The market of mobile devices is constantly growing, taking into its ranks new devices designed to solve certain problems that users face. If earlier we knew about mobile phones and tablet computers, today there are also a lot of new products in this segment. Smartwatches and fitness bracelets for Android (and other operating systems) can be placed in this category. These are devices that allow you to go in for sports, be constantly in touch, providing additional mobility to their owner. We will talk about them, and in particular, about gadgets on the Android operating system, in this article.
The concept of bracelets and watches
Let's start with a general description of why the devices described in this article are intended. So, we all saw in some kind of spy movie that the heroes had a watch that could receive calls, take pictures of something on the camera, and take various measurements of biometric data. Today - all this is reality! At the nearest electronics store, you can buy a gadget that can replace your smartphone that fits on your wrist.
Of course, due to the small dimensions of the accessory, expect that it willit is not worth having the same functionality as a 4-inch phone - the device is equipped with either a compact display that shows the time, or there is no screen at all.
As far as bracelets are concerned, a smart bracelet for Android is needed mainly as a he alth app (designed to lead a he althy lifestyle). At least the functions of the device include measuring such parameters as the number of steps taken, calories burned, heart rate, sleep phases, and so on. All this, accordingly, is synchronized with your mobile phone and becomes available in graphical form. In the future, the owner of the device can use his smart bracelet for Android, for example, to adjust his sports activities - the correct preparation of training programs, changing the length of the distance for running, swimming, and so on.
Functions
In general, speaking of what such gadgets can do, a few more options should be added. In particular, this is the measurement of sleep phases, the compilation of the correct program, according to which the user should sleep “to the maximum” and feel better. Another example is the creation of a full-fledged sports program of exercises and loads for the body. In this case, the bracelet becomes your personal fitness trainer, who knows the state of your body best of all after completing the next set of exercises.
There are many other opportunities for a he althy lifestyle. All of them are available in different models.devices, and this, in turn, is determined by the price category of the gadget. There are simpler sports bracelets for Android that have the most important features (for example, Xiaomi Mi Band costing $15-20); and there are more expensive devices (like the $120-$150 Nike Fuelband SE) that combine more features.
Sync
The main feature of most bracelets is synchronization with the owner's mobile phone or tablet. The connection is made using the Bluetooth module built into the bracelet itself. The ability to synchronize a smart bracelet for “Android” or iOS allows, firstly, to read the received data based on the results of a daily workout in a convenient way; and, secondly, it expands the functionality. For example, the Vivosmart model from Garmin not only reads information about physical activity, but also signals when an incoming call arrives on the phone with which the bracelet is paired. This option is useful when your smartphone is in Silent mode, but you don't want to miss an important call. Bracelets, like smartwatches on Android, allow you not to worry about it.
Protection
Because the devices described in this article must be kept on the wearer's hand at all times, the question arises as to whether they are secure enough to withstand daily testing that could damage electronics. For example, this applies to moisture and dust. First, the wearer of the watch or bracelet may get their device wet while washing their hands or in the shower; in-secondly, during physical exertion, there is a risk of drops of sweat getting into the body of the gadget. To prevent damage to the device, manufacturers produce them in a suitably protected case, insulated on all sides with a rubber coating. Due to this, almost every smart fitness bracelet is dust and moisture resistant.
And the users themselves, when making an accessory for sports, pay attention to the level of protection of the desired model. If you want to buy a gadget that will not be afraid of contact with water, you should look for the IP67 class in the technical specifications. It means that the watch can be temporarily submerged in water, and also does not let dust and sand through.
Style
Since we are talking about accessories that are designed for daily wear on the arm, an important issue when choosing a particular gadget is style. Again, this should be based on the ratio of price and class of the device, as well as its type - whether it's just a sports fitness bracelet that can be equipped with a dark silicone strap; or we are talking about a more expensive watch or a representative smart bracelet for Android. In this case, the choice is based on the buyer's goal - whether he wants the device to be exclusively practical; or he needs a stylish gadget.
For themselves, everyone must decide on this issue on their own. Again: manufacturers make it possible to get by with a minimal set (for example, the FitBit Charge model belongs to the category of devices in whichthere is no "nothing extra"); or, as in the case of Huawei TalkBone B2, it is important for the buyer that the accessory looks more elegant.
Autonomy
Finally, we must not forget about such a characteristic of any mobile gadget as autonomy. It is responsible for the duration of the device without additional charging. In particular, if we are talking about a smart bracelet (Oregon, Sony, Nike or Jawbone - regardless of model and manufacturer), a significant factor is how long it will work on its tiny battery. And here there is already a direct relationship between the endurance of the device and its functions. If your device has a screen (like the Samsung Gear Fit, for example), it makes no sense to say that it will last longer than 4-5 days on a single charge. Another thing is the less well-known Misfit Flash model, which does not run on the usual battery, but on disposable batteries. With them, the device is able to “live” up to 6 months! True, there is no screen on it, at most - only indicator lights on diodes.
Additional options
In fact, in terms of their technical parameters, most bracelets do not differ. They can measure approximately the same parameters - the number of steps, the pulse rate, make an analytical calculation of some physical exercises based on the number of hand movements. It is clear that bracelets cannot go beyond these limits due to their design features.
Another thing is that all this data is processed in different ways, independing on the manufacturer's algorithms. Here the software plays a significant role, but it differs, moreover, quite significantly. Because this or that bracelet can give you different information based on the same data.
Here, again, you should pay attention to the device class to which the smart bracelet belongs. "Android" 4.2, 4.4 or 5 - like the type of operating system as a whole - does not play much difference. All calculation algorithms and options are provided by the manufacturer from the very beginning. That is, given the purpose of the device, we can say that Xiaomi Mi Band is just a “counter of steps”, calories, a sleep analyzer; while the Jawbone UP24 is also your menu assistant with a host of other features. For runners, for example, this information may seem useless; but for adherents of a he althy diet, it can really come in handy.
Another example is a speaker installed on a smart bracelet. In particular, this is a Sony Smartband model - it also has a microphone, so when you synchronize with your phone, you can talk on this bracelet.
Prices
We have already mentioned a little above how the prices of smart bracelets are affected by the widgets they are equipped with. With this, everything is simple: the more features a device has, the more expensive it will cost the buyer in the end.
Xiaomi Mi Band products can be called the cheapest - they are affordable and cost about 1200 rubles. The functionality theypossess, minimal - tracking steps, sleep and the number of calories burned based on calculations. Next come such gadgets as Jawbone UP2 and Belsis - their functionality does not differ much, and the price is at the level of 3 thousand rubles. Behind them - Sony Smartband for 3500 with the ability to receive notifications from a smartphone. It is also available on cheaper models, but is available in a much more stripped down form.
Followed by the more expensive Jawbone UP24 for 6 thousand rubles, which examine more parameters, on the basis of which they analyze how the user feels (including estimating his mood). Behind them are the Jawbone UP3 and Striiv models (the first for 13 thousand, the second has not yet hit the market). These devices are something like portable computers, since there is an option to install additional programs, work with social networks, and so on.
OS compatibility
When choosing a bracelet, it is important to pay attention to the operating system with which it is compatible. This determines from which device you will read the data received using the bracelet - which OS your smartphone or tablet is running. Most manufacturers are trying to make their products universal, offering users synchronization with both Android and iOS. However, there is, for example, the Sony Smartband SVR10 mentioned above, a smart bracelet for Android. Prices for gadgets that work with any one operating system do not differ from universal devices, so keep this in mind when choosing.
Mount
Another nuance to which you should pay attention is the fastening. On most models, a silicone strap is used, as it is more practical for sports. However, there are also steel fasteners.
Updates
Another important factor is updates. Whatever mistakes were made by the device manufacturer, with the release of regular updates, they will be eliminated. Read information about how often the software on your bracelet is updated.
Reviews
Another universal, but worthwhile advice is to pay attention to the reviews that characterize this or that smart bracelet. As elsewhere, information about any device published by people who have experience with it allows you to better navigate the advantages and disadvantages that it has. By doing this, you will make a more informed choice and, as a result, you will not regret your purchase.
Where to buy
The last paragraph of our article, devoted to both an overview of smart bracelets and recommendations for choosing them, is information on where to purchase this device. On the one hand, you can go to the nearest electronics supermarket and choose your favorite model right there. So you learn more about each device, hold it in your hands.
On the other hand, there is an alternative option - to purchase a device on the Internet, for example - in an online store (including a foreign one). This will make it possible to save a little on the purchase and, in addition, provide a wider choice of models (since not all devices are available in Russia). The most common options for buying such devices online are eBay, Amazon, Aliexpress and others. By ordering them here, you can save between 10 and 40 percent of the cost. The main thing is to pay attention to the reviews of sellers so as not to run into scammers offering low-quality goods.
