Editor’s note: Due to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo, new Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 units sold in the US no longer have the blood oxygen feature. Older models are unaffected. You can tell if you have a unit with the blood oxygen feature disabled if the part number ends in LW/A.
Technology
The best Apple Watch to buy in 2024
It used to be easy to pick an Apple Watch. All you had to do was choose whether you wanted the larger model or the smaller one. Then Apple added optional cellular connectivity. Then, a more affordable Watch SE (now in its second generation) and, in 2022, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra (also now in its second generation). Suddenly, there are lots of options.
Now that Apple has announced the Series 10, perfectly good older versions of the Apple Watch will get discounted as retailers try to empty their inventory. You may also see more refurbished versions of these older models pop up. If you’re interested in more premium materials, like stainless steel, this is a great way to get a fancier version of last year’s watch. You won’t be missing out on too much, either. The past few years have seen iterative updates in terms of hardware — and the bulk of new features come from software updates. With that said, keep in mind that the latest version of watchOS, watchOS 11, doesn’t support the Series 4, 5, and first-gen SE.
Buying refurbished is one way that you may be able to upgrade from an older model without giving up blood oxygen. Due to a patent battle with Masimo, new Series 9 and Ultra 2 models sold in the US after January 18th, 2024, no longer have this feature. This is not a big deal for most people, but if that feature is important to you, older watches and Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold by Apple before January 18th still had the feature. (As do watches overseas. The ban only impacts US units.)
What about the new Series 10? In a nutshell, it’s got a bigger screen, it’s about 10 percent thinner, and it’s lighter than previous models. It’s also got a new FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection feature. There are a ton of new colors and finishes, with titanium replacing stainless steel. All in all, it’s an iterative update but one we find meaningful in terms of readability and wearability.
So much choice can lead to analysis paralysis. But don’t worry. I’ve tested every single version of the Apple Watch you can buy right now — in addition to basically every other fitness watch and smartwatch on the market — and can steer you in the right direction.
Should you get an Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch is the best overall smartwatch for iPhone users. Many smartwatches are better than the Apple Watch for hardcore athletes, even with the Ultra models in the mix. But other watches fall short when it comes to productivity, safety features, controlling your smart home, and interacting with other Apple devices and services. And the Apple Watch has the most robust third-party app ecosystem of any smartwatch on the market.
By their nature, wearables are incredibly personal devices — and you won’t get the benefits of an Apple Watch if you don’t wear it regularly. The last thing you want is to spend hundreds of dollars on a thing that ends up collecting dust in a drawer. The best way to avoid this is to stack the deck in your favor and prioritize comfort. Before you try to start mulling over which Apple Watch model you should get, take a second to figure out which size and strap material will best fit your wrist.
The SE and Series watches come in two sizes each. The SE comes in 40mm and 44mm, while the Series 7, 8, and 9 are 41mm and 45mm. The new Series 10 ups the size again to 42mm and 46mm. The larger models are better for readability, while the smaller ones are more comfortable for those with petite wrists. Both the SE and the Series watches have aluminum cases, but the Series 10 now comes in titanium, too. (Older models come in stainless steel.) Most people will be fine with aluminum, but if you’re clumsy or very active, you’ll benefit from the extra durability offered by stainless steel or titanium. You might also just like the look better — and that’s valid since watches are a personal piece of tech. Just be prepared to pay a few hundred bucks more for that.
As for straps, we recommend the nylon sp
ort loop, as it’s the most breathable option, has the easiest clasp, and is less irritating than the silicone options, which is great for sensitive skin. If you want more fashionable options, we recommend checking out Amazon or Etsy for a wider variety of styles and more affordable pricing.
You’ll want to check third parties for leather accessories, too. With the Series 9, Apple announced it will no longer make leather accessories in a bid to achieve carbon neutrality. Apple does have a suede-like FineWoven alternative, but it’s expensive, and in my experience, the material is extremely polarizing. Most Verge staffers agree it works better on the watch than on the phone case, but save yourself some grief and feel it out for yourself at an Apple Store before buying.
The Ultra and Ultra 2 both come in one size — 49mm — and with titanium cases. They come with their own special straps, too: the trail loop, alpine loop, and ocean loop. As their names suggest, they’re geared toward runners, hikers, and divers, but you can pick whichever one suits your fancy. We recommend the trail loop, as it’s the lightest and most versatile of the three. All the Ultra straps work with any 44mm or 45mm Series watch, and the Ultra is compatible with any 44mm or 45mm Apple Watch strap.
And while the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch you can get as an iPhone user, you can also always check out our fitness tracker buying guide.
Apple Watch Series, SE, or Ultra?
This year’s Series 10 is a more modest update. It primarily focuses on making the watches more comfortable while adding a larger, wide-angle OLED display. If you’re upgrading from an older model, you’ll definitely notice that you can see more from the wrist. The speakers now play music and podcasts, and voice isolation on calls has been improved. There’s an added depth and water temperature sensor, which makes it a better companion for water sports as well. Fast charging has also been meaningfully improved. On the health front, Apple has brought FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection to the watch, along with the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
We recommend the second-gen Apple Watch SE for younger people and first-time smartwatch buyers. If you’re upgrading from an earlier Apple Watch, you want an always-on display, or you want more advanced health tracking, you should consider the Series 10. And if you want the brightest screen, the best durability and battery life, and even more advanced fitness features, we recommend the Ultra 2.
The Series 10 is Apple’s flagship smartwatch. Compared to earlier models, it’s going to get you the fastest processor, quick charging, a larger display, and all the latest sensors. Prices start at $399 for the 42mm version and $429 for the 46mm. Adding LTE connectivity will add $100 to the price, plus whatever your carrier charges for the service. Prices start at $699 for the polished titanium models.
The second-gen SE has a nylon composite back, which helps shave $30 off the original’s price. You can get a cellular version, and it supports many of the same advanced features as the last-gen Series 8, like fall detection, emergency calling, Fitness Plus, Apple Pay, and Family Setup. The biggest difference is that it lacks an always-on display, the EKG sensor, the temperature sensors, and the SpO2 sensor. The display is also slightly smaller on both sizes of the SE. It starts at $249 for the 40mm and $279 for the 44mm. Adding LTE will tack on an extra $50 in addition to your carrier’s fees.
To be perfectly honest, if you’re young and healthy, you’re not really missing out on EKG or SpO2. (Also, new watches sold in the US currently have the SpO2 feature disabled anyway.) The SE’s heart rate sensor is still capable of providing abnormal heart rate alerts. Right now, Apple’s SpO2 features are limited to spot checks. There’s not much you can do with that information, and unlike the EKGs, this is only cleared for general wellness purposes. It will not be able to replace a fingertip pulse oximeter, and you should never use it in this way.
The main purpose of the EKG sensor is to enable atrial fibrillation detection — and if your doctor’s given you a clean bill of health, you will likely only use this feature once or twice. According to the American Heart Association, the biggest risk factors for AFib are advanced age, underlying heart conditions, high blood pressure, family history, and sleep apnea, among other lifestyle choices. If this doesn’t apply to you, the SE is still going to give you an excellent health tracking experience and all the same smart features. Young, first-time buyers may as well save the extra $150 — so long as the lack of an always-on display isn’t a deal-breaker.
There are some situations where opting for the Series 10 is the better choice, however, like if you want an always-on display or need to have the latest and greatest. The larger, wide-angle OLED display also provides much better readability for anyone with bad eyesight. It’s also the better choice if you have a heart condition or are at a higher risk of developing AFib. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, you’ll also need a Series 9, 10, or Ultra 2 to access that feature.
The Ultra 2 currently sits atop the lineup as Apple’s premium smartwatch. It’s visually distinct from both the Series and SE — and at 49mm, it’s the biggest of them all. Not only that, it has increased durability, water resistance, and a raised lip to protect the flat display. It also has an additional water temperature and depth sensor for divers, three microphones, and two speakers, which enable the Siren. It’s also got the Action button, which can be programmed for various activities, pause workouts, and trigger the Siren. At $799, this is the most expensive Apple Watch, but every model comes equipped with LTE capability. If you have an Ultra and are wondering if you should upgrade to the Ultra 2, the answer is no. If you have an Ultra 2 and are wondering if you should upgrade to the new black color, the answer is also no. (Admittedly, it does look quite nice.) It’s too soon, and there’s not enough of a difference. We recommend the Ultra 2 for new buyers only.
If battery life is your highest priority, getting either Ultra is the best choice. In testing, we got up to 60 hours without Low Power Mode enabled. However, if you use about one hour of GPS tracking a day or take calls, you’re more likely to get around two days. It’s also the better choice if you frequently hike, dive, or run trails. While marketed as a hardcore watch for explorers, in our opinion, it’s more of an aspirational watch for weekend warriors and intermediate athletes — or anyone who wants to be at that level.
You’re not going to beat either Ultra on battery life, but you can stretch out the battery life on the Series 4 or later with Low Power Mode. You can even sleep track with Low Power Mode on, though it’ll turn off background health sensors. With the Series 10, Apple has improved fast charging as well. Official estimates are that you can get 0 to 80 percent in 30 minutes, which roughly matches our real-world testing. Just be sure you’re using the correct charging accessories.
If you have smaller wrists, you may want to opt for the Series 10 as it has fast charging and is more comfortable to wear long-term. Faster charging comes in clutch when you’re about to head to bed and you’ve only got 15 percent battery. Also, if you’re the type that values futureproofing, the Series 10’s hardware will be able to support newer features for a longer period of time thanks to its newer processor. This is why folks who love their watch and are looking to upgrade from a Series 4 or older should also pick the Series 10. If you’re already in the habit of wearing the watch daily, you’ll get more mileage out of it as the SE is more of a gateway device, and the Ultra is overkill for the average joe.
The best Apple Watch if you’re on a budget
The latest Watch SE is the way to go for people who want to futureproof their hardware without breaking the bank (so long as you’re okay forgoing a larger display). You’re getting the same processor as the Series 8 and original Ultra, plus Crash Detection.
While the second-gen SE is an excellent watch, it’s not always the right choice. It’s meant to be a gateway watch, so it’s best suited to folks who are completely new to the Apple Watch and want to spend as little as possible. If you’re looking to upgrade from an older watch but don’t want to pony up for the Series 10, there’s another option: buying a used or refurbished Apple Watch.
Buying secondhand devices is also better for the environment and a more affordable way to get more expensive materials. Materials like sapphire glass, stainless steel, or titanium can add hundreds to the price of a new watch. It’s also a good way to save money if you’re just not excited by the Series 10’s features but want more than what the SE offers.
It’ll take some patience to find the best price and the model you want. After all, you’re limited by what’s available. However, there are several sites that offer older models. Sometimes, you can also find deals and sales as well. If you’re worried about getting scammed, look for deals recommended by sources you trust (cough, cough, Verge Deals). Apple also sells its own refurbished models, which come with a full Apple warranty and are generally in a “like new” condition, though the selection can be limited, and you likely won’t pay less than a new SE. Sites like Back Market will also let you sort by condition and obtain a 12-month warranty.
If you’re considering a used or refurbished model, we recommend the Series 7 or Series 8 because they’ll get you a larger screen for readability. We also recommend that you use $250 as a benchmark since that’s the price of a new base model Watch SE. With that said, if you’re getting premium materials, going a little higher is fine. Do not get a refurbished Series 3 or older. Although you can find them for $100 (sometimes less!), they can’t run the latest software and even struggle to update the newest software they do support.
The best Apple Watch for kids
If you want your child to have an Apple Watch, we recommend picking a cellular Apple Watch SE or, if you can find one, a refurbished Series 4, 5, or 6 with cellular. All of these watches come in smaller sizes than the Series 7, 8, or 9, which will likely better fit their wrist. Also, the lower price will give you better peace of mind if you have a rambunctious kid. They likely won’t need many of the marquee features found in watchOS 11, either. That being said, if you want the most futureproof options, the second-gen SE and Series 6 are the best choices.
Since you’re buying for children, you’ll likely want to use Family Setup, as it will give you greater parental controls. (You can read our review of the feature here.) However, there are technical specifications that you’ll need to match in order to use it. You’ll need a cellular version of the device, and it must at least support watchOS 7. Apple’s support page states that you need a Series 4 or later or an Apple Watch SE for Family Setup.
If you opt for the Family Setup route, not every feature will be available. While you can get Apple Pay and certain health features, you will not get the following: health data sharing, respiratory rate, irregular heart rhythm notifications, EKG, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Blood Oxygen, Podcasts, Remote, News, Home, and Shortcuts.
The best Apple Watch for older relatives
This can be a tricky one, but we recommend a cellular Series 9 or 10.
For starters, the larger screen is much easier on the eyes. You can also increase the text size to be larger than on the SE or older Apple Watches. The always-on display aids accessibility, especially if arm mobility is a consideration. You’ll also get the full suite of health features, including irregular heartbeat alerts, walking steadiness, EKGs, fall detection, sleep apnea detection, and emergency calling. These models also have the double tap feature and improved Siri functionality, which may be helpful for elderly relatives with dexterity issues.
You can use the Ultra, but you should keep its size and weight in mind. Depending on your loved one’s wrist size and health, it may not make sense. Both sizes of the Series 10 have comparable screen sizes but are much lighter and more comfortable to wear.
If your older relative has an iPhone and you’re hoping to use this for health reasons, we also don’t recommend Family Setup. That’s because you cannot use features like irregular heart rhythm notifications, EKG, and health data sharing. If your relative doesn’t have an iPhone, however, Family Setup is a fine option. You’ll still get high and low heart rate notifications, walking steadiness, and fall detection.
Update, October 16th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability.
Technology
Rampant ransom payments highlight need for urgent action on cyber resiliency
A whopping 69% of organizations have reported paying ransoms this year, according to research by Cohesity, with 46% handing over a quarter of a million dollars or more to cybercriminals. It is hardly the picture of resiliency that is often painted by industry. Clearly, there is a disconnect between cyber resiliency policy and operational capability that urgently needs addressing.
With the advent of Ransomware-as-a-Service platforms and the current global geopolitical situation, organizations face a huge existential threat through destructive cyber attacks that could put them out of business. This gap between confidence and capability needs to be addressed, but in order to do so, those organizations need to recognize there is a problem in the first place.
According to the Global cyber resilience report 2024, which surveyed 3,139 IT and Security Operations (SecOps) decision-makers, despite 77% of companies having a ‘do not pay’ policy, many have found themselves unable to respond and recover from attacks without caving in to ransom demands. In addition, only 2% of organizations can recover their data and restore business operations within 24 hours of a cyberattack – despite 98% of organizations claiming their recovery target was one day.
This clearly indicates that current cyber resilience strategies are failing to deliver when it matters most. Companies have set ambitious recovery time objectives (RTOs), but are nowhere close to building the appropriate effective and efficient investigation and threat mitigation capability needed to rebuild and recover securely. Most organizations treat a destructive cyber attack like a traditional business continuity incident like a flood, fire or electricity loss – recovering from the last backup and bringing back in all the vulnerabilities, gaps in prevention and detection, as well as persistence mechanisms that caused the incident in the first place. The gap between these goals and actual capabilities is a ticking time bomb, leaving businesses vulnerable to prolonged downtime and severe financial losses.
Equally alarming is the widespread neglect of Zero-Trust Security principles. While many companies tout their commitment to securing sensitive data, less than half have implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) or role-based access controls (RBAC). These are not just best practices; they are essential safeguards in today’s threat landscape. Without them, organizations are leaving the door wide open to both external and internal threats.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, with 80% of companies now facing the threat of AI-enabled attacks, the need for a robust, modern approach to data resiliency is more urgent than ever. Yet, the continued reliance on outdated strategies and the failure to adapt to new threats sets the stage for even greater risks. It’s not even a question of complacency.
Global Head of Cyber Resiliency Strategy at Cohesity.
Building confidence or creating false hope?
With 78% of organizations claiming that they are confident in their cyber resilience capability, this infers that a lot of work has already been done in creating the process and technology to not just isolate attacks but also have the ability to recover a trusted response capability to investigate, mitigate threats and recover. This would be great if true, but we are seeing a real disconnect between perception and reality when it comes to cyber resilience.
That’s a big concern. The financial impact of these failures is not limited to ransom payments alone. The true cost of inadequate cyber resilience extends far beyond the immediate outlay. Prolonged downtime, loss of customer trust, criminal prosecutions for false attestations around the quality of security controls or paying ransoms to sanctioned entities, brand damage, and skyrocketing cyber insurance premiums are just a few consequences that can damage an organization. It’s a sobering reminder that investing in and testing robust cyber resiliency measures upfront is far more cost-effective than dealing with the fallout of a successful attack.
Moreover, the report reveals that only 42% of organizations have the IT and Security capabilities to identify sensitive data and comply with their regulatory requirements. This deficiency exposes companies to significant fines and undermines their ability to prioritize protecting the very data that is the lifeblood of their organization and is subject to regulatory obligations.
With the expected rise of AI-enhanced cyberattacks adding another layer of capability to cyber adversaries, organizations with traditional defenses will have their work cut out. They are no match for these effective and high-efficient threats, which can adapt and evolve faster than most organizations can respond. Organizations need AI-tools to counter these emerging AI-driven threats.
Identify a problem to fix a problem
The report ultimately reveals opportunities for improvement. People, processes, and tools do exist to reverse these trends and close gaps to shore up cyber resilience. Still, organizations need to understand where they currently sit regarding resiliency and be honest with themselves.
The right workflow collaboration and platform integration between IT and Security needs to be developed before an incident. Organizations must engage in more realistic and rigorous threat modelling, attack simulations, drills and tests to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This can ensure that the response and recovery process is effective and that all stakeholders are familiar with their roles during an incident or can identify shortcomings and areas for improvement.
In addition, automated testing of backup data can verify the integrity and recoverability of backups without manual intervention. This automation helps ensure that backups are reliable and can be restored quickly when needed.
Finally, maintaining detailed documentation and recovery playbooks helps ensure everyone knows their responsibilities and what steps to take during an incident. These playbooks should be regularly updated based on changes in adversary behavior and the results of testing and drills.
And this is just a start. To fully reduce operational risk, a transition to modern data security and management processes, tools, and practices is required. Perhaps then, we will see a reduction in ransom payments and a cyber resilience confidence built on reality.
We’ve rated the best identity management software.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
Technology
Social media faces big changes under new Ofcom rules
Social media companies will face “very significant changes” as new legal safeguarding rules come into force early next year.
The Chief Executive of Ofcom, Dame Melanie Dawes, told BBC Radio 5 Live companies could face fines from the regulator if they did not comply with the new Online Safety Act.
Social networking services such as Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp will have three months from when the guidance is finalised to carry out risk assessments and make relevant changes to safeguard users.
Dame Melanie said changes could include allowing people to take themselves out of group chats, without anyone else being able to see they had left.
“Young people should be able to take themselves out of group chats that they know are toxic for them, without everybody being able to see and that’s one of the things that we are going to be expecting to see change from social media and messaging services,” she said.
Dame Melanie also said it was the responsibility of the firms – not parents or children – to make sure people were safe online.
Ofcom has been putting together codes of practice since the Online Safety Act became law just under a year ago, to protect children from some legal but harmful material.
Platforms will also need to show they are committed to removing illegal content including child sexual abuse, promotion of self-harm and animal cruelty.
“It’s definitely not just a paper exercise,” said Dame Melanie. “We are very clear that the first step that any responsible company needs to take, is to actually access risks that they’ve never accessed before.”
She added that companies needed to be “honest and transparent” about what their “services are actually exposing their users to”.
“If we don’t think they’ve done that job well enough, we can take enforcement action, simply against that failure.”
Ofcom has already been in close contact with social networking services and Dame Melanie said when the new legal safeguards became enforceable the regulator would be “ready to go”.
She added: “We know that some of them are preparing but we are expecting very significant changes. ”
Technology
Google Flights is making it easier to find best-priced airfare
Up to now, airfare search results on Google Flights have prioritized a combination of price and convenience over cost alone. This means you might be missing the cheapest options and spending more than you need to.
Via an update to its online tool rolling out gradually over the next couple of weeks, Google is finally making it easier to surface the best-priced airfares for your journey, though you may be sacrificing a bit of convenience if you opt for one of them.
“For example, there could be a third-party booking site offering a lower price than the airline itself,” Google explained in a blog post announcing the update. “Or you might be able to save by flying back to a different airport that’s in the same city you departed from — like flying out of New York’s LaGuardia and returning to JFK.”
The update puts a new “Cheapest” tab on Google Flights’ search page, while the most convenient options (according to Google Flights, at least) will appear beside it under the “Best” tab.
For sure, you might find some of the options under the “Cheapest” tab showing longer layovers, self-transfers, or a requirement to purchase different legs of the trip through multiple airlines or booking sites. But as Google points out in its post, “For those times when cost matters more than convenience, the new tab gives you an easy way to see the lowest prices available,” leaving you to decide which option works best for you.
Google has been gradually improving its Flights tool since launching it in 2011. In a more recent update, the tech giant added a feature that suggests the best time to book a cheap flight. Google Flights also offers price tracking, which, once set up, automatically alerts you if a fare for your route sees a notable fall.
Technology
Adobe previews 9 powerful AI-powered edition features
Adobe is one of the top names in the multimedia content creation and editing segment. While back, the company announced that it was working on its own AI-powered features to adapt to the industry and offer advanced experiences. Recently, Adobe launched the Firefly video generation suite in beta to compete with Movie Gen and others. Now, Adobe has offered a sneak peek at several upcoming AI editing tools, including one for sound generation, during its latest MAX Creativity Conference.
Currently, Adobe is working on up to nine new AI-powered features to help creators make their visions a reality. The tools will be part of PhotoShop and Premiere Pro. Currently, there is no date for the wide rollout of all the options.
Adobe AI editing tools that are arriving in the future
First up is Project Perfect Blend for PS, a tool that yields higher-quality results when blending images. It pays special attention to the correct handling of shadows during the process for a more realistic result. Project Clean Machine is a feature that aims to remove annoying glare from pictures. It also effectively removes objects from images while maintaining a natural appearance.
Project In Motion is another of Adobe’s upcoming AI-powered features. The tool will be able to transform animations according to your prompts, allowing you to turn current projects into something entirely new. On the other hand, Project Know-How is a tool that finds and identifies the source of a specific file. The latter is especially useful for content authentication tasks.
Adobe even has a sound generation tool
There’s also Project Turntable, a useful feature that will allow you to rotate 2D vector art in 3D in any direction you want. The option uses the power of generative AI to correctly fill in blank spaces when rotating the file. Adobe will also be releasing an AI-powered sound generation tool called Project Super Sonic. The feature will be able to generate sounds according to custom prompts. You can even simply click on a section of the image to have the feature analyze it and generate a related sound.
Plus, Adobe is working on integrating its suite of creative tools with Microsoft Copilot through Project Scenic. This tool will have the ability to generate complete 3D scenes in response to prompts. You will be able to fine-tune the 3D scene with instructions about the camera and items. There will also be a “Project Remix A Lot” tool that allows you to “remix” multiple projects to get a new one. Then, you can start editing the results.
You can also convert sketches into art automatically
Lastly, Adobe is working on Project Hi-Fi, an AI-powered sketch-to-image tool. As the name suggests, Project Hi-Fi will allow you to turn your sketches or drawings into high-quality art that you can use. This tool can save you quite a bit of time when it comes to making your creations a reality.
Technology
The Kindle Oasis will be discontinued as Amazon says goodbye to page-turn buttons
Amazon is sunsetting the Kindle Oasis. This decision means there will be no models of the ereader remaining with physical buttons for turning pages. “Once current inventory of Kindle Oasis sells out online and in stores, we will not restock the device,” Amazon rep Devon Corvasce told . “Today, all of our devices are touch-forward which is what our customers are comfortable with.”
The Oasis model in 2016. Its lightweight, asymmetrical design for one-handed use was a standout, but the high price tag may have kept most people from really considering the product. If you are not most comfortable with a touch interface for your reading, there are still options for flipping pages via buttons on the market. The Kobo Libra Color is .
Even with the Oasis becoming nothing but a mirage, the Kindle family isn’t getting any smaller. Amazon announced several upgrades to the device line this week, including its first ever color ereader in the . We also got hands-on time with the latest and the has also received a refresh.
Technology
FunPlus opens Studio Ellipsis to make cross-platform games in Lisbon
FunPlus, a Swiss company that has become one of the world’s largest independent game companies, has opened its new Studio Ellipsis in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisbon is become a new hub for games, and this studio will be a creative hub focused on expanding FunPlus’s intellectual property (IP) across a variety of entertainment platforms.
Led by industry veteran Alexandre Amancio, Studio Ellipsis’ ambition is to create entertainment experiences that cater to the evolving expectations of modern audiences.
Through a combination of cross-platform game development and transmedia storytelling, the studio will bring FunPlus’ IP to life in new ways, inviting fans to explore fresh lore, characters, and stories. In the coming months, the studio will unveil additional projects that expand FunPlus’ portfolio of worlds, as well as original IPs designed for cross-medium development.
Amancio, who joined FunPlus in 2023, brings his expertise in creative direction, narrative design and IP development to lead this exciting new venture.
“We are witnessing a transformation in how audiences engage with entertainment. Fans are no longer passive consumers; they are explorers, seeking immersive experiences across a wide range of platforms,” said Amancio, head of studio and senior vice president of world building & IP strategy at FunPlus, in a statement. “Studio Ellipsis is our response to this shift, creating new opportunities for fans to navigate deeper into the worlds they love, while also crafting original IPs that inspire and captivate, empowering them to become part of the journey.”
This marks a significant step forward for FunPlus, already a well-established developer and publisher of mobile games, with the goal of becoming a leader in the broader interactive entertainment space, building on this vision of world-building and IP expansion.
The Lisbon-based studio, founded by a core team of highly experienced professionals, will spearhead FunPlus’ efforts to deliver rich stories and characters through multiple entertainment mediums, allowing fans to explore these worlds from fresh perspectives.
“The launch of Studio Ellipsis marks a pivotal moment in FunPlus’ journey to become a global powerhouse in entertainment, extending far beyond our roots in the strategy genre,” said Chris Petrovic, chief business officer at FunPlus, in a statement. “By establishing a dedicated studio in a vibrant city like Lisbon, we are not only expanding our existing worlds but also laying the foundation for new IPs that can thrive across multiple mediums. This studio represents our commitment to evolving with our audiences, meeting their demand for immersive storytelling, and creating experiences that resonate deeply within our fans.”
Studio Ellipsis is the latest milestone in FunPlus’ strategic move to evolve beyond gaming, embracing transmedia storytelling. The first project to launch from this initiative is Sea of Conquest: Cradle of the Gods, a comic series based on the popular strategy game Sea of Conquest: Pirate War. This high-quality comic was developed by a talented team of artists and writers, with the first issue available now for free on digital platforms.
FunPlus said it chose Lisbon for Studio Ellipsis due to its burgeoning potential as a creative and technological hub, with the Portuguese capital gaining recognition as a dynamic environment for game development and digital entertainment. FunPlus’ investment in the region, coupled with its collaboration with local universities and organizations like the APVP (Associação de Produtores de Videojogos Portugueses) and The Gaming Hub by Unicorn Factory Lisboa, will foster local talent and contribute to the growth of the game development ecosystem.
“I am incredibly proud to welcome Studio Ellipsis from FunPlus to Lisbon, the European Capital of Innovation,” said Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, in a statement. “Thanks to initiatives like the Unicorn Factory, our city has transformed into a global hub for innovators and unicorn companies, where some of the most groundbreaking and disruptive tech products and services are being developed. This unprecedented effort is changing lives across the city, with over 15,000 job opportunities being created in under three years. We are thrilled to include FunPlus as a new member of our exciting and diverse tech community. Welcome to Lisbon.”
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