Xiaomi Mi Band Fitness Bracelet

The last few years there has been a massive enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle. More and more people are interested in sports, tourism, active leisure and entertainment, they seriously monitor their figure and food culture. The basis of successful healthy training and good rest is competent organization of pastime, systematization of loads and timely monitoring 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 lifestyle.

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

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

Registered:

• The distance traveled and the number of steps;
• Heart rate and heart 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 bracelet’s work for fitness is manifested - by measuring the intensity of movements in a dream, the tracker determines the number and extent of sleep phases (it has long been a well-known fact - in one sleep cycle, the brain is in one of two alternating states: fast or slow sleep )

Based on the information received, a “smart” alarm clock selects the waking time that is optimal for receiving an effective charge of vigor and energy for the whole day and well-being.

The initial version of the Mi Band 1 smart bracelet from the flagship of high-quality Chinese electronics Xiaomi was born 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 distinguished by an unbelievably affordable price and a durable battery (up to 30 days of continuous operation 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 a penny coin size, plus it is absolutely not afraid of water and cold), a convenient stylish silicone strap (8 g).

Unlike cumbersome and hand-holding smart watches, the modest format of the tracker does not hinder movements at all, clings to clothes and does not remind itself once again during fitness, work or sleep - which allows you to freely carry the device for days on end.

Another factor of wild popularity was the minimalistic design. The discreet, neat appearance of the bracelet allows you to successfully combine it with both a business and a sports suit. Replaceable modular strap with a wide range of colors and textures makes it possible to combine the device with any image 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).

Representatives of the first generation generally did not have any display - communication with the owner was carried out through the indicators (the number of steps left before the daily norm set in the application) and the vibration signal (alarm and notifications). Details are immediately transferred to the smartphone and displayed in the application - the information is stored in the Mi Cloud, so it will remain intact even if the device itself is damaged or lost.

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

Major changes:

• Heart rate measurements (also in two modes - manual and automatic) significantly expanded the functionality - now it is 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, and the power of the vibration motor also increased (too weak and inconspicuous signal is a common complaint of users about the first version);
• The active capsule is slightly compacted, the design and material of the strap are updated;
• The color of the LEDs is now exclusively white, without the possibility of switching.

A significant minus of the update is that, 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 without refueling dropped to 10 days.

The main feature of the second generation of trackers, thanks to which the success of Mi Band 2 has 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 the clock and can work offline, directly providing the owner with more detailed and diverse information.

Advantages of the updated tracker:

• Shows the exact time and date;
• Measures and displays indicators of heart rate, heart rate, distance traveled (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 the button or a sharp movement of the hand changes the displayed information;
• It works like a smart alarm clock and alerts you with a slight vibration about incoming calls and messages on your smartphone. Appropriate icons for calls, SMS and application alerts appear on the screen along the way - using the bracelet has become even more comfortable and there is no need to constantly check the application.
• New advanced sensors have improved measurement accuracy.

The active capsule has grown slightly in size, but continues to cause no inconvenience when moving. The landing of the capsule in the strap is significantly optimized - if in the first versions it was inserted from the outside and periodically dropped out, got dirty or scratched, now the unit 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, remote phone unlocking has been added to the functionality of the new model. The updated official Mi Fit app collects statistics, synchronizes with MyFitnessPal and Google Fit services, as well as interactive scales. Added running mode options and a custom reminder of the need to move a little.

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

The developer does not seek to stop there and the Mi Band 3 release is just a matter of time. Already now, themed forums and specialized publications have 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 block of the fitness tracker is the same for all versions made of hypoallergenic and pleasant to the touch black plastic with smooth aluminum panels on the sides.

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

Xiaomi's standard fitness tracker package includes a simple black silicone strap - discreet but stylish. The manufacturer offers alternative colors - yellow, green, blue, blue, red, orange, pink, lilac and aqua. Saturated colors will successfully harmonize with bright summer looks or complement a sporty bow. In addition to the official sets, a lot of custom options with shades for every taste and mood are freely available on the market.

The opinion of users about the products of the Chinese brand was divided into two large 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 second also highlight the affordable price of the device, but note the problem of fastening the active unit - important for representatives of the first generation, the fixation of the capsule left much to be desired.In reviews on Mi Band 2, dissatisfaction begins to appear everywhere with the sharply increased dimensions of the product and the impractical application interface - 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 instruction for use - in Chinese. Even with the release of subsequent versions of the product, no one bothered with translations.

Fortunately, putting the tracker in a state of full alert is 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 confidentiality service - on the corresponding tab in the settings you need to find the application and enable it to collect health information;
• Next, Bluetooth is turned on in the settings, 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 in the signal range;

To use the functions of the application, you must register in 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 username and password, a minimum of personal data for the correct collection of analyzes and statistics:

• Floor;
• Date of Birth;
• Height;
• Weight;
• The number of steps that the owner wants to go through daily.

After receiving all the required information, you get to the main page of your personal account in the application. This is where 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 type of Mi Band device and confirm by applying the index finger to the screen (for different platforms, the current moment of binding 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 appropriate tabs and buttons in the application settings and will not cause difficulties in handling.

The accuracy of the readings largely depends on the correct fit of the sensors to the hand - for measurements, the bracelet uses a special optical system and an accelerometer. 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.

Fitness tracker will be a great helper in sports and recreation for both men and women. The function of a smart alarm clock and a 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 guaranteedly not miss important calls and messages.