Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band

Over the past few years, there has been a massive passion for a healthy lifestyle. More and more people are fond of sports, tourism, active recreation and entertainment, seriously monitor their figure and food culture. The basis for successful healthy training and good rest is a competent organization of pastime, systematization of loads and timely monitoring of the state of the body.

It is here that all the advantages of a fitness bracelet are manifested in full force - a specialized type of smart watch designed to serve as a reliable assistant for people who are not indifferent to a healthy way of life.

Technological progress allows the introduction of a wide variety of gadgets that significantly improve the quality of life. Some of them are still deservedly perceived as unnecessary luxury, while others have become part of everyday life. The last category includes such a useful device as a fitness bracelet.

A multifunctional technical device, worn on the wrist, is filled with sensors of different sizes - thanks to this, detailed information about the daily activity of the wearer is collected.

Registered:

• Distance covered and number of steps;
• Heart rate and pulse rate;
• Body temperature and calories burned.

Healthy sleep is an important component of the success of any athlete and just an active person. With the onset of night, the third important feature of the work of a fitness bracelet appears - by measuring the intensity of movements in sleep, the tracker determines the number and length of sleep phases (it has long been a well-known fact - in one sleep cycle, the brain is in one of two alternating states: REM sleep or Slow sleep ).

Based on the information received, the "smart" alarm clock selects the wake-up time that is optimal for receiving an effective charge of vivacity and energy for the whole day and good health.

The initial version of the smart bracelet Mi Band 1 from the flagship of high-quality Chinese electronics Xiaomi was born in July 2014 - and immediately caused a serious commotion in the market. Knowing everything that the then leaders of fitness assistants Jawbone Up and Fitbit did, the novelty was distinguished by an unheard of affordable price and a durable battery (up to 30 days of continuous work without recharging).

The gadget stands out for its extraordinary compactness and simplicity. The package included only two components - a tiny smooth oval block (only 5 g of weight and the size of a penny coin, plus it is absolutely not afraid of water and cold), a convenient stylish silicone strap (8 g).

Unlike bulky and hand-dragging smartwatches, the modest format of the tracker absolutely does not impede movements, clings to clothes and does not remind of itself once again during fitness, work or sleep - which allows you to wear the device for days on end without hindrance.

Minimalist design has become another factor in the wild popularity. The discreet, neat appearance of the bracelet allows you to successfully combine it with both a business suit and a tracksuit. Replaceable modular strap with a wide range of colors and textures makes it possible to combine the device with any look and mood. There are no buttons, connectors, speakers or screens on the block panel - only three LED indicators (their color is selected in the application settings).

The representatives of the first generation did not have any display at all - communication with the owner was carried out through the readings of the indicators (the number of steps remaining before the daily rate set in the application) and the vibration signal (alarm clock and alerts). Details are immediately transmitted to the smartphone and displayed in the application - the information is saved in the Mi Cloud, so it will remain intact even if the device itself is damaged or lost.

By the end of the same year, the manufacturer made a serious restyling of the model, added a heart rate monitor function and corrected a couple of minor flaws in the original version - this is how the Mi Band 1S Pulse appeared.

Major changes:

• Heart rate measurements (also in two modes - manual and automatic) have significantly expanded functionality - now it's not just an alarm clock and an electronic pedometer in one bottle;
• Due to the installation of more sensitive sensors, the measurement accuracy has increased by an order of magnitude, the power of the vibration motor has also increased (too weak and imperceptible signal is a common user complaint about the first version);
• The active capsule has become a little denser, the design and material of the strap have been updated;
• The color of the LEDs is now exclusively white, with no switching possibility.

A significant disadvantage of the update is that with the expansion of functionality, the proportionally increased consumption was not taken into account. The same miniature 45mA battery remained in the package, and the average runtime dropped to 10 days without refueling.

The main feature of the second generation of trackers, thanks to which the success of Mi Band 2 surpassed even the enchanting popularity of its predecessors, is the appearance of its own interactive screen. Now the device is as close as possible in its design to a watch and can work in stand-alone mode, directly supplying the owner with more detailed and varied information.

Benefits of the updated tracker:

• Shows the exact time and date;
• Measures and displays indicators of heart rate, pulse, distance covered (including steps) and calories burned;
• Equipped with a touch button and understands the user's gestures, thanks to the built-in accelerometer - switching a button or a sharp movement of the hand changes the displayed information;
• Works as a smart alarm clock and notifies with a light vibration about incoming calls and messages on your smartphone. The corresponding icons for calls, SMS and application notifications appear on the screen along the way - using the bracelet has become even more comfortable and you do not need to constantly check the application.
• New and improved sensors have improved measurement accuracy.

The active capsule has grown somewhat in size, but it continues to cause no inconvenience when driving. The fit of the capsule in the strap has been significantly optimized - if in the first versions it was inserted from the outside and periodically fell out, got dirty or scratched, now the block sits securely in a special socket with protruding edges and is removed from it exclusively from the side of the hand.

Synchronization with a smartphone is still carried out via Bluetooth; remote unlocking of the phone has been added to the functionality of the new model. The updated official Mi Fit application collects statistics, synchronizes with the MyFitnessPal and Google Fit services, as well as interactive scales. Added running mode options and a customizable exercise reminder.

The body of the device is firmly protected from water and dust according to the quality standard IP67 and feels great at temperatures down to -70. The battery confidently keeps the gadget turned on for up to 30 days without the need for refueling.

The developer does not seek to stop there and the release of Mi Band 3 is just a matter of time. Already, on thematic forums and specialized publications, vague expectations of the next generation of the most popular fitness bracelets on the planet are hovering. More detailed announcements are expected by the end of summer 2017.

The body of the active unit of the fitness tracker is the same for all versions, it is made of hypoallergenic and pleasant to the touch black plastic with smooth aluminum panels on the sides.

With the straps, the possibilities for self-expression are much wider. Even the standard silicone version made from soft thermoplastic vulcanizate is available in several colors. Since the part is interchangeable and easily replaceable, a variety of custom straps are widespread. The metal or leather version will help to emphasize individuality and successfully fit the bracelet into a certain image.

Xiaomi's fitness tracker comes standard with a plain black silicone strap - discreet yet stylish. The manufacturer offers alternative colors - yellow, light green, light blue, blue, red, orange, pink, lilac and aqua. Intense colors will be in perfect harmony with bright summer looks or complement a sporty bow. In addition to the official kits, many custom options are freely available on the market with shades for every taste and mood.

User opinion on the Chinese brand's products has split into two broad categories. Some are completely satisfied with the capabilities, performance, durability and design of the gadget and consider it the most profitable purchase in their price category.

The latter also highlight the affordable price of the device, but note the problem of fastening the active unit - it is relevant for representatives of the first generation, the fixation of the capsule left much to be desired.In reviews on Mi Band 2, dissatisfaction with the dramatically increased dimensions of the product and the impractical interface of the application begins to appear everywhere - especially in comparison with the convenient and informative analogue from Jawbone.

The developers initially focused on the domestic market and only one instruction for use was included in the package - in Chinese. Even with the release of subsequent versions of the product, no one bothered with translations.

Fortunately, putting the tracker on full alert is a simple matter for a couple of minutes that does not require any special skills from the owner:

• First you need to install a free application on your smartphone - preferably an official Mi Fit with a guarantee of support for the bracelet. On some mobile operating systems, additional permission from the privacy service may be required - on the appropriate tab in the settings, you need to find the application and allow it to collect health information;
• Further in the settings, Bluetooth is turned on, we make sure that there is an automatic connection of the bracelet under the simple name Mi. To do this, the gadget itself must be charged, turned on and located in the signal range;

To use the functions of the application, you must register with it. Open it, click on the only Sign In button. The system will offer to create a Mi Account and guide the user through a series of simple formal procedures - a phone number for sending a confirmation code, creating a login and password, a minimum of personal data for the correct collection of analyzes and statistics:

• Floor;
• Date of Birth;
• Height;
• The weight;
• The number of steps the owner wishes to take daily.

After receiving all the required information, you will be taken to the main page of your personal account in the application. It is here that statistics will be displayed, specific modes and settings will be selected.

It remains to bind the bracelet itself to the program. To do this, on the profile page, you need to find the Add Device tab, select the type of Mi Band device and confirm with the application of your index finger to the screen (for different platforms, the binding moment may differ). If successful, the capsule will vibrate and the application will request synchronization of the tracker with incoming calls and messages.

All other functions are controlled through the corresponding tabs and buttons in the application settings and will not cause any difficulties in handling.

The accuracy of the readings largely depends on the correct fit of the sensors to the hand - the bracelet uses a special optical system and an accelerometer for measurements. Thus, you need to wear a smart accessory on your wrist - left or right, this point should be specified in the settings, just above the bone. The strap should be tightly fastened, but not pinch your hand or cause discomfort.

The fitness tracker will be an excellent assistant in sports and recreation for both men and women. The smart alarm function and pleasant vibration on the hand during incoming calls will be appreciated even by those who are absolutely indifferent to measuring their physical activity - because now you can be guaranteed not to miss important calls and messages.