Ask Cappie the Computer Cat

ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT SMARTWATCH & TRACKERS

Dear Cappie, Is a smartwatch just another name for fitness tracker? They both tell time and tell you how many steps you take each day so is there really any difference? Which would be better for me to buy? Confused Jackie

You are correct that there is a lot of overlap between smartwatches and fitness trackers, which means there is no definitive answer as to which is better. Many fitness trackers have expanded beyond just tracking health and exercise (steps per day, types of exercise, pulse rate, sleep patterns, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc.). Meanwhile, many smartwatches have added health apps to track steps per day, distance covered, heart rate, calories burned, pulse rate, etc. Just about every smartwatch today is also a fitness tracker, but not many fitness trackers are smartwatches. The basic answer for which is best for you is to start with the question: do you want a smartwatch? If not, look for a fitness tracker.

A smartwatch is a miniaturized version of a smartphone. With a smartwatch you can receive and reply to texts, answer phone calls (cellular model), get directions, view maps, email, and, depending on other apps installed, do other social media updates. It’s like having your phone on your wrist. Smartwatches have advanced features like music control and built-in Bluetooth (to connect to wireless headphones), builtin mics for calls and voice assistant, and NFC for on-thego payments. They also come in cellular models, which allow them to operate independently from the smartphone (so you can leave it at home). Note that smartwatches are available for either an Android or Apple operating system, both of which offer most of the same health fitness apps. The Apple Watch is the only smartwatch that runs the Apple OS (operating system) so you must have an iPhone if you purchase an Apple Watch. However, there are many different types of Android smartwatches that run Google’s Wear OS. In addition, a Wear OS watch allows you to load apps that run independently of your phone. You need to check. Some smartwatches have features that work only when paired with a compatible phone, e.g., you can answer calls only if you have a phone with a similar operating system. Fitness trackers have been around longer than smartwatches due to their one specific goal (tracking your health) and their ease of use. Generally, fitness trackers are less expensive than smartwatches: most fitness trackers can be purchased for $29 to $250--but there are exceptions--the Garmin Fitness Tracker, for example, costs about $600. Usually, the more you pay for a fitness tracker, the more options it has (basic fitness tracking vs GPS, blood oxygen, ECG, color touchscreen, etc.). The most affordable smartwatches, on the other hand, run from $200 to $400+, like the Fitbit Versa 2 ($180), Samsung Galaxy Watch4 ($249), or Apple Watch Series 7 (from $399). Depending on size of the watch, the materials used, type of wrist band, and if it’s a cellular model, the prices can get substantially higher. Fitness trackers tend to have better battery life than smartwatches and can last several days to several weeks on one charge. Most smartwatches require to be charged daily. Which device to buy depends on your specific needs and on how much you want to spend. Do you primarily want to track health and fitness, or do you want a smartphone on your wrist? Is budget an issue?

View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Bob and Joanna Hays for sharing their photo adorable cats, Phoebe and Steve (long haired).

Aly Cline Council Member

Meet and Greet

My next monthly Meet and Greet will be on Tuesday, August 23, in Sun City Grand’s Pima room at 6 p.m. At this meeting, we will be handing out information and signing up residents for the Valley Metro RideChoice Program. There may be prizes for those who sign up. For more information regarding the RideChoice Program, please visit valleymetro.org/ridechoice. I look forward to discussing the latest City news and answering any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@ surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1322.

Women4Women

At my Meet & Greet in Arizona Traditions on Friday, May 27, I presented Jo Grant with a donation for the non-profit organization, Women4Women. The number of homeless and low-income women increases each year in our community. Many require the use of feminine hygiene products each month, the cost of which is not covered by SNAP (food stamps) and is too expensive for many to afford. Women4Women believes these items should be available to those who need them; helping homeless and lowincome women maintain their dignity, selfrespect and health.

Retail Survey Results Are In

The annual Retail Survey launched on March 21 and more than 5,700 responses later, we have the results! The City uses the survey data to identify retail strengths, as well as opportunities to bring additional amenities closer to home. In the past, the survey has helped bring in establishments like Costco, Bath & Body Works, Oregano’s Pizza Bistro, Texas Roadhouse and In-N-Out Burger! Just as the recent survey showed Surprise residents’ top ask was a Hobby Lobby, the Village at Prasada announced the crafting giant is moving in! It’s also going to be home to several of the major retailers requested on the Retail Survey including Sprouts Farmers Market, T.J. Maxx & HomeGoods, and Total Wine & More. Your top 5 most-wanted restaurants were Cheesecake Factory, El Pollo Loco, Cracker Barrel, Portillo’s and P.F. Chang’s. Full results from both the adult and youth surveys available at surpriseaz.gov/ retailsurvey.

Day of Service

Looking for a way to serve your community? Surprise is seeking volunteers for a Day of Service event on Wednesday, July 20, at St. Mary’s Food Bank. Volunteers will assist with sorting bulk food items, creating food baskets and loading food into vehicles, helping in the process of providing food for families in need.

How to get involved: Individuals and groups can register with Larry Garcia at Larry.Garcia@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1522. Groups, please submit a group name and estimated number of volunteers - limited to no more than 10 people. St. Mary’s Food Bank is located at 13050 W. Elm St. in Surprise. There are two shifts to choose from, 7:30-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Can’t make it this time? Here’s a look at upcoming opportunities: n Wednesday, August 17 n Wednesday, September 14 Keep an eye on Day of Service events at surpriseaz.gov/dayofservice.

Benevilla C.A.R.E.S.

Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. now has a direct line! It allows callers to speak directly to a person and get help and service without having to leave a message. The highly trained resource specialists have access to a database of over 1,000 senior services providers and agencies, including Benevilla member and volunteer services, community businesses, government agencies and other resources to help you stay independent at home. Call 623.526.4404.

Tennis in Surprise

Looking for a fun summer activity? The Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex (STRC) has you and the whole family covered! Located at 14469 W. Paradise Ln., this award-winning 25 court facility offers tennis lessons for all ages and levels. Find clinics and classes at surpriserec. surpriseaz.gov and click on ‘Tennis’ or contact the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex at 623.222.2400. STRC is open seven days a week and is also open for reservations. Head to surpriseaz.gov/tennis for more information.

City Council Meetings

The next regularly scheduled Council meetings are August 2 and 16 at 6 p.m. City Hall is open to the public for inperson attendance. You can also watch live on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/ cityofsurprise or on Cox channel 11.

JULY FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.

Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families.

GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN

4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd Apache Junction, AZ 85119 (480) 983-0333

Take a step back in time into an era when gun fighting and gold mining were normal with a visit to the Goldfield Ghost Town. Perfect for curious kids and history buffs, this authentic ghost town offers a glimpse of the way of life in the late 1800s. Go on a 25-minute Goldfield Mine tour and learn what the mining life was back in the 1890’s. While there, watch the Goldfield Gunfighters as they perform a lively gun fight. The town also has a train ride and a museum where you can learn more about the town’s Old West history.

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM

1625 N Central Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 257-1880

The Phoenix Art Museum, home to over 18,000 pieces from all over the world, is the largest of its kind in the Southwest region. From Frida Kahlo to Diego Rivera, this treasure trove has a stellar permanent collection that delights all kinds of art lovers. Kick-start your family visit by grabbing a Scavenger Hunt guide from the facility’s front desk. Soon after, check out the famous Thorne Miniature Collection. For a fun family pit-stop, let your kids join the youth-oriented activities organized by this institution.

SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR PHOENIX

4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd

Glendale, AZ 85310 (623) 201-2000

Looking for exciting things to do this weekend with kids?

Experience a world of family fun in Phoenix by exploring the renowned Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. With a host of thrilling attractions and water slides, this family-themed experience is one of the top, must-try things for kids to do in Phoenix. Make your visit unforgettable by hitting Maximum Velocity. With this oneof-a-kind coaster ride, you’ll get to race in a pair of tubes down a couple of slide tracks with more than 800 feet of curves and drops. Even better, the park offers a plethora of kid-friendly water attractions, such as Tiny Typhoon and Went ‘n’ Wild Jr.

ODYSEA AQUARIUM

9500 East Via de Ventura Suite-A-100 Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (480) 291-8000

OdySea is a sprawling complex that houses a ton of Phoenix attractions for families, including the Pangaea. It’s biggest draw, however, is the mind-blowing 2-million gallon aquarium.

Spend hours diving into a fascinating underwater haven with sea turtles, otters, penguins, sharks and many more.

Plus, the innovative aquarium offers a few exciting ways to see these creatures, like its sea carousel and submerged escalator.