I reviewed the original Acemate tennis robot S10 a few months ago and had a lot of fun with it. Now that I have spent time with the S10 Pro as well, the choice between the two is actually pretty straightforward. Acemate says the Pro is not replacing the S10, and that makes sense because the software experience is very similar. Most of what separates them happens at the hardware level and, more importantly, in how that hardware feels once you start hitting.

The S10 Pro is bigger, but the design is familiar

Put the two machines next to each other and there is no mistaking that they are related. Both still have that slightly comical mechanical-frog look, with two camera eyes at the front, four Mecanum wheels underneath and the big catching net rising above the body.

The Pro simply looks like the S10’s bigger brother. It is wider, taller and 5.2 kg heavier, so it has more presence on court. That sounds like a negative for portability, and in some ways it is, but there is a slightly strange twist to that which I will get to in a moment.

Acemate tennis robot S10 Pro

At checkout use code “G&W01” for a $50 discount.

View at Acemate

There are some nicer little changes too. The telescopic net poles on the original always felt like the most delicate part of the machine, and I was careful every time I extended them. The Gen 2 poles on the Pro are much sturdier and use twist-lock sections that hold everything more securely. Acemate also sells these poles separately, so S10 owners can upgrade rather than being stuck with the original design.

ACE+ SHOT is the biggest difference

The launch mechanism is one of the biggest upgrades. On the original S10, changing the direction of the next ball means the whole robot has to reposition itself first. It can still vary speed, height and spin, but if you want the ball sent somewhere very different, the machine itself needs to move.

The S10 Pro handles this differently. Its ACE+ SHOT system can change the horizontal direction of the outgoing ball internally, while the robot itself stays facing the same way.

So if it wants to send one ball towards your forehand and the next towards your backhand, it does not first need to rotate the entire machine. That makes directional changes quicker and gives the rally a more natural flow.

That is the real benefit of the new launcher. I do not particularly care about the ACE+ SHOT name or what the mechanism looks like inside the casing. What matters is that rallies feel smoother and the machine can mix up placement with much less effort.

There is more pace

The S10 tops out at 97 km/h, while the S10 Pro pushes that to 120 km/h. On paper, that does not look like a gigantic jump, but you notice it once you start ramping things up.

I like to think of myself as an intermediate player. And the original S10 was already more than enough for me. I never came away thinking it was slow or not challenging enough. But the Pro gives you more room to make a session difficult, particularly when you combine the extra pace with wider placement and quicker changes in direction.

Acemate also says the Pro can generate stronger spin. The actual spin choices have not changed, so you still get topspin, backspin and flat shots, and Acemate does not publish a directly comparable maximum spin figure for the Pro. I would therefore treat the extra pace and improved shot delivery as the more obvious upgrades rather than buying the Pro purely because of spin.

The heavier machine is actually easier to wheel

This one surprised me. The Pro is substantially heavier, so before using it I assumed getting it to court would be worse than with the S10.

In my case, the opposite happened. I usually walk about a kilometre and a half to my local courts, and the S10 Pro rolls more freely when I pull it along. The wheels feel less stiff, and I can move at a quicker pace without constantly feeling as though I am dragging the machine behind me.

I am not completely sure why. Acemate may have changed something in the wheel mechanism, or it may simply be that the taller body gives a better pulling angle. Either way, it is a genuine improvement for me.

Acemate tennis robot S10 Pro

At checkout use code “G&W01” for a $50 discount.

View at Acemate

That does not suddenly make the Pro highly portable. It is still a large tennis robot, and a proper suitcase-style handle would make life much easier. But I expected the extra weight to make transport noticeably worse, and it did not. In fact it is quite the opposite.

The taller net helps with ball collection

The catching system works the same way on both machines. Your return is tracked, the robot tries to move into position and, when everything lines up, the ball drops into the net and goes back into the hopper.

The Pro has a slightly larger catching net than its predecessor. The top reaches almost 2 metres from the ground, around 26 cm higher than on the S10. Quite simply, a bigger net gives it more area to catch the ball, so higher returns have a better chance of ending up back in the hopper.

Nevertheless, you should still think of the catching system as a bonus. Wide shots, sharper angles and harder returns will still end up scattered around the court. But anything that reduces the amount of time spent picking up tennis balls is welcome.

The larger hopper helps too. The Pro holds 100 balls rather than 80, so you can go a little longer between collections even before you factor in anything the robot manages to catch.

Battery life is much better

Battery life is one of the clearest specification differences. Acemate rates the Pro for up to five hours in Ball Machine mode, while the current rating for the S10 is up to three hours.

There is some fine print here. The five-hour Pro figure applies to Ball Machine mode with the launching wheels running at moderate speeds, so you should not expect five hours when the machine is constantly moving around in Rally or Battle mode.

Still, the extra capacity is useful. It means you should roughly get twice as much time between charging as you will on the S10.

The software is basically the same

The software is an important thing to understand before spending the extra money. You are not buying the Pro to unlock a completely different app or a special collection of training modes.

Both machines have Rally, Drill, Serve, Battle and Ball Machine modes, along with more than 100 preset drills and custom routines. Serve and Battle were not available when I originally reviewed the S10, but Acemate has since expanded the software on the regular model too.

Acemate tennis robot S10 Pro

At checkout use code “G&W01” for a $50 discount.

View at Acemate

The app itself has also had a nice makeover. It looks cleaner and more polished than it did when I first tested the S10, with better organisation around suggested sessions, saved drills and training data. But again, that is not a Pro advantage. S10 owners benefit from the software improvements as well.

The post Acemate tennis robot S10 Pro vs S10: The differences after going hands-on with both appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

There are smaller improvements to glucose and sleep tracking too, but those aren’t really the headline here. More intriguing, a separate Pixel Watch survey is asking users whether they would pay extra for a rugged smartwatch, which sounds a lot like Google testing the waters for an Ultra-style Pixel Watch.

Workout detection is the real upgrade

Google has increased the number of activities that can be automatically detected from 10 to as many as 100. Strength training, swimming, racket sports and team sports now get in on the fun, so automatic tracking should finally cover a lot more than before.

It’s all to do with AI. Google Health now considers your workout routines, previous activity data and manual corrections when working out what you’re doing. And applying some clever algorithms on top of this. Confirm or correct an activity and the system uses that information the next time around.

The company says the new approach makes detection nearly twice as accurate and cuts missed workouts by more than half. It can also automatically save an activity once you pass your minimum duration threshold, which is 15 minutes by default.

The upgrade is available for Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5. Fitbit Edge will also support it when it goes on sale on October 27, adding another difference between Google’s latest tracker and the older Charge 6. 

Health Guardian finally reaches Fitbit Air

The other big addition concerns Fitbit Air. Google is switching on Blood Pressure Trends and Insulin Resistance Trends for users with Google Health Premium, features that we found inside Google Health ahead of their release.

Neither works like a conventional blood pressure monitor or glucose sensor. Instead, Google looks at data already collected by the wearable and tries to spot longer-term changes, which is why the features need several days of wear before producing anything useful.

Blood Pressure Trends requires at least five consecutive days of data during a month, while Insulin Resistance Trends needs seven days and nights. Which means eligible Fitbit Air owners should start receiving their first monthly Health Guardian summaries at the beginning of November.

There is still an odd split between devices. Pixel Watch owners get the main Health Guardian features without an extra subscription, while Fitbit Air users need Google Health Premium.

Google has made a few other useful changes in 5.11. Connected CGM users can now set their own glucose time-in-range goals, Abbott Lingo data can sync more quickly in the US, and Google Health Coach can answer questions about glucose trends for Premium users.

Sleep tracking gets a smaller tidy-up. Google now uses step data to better recognise short awakenings during the night, and incorrectly detected naps can finally be removed directly from the nap card.

And what about a Pixel Watch Ultra?

Then there’s something completely separate from the 5.11 update, but arguably more interesting for where Google’s hardware might go next.

The company is circulating a survey through the Watch app to select users, asking how Google could improve the Pixel Watch. Among the questions were whether they would pay extra for a rugged watch and what would make the Pixel Watch 5 feel more premium.

The wording is hard to ignore. Google now has Fitbit Air at the screenless end, Fitbit Edge occupying the traditional fitness tracker slot and Pixel Watch as its mainstream smartwatch, but nothing aimed directly at watches such as the Apple Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch Ultra.

A tougher Pixel Watch with a larger battery and a stronger outdoor focus would fill that gap nicely. It may never happen, but if Google really is asking Pixel Watch owners whether they would pay more for a rugged model, the idea is clearly being explored.

The post Google rolls out big Fitbit update as Pixel Watch Ultra rumours surface appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The Galaxy Fit 4 looks very familiar

There really isn’t much visual detective work required here. The Galaxy Fit 4 keeps the same stretched rectangular display, rounded corners, single physical button on the side and conventional silicone strap that Samsung used on its predecessor.

The rear looks familiar as well, with the optical sensor sitting in the middle and the charging contacts alongside it. We already had a good idea Samsung was sticking with this design from our earlier Galaxy Fit 4 FCC investigation, but these renders give us a much better look at the finished device.

That earlier regulatory filing identified the tracker as model SM-R391 and repeatedly referred to it as “FIT4”. Samsung was already testing REV2.0 hardware back in July, so this isn’t something that appears to be sitting at the very early prototype stage.

The leaked renders don’t tell us whether Samsung has changed the display size, materials or overall dimensions. Visually, though, this looks much more like a tidy update to the Fit 3 than a redesign.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Galaxy Fit 3 already has a large 1.6-inch AMOLED display and an aluminium body, so Samsung doesn’t have an obvious design problem that desperately needs fixing.

Most of the interesting stuff is still hidden

We actually know more about the Fit 4’s internals from regulatory documents than we do from today’s renders. Bluetooth 5.4 is confirmed, up from Bluetooth 5.3 on the Fit 3, and Samsung has already been testing production components including the battery and several charging bases.

What remains unclear is far more important for anyone deciding whether this is worth upgrading to. The battery capacity, detailed health sensor changes or whether the Fit 4 will finally get its own GPS all currently remain unknown.

For now, the biggest new information is simply that we can finally see the Galaxy Fit 4 properly. And unless Samsung has some much more interesting changes hidden inside, anyone expecting a dramatic visual upgrade from the Fit 3 probably isn’t going to get one.

Sources: Android Authority, NotebookCheck

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9.3

Design9.0/10

Functionality9.5/10

Ease of use9.5/10

Value for money9.0/10

Pros

• Compact, lightweight and well built
• Quiet operation
• Good massage power for its size
• Useful heated attachment
• Fast USB-C charging

Cons

• Limited massage depth compared with larger models
• Heated attachment needs separate charging

Design, build quality and attachments

If you’ve used the original Bob and Brad Q2 Mini, you’ll feel right at home with the Ultra. It looks almost identical, and I’m glad Bob and Brad haven’t messed around with the design too much. I’ve actually been using the original Q2 for four years now, and it’s still going strong. That says quite a bit about the quality and durability of Bob and Brad products. I really liked the original, particularly its compact size and solid build quality,

The Q2 Ultra weighs around 430 grams, which is pretty light for a massage gun. Most of the body is made from ABS plastic, with a soft silicone grip. The rounded shape also helps when you’re trying to reach different parts of your body. Nothing about it feels cheap or flimsy.

The controls couldn’t be much simpler. You have a button for switching the device on and adjusting the intensity, and that’s about it. Just switch it on, pick your speed and get on with your massage.

You also get a nice little carrying case, with room for the massage gun and all five attachments. There’s a ball head for larger muscles, a fork, a bullet for targeting specific spots and a softer head when you want something gentler. The fifth is the new heated attachment with red and infrared light therapy. That is the main addition here.

And just like the original, the Ultra is really easy to take with you. The whole case fits into a gym bag or suitcase without taking up much room. Or you can just throw the massage gun itself into your bag if you’re travelling light.

Massage performance and noise

So what’s it like using it?

Well, for such a small device, the Q2 Ultra packs a decent punch. You get to choose between five intensity settings, ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 percussions per minute. That’s the same range as the original Q2 Mini, so don’t expect a difference in massage power if you’re thinking of upgrading from the older model. The basic mechanism is much the same.

The 7mm amplitude is also unchanged. This refers to how far the massage head travels back and forth with each movement. It’s relatively modest compared with larger massage guns, some of which offer 12mm or 16mm of travel. But that for everyday muscle soreness, warming up before exercise or loosening things up afterwards – that is more than enough.

Bob and Brad Q2 Ultra Mini Massage Gun

Compact massage gun with five speeds and five attachments, including a heated head with red and infrared light therapy. USB-C charging and a travel case included.

View on Amazon View on Bob and Brad

The five speeds give you a reasonable amount of flexibility. The lower settings are better suited to sensitive areas or when you just want a gentler massage, while the higher settings provide a more vigorous treatment. The relatively short stroke does mean you’re getting more of a rapid tapping sensation than the deeper, heavier percussion of a full-sized massage gun. That’s worth keeping in mind if you mainly want something for large muscle groups or particularly stubborn knots.

The Q2 Ultra is also really quiet. Bob and Brad says it can operate at just 40dB, although it’ll get a bit louder as you increase the speed. I liked how quiet the original Q2 was, so you get that same experience here. You can use it while watching TV, chatting to someone or relaxing on the sofa without the constant buzzing getting on everyone’s nerves.

Heating and red/infrared light therapy

As mentioned, the novelty here is the special attachment that combines heat with red and infrared light therapy. It’s the biggest difference compared with the original, and the main reason you’d consider spending extra on the Ultra.

The attachment has two heat settings, 40°C and 45°C (104°F and 113°F). So it gives a warm, rather than hot sensation. There are also 18 LEDs that produce red light at 660nm and near-infrared light at 850nm.

You can switch the heat and light on separately, or use them together while the massage gun is running. So there’s actually quite a bit of flexibility here.

Of the two features, I think the heating is the more useful one. There’s something quite nice about adding a bit of warmth to a massage, particularly when your shoulders are feeling stiff or your legs are aching after exercise.

The red and infrared light is a different story. There’s research suggesting these wavelengths may help with muscle recovery, inflammation and tissue repair.

But whether the Q2 Ultra actually delivers enough light to make much of a difference is another question. It’s not something you can really judge just by using the device for a few weeks. The light therapy is a nice extra, but I’d be reluctant to pay a significant premium for that feature alone without better evidence supporting its benefits.

Battery life and charging

Battery life is another area where the Q2 Ultra keeps things pretty straightforward. The runtime is up to three hours on a full charge, although that will vary depending on the speed you’re using and how much pressure you’re applying. Considering most massage sessions only last a few minutes, that should be enough to get you through quite a few uses before needing to plug it in again.

Charging is done through a USB-C port on the bottom of the device. Bob and Brad says a full recharge takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. That’s a welcome improvement over the original Q2 Mini, where the relatively slow charging was one of my few complaints. You can also use a regular USB charger or power bank, although charging may take longer.

One thing to be aware of is that the attachment has its own battery. Yes, that’s another thing you need to charge, separately from the massage gun itself. Thankfully, it uses USB-C, so at least you don’t need another type of cable.

Price and competition

The non-discounted price of Bob and Brad Q2 Ultra Mini is $109.99 in the US. Which is not very expensive for a massage gun like this. There’s the heated attachment with red and infrared light therapy, five massage heads and faster USB-C charging. Bob and Brad also runs discounts fairly regularly, so it’s worth checking whether you can pick it up for less.

Bob and Brad Q2 Ultra Mini Massage Gun

Compact massage gun with five speeds and five attachments, including a heated head with red and infrared light therapy. USB-C charging and a travel case included.

View on Amazon View on Bob and Brad

I’ve reviewed quite a few Bob and Brad products over the years, and some of the best alternatives come from the company’s own range. The original Q2 Mini is still a perfectly good option if you just want a small, reliable massage gun without the extras. There’s also the Q2 Pro, which I reviewed in 2024. That one takes a slightly different approach by offering both heating and cooling. Personally, I think that’s a pretty useful combination, particularly if you’re using it before and after exercise.

Then there’s the Brad, another one I’ve spent time testing. It’s bigger and heavier, but its 10mm amplitude delivers a deeper massage than the Q2 Ultra’s 7mm. If you’re mainly interested in massage power rather than portability, that’s probably the more sensible direction to go. I’ve also tried the company’s Lite Foot Massager and EyeOasis 2, although those are obviously aimed at different types of massage.

So there are plenty of options, even before looking at alternatives. I think the Q2 Ultra makes the most sense if you want something small and portable with the added benefit of heat.

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