Fitbit confirms Windows Phone 8.1 app in development

Fitbit has confirmed in its community forums that it is developing a Windows Phone 8.1 app for its popular fitness smartbands, but at the moment's that's all that is known, at least officially, on this subject.

Adding an app that supports Microsoft's mobile OS has been one that's been in discussion on Fitbit's community forums for some time. However, earlier today, the company updated that message thread (you have to register for the forums to actually read it) with this statement:

    "Fitbit is developing an application for Windows Phone 8.1. Thank you for all your feedback and support!"

That's basically all we know at this point. There's no word on what features it will have nor any indication of a release date. However, we will keep you up to date on Fitbit's progress as soon as they reveal any more information.

This is as good of a time as any to remind you that June is #MobileFit month here at Mobile Nations and, by pure coincidence, we published a new and extensive feature article on Fitbit earlier this morning. Consider this to be a primer for the fitness smartband before the company launches its Windows Phone 8.1 app.

How do you feel about Fitbit planning to join the Windows Phone platform?

Thanks to Tristan R. and Jeff P., who tipped up to this news!




Source : WPCentral

[Continue reading...]

Casio G-Shock STB-100 Sport Watch hands-on: classic looks get smart

When you’ve got a design for a watch as ubiquitous as the Casio G-Shock on the market, you’re allowed to be late to the new technology party. This year Casio’s entry in the STB-100 comes in the form of Bluetooth 4.0 and a sports-tracking collection of bits and pieces in their slightly modified G-Shock design. While we’re not about to suggest this watch is in any way more all-inclusive than its smartwatch competitors from Sony, Samsung, Pebble, and the many others shown off this week at CES 2014, Casio still retains that built-in fan base they’ve cultivated for years.

Attaching itself to the iPhone alone, this particular sports watch is aimed at two groups - those that already own a G-Shock and want to expand their collection into the Bluetooth/smartwatch realm, and those that are looking for a sports-tracking device and don’t want to appear to actually be wearing one of these new-fangled “Smartwatch” thingies, so to speak. Casio has molded this device to look as naturally un-smart as any past model.

The iPhone app for the STB-100 - as they were showing off this week - is just about as bare-bones as a connected app gets. You’ll be able to control your music and track your steps in a variety of ways. You'll be able to track your running pace, time elapsed while running, distance traveled, and data for biking with its built-in cadence sensor.

For an Apple user used to listening to music on the go, this device’s control setup allows you to be able to press a button on your watch to switch music tracks, and that’s about it. Something rather similar to what you’re doing already with the wire connecting you to your earbuds, more than likely. One way or another, you’ll be able to skip a track.

At the moment it does not appear that Casio is doing just one whole heck of a lot with the data you’re getting,* but it does seem that they’ll be expanding their software soon - we’ll have to wait and see. Wait for the actual release of this device this year, that is.

*UPDATE: This watch will be connecting to Abvio’s Runmeter, Walkmeter, and Cyclemeter, as well as the app known as Wahoo Fitness. Casio is also working with other developers to expand this collection in the near future.

We’ll have to see how long it actually lasts when we get it wrapped around our own wrists. In black and gray or with a splash of fire red - with green accents, of course. Pricing and release information incoming - we'll let you know when we know!

[Continue reading...]

Fitbit iPhone 5s update teases wearable data without the band

In a move rather similar to Nike’s efforts with their own wearable sports tracker and app, Fitbit has updated their app to give basic fitness data without the Fitbit band itself. You’ll be seeing basic data with the help of what Fitbit doesn’t directly suggest is the iPhone 5s’s M7 motion co-processor, but gives a bit wink towards nonetheless.

This move allows users to get in on and get a taste for the Fitbit universe without jumping all the way in with the Fitbit wearable itself. This version of the app’s new feature goes by the name MobileTrack, while normal connectivity still works with Fitbit’s full line of activity trackers and he Aria Smart Scale.

If you happen to have a new iPad, you may very well find your data reacting the same way with this newest update as they too work with the same M7 architecture inside. You’ll find this app just as free as it’s ever been, too.

This update to the iOS app also brings a collection of other connected oddities as well. Users can now work with a redesigned set of tracker settings as well as sign-up and sign-in portals. You’ll find the ability to see people’s profiles in the Friend Finder list, while swiping on friends in your leaderboard now allows you to cheer, taunt, or message them.

The newest version of Fitbit (2.1) works with a redesigned set of Silent Alarm settings including set, switch, edit, and remove, and you’ll find a new ability to set your own custom water goal. Have at it!

[Continue reading...]

Samsung “Galaxy Band” fitness tracker rumored to debut Feb. 2014

Samsung may be developing a new wearable fitness tracker. The so-called "Galaxy Band" would likely be an update to the seemingly discontinued S-Band, the screen-less, wrist-mounted tracker for pairing with a Galaxy S 4. The Galaxy Band would add a screen along with an array of other fitness- and health-oriented tracking features.

The rumor dropped last week on Korea's Digital News Daily. Anonymous sources told the publication the Galaxy Band will be oriented towards health care. Digital Trends suggests this could indicate a fuller integration with S Health, an app made for the S 4.

The Galaxy Band would likely run on Android. Like the S-Band (see hero image above), it would use a standard motion tracking sensor array for tracking steps, pace, and so on. It would compute calories, atmospheric conditions, and location via GPS. It would connect to a mobile device -- either just Samsung products or all Android-depended products -- via low-power Bluetooth. Finally, the DDN report says it could feature voice activation and controls.

The device, if DDN's anonymous sources are correct, will likely be revealed at Mobile World Congress Feb. 24-27, 2014 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. We'll be keeping an eye on this. Tune in to our wearables portal for updates.





SOURCE: Boy Genius Report

[Continue reading...]