New Fitbit Charge HR bracelet – Fitness tracker review. New Fitbit Charge HR Wristband – Fitbit Charge HR Fitness Tracker Review: Heart Rate Tracking

It is believed that when a Fitbit fitness bracelet suddenly starts to glitch or freezes, then in most cases it is better to simply restart it than to try to figure out the causes of the problem.

Ideally, of course, it should never fail or fail at all, i.e. and you never need to reboot it either.

However, as practice shows, from time to time it still happens. In addition, different models reboot differently, plus the procedure itself takes several minutes, and that's if you know how to do it and how to do it.

In general, there is a certain problem, but it can be solved.

So, for starters - a short list, which can often be eliminated by simply rebooting the device:

• the bracelet does not sync with the smartphone;
• the Fitbit bracelet freezes and does not respond to button presses, taps and swipes;
• the bracelet does not turn on even after a full charge;
• the Fitbit bracelet is not working properly, that is, it has stopped monitoring and tracking.

Along the way, one good news: after a reboot, the profile data in Fitbit is not deleted, so all the latest activity information will be saved. However, call records, messages, calendar notifications will be deleted.

Actually, now about how to reset the Fitbit bracelet.

As we have already said, each Fitbit model implements this procedure differently. Therefore, further - in order of priority. Go:

How to reset your Fitbit Zip tracker:

It is equipped with a removable battery, so the process of rebooting it actually comes down to removing the battery and thus turning off the tracker for a while. To remove the battery from the Fitbit Zip:

• using a special tool from the Fitbit Zip delivery kit (a small plastic screwdriver plate), open the battery compartment cover (it is located on the back of the bracelet case);
• carefully remove the battery;
• wait 10 seconds;
• We return the battery to its place, paying attention to the polarity (plus sign up), and close the lid.

After that, the Fitbit Zip operating system will reboot. You will know about the end of the reboot procedure by the appearance on the screen of the device of its version number and a series of emoticons.

how to reset fitbit one tracker

Here you will need a computer - you can desktop PC, you can laptop - and a regular USB cable through which you charge your One. Further:

• then we connect the tracker itself to the cable;
• now press and hold the tracker button for 10-12 seconds;
• disconnect One from the cable;
• just press the tracker button, turn it on, check it.

If you did everything right, your Fitbit One will boot up in a few seconds, so to speak, in a completely ready state for further work.

how to reset a fitbit flex bracelet

Here, too, you can not do without a computer and a branded USB-cable-charger. You will also need a paper clip or a toothpick (or any sufficiently thin and durable object). If they are available, then:

• First, connect the cable to a free USB port on your computer;
• we connect the Flex itself to the cable (for this you need to remove it from the bracelet);
• on the back of the cable cradle we find a small button;
• press this button with the end of a paper clip or toothpick and hold it pressed for 3-5 seconds;
• disconnect the tracker from the cable.

The Flex will then flash the LED several times to indicate that the reboot procedure has been successfully completed.

how to reset a Fitbit Charge or Charge HR bracelet

We also find a computer and a charger cable, then:

• First, connect the cable to a free USB port on your computer;
• connect the Charge itself to the cable;
• we press and hold the tracker button for 10-12 seconds until the Fitbit icon appears on the screen with the OS version number next to it;
• release the button.

The reboot procedure is complete, the tracker should work normally.

how to reset fitbit alta bracelet

• First, connect the cable to a free USB port on your computer;
• connect your Alta to the cable;
• we find the button on the USB connector of the cable, in 8 seconds it must be pressed three times with small pauses between presses.

If a corporate logo appears on the tracker screen, then you did everything right, and the tracker can be disconnected from the cable.

how to reset fitbit blaze tracker

• on the tracker, simultaneously press and hold the Back and Select buttons (see picture) until the FitBit logo appears on the screen;

How to reset Fitbit Surge:

• on the tracker, simultaneously press and hold the Back and Select buttons (see picture) until the FitBit logo appears on the Surge screen;
• release the buttons, wait another 10 seconds and turn on the tracker (press the Back button), the Surge has rebooted.

Contents of delivery

• Bracelet with a choice of strap sizes - S, L, XL (XL sold online only)
• USB charging cable
• Bluetooth adapter for PC
• Instruction

FitBit is trying to maintain its leadership in the smart pedometer market, for this the company has expanded its line of devices as much as possible - the range includes both small devices on a clip (FitBit One), and bracelets or even sports watches. Even though the same technologies are used inside, these devices are very different in positioning and who chooses them. So, most of the sales already account for bracelets (70 percent), a smaller part - for clip-on earrings, with which the company began to conquer the market, and it's too early to talk about watches. The market for sports bracelets has clearly evolved, these devices have become popular, and you can often see people wearing an ordinary watch on one hand and a sports bracelet on the other. Inside FitBit, the word “sports” is treated extremely carefully, since most of the pedometers are not intended for those who are engaged in active sports, but rather for people who consider fitness as a component of life and good mood. For athletes - the same watch FitBit Surge.

The world is divided into those who want to know more about themselves and those who are not. It is not necessary to convince the second ones of the benefits of the same pedometers, they still will not understand this and will not accept any arguments. Pedometers are already available on most smartphones as a built-in option, which is why people think that buying a separate device is pointless. To some extent, the FitBit Charge HR is the answer to this trend.

The freeness of pedometers on smartphones makes their measurement inaccuracy secondary, many do not care. It is approximately clear how much you have gone, this is enough for the eyes. In fact, the arrival of pedometers in phones is narrowing the market for Fitbit, and the Charge HR is the answer. Many devices now have the ability to measure the heart rate, for example, Samsung phones have a separate sensor to which you can put your finger and get fairly accurate data. But this is terribly inconvenient, and it is impossible to constantly receive heart rate data in this way. FitBit decided that the pedometer should measure data 24/7, that is, constantly and without user intervention. Why is this needed? It all depends on what you are doing. For average people walking their 10,000 steps, this information can give insight into walking pace and whether they're burning fat or doing cardio. For those involved in amateur running, it will provide visual graphs of changes in pace and heart rate, which will allow you to understand yourself a little better. Let's see how the product turned out, what features it has.

On the company's website, you can print the dimensions on the sheet and choose a bracelet that suits you. For my large hand, size L fits, but this is literally the last hole. XL bracelets only sell online.

Externally, Charge and Charge HR seem to be twin brothers, even the company chose the same color schemes.

But the difference is that the strap clasp is now not a latch, but a regular one, like on a watch. It is plastic, which raises questions about long-term use, but at first glance, there should be no problems. If the hand is small, then the remaining length of the strap can be removed under the latch.

Here are the color options.

The bracelet is soft, quite good on the hand. Due to the cells on the rubber on the outside, dirt fills up very quickly, you need to wash the bracelet (carefully, since it does not have water protection, only splash protection). Some users report that they get irritation from the bracelet if they wear it for a long time. I have not very sensitive skin, but if you do not wash the bracelet once a week, then irritation appears, the hand under the bracelet starts to itch. And he doesn't wrap his arms tightly! With other bracelets, nothing like this happened to me, the feeling that it's all about the material. Let me remind you that things did not work out for the company with the first bracelet, many complained of skin irritation and that product was withdrawn from the market. I didn't have any irritation then, but here it is. Everything is individual, as you understand.

In terms of ergonomics, this is one of the most comfortable bracelets in its class. The small display scrolls, at the touch of a key, information about time, steps taken, distance (in metric or miles, inches), calories, number of stairs, heart rate. In the settings on your smartphone or PC, you can change how information is displayed, make the display more convenient for your tasks.

There is an additional setting, with double tapping, you can immediately display one of the listed parameters from the rest mode. For example, I set this option to show the number of steps. Pressing the button shows the time, tapping shows the steps. Comfortable.

Just like in all FitBit pedometers, you need to set up the software on iOS / Android or in your browser (for PC, the USB Dongle from the kit is used), for me it is more convenient to set up synchronization with the phone, then you don’t have to think about it, all the data is constantly up to date .

When you first set up, you enter your gender, weight, height, and other information about yourself. You should probably use your real first and last name so that your friends can easily find you and compete in who has gone the most in a day, week or month. The social component in such devices is very important.

You can choose how the clock will look on a small screen, but the difference is not very noticeable.

There are silent alarms, when you can set the bracelet to vibrate, it will wake you up very gently. You can turn it off by clicking the button.

You can charge the bracelet in an hour from the computer, this is enough for you for 5 days, all data for 7 days (per minute) or 30 days (the results of each day for each parameter) are stored in memory, but I think that synchronization will occur more often.

Of the new and somewhat useless options, I note that when connected to a smartphone, the bracelet is able to show the number or name of the caller (they scroll on the screen, since it is small and does not fit everything). I don’t know how much this is necessary, the option, in my opinion, is rather useless. The Bluetooth version is 4.0.

Sleep tracking is much more interesting, especially since the bracelet on the arm does not interfere at all, even in a dream.

On the Fitbit website, you can view all the information about your activity during the day (and for other periods of time). Of the additional options - the ability to enter data about food, as well as your weight. Both the first and second options are redundant for me, I do not use them. It is possible that someone will find them useful.

And now the most important thing is the social component. You can add other people as friends, see how much they have gone through, this motivates many to small feats, especially when they are good friends. The measurement accuracy of FitBit pedometers is one of the best on the market, they can be considered a standard, there are almost no false positives. And it's all about steps. But let's take a look at how things are with measuring the pulse.

How the pulse is measured - the shortcomings of the technology

On the inside, you will see a heart rate sensor, these are two green LEDs, as well as an optical sensor. The abbreviation HR in the name means Heart Rate, but the technology was called PurePulse. MIO Alpha of all versions works in a similar way, and many other devices. The advantage of this approach is that the measurement occurs due to the transillumination of the skin with light of the visible spectrum, which does no harm. Pressure-dependent changes in blood vessels are measured, and then these data are processed. The advantage is that the technology allows you to receive data 24 hours a day, for at least 5 days from a single charge. But if you turn off the sensor, then the operating time will increase even more.

Now about the measurement accuracy. Of course, when compared with sensors that are built into phones and you need to put your finger on them, then you will get approximately the same results. They won't be much different, but it's a measurement at rest that we shouldn't care too much about. While walking, I compared the results with MIO Alpha, they turned out to be approximately the same, I noticed that on Charge HR these results come with a slight delay of a couple of seconds, it is possible that this is how the measurement algorithm works.

And now the most interesting thing is that the technology built into the Charge HR requires the relative immobility of the hand, with vibration or sudden movements, the measurements will be inaccurate. The company does not say that you can not use the bracelet for some types of activity, such as playing tennis. But in fact, cycling gives the most accurate measurements, running is a little worse, playing tennis is not so good. Any hand movements affect the quality of measurements! And here we come to the most unpleasant moment of this tracker, it is inaccurate in most situations under intense loads.

Imagine that you came to the gym and decided to do some dancing. You bounce, wave your arms, and the tracker measures your heart rate for the few moments your limbs are in a fixed position. That is, it selects relative rest values, which leads to an underestimation of the heart rate, this is how the algorithm works, and it definitely loses to any cardio belt that accurately reads the data. If you squat with a barbell or do a bench press, then another problem arises - the exercise puts a lot of stress on both the heart and blood vessels, but it is short-lived. That is, at the moment the measurement also does not occur and the value lags behind the real one.

There is a huge thread on the Fitbit support forum discussing measurement results with other heart sensors, at high load and exercise intensity (the same run), the Charge HR difference is in smaller values, which differ by 20-35 percent depending on the person. This is extremely far from the statistical error, the results are extremely inaccurate, and they cannot be applied in practice. Look at the chart below.

One user showed a difference with the Polar H7 sensor, the Charge HR result is the lower one with the shaded area. Impressive difference? Not that word. At the link you can find almost fifty pages of disappointments and very detailed comparisons with other cardiac sensors. The main feature that is advertised in the Charge HR turned out to be extremely inaccurate in the results it gives. Is there any use for the sensor? Of course, if you only walk and there are no big loads. Will a fix be available with new firmware versions? I doubt it very much, since it is impossible to change the sensor itself, and the inaccuracy is associated with the algorithm of its operation. Garbage from input data cannot produce accurate output data.

To be honest, I was disappointed in this bracelet because of the way it measures the pulse. Moreover, there are similar problems in Surge, that is, the watch is also subject to the same problem. For those who wanted to buy these devices for jogging or sports, I definitely do not recommend them, only for walking, and then at a calm pace.

Probably, it is not so important how the software part on the smartphone is arranged if the heart rate measurement does not work, but still I will dwell on this moment, there is also something interesting here. Despite the fact that the bracelet has a vibration motor, no heart rate measurement zones are provided, they are shown later in the program, and the peak values ​​​​that are visible on the bracelet are filtered out for some reason, you do not see them. Apparently, FitBit considered that there was a high probability of error. Zones are calculated according to the standard principle: 220 minus age is the maximum value. The state of rest is 50%, fat burning is 50-69%, cardio load is 70-84%, the peak zone is from 85%.

There are no warnings about the transition from one zone to another. Moreover, during training, the screen goes blank and does not show data. The same Alpha Mio constantly displays them on a large and high-quality screen, the pulse is visible in any conditions.

Disappointment. Measuring the heart rate on the Charge HR with relative accuracy is only possible for very specific users, in all other situations it is a useless toy that gives incorrect data. Focusing on the results of measuring the pulse on this device can be dangerous to health, since the value of the pulse in reality will be higher, it will be easy to bring yourself to fainting. This is how the heart rate and load report looks like in the program on a computer or smartphone.

Impression

FitBit is doing well, and sales of the Charge HR, as well as the Surge, are such that they cannot be acquired quickly even in countries where they have a long presence. I bought my bracelet at MWC, where they were swept away at a speed of several pieces per minute, and the girls only had time to drag large boxes. Interest in such devices is huge, people are trying what it is.

But the problem is that this bracelet implements its main function, the measurement of the pulse, very badly. Its price is 149 dollars / euros, while for 129 you can buy a regular Charge. And I think you will not lose at all by choosing it. Why? Yes, because this bracelet simply counts your steps well, has all the features, except for measuring the pulse. But if you need heart rate measurement, then MIO Alpha is worth a look.

This watch has fewer functions, but it measures the heart rate more accurately and always shows it in real time. And this is a big plus for such a device. For jogging, it’s still worth looking at a cardio belt and some other device, nothing more precise has been invented, although this technology also has a flaw, such belts are not very convenient for many. But the accuracy of measurements requires sacrifice. It makes no sense to buy Charge HR, this device with the declared functions of measuring heart rate copes very conditionally and inaccurately.

Last year was very successful for Fitbit, because it was then that the Alta and Blaze saw the light of day. Now the company offers sequels to classic models - Fitbit Charge 2 and Fitbit Flex 2.

The Charge 2 costs $5,100—more expensive than the Alta, but cheaper than the Blaze, and about the same price as the Fitbit Charge HR and Charge at launch. The Charge 2 adds new features and functionality, including breath monitoring, replaceable straps, a larger display, and a new VO2 Max tracking system.

While the Alta has a clear desire for simplicity, and the Blaze has some fitness watch capabilities, the Charge 2 is harder to classify. It's definitely not a smartwatch, but it's not the most powerful fitness tracker available either. Rather, it embodies some kind of dividing line and approaches "nearly the best" because it does not have the features that the Samsung Gear Fit 2 and Microsoft Band 2 can boast.

We first tested this Fitbit bracelet for several weeks and issued a preliminary verdict, but then we also conducted long-term testing, and are already ready to provide our findings on the Fitbit Charge 2.

Fitbit Charge 2: design and usability

The Charge 2 retains the distinctive look and feel of Fitbit's wristbands. While it bears a clear resemblance to its direct predecessors, as well as the Fitbit Alta and a bit of the Surge, it's also much sleeker, with a larger black-and-white OLED display - four times the size of the older Charge gadgets. The polished silver case, the same as that of the Alta model, also adds elegance. The clasp design is similar to that of the Charge and Charge HR and holds the bracelet firmly in place. However, the clasp is not very comfortable and often requires additional effort to thread the strap.

The display is no doubt large enough to fit comfortably on the wrist than the Surge. The overall design is quite aesthetic, perhaps due to the size of the display. It's bigger than the Alta, but smaller than the Surge (and even the Fitbit Blaze), meaning you can see a little more information without making the screen too big.

For a device that typically requires so little user interaction, this Fitbit bracelet is surprisingly difficult to use. The indicators are scrolled by touching the touch screen. You can switch between different modes by pressing the side button, and then cycle through the exercises by moving your finger across the display. To access the mode, you need to hold down the button. It seems that Fitbit is well aware that they are not so easy with the tracker - tips for managing the device appear on the display during the first few hours of operation. It will take some time to get used to it.

It's a little annoying not being able to scroll back. If you need to return to the previous item, you have to completely scroll through the menu in direct order. There are not many menu items, but it still adds unnecessary fuss, especially if the user is in a hurry.

The sensitivity of the display also sometimes raises questions. The impression is that for its normal operation you need to be in a certain position and hold your hand at a certain angle. In addition, the display is not always illuminated when needed.

The heart rate monitor on the back of the case protrudes slightly. However, we've been using the Charge 2 for quite some time and noticed this feature less often than we expected. It may take some adjustment to find the right position, but after that everything will be in place and very comfortable. Just behind the wrist bone is the perfect place to read your pulse.

There is no doubt that the bracelet, if desired, can be worn for other purposes besides fitness - the strap is suitable for different things. The Classic strap for 1,500 rubles is available in black, dark purple, blue and turquoise, there are also special versions - a black strap with a gunmetal case or lavender with rose gold (the latter option is more expensive). Like the Alta, a Luxe leather strap is available as an accessory for the Charge 2, available in brown, pink or indigo. It will cost 4300 rubles.

In fact, we're still pretty surprised that Fitbit didn't give the Charge 2 this feature, even though the Flex 2 does have a waterproof case. The Charge 2 is water resistant in the sense that it can withstand sweat or rain, but the manufacturers do not recommend taking it into the shower with you, and this is annoying. If the Charge 2 can do so much, then it should also give the opportunity not to shoot it in the pool - so it seems to us.

Fitbit Charge 2 Activity Monitor

Holding down the side button starts tracking specific workouts manually, and upon completion, you will receive a detailed report in the mobile application. The Charge 2 is also equipped with SmartTrack, which automatically tracks running, cycling and other activities. Sleep is also tracked automatically, along with floors climbed, active minutes, and hourly activity.

1. Sleep monitoring. Sleep tracking proved to be quite accurate, although not always perfect. Comparing our fitness tracker with the specialized Beddit 3 sleep tracker, we saw that the indicators often coincide within five minutes. From time to time, Fitbit had trouble figuring out exactly when you woke up - especially if you lay down in bed for a while after waking up - confusing restless sleep with being awake. Whatever it was, the device did a very good job of recording toilet breaks and subsequent falling asleep, and this gives enough data to analyze each night's sleep. Annoying is the lack of settings for the tracker itself for sleep mode or dimming the screen - if you toss and turn in bed, the fitness bracelet will illuminate the room.
2. Pedometer. Now about step tracking. Here, what Charge 2 definitely cannot be blamed for is stinginess. It's not easy to check the correctness of the pedometers, but we definitely noticed that the Charge 2 overestimates the performance. We first saw this when testing over a long distance and comparing it to the Garmin Fenix ​​3, but in our long-term test, there was also a tendency to overestimate. The Charge 2 also misses out on some stair climbs. This problem happens with other step-counting accessories, and the Charge 2 is no exception.
3. heart rate monitor. As mentioned, the Charge 2 has a built-in heart rate monitor, so you don't have to choose between the two options. Fitbit's PurePulse technology is used to continuously monitor your heart rate during and outside of your workouts. There is no built-in GPS, and the Charge 2 relies on a connection to your phone using the ConnectedGPS feature to determine speed and distance. All these features are present in one form or another in other Fitbit bracelets, but the determination of maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 Max ) and controlled breathing training appear only in this model.

Maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 Max )

The Fitbit VO 2 Max is referred to as the Cardio Fitness Level in the Fitbit app. If you leave Charge 2 on while you sleep, it measures your resting heart rate. It then analyzes your user profile—age, height, weight, and fitness data—and compares it to other people of your gender and age. Fat burning charts, optimal heart rate zones for cardio training and peak exercise are also provided. So far, this is the most detailed and complete training manual of any Fitbit bracelet to date.

There are some inconveniences with access to data - they can only be viewed in the Fitbit app on a smartphone. Unlike the resting heart rate, "cardiac performance level" does not require long-term monitoring, it appears on the display after a while. We're not sure why Fitbit didn't give this fitness band the ability to see a graph of maximum oxygen consumption.

To calculate VO2 Max properly, you need to pass a pretty serious test in a sports science laboratory, so you should understand that any Fitbit Charge 2 data will be approximate. He gave us 49 - close to the Jabra Sport Pulse (47) and Garmin Fenix ​​3 (48). Since this can be attributed to the upper part of the scale, there are no complaints. In addition, we gave Fitbit to another person for one day, and this changed the performance. The latter indicates at least the level of sensitivity to data changes.

The “heart rate” feature is one of our favorites on the Fitbit Charge 2. It’s a fairly accurate definition of fitness parameters, new to the company’s gadget ecosystem – and we hope to see how this feature develops and becomes even more useful over time.

Controlled breathing

Deep breathing to calm down is not a new concept, so Fitbit didn't invent the wheel here. Rather, we were provided with a good handy reminder tool. Therefore, the option of controlled breathing is somewhat unexpected, but useful and came in handy.

The Fitbit Charge 2 personalizes its breathing program based on your heart rate and finds a good rhythm, making sure you don't inhale too deeply or exhale too fast. In fact, this is the first time for Fitbit to introduce some serious new technology, and the first time heart rate variability is used on such devices. You can also do a two- or five-minute session just for relaxation, or to cool down after a workout.

After taking a heart rate reading, the Charge 2 prepares you to breathe in time with the pulsing ring that appears on the screen.

When we first used this option to cool down after a workout, it felt like we were doing something wrong - inhaling too deeply and practically holding our breath. The second time, the goal was to relax and de-stress. It worked better, it was possible to breathe in time with the animation on the display. After that, we used the function in both variants many times during long-term testing, and were satisfied. The Charge 2 was able to pinpoint the correct rhythm, allowing you to follow the display's breath rate guidance. The animation has a strangely calming effect, and after prolonged use, two minutes flies by pretty quickly. I also liked the lack of indicators of whether you are doing everything right. They can be called up on the display, but if you don’t want to, no one imposes.

Heart rate training

The accuracy of the new PurePulse heart rate sensor is interesting, but on the Charge 2 it's a depressing mixture of good and bad.

The heart rate option at rest (resting heart rate - RHR) cannot but rejoice. While tracking it, we compared the results with data from our Garmin Vivosmart HR. It turned out that Blaze often overestimated the RHR, so this feature is a clear improvement compared to previous versions.

Overall, the data from long-term testing proved to be useful. Although, when compared to measurements from the chest strap, the sensor took 10 minutes to determine the pulse.

We also saw that, while fairly accurate over long-term tests, the heart rate monitor still tends to underestimate the current heart rate, often by as much as 5 bpm. As for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), we tend to see the Charge 2 as more of a miss than a hit. We did a couple of high-intensity sessions and had a few issues with the Charge 2.

The first problem is the backlog. Often times the Charge 2 would get stuck at 115 after hitting 180 bpm. This usually corrected over the course of a workout, but it was not uncommon for the Charge 2 to fall behind by almost a full interval.

Whatever the case, the inconsistencies in heart rate readings with the chest strap showed up more clearly on the current display readings than on the totals in the application - it seemed that the Fitbit algorithm understood the data better after the workout. Often after long workouts, the difference in performance was no more than 3 beats / min, despite all the nonsense that was displayed directly during the workout.

Fitbit has already released an update to address some of the device's shortcomings. For example, ConnectedGPS used to give sometimes obvious errors before. As for Blaze, it's still clear: the device is more suitable for the everyday life of ordinary people than for hard fitness fans. Despite the addition of the VO 2 Max option, the device can't handle high-intensity workouts.

Notifications

The Charge 2 isn't a smartwatch and doesn't try to hide that fact. When you receive notifications, you will not be able to respond to them or view them on the fitness bracelet - they simply disappear.

The Charge 2 can show notifications for calls, messages, and calendar reminders, but your phone must be connected. Since our first review, WhatsApp notifications have been working on the Charge 2, but only on Android phones. At the same time, other notifications from the connected device now work with both iOS and Android.

When receiving a call or message, the Charge 2 vibrates briefly, then displays the caller's phone number (and/or name). Long messages are shown in a cropped form, and emoticons and emoticons are not visible at all. And yet the next update will change the way notifications are displayed - so that messages are displayed before the contact data. You will also see a + icon to indicate that you have received more than one notification. This update will be available for Charge 2 in the coming weeks.

If you've used Fitbit before, you'll already be familiar with the app, which hasn't changed much for the Charge 2. All the information is in the usual places, including graphs and data about connected devices, and you can still see the leaderboard.

The new is waiting for us in the motivation section - Challenges. Fitbit has developed an "Adventures" game for its entire lineup, not just the Charge 2.

The idea of ​​Adventures is quite witty and entertaining. There are different levels and steps for different locations - for example, you need to take 15,000 steps to "walk" around the famous Yosemite Falls in California. This means that every step you take at home, at work, and in general, anywhere corresponds to a walk built into the Fitbit app. You can see your path on the map, and the app tells you how many steps are left to go. You don't have to play the whole game at once, although the app gives you daily challenges based on your average daily steps.

Completing a set number of steps on the "trail" opens another panoramic photo of real locations, which were photographed specially by Fitbit. These locations are called "Landmarks" in the app. The company claims that approximately this number of steps will be required to visit these locations in real life. Upon reaching the location, you can move your phone to view the surroundings in a panoramic photo. There are also "treasures" ("Treasures") to be found. "Treasures" is pretty trivial - it's a short quiz about a healthy lifestyle and motivation.

Playing Adventures turned out to be fun and easy, as all you have to do is press start. Sometimes you can even forget that you are playing, so it would be nice to have reminders on the Charge 2 display of your goals. But apart from that, we liked seeing the route on the map, matching the usual number of steps per day. We would definitely prefer to walk near the real Yosemite Falls, but it's also fun.

Battery

Fitbit claims the Charge 2's battery can last up to 5 days, depending on usage. This was unexpected since the same battery life was claimed for earlier versions of the Charge with a much smaller display. By comparison, the Alta should last five days on a single charge, and lasted just over a week in our testing.

By turning on all possible notifications, we managed to use the Charge 2 for about six days without recharging. And having charged 15-20 minutes, they wore it for another six days. As with the Alta, the battery performs even better than advertised.

It's nice to know that we'll get almost a week of battery life from the Charge 2, but it would be even better to see the battery gauge on the device itself. However, there is good news in this regard: the indicator will be in a new update, which is now in the process of being released. Having to look in the app for information that feels like it should be on the screen of the device itself was annoying, so this is a nice innovation.

Problem solved

Pros: Accurately counts steps and fairly accurate heart rate. The best app among trackers. Disadvantages: Proprietary charging connector, modest design, no indication of battery charge Comment: I used the bracelet for 1 year and 7 months, before that I tried Up, but I didn’t like it at all - thick, hooked, you need to climb into the application for information. This one was removed only at night, worn on the right hand, as I love classic watches. A very convenient instant timer function - it came in handy hundreds of times even outside of fitness activities. Before buying a bracelet, I was tense that I could not hear a cell phone call - I unlearned this problem thanks to the vibration at the incoming one. Alas, there is no Cyrillic alphabet in the bracelet, and therefore the name of the caller is not shown. The charge was enough for three or four days, it is very inconvenient that it does not show it as a percentage. You really get used to this, because it’s not the phone and the load on the bracelet is about the same every day. Cool feature - the application itself sends a letter to the registered email when the battery is almost dead to charge. The pulse does not count perfectly, but as far as I understand it is very difficult to do it absolutely accurately, so there is always an error. It was enough for my runs, but then I realized that a bracelet with a heart rate monitor is probably no longer needed - there are no such loads and trainings where it would be vital. I think I would have used it further, but unsuccessfully bathed with it and the screen stopped working. Although before that I swam many times. I think over time the bracelet dries out from wear and the tightness drops. The next bracelet was also ordered by Fitbit, only the new Alta model. The application has an excellent system of badges - awards for achievements and a very cool level of internal social network with competitions.

Advantages: Measures the pulse immediately on the arm, without sensors on the body, vibrating alarm clocks (2 pcs.), motivational program from the manufacturer, good software, fast charging, ease of control, stopwatch, activity statistics , earlier I even forgot to put it on after a shower), arms should be straightened from 90 degrees and higher relative to the horizontal plane, otherwise the heart rate monitor is lying, there are bugs with synchronization (or it doesn’t complete at all or takes a very long time) Comment: I am a fitness trainer and I wear device permanently. And if earlier I recommended this heart rate monitor to my clients, now, perhaps, there are more interesting models. What are the downsides? It is very critical for me - the lack of protection against water (only against splashes, but this is clearly not enough), I have to constantly remove the bracelet. The heart rate is correct during cardio (while the hands should be located at chest level and above), here the accuracy is no worse than that of Polar with a sensor. But with power, the pulse goes astray, so it is impossible to track when it is necessary to complete the approach by pulse. The same applies to circular (functional) training. For experienced athletes, in general, there are no problems (although there is not much point in such a device either), for beginners or fitness tourists - the model will not fit unambiguously. Experience of use - a year, previously used Polar products (there are some nuances, the most inconvenient - a chest sensor, eternal washing of a belt, etc.). The device as a whole is reliable, quickly charges (about 30-40 minutes), holds a charge for 4-6 days (depending on activity), shows the caller's number, which is convenient in training, does not catch the eye, is relatively shockproof :) a year or a little later, I will still need a silent alarm clock, a stopwatch, water protection (preferably with immersion up to 3 meters), a heart rate monitor with instant heart rate detection on the device itself, a design closer to a sports watch (a la the latest models from Samsung, Motorola, Alcatel), in the budget up to 10k (if oil does not fall below 20 by then :). I hope this review was helpful, good luck with your choice.

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Pros: Fine tuning. You can set daily goals for the following parameters: number of steps, number of flights of stairs climbed (counts only climbs of stairs), number of calories burned, distance traveled and number of active minutes. Of these goals, you need to choose one main one. When it is reached, it gives a vibration. Entering your parameters (weight, height, age), as well as adjusting the stride length when walking and running. Those who write about the inaccuracy of the tracker simply did not set these parameters. I checked it on a treadmill with an odometer, counted the number of steps, accuracy 98% + Heart rate monitor. This is very cool. Firstly, it allows you to evaluate the work of the heart in the daytime mode, using the "Rest pulse" parameter. I was allowed to see that regular exercise (running) really reduces the resting heart rate, which indicates the strengthening of the heart muscle. Secondly, it allows you to adjust your workout in an optimal way, using the online heart rate zone you need, and also gives very detailed statistics on the results of the workout (by the second: changes in heart rate, calories burned, heart rate zone). Application. Works on all platforms, both PCs and phones. I have a bunch of Win 7 laptop and WinFon 8.1. There is a weight diary (I enter the data manually). The coolest thing is setting goals for all parameters for the day, and monitoring them. The application itself recalculates daily goals into weekly and monthly ones and shows all the statistics for the selected periods. Sometimes sends messages to the mail (weekly reports and some achievements: 50 km covered, etc.). Pleasant to the touch, well-made gadget. Durable and comfortable clasp. The most important plus is that it perfectly motivates you to be active :) Disadvantages: For maximum effect, you need to learn 30-40 words in English (there is no Russified application). The sensor is pressed into the hand, after a long wear there is an imprint (disappears rather quickly). It’s not critical for me, I just change my position on my arm 2-3 times a day (a centimeter higher / lower). There were no allergic or any other consequences. When driving around the city, he practically does not count steps (he added 12 steps in 30 minutes of driving). But when on the bus, and even in the back seat (shaking strongly) I went to another city (1 hour 15 minutes on the road), threw me several kilometers and a couple of dozen flights of stairs for the trip. I smoked a forum, found a cure - mark the start and end times of the trip, and enter the "Driving" workout for this time. The app will erase steps, distance, active minutes, etc. , leaving you with only the calculated number of calories (very small). Commentary: battery - 4 days in auto mode + 2..4 hours in training mode

Pros: Comfortable to wear, screen. Disadvantages: Long synchronization, no integration with HealtKit on iOS Comment: Used for 7 months. The button flew off after 4 months. It seems that I hit it in the gym, but not as much as it might seem. It's good that you can do without it, the tracker responds to taps. The alarm clock is good, not smart, but over time you realize that this is not so important. Sometimes it blunts and works again, although I have already woken up and walk around the room. The charge lasts 4-5 days, it’s a pity that notifications about a low charge are somehow strangely shown in the application (or rather, they are almost never shown, although they are configured), i.e. one day you forget to charge, and then he sits down in about half a day. It was important for me to see the pulse without a smartphone, because. When playing sports, I do not take it with me. Analogues at a price of about 10 tr. I don’t see it, if only Mi Band 1s (but there is a pulse with indicators, and not exactly a number, although this is not bad either. But then it was not yet sold). Long synchronization (probably due to heart rate data), does not sync in the background on the iPhone (not sure if the application is a bug, perhaps an iOS limitation). It was the same for 59 p. Buy a separate app to sync your data with the Health app on your iPhone. I don't understand why they haven't done this yet, it's not that hard. There are inaccuracies in the calculation of mileage, on the site in the settings you can calibrate by specifying the step length when walking and running. While I indicated for running, it became more accurate, otherwise there was a difference of -2 km with an actual distance of 7-9 km.

Advantages: Heart rate measurement, appearance, 4-5 days battery life. Makes you monitor yourself (control of activity, consumed water). Disadvantages: Works only with its poor application in which there are no other sports besides running, walking and hiking. In the program itself, there is no way to fix the maximum speed. You can’t connect it to other sports applications (although I’m not sure whose fault it is, the bracelet or the application developer). You cannot overlay exercise and heart rate graphs on the map. As the developers of the gadget have already noted here, they completely ignore the Russian language, you can figure it out, but the sediment remains. The incomprehensible function of monitoring sleep cycles, why it is needed is not really clear. there is no smart alarm clock in the bracelet, it can only wake you up at the set time by vibration. No water protection, maximum wash your hands with it. Synchronization of the phone and the bracelet occurs only if the Internet is available. Price (I bought it at the end of February for 14,000), although now it has fallen in price a little, but in order to get moral satisfaction, it must still get cheaper. Comment: I set out to purchase a fitness bracelet with a heart rate monitoring function. The main criterion was the design, because. the very meaning of the bracelet lies in its constant wearing. I wear a gadget on my right hand, because. on the left clock. I wanted to have a smart alarm clock, I read in the description that there is an alarm clock, and which one he did not specify, I thought for such a price it was a matter of course - I was disappointed. When playing sports (running, skiing, cycling, rollerblading, etc.), you have to use two applications. The pulse measures well, at first he fastened it tightly and during physical exertion, when the arm sweated, he lost his pulse, but now I make it free and lose his pulse much less often. In general, the gadget copes with its task, monitors physical activity, you can see the dynamics. Looks good on the hand. The verdict, if everyone knew this, I would not have bought it.

Pros: Constant heart rate measurements. Heart rate monitoring while running is my main feature and it works well. A great feature - while running, you can not grope for the button, but tap the bracelet 2 times to display the selected information. Counting calories and steps - no worse and no better than other trackers. Quiet alarm clock pleased my wife, who gets up later than me. Cons: Not waterproof, minus a point for that. I am wearing a second smartphone from Sony and have already forgotten what it means to protect wearable equipment from water. After training, removing and washing the bracelet with soap under the tap would be the most it. Commentary: For those who complain that driving a car throws up extra steps - excuse me, high American technologies crash against the harsh Russian reality. If you drive on a flat road - the steps are not added. If, shaking on potholes, go around the pits and brake sharply, they increase. There are exactly 2 options here: move to where there are normal roads or just remove the tracker before driving a car.

Advantages: Holds a charge for an average of 3 days, with a heart rate monitor running non-stop and that's cool .. Synchronize with Fitbit the site officially says that it is possible once every 3 days (there is no more memory in the device), but at the same time I personally did the synchronization and with an interval of 10 days and everything is normal_ on the website of the pulse charts, etc. for all 10 days .. There is a clock that can show the date, vibro alarm clock. He decides sleep or not. The step counter is quite adequate, and if you only walk all day, then the count is even accurate. Knows how to count approximately the calories burned, and the distance traveled in km. YES shows when you started sleeping when you finished and when and how much you tossed and turned (went to the toilet). Disadvantages: 1) the device that you wear on the body regularly cannot be washed! (I washed it under the tap for 2 weeks, the rubber strap began to peel off from the electronic filling, glued everything together with superglue and couldn’t get any more.) The strap can sometimes irritate the skin. It is treated with any cream to anoint, and then put on the device. 2) Does not measure body temperature. 3) The device is charged only through a unique wire. NO wireless charging. 4) The device understands whether you are sleeping (lying around) or awake. Able to count steps, distance, and hours. And knowing that I did, say, 150 steps per minute (i.e., I run), it cannot itself record this about the fact that I RUN. Or 50 steps in 2 minutes means walking. Those. on the Fitbit website they have a column for running and so on .. And they suggest that we enter the data manually, today I ran so much ... BUT, after all, the entire filling of the device allows you to determine these parameters automatically ... Developed by Fitbit Ay - what kind of nonsense (5) The accuracy of the data ... The heart rate monitor at first seemed to be a rather thin device. But let's say if I sit earlier, then the pulse is ~ 55-70 (on the street where there are more schoolgirls in skirts). got up abruptly ran pulse ~ 80-120 (depending on how fast). Now, sometimes it happens that you sit, the pulse is 50, you get up, you run, you look at the pulse and shows 80-90-110, some kind of delay has appeared ... The same applies to steps, if earlier I clicked to watch the steps I walk and you can see that the step and +1 step on the screen and +1 more, and now you walk 100 steps, sat down. You look at the screen, and there the number of steps is old, it passes ~ a minute the number of steps has been updated. 6) Fitbit website. The data as he shows them, perhaps many will like the saying, wow, how cool and beautiful everything is here. BUT in general, for the more demanding, it cannot be called an intuitive, convenient, and usable interface for users. Write down what you ate done at 2. 7) Efficiency% sleep should show based on daily activity, supposedly recovered or not. And not how much he tossed and turned during hibernation .. As well as how much water you need to drink, and not just based on weight and height. Commentary: These devices only come to the masses, and are still damp and not properly tuned. They can be said to be pioneers. And most likely in the near future these devices will be much better and they will be advised to be worn by all sorts of doctors, athletes and others (health supporters, etc.) ... At the moment, such devices, this or any other competitor, are just activity trackers . They just show your activity and record it in your account, for your own statistics. They say today you slept 10 hours and of them you tossed and turned for 2 hours. Yesterday you walked 10 km and today 500 meters (didn't leave the apartment). self analysis yesterday I slept little and badly, or today I walked a record 20 km (this is too much)! If you're asking if it's worth it, yes. Buy try it, judge for yourself, only you can judge. Whatever is chosen in the market will support such companies, and most likely they will improve their devices in the future. Or a competitor will appear who will understand that he can do better and cheaper and that these devices are needed and in demand. Good luck choosing.

Advantages: An excellent device, it is interesting to set goals and achieve them, everything is very clear in the application, it shows different statistics, a picture of sleep. Disadvantages: There is no Russian language in the Fitbit application. You can't swim in the bracelet. Comment: I liked the tracker. We use 3 days. Outwardly, it looks nice, the clasp is comfortable, like on a regular watch. Nice to hold in hands. The strap is made of pleasant to the touch material. It is not very convenient that the application is not Russified, but everything is quite clear there, and you can figure it out even without knowing English. The app is smart and enjoyable. It is curious to observe your achievements, look at statistics and graphs, monitor your pulse, observe a picture of sleep. The tracker requires a more or less new android, it did not make friends with a phone with android 4.1, on another phone android 4.4. - everything is installed and works great. In general, a useful and pleasant toy, we liked it, we do not regret that we waited for the release of the HR fitbit. But, maybe a little expensive, even for such a good thing. Although it's cheap now