Difference between revisions of "Fitbit"

Revision as of 15:25, 6 December 2015

Fitbit Charge
Category	Limb-mounted
Developer	Fitbit
Announced	October 2014
Released	Developers: Consumers: November 2014
Price	130 USD
Operating system	IOS, Windows Phone, Windows 10, Android
Sensors	3-axis accelerometer, Altimeter, Vibration motor
Weight	23 g
Controls
Data available	Good
Risk factor	Moderate
Standalone[1]
www.fitbit.com

Fitbit Charge is one of a series of smart fitness trackers from the American company Fitbit. It is characterized by, like its predecessors, simple design. The wristband is equipped with sensor which is able to scan all day activity of the owner, his workout and his sleep activity. Fitbit Charge is compatible with several operating systems. ^[2]

Main characteristics

Fitbit Charge is a smart wristband for all-day use. It is composed of an elastic strip innocuous to human skin, a metal fastening similar to conventional watches, small rectangular OLED display and sensors for scanning activity of the wearer. Of course there is also displaying the current time. The wristband has a variety of essential functions from the pedometer, which measures the achieved time and distance, to monitoring the user's sleep and a silent alarm. The last useful function is the monitoring incoming call notification.^[2] Charge model is the basic version of this series. Model Charge HR is equipped in addition to basic functions even heart rate sensor, GPS and display real-time state of activities in an application on your smartphone.^{[3] [4]}

The wristband is durable due to its material. The manufacturer states waterproof to 1 ATM, but only to sweat and rain. It is not therefore suitable for swimming or showering routine. Charge is equipped with three sensors - accelometer records physical activity, its frequency and speed. Altimeter is capable with accelometrem measure together the number of floors achieved per day. Vibrating motor is needed for displaying notifications. In the case of incoming call motor will vibrate slightly to warn holder about the event. However, it is not possible to receive calls directly through the device.^{[5] [6]}

Developer highlights long life battery and compatibility with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to PCs. After pairing with application in mobile phone or another desk, application is able to display customized settings of wristband, important informations about owner’s activity – number of steps, duration of motion and workout, distance, quantity of steps, but also a number of burned calories. Wristband stores these information in application and are long time monitored. ^[2]

For full use of all functions Fitbit Charge is necessary to have installed the original application on your smartphone or other device. Fitbit has developed a unified application that is compatible with a variety of operating systems and platforms - Windows Phone, iOS and Android. Developers provides a list of devices that are suitable for Fitbit on their website. Synchronization wristband with phone pass through Bluetooth 4.0 and runs over a distance of up to 6 meters (20 feet). Transfer of information to computer runs via a Windows (Vista and later), Mac OS X and above, iPad 3 gen and up and leading Android and Windows device.^[2][4]

Other Fitbit models (produced in 2015)^[7]

• Fitbit Zip
• Fitbit One
• Fitbit Flex
• Fitbit Charge HR
• Fitbit Surge

Purpose

Fitbit is smart device, which is able to monitoring owner's all-day and fitness activity. Throughout the stored information monitors and assists the wearer to achieve better results in his fitness and healthy lifestyle.

Company & People

Fitbit was founded in 2007 in San Francisco, CA.^[2]

• James Park - CEO, President & Co-Founder
• Eric N. Friedman - Chief technology officer & Co-Founder
• Edward M. Scal - Chief revenue officer
• Bill Zerella - Chief financial officer
• Steven Soderberg - VP, Information Technology

Important Dates

• Fitbit was founded in May 1 2007 in San Francisco. ^[8]
• Fitbit iPhone App is availible in October 2011.
• Fitbit Zip is announced in September 2012.
• Fitbit Flex is announced in January 2013.
• Fitbit Windows Phone platform is availible in July 2014.
• Fitbit Charge, Charge HR and Surge is announced in October 2014.^[9]

Ethical Issues

There has not been reavealed any ethical issues related to Fitbit device.

Fitbit Force Skin Irritation

Health Risks

Skin irritation has been appeared at users wrist in one of the models. First, Fitbit Force, which is already recalled last year. For models Charge and Charge HR are emerging similar difficulties. Fitbit company reacts to complaints as misconduct with the hygiene recommendations. Skin burning could be caused by sweat, water held under band^[10] or it could be alergy reaction to materials of device (band and nickel in stainless steel).^[11]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Fitbit products are not recognized as medical aids. Users use this device to improve their health through the monitoring of their physical activity all day long. It is therefore a wellness device that can help users to lead a healthy lifestyle. Due to the functions of mobile applications (from the activity monitor to entry the menu), the user himself watching his daily routine and in accordance with the recommendations he can prevent various health complications.

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

Public Policy

Some US insurers together with the employers included smart bracelets like Fitbit in their wellness programs. The aim of these programs is to force clients to invest more time and money in your health. The motivation for clients shall be reduction of the rate of health insurance they must pay.^[12]

There should be established some legislation regarding the protection of personal data provided by the user. The data are stored in the web interface, which can lead to information theft, or other illegal dealing with personal data of individuals.

Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research

References

1. ↑ Shows if the device is a standalone wearable computer or if it needs to be connected to a processing unit to function.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4} http://www.fitbit.com/charge (Retrieved October 20 2015)
3. ↑ http://mobilenet.cz/clanky/recenze-fitbit-charge-hr-srdecni-zalezitost-pro-kazdeho-19083 (Retrieved October 20 2015)
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-hr-review (Retrieved October 20 2015)
5. ↑ http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/10/thoughts-activity-trackers.html (Retrieved November 10 2015)
6. ↑ http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/activity-trackers/fitbit-charge-review-3584377/ (Retrieved November 10 2015)
7. ↑ http://www.fitbit.com (Retrieved December 06 2015)
8. ↑ https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/fitbit#/entity (Retrieved December 4 2015)
9. ↑ https://blog.fitbit.com/category/fitbit-news/product-announcements/ (Retrieved December 4 2015)
10. ↑ http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-skin-irritation-complaints-593 (Retrieved November 10 2015)
11. ↑ http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/Is-my-Charge-Charge-HR-or-Surge-safe-to-wear (Retrieved November 10 2015)
12. ↑ http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-21/wear-this-device-so-the-boss-knows-you-re-losing-weight (Retrieved November 9 2015)