Wearables makers target new demographics, functions
Garmin is focusing on further developing its activity trackers for children with the introduction of Disney licenses, including Star Wars and Marvel, for its Vívofit Jr. In addition to tracking steps, sleep and kids’ activity on the way to their recommended 60-minute daily play goal, the Vívofit Jr. comes with a free, parent-controlled mobile app. The Vívofit Jr. band is designed for children ages 4- to 9-years old, and is available for $79.99.
Earlier this year, Fitbit launched its smartwatch Fitbit Ionic at just under $300. The Fitbit Ionic delivers advanced and innovative health and fitness features, such as GPS, enhanced heart rate tracking, on-device guided workouts and automatic sleep tracking with Sleep Stages, all powered by up to five days of battery life and cross-platform smartphone compatibility. It is available in three-color combinations: silver gray tracker and clasp with blue gray band, smoke gray tracker and clasp with charcoal band or burnt orange tracker and clasp with slate blue band.
NeuroMetrix has entered the wearable space with a chronic pain relief device that uses TENS technology with its Quell device. It’s similar to other wearable devices in that it tracks pain-related data as part of its app, and is much more than a typical TENS device in that it is worn around the calf as opposed to the area of the body that’s hurting. Recent added functionalities for the $249 device includes an activity tracker and gate tracking.
Shipping in early December, Nokia recently announced the launch of Nokia Steel HR, an activity tracking watch with heart rate monitoring, smartphone notifications and personalized coaching programs. Nokia Steel HR utilizes a technology called photoplethysmography, which Nokia says monitors heart rate using green LED lights to detect variation in the level of blood in the wrist. Pricing is expected to range between $179.95 and $199.95. Nokia Steel HR’s heart rate algorithm has been developed to provide accurate measurements, especially during workouts when it’s used most.