaming monitor and you can find it at a good price
The price of the Gigabyte MO27U2 varies widely from region to region. If you can find it cheap, the speed, high resolution and general color performance will make it good value.

You want a gaming monitor for work, too
The UHD resolution, basic-looking stand and low reflectivity mean you can comfortably work on the Gigabyte MO27U2 all day.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a demanding multimedia enthusiast
Though colorful and bright, the HDR performance isn’t the best and the settings don’t make it easy to correct all of the issues. While tandem QD-OLED is notionally the top technology of today, this isn’t the best implementation of it.

You’re not flush with cash
There are plenty of very high-quality gaming monitors on the market and prices are getting lower as the market matures.

(Image credit: Future)Also Consider

Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P
Gigabyte’s last-gen S-tier, 32-inch gaming monitor might technically be last generation but it’s better in many important ways and the price has dropped considerably since launch.

Read our Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P review

Gigabyte M32UC
Gigabyte’s non-QD-OLED, 4K gaming monitor packs in the features and still manages to offer a 144Hz refresh rate. It’s also significantly cheaper.

Read our Gigabyte M32UC review

Want more options? Check out our guide to the best gaming monitors.

The Gigabyte MO27U2 is fast and colorful, but its HDR issues and high price hold it back.

Ten U.S. mayors from cities such as Chicago and Cincinnati have joined a pact with European mayors to defend democracy and progressive values and fight right-wing populists and authoritarianism.

(Image credit: Courtesy of the city of Bratislava)

Senate lawmakers grilled sports betting industry officials during a hearing focused on recent cheating scandals, companies' marketing tactics and regulatory battles.

(Image credit: Mariam Zuhaib)

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for May 21.