activitytracker
Latest
Samsung's next Gear Fit will track your swimming (updated)
We liked Samsung's Gear Fit 2, but it had its limits. You couldn't use it to track your swimming, for starters. It's a good thing, then, that well-known leaker Evan Blass claims to have a training deck detailing a sequel that should be unveiled at Samsung's August 23rd event. The Gear Fit 2 Pro would look much like its predecessor, complete with that tall, curved display, but would include some big design upgrades. Most notably, it would add 5 ATM water resistance and that hoped-for swim tracking -- it'll sync up with the Speedo On app. Accordingly, the Pro switches from a snap-on strap to a watch-like buckle to prevent it from falling off in mid-backstroke.
Fitbit faces ill-timed lawsuits over haptic feedback
Fitbit is facing hard times between slowing fitness tracker sales and a reportedly floundering smartwatch project. Unfortunately, there's more bad news to add to the pile. Immersion is suing Fitbit in China and the US for allegedly violating multiple patents (three in each country) for haptic feedback. Supposedly, devices ranging from the original Flex to the Blaze all borrow Immersion's approach to vibrating a device in response to commands and for alerts. Fitbit rebuffed "numerous attempts" to strike a licensing deal, Immersion claims, so this is considered a last resort.
Garmin's new Vivosmart tracks reps and stress
Garmin's vivosmart 3 is here and it's packing guided breathing exercises, automatic rep counting in the gym and a supposed five-day battery life. Working in concert with the Garmin Connect mobile app, the vivosmart 3 will automatically label the exercises you've done in addition to counting them. But for now it sounds a bit on the limited side. Ars Technica reports that Connect isn't the best at telling between two different weight-training exercises yet, but given enough time (and app training) it will be able to discern between deadlifts and dumbbell curls.
Major League Baseball approves another wearable for in-game use
Major League Baseball began allowing players to use two wearable devices during games before the 2016 season started. The league is now adding another gadget to its approved list: the Whoop Strap. While the device has been around for awhile now, players can wear the continuous biometric monitoring wristband during games when 2017 season starts in a matter of weeks. Whoop Strap tracks strain, recovery and sleep to give athletes, coaches and trainers an overall look at a player's health.
Fitbit unveils a stylish Alta band with heart rate tracking
It's been around a year since Fitbit unveiled the Alta, its first stab at a wearable that's both thin and attractive. Now Fitbit is introducing a new model that delivers one of its most requested features: heart-rate tracking. The $150 Alta HR looks a lot like its predecessor, but turn it over and you'll see the telltale signs of a new sensor. As with other Fitbit devices, the Fitbit HR can give you real-time heart-rate measurements throughout the day, and the new feature will also help you more efficiently measure the calories you burn.
This cock ring connects to the world's worst social network
The Moneyball-era Oakland A's improved their on-field performance by using advanced statistics to build the best baseball team they could. In the bedroom, wearable devices like SexFit and Lovely bring a similar approach to less clothed athletics. These genital activity trackers record data points like calories burnt and thrusting force, but British Condoms' i.Con is looking to take things one step further by collecting more nuanced data.
Samsung's smartwatch lineup now works with your iPhone
Did you sigh wistfully at Samsung's Gear S3, knowing you couldn't use it because you have an iPhone? Relax. Samsung has launched new Gear S and Gear Fit apps that bring iOS compatibility to all of its current wrist-worn devices, including the Gear S3 (both Classic and Frontier), the Gear S2 and the Gear Fit 2. You won't see all the integration you would on an Android phone (let alone a Samsung phone), but you can receive notifications, manage apps and track your S Health data. Hardware features should work, too, so you can expect GPS and environmental sensors to play a part.
Fitbit updates help you meet fitness goals through your friends
Fitbit knows that maintaining a good exercise regimen is as much about motivation as anything else. To that end, it's launching multiple updates to help you stay focused. To start, its core mobile app now has a Community area that makes it easier to keep yourself going. There's a social feed where you and your fitness-minded peers can compete, find nearby workouts, join groups and share achievements. You'll also get advice from Fitbit experts to help refine your routines, and there's a Personal Goal Setting option in the app to help set realistic goals based on your activity.
Fitbit drops its attempt to ban Jawbone device sales
For once, the he-said-she-said legal fight between Fitbit and Jawbone appears to be simmering down. Jawbone tells us in a statement (below) that Fitbit has dropped its US International Trade Commission patent case, which sought to ban sales of Jawbone devices in the country. If you ask Jawbone, this ends "baseless" allegations that were meant solely as a "burden." This doesn't mean that the company will respond in kind (its accusations of trade secret theft will see trial in 2017), but it's one less battle to worry about. But why did Fitbit change its mind?
Fitbit's Charge 2 helps keep your heart in the zone
We like Fitbit's Charge 2 fitness tracker, but there's no question that it has room for improvement -- in particular, it could do with better guidance when you're in the middle of some activities. Thankfully, you're getting just that. A just-launched firmware update for the Charge 2 has added a slew of genuinely practical features highlighted by heart rate and breathing help. There's an upgraded heart rate zone display (shown at top) that makes it easier to tell whether or not your blood is pumping as quickly as it should. If you need to step up the intensity, you'll know with a quick glance. The breathing-oriented Relax mode, meanwhile, now has Apple Watch-style vibration cues so you don't have to stare at the screen while you calm down.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Activitè Steel fitness tracker courtesy of Withings!
If you want to ditch those notifications, but still have all that activity tracking data in a unassuming package, consider Withings' Activitè Steel. This is an all day wearable with a silicone strap and stainless steel casing that's water resistant up to 50ATM, so swimming and showering are on the menu. It works with the Health Mate app so you can see all your step, running, swimming and sleep stats, but can save data when your phone isn't along for the ride. Its activity recognition lets you live life as usual without having to tweak settings for specific activities and there's no charging needed -- the battery lasts up to eight months. Withings has provided us with three of these activity trackers for a trio of lucky readers this week, so you can keep an eye on fitness all through the holidays. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning a Withings Activitè Steel! Winners: Congratulations to Marty B. of Central Point, OR; Jeremy M. of Channahon, IL and Rafael B. of Phoenix, AZ!
Bloomberg: Fitbit acquisition will kill Pebble Time 2 and Core
According to Bloomberg, Fitbit is close to buying up Pebble for less than $40 million, which aligns with what we reported when info on the acquisition first came out. Since the fitness tracker maker is only interested in Pebble's software assets and Pebble is neck-deep in debt, though, the Time 2 and Core watches will no longer be released. While Pebble 2 has already started shipping out to Kickstarter backers, the company will reportedly cancel all Time 2 and Core shipments and will issue refunds through the crowdfunding website. Pebble's Time 2 is made of marine-grade stainless steel and has a much bigger screen than the original Time smartwatch, while Core is an Android-powered, non-watch GPS wearable for runners.
Runkeeper uses Apple Watch GPS to keep track of your route
Apple Watch Series 2 arrived with two notable updates: waterproofing and built-in GPS. Even though the popular jogging app has been letting users run without their iPhone since last fall, Runkeeper now tasks the wearable's own GPS for better tracking of your routes. An update to the company's Apple Watch software takes advantage of the built-in feature for "richer stats" and a detailed map you can view on your phone.
Your Fitbit stats will earn you a boost in 'NBA2K17'
The act of logging your steps with an activity tracker is good for meeting personal goals, but what if there was another use for hitting that target. Well, starting November 25th, tallying 10,000 steps with your Fitbit device will help improve your NBA2K17 gaming sessions. Next week, logging said number of steps in a day will earn you a temporary boost to your MyPlayer in the game to offer better on-court performance.
Microsoft was working on a Band that tracked your swimming
Just because Microsoft axed its Band wearable doesn't mean that there wasn't another Band in the works. Windows Central forum goer FUD Hater has posted what he says are details and images of a third-generation Band. Reportedly, the activity tracker's star attraction would have been watersport -- much like the latest Apple Watch, you'd have had water resistance and a swimming workout mode. Microsoft would have one-upped its rivals through an EKG sensor with blood pressure monitoring, however, and there's also talk of RFID support.
Microsoft renames its Health app after the Band wearable
Sure, Microsoft may not be releasing a new version of its Band activity tracker this year. But that hasn't stopped the company from rebranding its generically named Health app on Android, as noticed by Paul Thurrott. "We've got a new name! The Microsoft Health app is now the Microsoft Band app, everything else is the same," the patch notes say.
Samsung's smart belt lands on Kickstarter
Remember that health-tracking smart belt Samsung showed at its CES booth in January? You can score one for yourself. Spinoff company Welt has started a Kickstarter campaign to fund the launch of its namesake belt. Drop $119 ($69 or $99 if you're early) and you'll get a subtle wearable that tracks your waistline, eating habits, step counts and the time you spend sitting. Higher-priced Classic and Premium models mainly up the style quotient. Provided the crowdfunding run is successful, you should get your Welt as early as January -- just in time to track your efforts to shed weight after the holidays.
TomTom's new fitness tracker can analyze your body composition
Today at IFA 2016, TomTom revealed a trio of new wearables, including its first fitness tracker. Unlike other similar devices, the new TomTom Touch has one feature that particularly stands out: it can analyze your body composition. That's something you typically only see on smart scales, so it's interesting to see TomTom bring this over to a fitness tracker. Not only does the Touch show you body fat and muscle percentage, but it also monitors your heart rate continuously, as well as count your calories and steps. Pictured above, the sleek wearable will hit stores in October for $130/£130.
Garmin's newest smartwatch slims down, but packs on features
After going high-end with the Fenix Chronos, Garmin is getting back to its core focus with the new Forerunner 35, a feature-packed smartwatch and all-day activity tracker. This latest addition to the Forerunner line packs GPS tracking, a high-contrast display and Garmin's Elevate wrist-based heart rate monitor into a sleek new design with up to nine days of battery life.
McDonald's pulls plug on Happy Meal activity trackers
McDonald's Happy Meals might be beloved for their included toys, but the food inside is just as unhealthy as most of the menu at the Golden Arches. As the Rio Olympics approached, the franchise hoped to reverse its kids combo's poor nutritional reputation by including an activity tracker in place of a normal toy. Unfortunately, reports of possible skin irritations prompted the chain to end the promotion early.
