Apple Watch Series 12 adds daily readiness score to track physical limits

Apple Watch Series 12 now calculates a daily readiness score to tell users how much physical activity their bodies can handle. The device checks heart rate every five seconds and uses that data to create a single number each morning. This feature represents a change from previous models that focused primarily on workout tracking.

NBC Selected senior editor Shalwah Evans praised the utility of the previous generation. She bought an Apple Watch Series 11 for her sister to monitor her heart health. "With all these new features, I know she’d be floored if I upgraded her to the series 12," Evans said. The new model also includes a Siri feature called Live Rewind. This tool replays the last 15 seconds of audio if a user misses what a speaker said.

Editors at NBC Selected curated a list of more than 80 gift ideas for women. The selection includes beauty products, home goods, and tech items. The goal is to find items that feel personal and get used after the holidays. Editors often look for upgrades to everyday gadgets or items for self-care routines.

A plush blanket made from velvety fabric appears on the list. It features a four-way stretch and comes in over 20 colors. The material is machine washable and retains its softness after washing. Sizes range from a 50-by-60-inch throw to king-size options. A similar cozy pick is a pair of slippers lined with genuine shearling. The rubber soles allow wearers to step outside to get mail without changing footwear.

For those who enjoy building models, a Lego orchid set is recommended. The set includes a blue vase and a flower model. NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin bought one for a cousin who has a cat and does not keep real flowers. Mili Godio, a commerce editor, keeps her set on display as a desk decoration. It serves as both a cold-day activity and a piece of decor.

Beauty picks include a Laneige lip mask set and an Ole Henriksen bundle. The Ole Henriksen set contains three products that cost $108 if bought separately. It includes an eye creme, a moisturizer, and a lip treatment. The HigherDose wand uses cold laser and LED light technology. Editors noted that the cryo attachment helps reduce facial puffing in the morning.

Home and kitchen items focus on utility. The Hoto Hand Tool Set includes a hammer, screwdriver, and pliers in a compact case. A handheld garment steamer heats up in 25 seconds and runs for 20 minutes. It weighs just under 3 pounds, making it easy to pack for travel. A 13-inch carbon steel wok is pre-seasoned and nonstick, allowing for high-heat cooking immediately after unboxing.

Tech gifts include the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and a new 6-inch Kindle. The earbuds offer up to six hours of listening with noise cancellation active. The Kindle is Amazon's smallest e-reader and uses recycled materials. It offers 16GB of storage and a battery life of up to six weeks. The Skylight Calendar 2 is a 15-inch touchscreen that syncs with Google, Apple, and Outlook calendars. It color-codes events for different family members.

Travel essentials aim to solve common pain points. The Away Aluminum Carry-On uses a zipper-free frame with dual locks. It includes a compression system for three-to-five-day trips. Loop Quiet 2 earplugs cut up to 24 decibels of sound. Godio uses them on every vacation to block out hotel noises. She said they are comfortable enough to wear all night.

Food gifts include a Boarderie Christmas Dessert Board. The board serves five to seven people and contains more than 30 treats. It is positioned as a show-stopping option for hosts or people with a sweet tooth. The list covers a range of budgets, from small indulgences to higher-cost tech upgrades.