Fitness Trackers: Holiday Gift Guide
Wearable fitness devices top many holiday lists this year. Here's how to choose the right one.
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As the holidays approach, the number of shopping days is dwindling -- and this year, fitness devices top many gift givers' lists.
Buoyed by lower gas prices and slightly more consumer confidence, holiday spending is expected to increase between 4.5% and 5% this year over 2013, Deloitte reports. And a sizable percentage of the $986 billion Americans spend on gifts will go toward fitness trackers. In fact, 10% of shoppers will purchase fitness trackers as gifts this year, and 8% plan to buy a smartwatch, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.
"Expect to see growing consumer awareness and interest in emerging tech categories, including health and fitness technology, as industry giants have entered the playing field," Steve Koenig, CEA director of industry analysis, said in a press release. "These products will make their first big splash this holiday season, setting up 2015 as a breakout year for emerging segments like smartwatches and smart home technologies."
One of the biggest contenders -- the Apple Watch -- isn't even on the market yet, but that doesn't mean some gift buyers won't place IOUs in stockings. Apple's long-anticipated smartwatch is slated for release in early 2015. Some aficionados might rather wait for a new Apple product than use another vendor's device, but that's not likely to be a common occurrence this holiday season.
With so many fitness trackers now available, the challenge is choosing the most appropriate device. Options range in price from $12 (that's right, $12) to more than $500. But often you get what you pay for. Will you need to break the budget to buy the best of the bunch for your loved one?
Most fitness devices offer similar capabilities: They track steps, calories, and sleep. Some developers differentiate their devices through software, providing more in-depth analysis that could be helpful to athletes or users with chronic health conditions. Some products include a strap; others use clips that attach to belt loops, shoelaces, or purses. For fashion-minded users, some device makers offer an array of strap designs or color choices. Then there are devices that target athletes who prefer a specific activity, such as biking or swimming.
Before you decide on a specific device, it's also important to investigate the accompanying software. Learn how each device integrates with hardware and how it plays with other applications the recipient may already use. Fitness device vendors know that users want to tap into the many health and fitness apps available to iOS and Android devices. By 2015, 500 million people worldwide are expected to use health apps -- and device makers don't want to be left out.
Do you?
Fitbit hopes its three new models will cement its leadership position in an increasingly fractured market. The Fitbit Charge, the only one of its recently unveiled products currently shipping, melds some watch-like capabilities with the company's long menu of fitness tracker features.
Price: $129.99
Colors: Black, slate, blue, burgundy
Features: Fitbit's newest offering includes a sleep-tracking module; integrated Caller ID (when paired with a user's smartphone); an accelerometer; and an altimeter. The Fitbit Charge delivers up to seven days of usage, according to the company, and it shows stats in real-time on an OLED display. A vibrating silent alarm acts as a wakeup call, and users can sync the device to their computer or smartphone (120 different smartphone models are supported) to view detailed charts and graphs of their progress and goals.
Pros: Leverages proven fitness-tracking features in newest design; integrated Caller ID; mid-range price point with many features
Cons: Limited color choices; heart-rate monitor not included (will be available in Charge HR in 2015)
More information: Fitbit Charge
(Source: Fitbit)
Designed for cyclists, the LifeBeam Helmet measures heart rate, calories, and performance without a chest strap. Users can wear the device, which looks like a racing helmet, in all weather, according to the developer.
Price: $229.00
Colors: Black/white
Features: With its Lazer Genesis design, the LifeBeam Helmet allows cyclists to measure their heart rate and calorie consumption without wearing a chest strap. The biosensing helmet pairs with most fitness apps or devices and meets US and European certifications. In addition to analyzing riders' performance by transmitting data via Bluetooth and ANT 4.0, it protects users' heads.
Pros: Provides head protection and basic performance information in one device; interoperable with most apps and devices; adds features and capabilities; users rave about its comfort
Cons: Does not track noncycling metrics such as sleep and calorie consumption
More information: LifeBeam Helmet
(Source: LifeBeam)
It wasn't the first device to enter the fitness tracker market, but the Microsoft Band is earning plenty of accolades -- and sales. Powered by Microsoft Health, the band includes advanced sensors and cloud-powered health insights, and it is open with other developers and products, such as Jawbone, MapMyFitness, and RunKeeper.
Price: $199.99
Features: The Microsoft Band includes built-in GPS, a 24-hour heart rate monitor, calorie tracking, and a sleep monitor, as well as guided workouts and goal setting. The device includes UV index readings and lets users view run summaries with personalized metrics and track distances traveled each day.
Pros: Compatible with leading fitness developers; includes sensors; integrates with Microsoft Health
Cons: Some reviewers say wristband is uncomfortable.
More information: Microsoft Band
(Source: Microsoft)
Swimmers can track numerous health metrics and stay on a budget, thanks to the Misfit Flash. The device, available in a rainbow of hues, is one of the first to come in at about $50.
Price: $49.99
Colors: Frost, reef, fuchsia, onyx, Coca-Cola red, wave, zest
Features: Waterproof to 30 meters, the clip-on Misfit Flash is available from retail stores and online. It syncs via Bluetooth and has a six-month battery life. The device allows users to track calories, distance traveled, and steps taken; it also measures sleep duration and quality. Users can set personal and group challenges and track long-term progress.
Pros: One of the few available waterproof devices; attractive price point
Cons: None
More information: Misfit Flash
(Source: Misfit)
Does someone on your gift list prefer baseball caps to watches? If so, the Spree Headband and SmartCap could be a perfect fit.
Price: $199.00
Color: Black (other colors can be purchased separately)
Features: Kit includes a Spree Fitness Monitor POD, which tracks heart rate, motion, and body temperature; a Spree Headband; Spree SmartCap; and charging USB cable. The device is compatible with iOS and Android.
Pros: Baseball hats are a natural part of many athletes' workout gear
Cons: Limited capabilities compared with bands; pricey; cap available only in black as part of bundle (other colors can be purchased separately).
More information: Spree Headband and SmartCap
(Source: Spree)
Buying for someone who could use a little cheerleading for their efforts? The Runtastic Orbit and its complementary Me app (compatible with iOS and Android) might be just the thing.
Price: $99
Colors: Black, blue
Features: Waterproof to 100 meters, the 24-hour tracker allows users to monitor daily activities and sleep habits, set personal goals, track calories, and collect information about steps taken. The device features an OLED display and comes with a clip and two bands.
Pros: Users may hear applause or cheers from their headphones; integrates with free nutrition app MyFitnessPal; includes band and clip
Cons: May be less familiar to non-runners and new fitness devotees; some reviewers found some features, like sleep measures, less fine-tuned than those offered by competing products
More information: Runtastic Orbit
(Source: Runtastic)
The startup Pivotal Living separates itself from competitors by providing users with a free fitness band for the price of a $12 annual subscription.
Price: Free with $12 annual subscription
Colors: Black (Blue Team edition costs $15)
Features: Subscribers can track calories, measure steps and distances traveled, and set goals. The band also tells time. It includes a vibrating alarm, an app for detailed analysis, and a native messaging platform. Battery life is five to seven days, according to Pivotal Living.
Pros: Price
Cons: Can the company make money and survive?
More information: Pivotal Living
(Source: Pivotal Living)
Activity trackers don't have to be expensive. At least three vendors currently offer models for around $50 -- and experts predict more to come in 2015. One of the best: Jawbone's Up Move, a clip-on tracker with LED display that uses the developer's sophisticated Up app to connect to its Smart Coach system. Add a strap for another $15.
Price: $49.99; optional strap $15
Colors: Black with onyx clip, blue with gray clip, grape with purple clip, ruby with red clip, and slate with yellow clip
Features: The Up Move's battery, which is the kind used in digital watches, lasts for about six months. Featuring a hidden LED display users can press to show their progress, it wirelessly connects via Bluetooth to the Up app and Smart Connect, enabling users to track a spectrum of measurements, including sleep quality, exercise, meals, and other biometrics.
Pros: Integrates with Up app and Smart Connect; affordable price; lengthy battery life
Cons: May offer too much information for casual fitness users
More information: Jawbone Up Move
(Source: Jawbone)
Oaxis, which previously crowdsourced its Star.21 fitness tracker via Pozible, uses gamification to distinguish its product from competitors. The goal? Healthy habits in 21 days.
Price: $129
Colors: Black, sky blue, Berlin blue, grass green, rose red, white
Features: The device uses milestones and gamification to improve users' health by turning tasks into habits, according to the developer. It uses an iOS or Android app to record motions, which are transmitted via Bluetooth BLE. Data appears on the user's smartphone or the band's LEDs. The splash-proof device monitors sleep patterns and calorie consumption and offers 15 days of battery life.
Pros: Gamification may encourage users to live a healthier lifestyle
Cons: Does not appear to have US retail presence
More information: Oaxis Star.21
(Source: Oaxis)
Got some extra cash lying around? Consider the Polar V800 GPS sports watch. Available exclusively in black in the United States, the device is sold in many retail stores and online and targets professional and hard-core athletes who want to reach peak performance, the developer says.
Price: $519.95 with heart rate monitor
Color: Black
Features: Waterproof to 30 meters, the device measures all training sessions and 24/7 daily activities. It tracks speed, route, and distance with built-in GPS. It includes a customizable sports profile. It measures heart rate (even in water) and calories burned. It integrates with the free Polar Flow app and web service for planning and training analysis. The device optimizes training based on current condition and is compatible with Polar Bluetooth Smart running and cycling sensors.
Pros: Provides many sophisticated fitness tracking features for serious athletes
Cons: Price; design may not appeal to all users
More information: Polar V800 Sports Watch
(Source: Polar)
For some folks, it's Apple or nothing. So if you can get away with a nicely wrapped IOU (and maybe a nice sweater), you might want to hold out for the long-anticipated Apple Watch, due in spring 2015. Alternatively, pick up one of the $50 models as a teaser, and then torment your honey with "leaked" Apple Watch stories as the official debut nears.
Price: Starts at $349
Color: Multiple colors and designs
Features: The watch lets users stay connected via email and messaging. Capabilities include an accelerometer to measure total body movement and a sensor to capture heart rate. It Uses GPS and WiFi to track daily distance covered, and it integrates with Apple apps such as Activity, Workout, and Fitness.
Pros: Apple fans will probably want one.
Cons: Price; not all users need or want a watch, particularly if they are primarily interested in a fitness tracker or use an Android phone
More information: Apple Watch
(Source: Apple)
For some folks, it's Apple or nothing. So if you can get away with a nicely wrapped IOU (and maybe a nice sweater), you might want to hold out for the long-anticipated Apple Watch, due in spring 2015. Alternatively, pick up one of the $50 models as a teaser, and then torment your honey with "leaked" Apple Watch stories as the official debut nears.
Price: Starts at $349
Color: Multiple colors and designs
Features: The watch lets users stay connected via email and messaging. Capabilities include an accelerometer to measure total body movement and a sensor to capture heart rate. It Uses GPS and WiFi to track daily distance covered, and it integrates with Apple apps such as Activity, Workout, and Fitness.
Pros: Apple fans will probably want one.
Cons: Price; not all users need or want a watch, particularly if they are primarily interested in a fitness tracker or use an Android phone
More information: Apple Watch
(Source: Apple)
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