#CES2014 @Garmin launch the #Vivofit

Hi all

#CES2014 has the first wearable launch for us the from Garmin called the #Vivofit

Check out the promo video here:



This is what it looks like:

Most of the tech press have their hands on it, so please check out their reviews:

DCRainman

Engadget

Slashgear

The Verge

Thanks

#CES Expect loads of new #wearablesmartdevices

Hi all

Been a bit silent on the blog, Christmas and everything.

Anyway with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) starting tomorrow I expect a huge load of new wearable smart devices to be launch.

Watch this space...

Thanks

@adidas_miCoach #SmartRun available

Hi all

The much anticipated Smart Watch from Adidas is now available for purchase:

< CLICK HERE >

At 400€ this is a serious investment compared to the Fitbit, Jawbone & Polar Loop of the world.

Product info direct from the purchase page:

Slip it on and step it up. The miCoach SMART RUN delivers an advanced, intuitive blend of coaching and performance data designed to help serious runners maximize training every time you lace up your shoes. Clean and simple, it delivers a strapless continuous heart rate, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, wireless music player, WLAN and a colour touch screen. (In order to activate, use and update this product, a PC or Mac, an internet connection via WiFi and a miCoach User account are required. In addition, the acceptance of the Legal & Privacy Terms and Warranty Information is required.)

• Real-time cardio coaching with miCoach training plans created by elite coaches; Animated strength and flexibility training; Customisable training data screens; Workout review; Watch and timer function; 4GB memory for music and data
• Coaching delivered via visual messages; For audible coaching and music a wireless headset is sold separately
• Fully integrated strap-free heart-rate sensor; GPS-based speed, distance, cadence and route; Single-button user interaction; Invisible sync to miCoach.com for automatic updates; miCoach SMART RUN requires internet access over WLAN for initial setup and data sync
• Display: 1.45” full colour transflective TFT LCD, 184px x 184px touch screen; Battery: 410mAh lithium ion, charging time max 4 hrs
• Usage: Training mode (1 second data & music) up to 4hrs; Marathon mode (5 seconds data) up to 8hrs; Casual mode (watch only) up to 14 days
• Materials: Soft touch silicon strap, stainless steel bezel, buckle and detailing, magnesium backplate; Weight: 2.8 ounces

If Adidas want to drop a test unit in the post feel free to contact me :-)

Thanks

#Fitbit Force launched by @fitbit

Hi all

Slightly behind the times here :-(

Anyway Fitbit are launching a great new product called the Force

On first inspection:

- It has a better display showing more contextual info: steps, time etc etc
- Logs stairs climbed (a nice new feature)
- Advanced techie stuff that is meant to be better at recording YOUR info

It does however come at a cost and sacrifices the waterproofness of the device. So if you are a swimmer like me I doubt if you will be upgrading to the Force :-(

Notifications (like we need more of them) will be available very soon.

This plus all the features and functions you would have seen/used with Fitbit

First reaction - meh?

Thanks

Just pre-ordered the @PolarGlobal - The killer fitness device

Hi all

So, it was never going to be long before Polar entered into the wearables :-)



This ticks all the boxes for me:

Waterproof - Yes
Real clasp so you will never loose it - Yes
Neat display
App and web interface
...and the killa, you can pair a HRM with it.!

This is the H7 that is the newest HRM from Polar:
http://www.polar.com/en/products/accessories/H7_heart_rate_sensor

Here is a neat review by @dcrainmakerblog:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/09/polar-loop-firstlook.html

Stay tuned...

Check this wearable device out @FirstbeatInfo FirstBeat Bodyguard 2

Hi all

I had a friend tell me about this company and their products: www.firstbeat.com/

This is taking wearbale smart devices to the next level... this is not just your basic pedometer, this captures so much more data.

Few words from the company web page:

Firstbeat has developed an innovative heart rate variability based analysis technology for measurement of stress, recovery and exercise. Our software products can be applied to improve performance and well-being in sports and at work. We provide  information that is rich in detail about exercise monitoring, stress assessment and recovery.

They have a whole host of product and services geared around this, whether you are a Pro, for work and wellbeing, or simply a consumer (you can pick up a Suunto with Firstbeat features included).

Anyway the product that most excites me is the Firstbeat Bodyguard 2

Technical specifications:

Rechargeable battery (last app. 6 days)
Storage capacity app. 20 days
IP class IP52
Weight 24 g
Measurement accuracy for heartbeat recording1 ms (1000 Hz)
Measurement accuracy for movement:
Sampling frequency 12.5 Hz
Resolution 8 Bit
G-scale 4G
Data from Bodyguard 2 can be downloaded directly to Firstbeat programs (analysis server, Firstbeat SPORTS)
Data download and battery charging is done directly via the USB-port

So connect this to your chest and after three days have some hugely important data not just about HR, but stress, physical activity/exercise, training effect and many more.

I'm looking to test this out in the very near future... stay tuned.

Customer Service - @FitbitSupport @MisfitWearables

Hi all

Ok, been using the wearables and thought I would look into replacement bands - as I don't see these lasting for very long.

Fitbit

Fitbit have three cool colours of bands... but do you think you can order them.?!?!?!?

Think again, Unless you live in the good ole US of A you are stuff. So I wonder how I can get them here is Sunny Finland. Its the "after sales service" like this can make or break a device. If I cannot get replacement bands and my one breaks that is it - GAME OVER.

Misfit

Also the Misfit shine I have worn exclusively on the sportsband I have worn the band as i don't really like the clasp it comes with and feel I will loose it.

Ok the band is ok, but its not for every day use.  Even after 4 weeks (and thats plenty of swimming pool visits) I feel its going to break. And if it does then I bet I will loose the Shine.

So I think I should get a replacement, they are only $19.99... but on check out they slap a $25 postage fee.

I'm NOT paying $44 for a rubber band. So should the band fail me the Misfit Shine will get lost, NEVER to be replaced.

#Jawbone, this is where you could take a leadership position.!

Runtastic + Sony SmartWatch 2

Hi all

Bit of a busy day with all the new stuff coming out.

Next up is the Sony SmartWatch 2

Thing here is that Runtastic integrates to it.

Nissan - Where did this come from

Hi all

Who saw this one coming..???

Nissan Nismo

Sort of makes the Samsung gear look like a play toy.!

Samsung Gear - Was it worth the wait..??

Hi

Just in case you was on Mars last week this happened:

Samsung watch

As far as expectations went this wasn't what I was expecting. Where was the flexible / curved display..??

Think the only notable part is that is has a pedometer... but I don't see Fitbit quaking in their shoes.