MARCH 2021

Airvida – the smallest wearable air purifier able to reduce up to 96.31% virus within 1 min

Stay healthy and keep the social distance is a must under an outbreak of a serious pandemic disease and allergy season, bring nature’s freshness and purity wherever you go with Airvida – award-winning wearable ionic air purifier.

Thanks to the unique technology “Breathing Pathway Eco Ion Technology” powered by ible Technology which is able to protect users from reducing virus, airborne allergens including pollen, hay fever, and pet dander. It is an innovation enables the effective formulation of 2 million negative ions/cm3 every 0.6 second around the user’s facial area, these negative ions quickly attach itself to airborne particles within close proximity, turning them into bigger, heavier chunks of particles which falls to the ground and away from the user’s facial area.

This mechanism effectively means users can be assured they are breathing in better quality air with a significantly reduced amount of pollen, allergens, PM2.5 and also virus in anywhere.

Recently, proven by MS2 testing performed by authoritative institutions Microchem Laboratory in the US, M1 can effectively reduce 96.31% virus within 1 minute. Furthermore, M1 is also certified and tested by leading institutions such as SGS and Japan Far Infrared Rays Association (JIRA) to hold the ability to generate large amounts of negative ion in a short period of time (two million negative ions/cm3 every 0.6 seconds), effectively reducing 99.9% inhalable PM2.5, 99.9% of pollen (allergens), 99.0% of Formaldehyde (CH2O), airborne allergens and up to >90.8% of bacteria around the user’s face.

Further testing alongside the Kisato Research Center for Environmental Sciences in Japan also proves Airvida can effectively reduce 99.9% of concentration of viruses in the air such as the seasonal flu or common cold after wearing the device over a short period of time.

Today, Airvida is the world’s smallest and most powerful wearable air purifier and recently awarded SNQ (Symbol of National Quality) at Anti-epidemic products in Taiwan, also an honoree at the CES Innovation Awards 2020 for wearable technologies, the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the world.

Here you can find more information on the removal test result

For more information on the Airvida products, please visit the website.

 

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Wearables don’t work the same on dark skin. It’s time to change that

Is the heart rate sensor on your smartwatch accurate? Research has shown skin tone may affect whether it is, and companies have responded to the challenge.

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Best cheap Apple deals for February 2021

Apple fans know how fleeting deals can be, but we've rounded up some great Apple deals for you right here.

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Garmin Enduro Is A Solar-Powered Smartwatch Designed For Serious Athletes

Garmin is well known for building sports watches that last the distance. The company’s newest, Enduro, is built to last even the toughest conditions, aimed at those who like to take part in intense races and endurance events. The watch features customizable power management modes and a Power Glass solar charging lens that harvests the power of the sun to extend battery life up to 65 days.

Read more Garmin Vivoactive 5: Likely Release Date, Rumors and Features Everybody Want

“Built to last during any training session or ultra-event, Enduro gives ultrarunners and cyclists the confidence that their watch has as much energy as they do, plus the unique insights they need to monitor their performance,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “And with Enduro on their wrist, ultra-performance athletes can focus on the competition instead of their battery life.”

Enduro’s lightweight and durable design feature a new UltraFit nylon strap and optional DLC coated titanium bezel. Designed to endure, runners and cyclists can quickly adjust settings to disable certain features to get the longest battery life on a Garmin wearable to date. A full charge will get an athlete 70 hours in GPS mode which is extended to 80 hours with solar capabilities, reports BusinessWire.

Next-level training

Designed for unremitting race conditions, Enduro has several new training and recovery tools:

• VO2 Max: Track cardiovascular fitness levels with the new trail run VO2 max, which automatically adjusts based on trail conditions. A user’s VO2 Max is also adjusted by the environment through heat and altitude acclimation.
• ClimbPro: Get real-time information on the current and upcoming climbs including gradient, distance and elevation gain by using the ascent planner. For additional safety and awareness, ClimbPro trail enhancements provide information for descents and flats.
• Rest Timer: Select the Ultrarun activity which features a rest timer to log the time spent at aid stations.
• Mountain Biking: Track the details of every MTB ride with mountain biking metrics plus specialized grit and flow measurements that rate trail difficulty and track the time of descent, giving a score to beat on the next ride.
• Recovery: Giving the body time to recover between sessions is crucial. After each workout, the built-in recovery advisor will recommend how long to rest before another big effort and the next workout based on sleep and wellness data.
• Recommended Workouts: For training guidance that takes fitness level into account, get daily run and ride suggestions based on current training load and training status.

Garmin

Everyday wellness tracking

Enduro offers innovative health and wellness features including wrist-based heart rate and a Pulse Ox sensor for altitude acclimation and advanced sleep tracking. It also includes Garmin’s exclusive Body Battery feature that monitors data to gauge energy levels, which can help with scheduling workouts and rest times.

Staying connected, even off-grid

Enduro is packed with navigation and connectivity features including access to multiple global navigation satellite systems to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone, as well as built-in ABC sensors such as an altimeter for elevation data, a barometer to monitor the weather, and a 3-axis electronic compass.

Read more Garmin Announces Tactix Delta, a Multisport GPS Smartwatch Built to Military Standards

When paired with a Garmin inReach® Mini satellite communicator, users can send and receive messages quickly from the wrist and share their location so friends and family can follow along, even during the longest of races or extended training sessions that go beyond reliable cellular connectivity. The inReach Mini is lightweight and compact and can easily be clipped to a hydration pack or vest. In addition to two-way text messaging and location sharing, inReach Mini includes interactive SOS. When the SOS is activated, a response coordinator will track the device location, notify emergency responders in the area, and stay in communication with preset emergency contacts throughout the incident.

Available now, the Enduro models range in suggested retail price from $799.99 to $899.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/enduro.

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Nova H1: Stylish Pearl Earrings Doubles As Smart Earbuds

For the ladies who like listening to music on the go but don’t want their earbuds to be conspicuous, German startup Nova Products has found a stylish alternative to earbuds. The company’s Nova H1 is a pair of stylish pearl earrings that double as earbuds. Sold in sets of two, each 7-gram earring has a solid silver body/clip along with a real pearl.

Read more Innovative Swings Hearables For Fashionable Music Lovers

The Earrings are fully packed with the latest technology embedded in real pearls to provide you with music, phone calls, and digital assistants all day long.

Like conventional earrings, the NOVA H1 are placed on the earlobes and project the sound from inside the pearl straight into your ear canal.

Thanks to their worldwide patented Directional Sound Technology, the sound travels from the earlobe to the ear canal avoiding sound leakage and keeping your conversations and music private and secure.

Two tiny high-end microphones are integrated into each Earring providing the user with crystal clear phone calls and wind-noise cancelation.

The button, located at the back of each earring, allows music control, answers phone calls, plays or skips songs, and activates the voice assistant.

The rechargeable battery inside every Earring is replaceable. The earbuds provide 3+ hours of playtime – and automatically saves batter life with the ultra-sleep mode.

Nova

Streaming music

The earrings allow you to stream music from any audio source like Spotify, Google Play Music or Apple Music, or your music library on your smartphone, computer or tablet.

Read more Audio Augmented Reality (AuR) enhances our reality by curating or selectively manipulating what we hear

Phone calls

Make and receive phone calls at home, in the office, or while commuting. Anywhere, any time.

Privacy

NOVA’s patented Directional Sound Technology helps keep your private conversations private.

Availability

To order your Nova H1, you need to visit their Kickstarter campaign.

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Hublot Big Bang e Smartwatch Is Designed Specifically for the English Premier League Fans

Celebrating its partnership with the Premier League, Swiss watchmaker Hublot has unveiled a limited-edition version of its Big Bang e smartwatch with a dedicated application, new dial and new strap, in purple, the iconic color of the Premier League.

Read more AI-Powered Fantom Smartband to Keep Manchester City Fans Connected to the Club

“In these challenging times, football continues to be a source of much-needed joy for fans all over the world. Hublot loves football and continues to partner with the game’s greatest competitions,” said Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe. “It’s our privilege to introduce the Hublot Big Bang e Premier League, a connected watch designed to bring passionate fans even closer to the world’s most-watched league. Hublot is really proud to be working with the Premier League and to be creating memorable experiences for people who love watches and love football.”

In addition to all the football stuff, users also get a pre-installed watchface and theme that reflects the branding. If you don’t like the color or the look of the watch, you can change it easily by choosing rubber strap colors and dial configurations.

The Hublot Loves Football Premier League app is pre-installed. This app provides users with animated notifications to alert them to Premier League match kick-off times (15 minutes before the game starts), goals, penalties, substitutions, yellow and red cards, and time added on. The dial can be set to display the time using digital or analog displays and, when a match starts, the watch automatically switches to “Match Mode”, reports Hublot.

The app will also show team line-ups and VAR decisions. When it signals a match is over, it will begin a countdown to the next fixture. If there are two games taking place at the same time, users will be able to switch between them with a simple screen tap.

The round display has a 390 x 390 resolution. The watch is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 3100 and has 1GB RAM and 8GB of storage. The battery lasts a day, according to Hublot.

Jose Mourinho, Head Coach, Tottenham Hotspur (Image: Hublot)

“As a Hublot ambassador for many years, I can say that I am extremely proud to wear this magnificent watch that will bring fans of our league closer to the game,” says Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur. “I’m even more proud to see Hublot and the Premier League come together – the best watchmaker in the world and the best league in the world. It’s a special match.”

Read more American Express to Launch New Contactless Payment Wristband for Members and Fans at the US Open

The limited-edition Hublot Big Bang e Premier League smartwatch obviously will not be cheap. It will cost you $5,200 (£4,300). And since there are only 200 of these that will be made, you better hurry if you’re a die-hard Premier League fan.

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Best cheap GoPro alternative deals for February 2021

If you're staying active outside, a good action camera is a perfect way to record your adventures.

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New Wearable Patch Can Monitor Blood pressure, Glucose, Caffeine Levels and More

University of California San Diego (UCSD) engineers have developed a skin patch that can be worn on the neck to track blood pressure and heart rate while monitoring the user’s glucose, lactate, alcohol or caffeine levels. It is the first wearable device that monitors cardiovascular signals and multiple biochemical levels in the human body at the same time.

Read more Microfiber, Nanofiber-Based Wearables Can Track Your Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and More

The researchers said the device could benefit individuals who are managing both high blood pressure and diabetes, especially because they are at high risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, according to the study published this month in Nature Biomedical Engineering.

“This type of wearable would be very helpful for people with underlying medical conditions to monitor their own health on a regular basis,” said Lu Yin, a nanoengineering PhD student at UCSD and co-first author of the study. “It would also serve as a great tool for remote patient monitoring, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when people are minimizing in-person visits to the clinic.”

One soft skin patch that can do it all would also offer a convenient alternative for patients in intensive care units, including infants in the NICU, who need continuous monitoring of blood pressure and other vital signs. These procedures currently involve inserting catheters deep inside patients’ arteries and tethering patients to multiple hospital monitors, reports Liezel Labios in UCSD News.

Image credit: UC San Diego

The new patch is a product of two pioneering efforts in the UC San Diego Center for Wearable Sensors, for which Wang serves as director. Wang’s lab has been developing wearables capable of monitoring multiple signals simultaneously—chemical, physical and electrophysiological—in the body. And in the lab of UC San Diego nanoengineering professor Sheng Xu, researchers have been developing soft, stretchy electronic skin patches that can monitor blood pressure deep inside the body. By joining forces, the researchers created the first flexible, stretchable wearable device that combines chemical sensing (glucose, lactate, alcohol, and caffeine) with blood pressure monitoring.

“Each sensor provides a separate picture of a physical or chemical change. Integrating them all in one wearable patch allows us to stitch those different pictures together to get a more comprehensive overview of what’s going on in our bodies,” said Xu, who is also a co-corresponding author of the study.

The patch is a thin sheet of stretchy polymers that can conform to the skin. It is equipped with a blood pressure sensor and two chemical sensors—one that measures levels of lactate (a biomarker of physical exertion), caffeine, and alcohol in sweat, and another that measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid.

Read more This Wearable Patch May Provide Painless, More Effective Chemotherapy For Melanoma

The team is already at work on a new version of the patch, one with even more sensors. “There are opportunities to monitor other biomarkers associated with various diseases. We are looking to add more clinical value to this device,” Sempionatto said. They are also working to make the patch completely wireless.

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The most common Wear OS problems and how to fix them

Got a Wear OS smartwatch? We've rounded up some of the more common Google Wear OS problems, along with some workarounds and solutions for solving them.

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Facebook is Reportedly Working On a Smartwatch With Focus on Messaging and Health

Facebook is reportedly building a smartwatch with a focus on health and messaging features, according to a new report from The Information.

Read more Facebook Begins Rolling Out Messenger on Oculus Quest VR Headsets

Unsurprisingly, one core aspect of the watch will be social features. So, users will be able to send quick messages easily through the company’s platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.

Another feature is health tracker. Users will be able to do workouts with friends or communicate with a trainer. Facebook reportedly has plans to connect with other fitness devices, like Peleton’s smart stationary bikes.

The watch will be powered by Android but it’s still unclear whether the software will be Google’s WearOS or some kind of proprietary software, The Information report said.

The smartwatch will include a direct cellular connection, like pricier models of Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch models.

This watch will join Facebook’s growing list of hardware devices including Oculus VR, its video-calling devices including Portal TV, Portal, Portal+, and Portal Mini.

Andrey Camara, Unsplash

In recent years, the social media giant has pushed further into hardware with its Oculus VR headsets and Portal video-streaming devices, hoping it can become less dependent on other dominant hardware makers.

Now with its foray into smartwatches, the company will be forced to face tech giants like Apple, which leads the pack with around 55% of global smartwatch sales, Samsung, and Google, which acquired Fitbit.

Still, the company hopes its new smartwatch will make it less dependent on Apple and Google, whose operating systems power most of the world’s mobile devices.

Facebook said the price for its new smartwatch will be at near to cost. Pricing will be unveiled at the time of release and a second model will be developed to be released in 2023.

Read more Facebook Reportedly Set Up New Group for Building Augmented Reality Glasses

Back in September, Facebook announced its partnership with Ray-Ban, and revealed that it will be developing and releasing the Ray-Ban branded smart glasses in 2021.

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AirPop Introduces AirPop Active+ Halo, A Smart Mask that Tracks Your Breath and Air Quality

Wearables are slowly becoming a part of our lives. They are fashionable, trendy and they can track all sorts of health metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, sleep, and even stress. With the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have become a new entry into the wearables category. They have become an essential part of our lives outside our own four walls.

Read more New TEAL Reusable Respirator Mask Can Sense Proper Fit and Filter Saturation

Now, AirPop, an air wearables company has launched a smart mask that tracks our breath, air quality, and the filter’s effectiveness. Dubbed Active+ Halo, the smart mask with Halo sensor was created to offer wearers a better understanding of their respiratory health. The data is sent back to the companion app.

“It’s an additional dimension to understanding what is healthy,” said AirPop’s founder Chris Hosmer. “Breathing is actually a really vital part of not only physical health but our psychological or emotional health, too.”

AirPop masks are designed to protect against pathogens (like the coronavirus), as well as unhealthy air. Airpop produces far less mask waste. The filters also provide proven protection against bacteria and fine dust in the air, reports TechBook.

AirPop

Features

• A washable, fairly sturdy fabric mesh as a coat
• Four filters to insert into the mask (each of which can be worn for 40 hours)
• A smart sensor (halo) in the mask jacket that interacts with the smartphone app:
  – for measuring the respiratory rate
  – to display the filter service life
  – to display the particulate matter pollution in your city
  – and thus the display of the pollutant particles filtered out
• KN95 certification and can therefore be used in Germany just like FFP2 masks

Price

At around $182 (150 Euros), the AirPop Active+ Halo may sound a bit pricey, but you may become satisfied with what it offers.

Read more Huami’s Amazfit Aeri Mask Self-Disinfects and Unlocks Your Phone With Face ID

Users get a wearing period of 160 hours (40 hours per filter). Additional filters can be purchased in a pack of 4 for 25 euros.

Compared to FFP2 masks, which should be changed after a day, at least the filter prices do not come off badly. Assuming that you get 30 FFP2 masks for 25 euros and wear them for 4 hours each, you get 120 hours of wearing time compared to the 160 hours for the Airpop filters.

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Best cheap smartwatch deals for March 2021

Smartwatches make life easier by sending alerts right on your wrist. Many also provide fitness-tracking features, so now is a great time to pick one up for cheap. With so many models available, you can find a deal on one almost all of the time.

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Amazfit GTR 2e review: All the good (and bad) from the GTR 2, for less money

The fitness-focused smartwatch has all the good things about the existing GTR 2, but costs less.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs. Watch Active: Spec comparison

What does the Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 offer that the original Watch Active doesn't? We have all the answers in this rigorous head-to-head comparison.

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Montblanc Introduces Summit Lite With A New Focus On Health and Fitness

Following on from the success of their Summit 2 smartwatch, the German luxury goods maker Montblanc has launched a more streamlined version called Montblanc Summit Lite. Named after its lightweight design, the Summit Lite is cheaper than its predecessors, the Summit 2 and the Summit 2+.

Read more Emporio Armani Announces Connected 2018 With GPS, HR Tracking and Payments

As described in its website, “The Montblanc Summit Lite smartwatch is Montblanc’s proposition for those who want to maximize their performance and prioritize a healthy and active lifestyle. It’s set of Montblanc proprietary activity apps paired with its lightweight materials distinguish the Summit Lite from the classical Summit smartwatch range. With this addition, the Montblanc Summit Lite watch opens up new opportunities for clients to focus on health and well-being.”

The design is the same as the other two Montblanc smartwatches with a round case and a crown and pushers to make it look like a mechanical watch. The 43mm case is crafted out of recycled aluminum, while the watch arrives in sustainable packaging made from 100% paper, reports LuxuryLaunches.

Montblanc

The watch is powered by Google’s Wear OS and uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 3100. It has 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. It tracks your heart rate, sleep, and stress. It has a barometer, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and ambient light. There’s also a microphone but no speakers.

“With the renewed focus on health, fitness, mindfulness, and wellbeing we are witnessing today, our goal was to create a smartwatch that had just the right tools to support its owner throughout the day, in a way that was instinctive and effortless for today’s business lifestyle customer. Named Summit Lite after its lightweight design, it aligns with its wearer’s activities and is built for high performing individuals who are constantly on the move and blend their workout routine with their work routine,” explains Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO.

Read more Montblanc Introduces TWIN Smart Strap and Wireless Payment Platform

The display is 1.19” AMOLED with Gorilla Cover Glass. Other features: Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz), Waterproof, GPS, and NFC.

The Summit Lite is handsome in its design and its retail price of 815 Euros is surprisingly affordable.

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Hardware Do’s and Don’ts While Designing a Wearable Device

Wearable technology is fast becoming a part of our lives. Wearables come in the form of smartwatches, hearables, smart wristbands, smart glasses, smart rings, and more. The global wearables market is estimated to reach US$97.9 billion by 2025, with an 11.2% CAGR from 2019 to 2025”, according to Yole. While many companies want to grab a substantial share of this pie, designing them can be quite challenging and the bitter truth is only a select few will see the light of day while all others will fade into oblivion. Therefore, while designing a wearable device, one should take the following points into consideration:

Light-Weight Interactions

Light-weight interactions are very important for stimulating user experiences. In a wearable device, such as a smartwatch, the user session should not be more than 10 seconds. If user interaction requires more than that, it’s time to go back to the drawing board and redesign your interface. For example, when a user needs to reply to a text message in a smartwatch, they should be able to do it using a pre-defined template instead of typing. An option for using voice command should also be provided.

Read more Designing Wearable Sensors That Are Suitable for Both Users and the FDA

Low power and energy-efficiency

Tiny batteries that run wearables should run for days without the need for charging them. As these devices become an integral part of a user’s life, it’s of utmost importance to increase battery life. Medical wearables like heart-rate monitors, multiparameter patches, blood glucose monitors, blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters need batteries that are reliable and can last for longer periods compared to other forms of wearables. As the size of the battery in wearable devices shrink, the fabrication process for composite electrodes and the use of liquid electrolytes is becoming a processing challenge for microfabrication using conventional approaches.

The wake-up receiver, the chip stack to the left of the coin, can cut down on IoT device power use and extend battery life (Credit: David Baillot/ UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering)

Ensuring security

Privacy and security of data are a big concern for wearable users. While wearables provide the advantage of being connected to the world 24/7, they are also at risk of disclosing personal information such as health data, conversations, emails etc. to anyone because they are at plain sight. Using better authentication techniques, software protection models, and utilizing crypto engines could be a few ways in which data security in wearables could be boosted.

Read more Energy Harvesting Nanogenerators Offer New Option For Monitoring Health

Fewer Interruptions

A buzzing smartphone in your pocket could be annoying, but it gets even worse when a wearable attached to your skin vibrates constantly. Alerts, incoming notifications can be disruptive. Interruptions should be kept to a minimum so that the user can enjoy their time while wearing a smartwatch, reports Adobe.

Minimalistic design

From color to typography, smartwatches should have a minimalist design. A minimalist design makes it easy for a user to interact while moving. The screen should have a sharp contrast, making it easy to read. When designing a wearable, a designer should keep in mind that it should provide enough information but it will look and work great on a tiny screen.

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Best cheap Apple Watch deals for February 2021

The Apple Watch has surged to prominence in recent years. If you're in the market for an iOS wearable, we've sniffed out the best Apple Watch deals available right now.

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Garmin watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch prices slashed at Amazon today – but hurry!

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Garmin Vivoactive 4S at their heavily discounted prices from Amazon today.

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Leak reveals Samsung Glasses Lite, an upcoming Apple Glasses AR competitor

Samsung has apparently joined Apple in working on an upcoming pair of augmented reality glasses, according to a new leak from Twitter user WalkingCat.

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Fitbit to Equip NASA Employees with Wearables to Protect Them from COVID-19

NASA is launching a pilot program to help astronauts and other employees identify and treat illnesses like COVID-19 as quickly as possible.

As part of the pilot program, 1,000 NASA employees performing mission-critical work at six locations across the United States will receive Fitbit Charge 4 devices and access to Fitbit’s Ready for Work Daily Check-In experience. This includes 150 astronauts and NASA employees critical to future space missions who will use the Fitbit solution as part of the NASA Health Stabilization Program, which is aimed at mitigating the risk of occurrence of infectious disease among astronaut flight crews in the immediate preflight period.

Read more Fitbit’s New Ready for Work Solution Aimed At Helping Employers Ease Challenges of Returning To Work Amid COVID-19

The in-app Daily Check-In feature allows users to log their symptoms and temperature, track key health metrics, and receive summarized COVID-19 guidance based on CDC guidelines. The goal of the Fitbit pilot program is to help NASA and its employees prevent the spread of COVID-19 while also supporting the overall health and well-being of NASA employees. Employees will also have access to one year of Fitbit Premium and one-on-one Fitbit health coaching services, reports Fitbit.

There is evidence that resting heart rate data and other key health indicators from wearables have the potential to identify flu-like illnesses such as COVID-19 before symptoms emerge. This is important because people can transmit the virus before they realize they have symptoms or when they have no symptoms at all.

The Fitbit Ready for Work Daily Check-In feature allows users to view key health metrics (resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and breathing rate) tracked by their Fitbit device alongside self-reported symptoms, temperature logging, and COVID-19 exposure. Based on a user’s daily check-in, the solution will provide NASA employees with daily guidance to help them decide whether to go to work or stay home.

As part of the pilot program, 1,000 NASA employees performing mission-critical work at six locations across the United States will receive Fitbit Charge 4 devices. (Image: Fitbit)

“The pandemic has underscored the critical role that Fitbit can play in providing much-needed support to help people sleep better, eat better, move more and take control of their health and wellness, as well as the potential to identify illness from specific health metrics, which is especially important now during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Amy McDonough, Managing Director and General Manager, Fitbit Health Solutions at Google.

“We are proud to work with NASA to support its employees and give them access to Fitbit products and services to help them better understand and manage their health and well-being during the pandemic.”

Read more Fitbit Adds New COVID-19 Feature that Connects Users to a Virtual Doctor and Gives Advice On Indoor Workouts

NASA will evaluate the pilot program and consider expanding to a larger employee population based on the impact the program has on helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and in supporting the health and wellness of NASA employees.

Fitbit is also continuing its work to further validate a Fitbit COVID-19 early detection algorithm, including a prospective study with Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.

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Best cheap Fitbit deals for February 2021

Out of shape? Get a head start on your summer beach bod with the best cheap Fitbit deals currently available.

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This Wearables Brand Is Taking the Market by Storm With Its Cool, Affordable Smartwatches

The pandemic has increased the popularity of wearables like smartwatches and wristbands. As smartwatches allow continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation and contactless payments, special wristbands help keep people maintain social distancing. All of these are vital during this pandemic.

Read more Wearables shipments in India Jump 165%; Earwear and Watches Lead to a Record Quarter for Wearables

From Apple to Garmin, numerous smartwatch brands are dominating the wearables market. Noise is one such brand. What sets Noise apart from other leading brands is that it offers wearables and hearables at a very cheap price.

Founded in 2018 by Amit Khatri & Gaurav Khatri, Noise is the leading Indian connected lifestyle brand that is changing the way India remains connected and building India’s largest and most active buoyant lifestyle community. With its remarkable range of best-in-class smart hearables and wearables Noise has also been awarded India’s No.1 wearable watch brand in 2020 by IDC Worldwide Wearable Device Tracker.

Noise has been listed as bestselling brand on Amazon and Flipkart for four years in a row and in 2019, Noise was the biggest Indian seller of wireless earphones in the country. We were also the only Indian brand amongst the top 5 brands selling wireless earphones in India.

Noise Hybrid Noise Cancellation Earbuds, set to launch on February 24, 2021 (Image: Noise)

Noise Colorfit Pro 2 Full Touch Control Smartwatch sells for only 3,000 Rupees (US $41) at Amazon. The watch tracks your heart rate, steps, and sleep. It also sends smart notifications, and is waterproof.

The company started out selling smartphone cases but Amit & Gaurav saw the smartphone revolution and realized that with a phone at the center of most people’s lives, smartphone accessories would be the next big thing in India. Noise diversified into smart wearables and wireless headphones. Noise was one of the first brands in India to offer truly wireless earbuds; the Noise SHOTS.

Read more Walmart completes Acquisition of India’s Flipkart for $16 Billion

Noise makes the latest personal technology accessories available and affordable to young Indian consumers. It has been listed as the bestselling brand on Amazon and Flipkart for four years in a row and in 2019, Noise was the biggest Indian seller of wireless earphones in the country.

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Best cheap Apple deals for February 2021

Apple fans know how fleeting deals can be, but we've rounded up some great Apple deals for you right here.

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Treasury Bureau to Outfit Employees with Contact-Tracing Wearables to Prevent COVID-19 Outbreak

The Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing is set to outfit some in-office employees with 4G-supported social-distancing wearables to implement a stronger contact tracing program that was launched recently.

Read more U.S. Military’s AI-Powered Wearable Can Detect COVID-19 Two Days Before You Get Sick

The wearable devices can clip onto an employee’s shirt, lanyard, or belt. When employees are less than six feet apart, the wearable tools will give real-time audible and visual alerts and can notify management about who violated protocol, and at what time. The solutions will be distributed to employees at the East and West Currency facilities via a contract the agency awarded to the commercial vendor Triax Technologies, according to a notice released by the Treasury on Tuesday.

“Mitigating the possible spread of COVID-19 in the facilities has presented BEP with a number of challenges and delays,” officials wrote in the document. “Contact tracing will help minimize risk to our workforce as we move through the next phases of the reopening plan and strategically reintroduce employees back into the facilities.”

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing isn’t the first federal entity to turn to wearables to proactively mitigate potential coronavirus outbreaks among personnel, and recent research suggests some government employees are onboard, reports Nextgov.

Pixabay

The contract for the devices was launched on Feb. 2 with vendor Triax Technologies. The company’s contract-tracing devices transmit employees’ proximity data to the cloud through cellular gateways, with no direct data or network access to BEP systems or networks.

Read more Singapore To Give Its Citizens Wearable ‘Tokens’ for COVID-19 Contact Tracing

“The need for the service is of such compelling urgency that current policies could impact future efforts as announcements of COVID-19 reports rise throughout the Bureau and surrounding states of the DC area where employees live,” the document said. “The impact of continuing with a manual process could further complicate reporting timely efforts as positive cases are received and slow down production. The Bureau’s desired end state is to replace the existing manual process with a turn-key solution/ tracking social distancing device at both facility locations.”

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Garmin Vivoactive 5: Likely Release Date, Rumors and Features Everybody Want

It’s been four years since Garmin released Vivoactive 4 at the IFA in Berlin back in 2019. The smartwatch became a popular choice among users. Due to the popularity of Vivoactive 4, it is safe to say that Vivoactive 5 is on the horizon.

Read more Garmin Lily, A Smartwatch Targeted at Women, Expected to Hit Markets Soon

When Garmin released Vivoactive 4, it came in two models: a 45mm stainless steel one and a 40mm model for small wrists – called 4S.

So we can expect that Vivoactive 5 will also have the same form-factor. According to rumors, “A round device with a few size options should once again be on the cards,” reports Marko Maslakovic in Gadgets and Wearables.

As for the display, Garmin may not opt for AMOLED as doing that would hike the price and decrease battery life.

Increasing the resolution may be a good choice. And, if Garmin shrinks the thickness of the watch, there won’t be much changes in the design.

As for the users’ expectations, we’d like to see more health tracking features. Vivoactive 4’s SpO2 sensor was very popular. Users would like to see it in the latest model as well. SpO2 measures blood oxygen levels and respiration rate. These are useful, especially for sleep tracking.

Garmin

Vivoactive 4 offered pretty much everything in sports and fitness tracking. However, metrics like Training load, Recovery Time, Training Effect would be nice additions.

As Garmin watches are known to be popular among athletes, they don’t offer ECG readings. But since Vivoactive is an all-purpose fitness and health watch, having ECG on the Vivoactive 5 would be a good choice.

Read more Cardiogram Joins Garmin to Integrate its Heart Health App into Garmin Wearables

So, when could we see the Vivoactive 5 in the market? There was a two-year period between Vivoactive 3 and Vivoactive 4, which landed in 2019. Therefore, expecting Vivoactive 5 in 2021 is quite reasonable.

As for the price, we’d expect it to be around the same range as Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4S, which were launched at US$338 and US$315 respectively.

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WT | Studio: Portabiles – Game Changer in Parkinson’s Therapy

Many people suffer from Parkinson´s disease. Portabiles, a start-up company that has emerged from a long-term cooperation with medical and technical partners from the University Hospital Erlangen and the Laboratory […]

To access this page, watch the live stream and videos on-demand, you must purchase the Premium Subscription or Premium Subscription (6 months, special rate).

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What is NFC? Here’s everything you need to know

NFC has become more popular largely through mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Our guide explains what NFC stands for and how it works.

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The Best Heart Rate Tracking Watches and Chest Straps for 2021

For an avid athlete, it’s important to have reliable data in order to improve performance. There are numerous wearable devices in the market that offer heart rate, speed, distance, stride length, cadence, calories burned, etc. Here are 5 wearables that provide accurate heart rate.

Read more Heart Rate Variability Fluctuates by Age, Gender, Activity and Time of Day, Fitbit Study Reveals

Garmin HRM-Run

Garmin’s HRM-Run heart rate monitor provides the most advanced running metrics to high-end Garmin Forerunner running watches. The strap is seamlessly comfortable and easily adjustable while the module is small, lightweight and fits entirely within the width strap. The Garmin HRM-Run comes with impressively long battery life: It lasts for an entire year, assuming you run for an hour per day, once a day.

HRM-Run provides 6 running dynamics metrics:

• Cadence — number of steps per minute
• Vertical oscillation — degree of ‘bounce’ in your running motion; displays the vertical motion of your torso, measured in centimeters for each step
• Ground contact time — the amount of time in each step that you spend on the ground while running; measured in milliseconds
• Ground contact time balance — displays the left/right balance of your ground contact time while running (displays a percentage); for example, 53.2 with an arrow pointing left or right
• Stride length — length of your stride from 1 footfall to the next; measured in meters
• Vertical ratio — ratio of vertical oscillation to stride length (displays a percentage); a lower number typically indicates better running form
• This real-time data can help athletes take their performance to the next level by showing them where they can improve their running form.

Apple Watch Series 6

While precise data delivered by chest and arm straps are usually preferred by avid athletes, the Apple Watch offers countless additional features that anyone can appreciate. With the Apple Watch 6, you can measure your blood oxygen level and take an ECG anytime, anywhere. Apple Watch Series 6 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. It’s a momentous achievement for a wearable device that can provide critical data for doctors and peace of mind for you.

Whoop

Whoop Strap 3.0

WHOOP is a wrist-worn wearable device that is designed to improve training, sleep, and lifestyle choices with real-time feedback on the body. The WHOOP Strap 3.0 collects physiological data 24/7 to provide the most accurate and granular understanding of your body. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and features the new and improved 5-day battery life and BLE connect. A monthly subscription is required to use this wearable. The WHOOP membership includes free hardware (WHOOP Strap 3.0) and a coaching platform designed to optimize behavior. Studies show that after a year on WHOOP, members experience longer and more consistent sleep, improved physiology, enhanced physical performance, and meaningful lifestyle changes.

Read more Easiest Way to Track Your Heart Rate With Wearable Fitness Trackers

Fitbit Charge 4

Fitbit Charge 4 is the company’s most advanced health and fitness tracker. Fitbit’s latest innovation Active Zone Minutes is a new personalized standard based on your resting heart rate and age that tracks any workout that gets your heart pumping, from indoor biking to yoga, measuring the time you spend in each heart rate zone toward a weekly goal of 150 minutes. SpO2 sensor allows you to see an estimate of the oxygen level variability in your bloodstream, which may indicate variations in your breathing during sleep. Charge 4 comes standard with the health and fitness essentials like SmartTrack® automatic exercise tracking, Cardio Fitness Level and Score, floors climbed, Reminders to Move every hour, female health-tracking, food, water, and weight logging, and more.

Polar Verity Sense Strap

This optical heart rate sensor follows on from the existing Polar OH1, and adds new features and capabilities. The ultralight (17g) and compact sensor is the perfect alternative to any chest strap and wrist devices. However, the real advantage of this strap is its ability to be worn in numerous places. You can wear it on your arm and even wrap the device around your leg. According to Polar, the sensor can be clipped to swim goggles as well. You can wear it on your clothing as well.

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Qatar’s Commercial Bank Announces New Contactless Payment Method

Commercial Bank, a leading digital bank in Qatar, has announced a new innovative payment method provided through smartwatches and trackers.

Through this new offering, Commercial Bank is adding one more contactless payment solution that allows users to make secure payments from the smartwatch or fitness trackers, without the need of a phone or cards, reports Gulf Times.

To start using this novel payment method, Commercial Bank cardholders need to simply register their CB credit or debit card details into their wearable smartwatch or tracker using the devices’ applications and then make contactless payments by simply tapping their smartwatch at any contactless supported payment terminals.

Read more Contactless Payment System Will Drive Payment-Enabled Wearables Market to US$7.2 Billion in 2024

This new service fulfills Commercial Bank’s promise of bringing payment solutions to match the evolving lifestyle of its customers; thus, becoming one of the first local banks to offer athletes and sports enthusiasts in Qatar a new way to pay for their purchases with their watches and keep moving.

“Commercial Bank has always been a market leader in introducing new payment technologies and a key influencer in setting new market trends in Qatar. In recent years, we have seen a considerable growth of smartwatches and wearables in the country, said Roya Khajeh, AGM and head (Cards and Payments) at Commercial Bank.

“The adoption of these wearables made it essential for us to bring contactless payments to more payment devices. We are proud to partner with Garmin and MasterCard to bring a secure and convenient payment option for our customers.

“Commercial Bank customers can stay tuned and expect to know more about this exciting product launch following the ongoing closed group pilot testing phase, through a bigger marketing announcement.

“We are a big supporter of the government’s vision of a cashless society, therefore always trying to provide innovative, convenient, and secure payment solutions to both our customers and merchants alike.

“Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, more people across the region and the world are turning to contactless payments for safe, hygienic, and fast purchases, and we are delighted to offer them additional touchless solutions and a seamless banking experience.”

Nadia Ghissassi, country manager (Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman) at MasterCard said, “We are excited to extend our partnership with Commercial Bank for the launch of this new payment solution.

Read more Visa and Planeta Informatica Launch New Technology to Bring Speed and Security of Contactless Payment to Transit Operators Worldwide

“Contactless payment technologies were already gaining traction, we have witnessed how the pandemic acted as a catalyst and dramatically increased consumer adoption in this market. Shoppers have realized that touchless provides a much faster, safer, convenient and hygienic way to pay.

“Hence we will continue to work closely with our partners in Qatar to introduce new solutions that are aligned with their changing needs.”

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Fitbit Inspire HR tips and tricks

The Fitbit Inspire HR may be an entry-level fitness tracker, but it still has plenty of features to explore. Here are some of the best Fitbit Inspire HR tips.

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Amazon has crazy smartwatch deals today: Apple Watch, Garmin Watch, Fossil

Amazon is offering discounts for the Garmin Vivoactive 4, Fossil Gen 5, and Apple Watch Series 3. These smartwatch deals might be too good for you to refuse.

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UC Boulder Scientists Develop Self-Healing Device That Can Power Wearables

Wearable technology is here to stay. With so many different types of wearables in the market, consumers demand a good battery life for their devices. Researchers are searching for various methods to harvest energy. Now, scientists at the University of Colorado – Boulder have developed a low-cost wearable device that transforms the human body into a biological battery.

Read more Flexible Thermoelectric Device Harvests Energy from Skin Temperature to Power Wearables

The device, described in the journal Science Advances, is stretchy enough that you can wear it like a ring, a bracelet or any other accessory that touches your skin. It also taps into a person’s natural heat—employing thermoelectric generators to convert the body’s internal temperature into electricity, reports CU Boulder.

“In the future, we want to be able to power your wearable electronics without having to include a battery,” said Jianliang Xiao, senior author of the new paper and an associate professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder.

The new device created by Xiao and his colleagues can generate about 1 volt of energy for every square centimeter of skin space—less voltage per area than what most existing batteries provide but still enough to power electronics like watches or fitness trackers.

Scientists have previously experimented with similar thermoelectric wearable devices, but Xiao’s is stretchy, can heal itself when damaged and is fully recyclable—making it a cleaner alternative to traditional electronics.

“Whenever you use a battery, you’re depleting that battery and will, eventually, need to replace it,” Xiao said. “The nice thing about our thermoelectric device is that you can wear it, and it provides you with constant power.”

High-tech bling

The group’s latest innovation begins with a base made out of a stretchy material called polyimine. The scientists then stick a series of thin thermoelectric chips into that base, connecting them all with liquid metal wires. The final product looks like a cross between a plastic bracelet and a miniature computer motherboard or maybe a techy diamond ring.

“Our design makes the whole system stretchable without introducing much strain to the thermoelectric material, which can be really brittle,” Xiao said.

Just pretend that you’re out for a jog. As you exercise, your body heats up, and that heat will radiate out to the cool air around you. Xiao’s device captures that flow of energy rather than letting it go to waste.

“The thermoelectric generators are in close contact with the human body, and they can use the heat that would normally be dissipated into the environment,” he said.

Image credit: Science Advances

Lego blocks

He added that you can easily boost that power by adding in more blocks of generators. In that sense, he compares his design to a popular children’s toy.

“What I can do is combine these smaller units to get a bigger unit,” he said. “It’s like putting together a bunch of small Lego pieces to make a large structure. It gives you a lot of options for customization.”

Xiao and his colleagues calculated, for example, that a person taking a brisk walk could use a device the size of a typical sports wristband to generate about 5 volts of electricity—which is more than what many watch batteries can muster.

Like Xiao’s electronic skin, the new devices are as resilient as biological tissue. If your device tears, for example, you can pinch together the broken ends, and they’ll seal back up in just a few minutes. And when you’re done with the device, you can dunk it into a special solution that will separate out the electronic components and dissolve the polyimine base—each and every one of those ingredients can then be reused.

Read more Stretchable System Can Power Wearables By Harvesting Energy From Wearer’s Breathing and Motion

“We’re trying to make our devices as cheap and reliable as possible, while also having as close to zero impact on the environment as possible,” Xiao said.

While there are still kinks to work out in the design, he thinks that his group’s devices could appear on the market in five to 10 years.

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Under Armour Launches Three New HOVR Connected Running Shoes

American sports equipment company Under Armour has launched three new pairs of its connected shoes – the HOVR Machina, HOVR Infinite 3 and HOVR Sonic 4. All three shoes will connect with UA MapMyRun.

Read more Nike Unveils Smart Basketball Shoes that Can Be Self-Laced with a Smartphone App

HOVR Machina 2

UA HOVR Machina 2 is more than a running shoe. Yes, it gives you energy return and the speed of a Pebax propulsion plate, but it also coaches you in real-time to help you run better when you connect them to UA MapMyRun, reports Under Armour.

Features

• CONNECTS TO UA MAPMYRUN: tracks & analyzes your running metrics to help make you a better runner
• UA HOVR technology provides ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact
• Compression mesh Energy Web contains & molds UA HOVR foam to give back the energy you put in
• Ultralight 3D spacer mesh upper for increased breathability & ultimate speed
• As your body emits energy, the mineral-infused UA RUSH lining absorbs & reflects it back, improving endurance
• External heel counter for added stability & a locked-in feel
• Sprint spike-inspired Pebax® speed plate for increased return & more powerful push-offs
• Carbon rubber pods under the heel deliver greater traction & durability at high-impact strike zones

Women’s UA HOVR Infinite 3 HS Running Shoes (Image: Under Armour)

HOVR Infinite 3

Pro distance runners want energy return and efficiency. And that’s exactly what UA HOVR Infinite 3 delivers. That and real-time Form Coaching. When connected to MapMyRun, it gives users personalized tips to help them run better.

Features

• CONNECTS TO UA MAPMYRUN: tracks & analyzes your running metrics to help make you a better runner
• UA HOVR technology provides ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact
• Compression mesh Energy Web contains & molds UA HOVR foam to give back the energy you put in
• Engineered mesh upper is extremely lightweight & breathable, with strategic support where you need it
• Internal heel counter for additional support that helps keep the back of the foot locked-in place
• Die-cut, full-length EVA sockliner molds to the foot, eliminating slippage & providing ideal underfoot comfort
• Anatomically placed, deep flex grooves offer proper flexibility in key areas
• Carbon rubber pods under the heel deliver greater traction & durability at high-impact strike zones

Read more Alphabet’s Verily Developing Health-Tracking Smart Shoes that Can Measure Weight and Detect Falls

HOVR Sonic 4

The UA HOVR Sonic has been a no-brainer for runners who like distance but want more flexibility. And now, with real-time Form Coaching from UA MapMyRun, the UA HOVR Sonic 4 also helps you become a better runner.

Features

• CONNECTS TO UA MAPMYRUN: tracks & analyzes your running metrics to help make you a better runner
• UA HOVR technology provides ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact
• Compression mesh Energy Web contains & molds UA HOVR foam to give back the energy you put in
• Lightweight engineered mesh upper for ultimate breathability
• Tongue is attached to the footbed by stretchable support wings to maintain a snug fit throughout the foot
• One-piece heel construction with external TPU heel counter for additional support & structure
• Removable sockliner molds to the foot for customized comfort & cushion
• Blown rubber under the forefoot & high-abrasion rubber under the heel to help absorb ground contact

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Best cheap GoPro alternative deals for February 2021

If you're staying active outside, a good action camera is a perfect way to record your adventures.

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Best cheap Apple Watch deals for February 2021

The Apple Watch has surged to prominence in recent years. If you're in the market for an iOS wearable, we've sniffed out the best Apple Watch deals available right now.

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Best cheap smartwatch deals for February 2021

Smartwatches make life easier by sending alerts right on your wrist. Many also provide fitness-tracking features, so now is a great time to pick one up for cheap. With so many models available, you can find a deal on one almost all of the time.

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Citizen CZ Smart review: Good smartwatch fails to capitalize on its heritage

It's the Japanese watchmaker's first smartwatch, but is it a true Citizen?

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Omne Eternal safety-first cycling helmet uses the power of light to charge up

The Omne Eternal cycling helmet uses special solar cells to keep an LED light charged up, and wear sensors to activate the light when you put the helmet on.

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Polar Launches Verity Sense, A HR Strap That Works Without A Connected Device

Polar has announced a new optical heart rate sensor, called the Verity Sense. It follows on from the existing Polar OH1, and adding new features and capabilities. The ultralight (17g) and compact sensor is the perfect alternative to any chest strap and wrist devices. However, the real advantage of this strap is its ability to be worn in numerous places. You can wear it on your arm and even wrap the device around your leg. According to Polar, the sensor can be clipped to swim goggles as well.

Read more Google Pixel Phones Will Soon Track Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate Using Your Phone’s Camera

Verity Sense uses the same 6 LED optical heart tracking as the previous OH1. You can also wear it on your clothing. To do that, simply detach the sensor from its armband and holder and wear it anywhere under tight-fitting clothing. Just make sure the optical heart-rate sensor sits nice and tight against your skin. So, whatever your sport, Polar Verity Sense adapts 100%.

When you connect your Polar Verity Sense to your phone or watch for your workout, you’ll know moment by moment where you are with your session and you can adjust intensity should that be necessary.

Polar

The internal memory on Polar Verity Sense saves your workout when you want to be free as a bird and just listen to what your body is telling you.

Here are some of the upgrades from its previous version:

• Increased signal ranges from 75 meters to 150 meters
• Increased battery life from 8 hours to 20 hours
• Increased storage from 4MB to 16MB
• Increased water resistance from 30m to 50m
• Added dedicated swim mode, which captures swim metrics
• Changed band design to make it difficult to flip over

Read more MIT Develops Smart Shirt That Can Monitor Heart Rate, Temperature and Other Vital Signs

All those updates come at a price hike of $10. The new Polar Verity Sense heart rate monitor sells for $90, including the sensor, gray armband strap, swim goggle clip, proprietary USB charger, and a mesh storage bag.

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