Fitbit

Fitbit Charge
Category	Wearables
Developer	Fitbit
Announced	October 2014
Released	Developers: Consumers: November 2014
Price	130 USD
Operating system	compatible with: IOS, Windows Phone, Windows 10, Android
Sensors	3-axis accelerometer, Altimeter, Vibration motor
Weight	23 g
Controls
Data available
Risk factor
Standalone
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. Developer highlights long life battery and compatibility with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to PCs. Fitbit Charge is compatible with several operating systems. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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 your phone pass through Bluetooth 4.0 and runs over a distance of up to 6 meters (20 feet). Transferring information to your computer is via a Windows (Vista and later), Mac OS X and above, iPad 3 gen and up and leading Android and Windows device.

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.

• 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

Ethical Issues

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

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Fitbit products

Public Policy

There should be established some legislation regarding the protection of personal data provided by the user. This data is stored in a web interface.