As an avid exerciser always looking for a better way to track heart rate (HR) during activity, I was elated to win a pair of SMS Audio BioSport headphones from an Intel contest this summer. I tested them head to head with other heart rate trackers and earphones. Here’s my review. Read More
Tag: quantified self
Review: Basis Peak – Fitness and Sleep Tracker
I have been wearing the Basis Peak continuously for over a month since receiving it as a gift. Despite a few early reservations, I have grown incredibly fond of it. Read More
Jawbone Up2 – Firmware Update to the Rescue
I’m happy to report that the sleep and step data issues with the first release of the Jawbone Up2 have been resolved by the company’s latest firmware update. Their Customer Support went out of their way to contact me and get my issues resolved. Truly above and beyond service.
Jawbone published a firmware upgrade (available through the latest version of the Up2/3/4 app) that not only improves device battery life, but also solves some of the early glitches I reported in my earlier blog post. Read More
Et tu, Jawbone 2? Major flaws with new device.
UPDATE: July 13, 2015: I’m so happy to report the upgrade is finally out and has resolved the major issues I described below. Here’s the latest report: Jawbone Up2 – Firmware Update to the Rescue
A rumored firmware upgrade is coming out this week for the Jawbone Up 2 and 3. I desperately hope it fixes the data accuracy problems I’ve encountered with the Up2, or this Jawbone will sadly be returned. Read More
Armour39 Heart Rate Monitor Review
UPDATE: April 2015. DO NOT BUY. Device still does not work, even with a new iPhone. App has never been updated in the App Store.
UPDATE: Nov 24, 2014. DO NOT BUY. Have had continuous problems with this device not pairing and it has been less than 3 months.
Customer service was helpful for the first 3 calls, then basically told me on the 4th call that I was out of luck and should wait for a future (unscheduled) app store update that, if I’m lucky, will fix the issues. I have never had so many problems, and cannot believe they did not offer to replace it, but upon my asking directly, they did not think a replacement would fix the issues. DO NOT BUY.
The Under Armour Armour39 Heart Rate Monitor is an excellent new addition to the heart rate monitor market. It consists of a chest strap and transmitter which pairs with an app on your iPhone or iPod Touch (or can pair with a watch purchased separately). Read More
I Quit TV for 30 days
In August 2014, I quit TV for a month. You can read the reasons why in my previous post, I Am Quitting TV for 30 days! This post chronicles the unexpected challenges I encountered, the changes I made, and the conclusions I reached. Read More
I am Quitting TV for 30 Days!
Today begins my 30 days without television. It is my sincere hope that after 30 days, I will have broken the hold of this incredibly powerful habit that unconsciously drives me to turn on the TV, and spend hours sitting passively when there are so many other things I would love to do with that time. Read More
How to Pick the Best Calorie Counter App
Calorie counting apps help you track your daily intake and calorie expenditure. You enter what you eat a few times a day, and an app keeps track of how many calories you’ve consumed and how many calories you have left for the day. Read More
Jawbone Up Observations, 1 month in
This article relates to the first generation Jawbone Up. The technology and insights it provides have improved tremendously in the last several generations of upgrades. I have become a HUGE fan over the course of 2 years and still wear my Up daily.
One month into owning my Jawbone Up, I’m both enamored and annoyed. Beyond the initial features I described in my previous post, Top 5 Likes and Dislikes of the Jawbone UP, after one week, here are subtler observations and complaints after a month of heavy usage. Overall, I love the extra information I glean from my Up, but it’s definitely overpriced for what it offers. Read More
Top 5 Likes and Dislikes of the Jawbone UP, after one week
This article relates to the first generation Jawbone Up product. Several newer generations have since been released. I have upgraded in that time and am now a HUGE fan 2 years later. The technology and insights just keep improving.
Top 5 Likes of Jawbone UP after 1 Week
1. Configurable vibration alert when you’re inactive
The UP has a configurable alert that makes it vibrate after a period of inactivity during the daytime. Read More