Wearables, and fitness bands in particular have gotten a lot of press in the last few years and experienced rapid growth. More and more people want to take control of their health and the information gleaned from these trackers certainly help people make informed decisions. While almost everyone knows the biggest player in the game, Fitbit, there are many other excellent options out there.
Xiaomi, a massive Chinese cell phone manufacturer, may not be a name that you know yet, but you will soon. Xiaomi has attracted some of the top names in technology, like Hugo Barra who it lured away from Google to come be a Vice President for the company. Since his arrival, we’ve seen the release of many high-quality products like the Mi Band 1S and Mi Band 2.
Mi Band 1S
How does a water resistance fitness tracker for $12 sound? That’s what you get with the Xiaomi Mi Band 1S. The tracker connects to your phone through Bluetooth and allows you to track your heart rate with the Mi Fit application. The lightweight tracker is designed to give you the basic information you need without getting in your way. To that end, the Mi Band 1S is thin and light so you won’t notice it during your exercise routines.
Due to its simple construction, the Mi Band 1S has incredible battery life, it can last up to 30 days on standby. In addition to the heart rate tracking, the Mi Band 1S also tracks steps, distance, and calories burned.
The Mi Band 1S will even provide important information while you sleep. The band records when you’re in deep or shallow sleep so you can see how long it’s taking you to get into the restful sleep pattern you need to be in. Another very useful feature is the silent alarm feature that will vibrate the band to wake you up in the morning. This is more subtle than a blaring loud alarm that may way you up abruptly and is more personal so it won’t wake up your partner either.
Not only does it track your heart rate, but it will also alert you when you have a call coming in. If you’re expecting that important call during work, you won’t miss it while you’re working out. You can also use the Mi Band 1S as a trusted Bluetooth device with your Android phone so your phone is easily unlocked when it’s nearly and uses a safe passcode when it’s not.
If you’re looking for a great deal on the Mi Band 1S, check out Geekbuying where you can pick one up for as low as $11.99.
Mi Band 2
If you’d like to step it up a little bit, the Mi Band 2 might be for you. If the Mi Band 1S is the basics, the Mi Band 2 offers more features and a nicer interface. With a .42″ OLED display and touch controls, the Mi Band 2 blurs the line of fitness band and smartwatch to give you a taste of both.
With the OLED display, you can view the time, your steps, heart rate, and more information right on your wrist. The smart sensors in the device know when you’ve risen your wrist to see the display and smartly turn it on for you. No tapping or shaking to see the information you want.
Not only does the Mi Band 2 track your heart rate (PPG), but it also has an updated pedometer algorithm that will more precisely track your steps, calories burned, and other sport related information. If you’re sitting around too much, the Mi Band 2’s sedimentary reminder will let you know it’s time to get up and move around.
The Mi Band 2 retains the silent alarms and call and messaging reminders that the Mi Band 1S has and has a 20-day battery life. The band also has an IP67 rating which means it will be safe from the elements even if you’re running in the rain.
If you’re interested in picking up the Mi Band 2, head over to Geekbuying where you can pick one up for as little as $24.99.
Dear Xiaomi please fix issues on heart rate sensor on Mi Band 2