Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band

The last 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 watching their figure and food culture. The basis of successful healthy workouts and proper rest is the 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 variety of smart watches designed to serve as a reliable assistant for people who are not indifferent to a healthy way of life.

Technological progress allows to introduce a large number of various gadgets that significantly improve the quality of life. Some of them are still deservedly perceived unnecessary luxury, others have become part of everyday life. The latter category includes such a useful device as a fitness bracelet.

The multifunctional technical device, worn on the wrist, is filled with mixed gauges - thanks to this, detailed information about the daily activity of the owner is collected.

It is registered:

• Distance 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 the night, the third important feature of the bracelet for fitness is manifested - by measuring the intensity of movement in a dream, the tracker determines the number and extent of sleepy phases (it has long been a well-known fact - during one sleep cycle, the brain is in one of two alternating states: fast or slow sleep) ).

Based on the information received, the “smart” alarm clock selects the wake-up time that is optimal for obtaining an effective charge of vivacity and energy for the whole day and well-being.

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

The gadget stands out extraordinary compactness and simplicity. The package bundle included only two component parts - a tiny, smooth oval block (only 5 g of mass and a size with a penny coin, plus absolutely no fear of water and cold), a comfortable stylish silicone strap (8 g).

Unlike bulky and cumbersome smart watches, the modest tracker format doesn’t obstruct movements at all, clings to clothes and doesn’t remind of itself once more during fitness, work or sleep - which allows you to wear the device for days on end.

Another factor in the frantic popularity has become a minimalist design. The discreet, neat appearance of the bracelet allows you to successfully combine it with a business or sports suit. Replaceable modular strap with a wide range of color and texture solutions makes it possible to combine the device with any way and mood. There are no buttons, connectors, speakers or screens on the unit's 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 - they communicated with the owner through the indications of indicators (the number of remaining steps before the daily norm set in the application) and the vibration signal (alarm and notifications). Details are immediately transmitted to the smartphone and displayed in the application - information is stored in the Mi Cloud cloud, therefore, they 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 the function of the heart rate monitor and corrected a couple of minor issues with the original version - this is how the Mi Band 1S Pulse appeared.

Major changes:

• Pulse measurements (also in two modes - manual and automatic) significantly expanded the functionality - now it’s not just an alarm bracelet and an electronic pedometer in one bottle;
• Due to the installation of more sensitive sensors, the accuracy of measurements increased by an order of magnitude, the vibrator motor power also increased (a too weak and imperceptible signal is a common complaint of users to the first version);
• The active capsule was slightly compacted, the design and material of the strap was updated;
• The color of the LEDs is now exclusively white, without the possibility of switching

A significant minus of the update - with the expansion of functionality, they did not take into account the proportionally increased consumption. The same miniature 45 mA battery remained in the configuration, and the average duration of work without refueling dropped to 10 days.

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

Advantages of the updated tracker:

• Shows exact time and date;
• Measures and displays heart rate, heart rate, distance covered (including steps) and calories burned;
• It is equipped with a touch button and understands the user's gestures, thanks to the built-in accelerometer - switching a button or a sudden movement of the hand changes the displayed information;
• It works as a smart alarm clock and notifies with light vibration about incoming calls and messages on the smartphone. At the same time, the corresponding icons for calls, SMS and application alerts appear on the screen - it became even more comfortable to use the bracelet and you do not need to constantly check with the application.
• New advanced sensors improved measurement accuracy.

The active capsule has grown somewhat in size, but continues to not cause discomfort during movement. 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, then the block now sits securely in a special slot with protruding edges and is removed from it exclusively from the side of the hand.

Synchronization with the smartphone still passes through Bluetooth, the remote unlocking of the phone has been added to the functionality of the new model. The updated official Mi Fit app collects statistics, syncs with MyFitnessPal and Google Fit services, as well as interactive weights. Added options for running mode and a custom reminder to move a little.

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

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

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

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

The standard equipment of the Xiaomi fitness tracker includes a simple black silicone strap - low-key but stylish. The manufacturer offers alternative colors - yellow, light green, blue, blue, red, orange, pink, lilac and aqua. Saturated colors will be in harmony with bright summer images or complement a sports bow. In addition to the official kits, the market is freely available to a lot of custom options with shades for every taste and mood.

The opinion of users about the products of the Chinese brand was divided into two major categories. Some are completely satisfied with the capabilities, performance, durability and design of the gadget and consider it the most profitable acquisition in its price category.

The latter also highlight the affordable price of the device, but note the problem of fastening the active unit - important for the representatives of the first generation, fixing the capsule left much to be desired. In reviews of the Mi Band 2, dissatisfaction with the sharply increased dimensions of the product and the impractical interface of the application starts to appear everywhere - especially in comparison with the convenient and informative counterpart from Jawbone.

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

Fortunately, to bring the tracker to full alert - a simple matter for a couple of minutes that does not require special skills from the owner:

• First you need to install a free application on your smartphone - preferably the official Mi Fit with a guarantee of bracelet support. On some mobile operating systems, you may need additional permission of the information privacy service - on the appropriate tab in the settings you need to find the application and allow it to collect health information;
• Then Bluetooth is turned on in the settings, we are convinced 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, it is necessary to register. Open it, click on the single button Sign In. 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, minimum personal data for correct collection of analyzes and statistics:

• Floor;
• Date of Birth;
• Growth;
• Weight;
• The number of steps that the owner wishes to take daily.

After receiving all the required information, you get 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 tie the bracelet itself to the program. To do this, on the profile page, you need to find the Add Device tab, select the Mi Band device type and confirm with the index finger by attaching to the screen (for different platforms, the binding time may differ). If successful, the capsule will vibrate and the application will request the synchronization of the tracker with incoming calls and messages.

Management of all other functions is carried out through the corresponding tabs and buttons in the application settings and will not cause difficulties in handling.

The accuracy of the readings 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 indicated in the settings, just above the bone. The strap should be tightly fastened, but not pinch the arm or cause discomfort.

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