• Wearable
    • Best Fitbit Reviews: Comparison and Buying Guide 2019
    • Latest Fitbit Rumors and News 2018: What’s New & What’s True
    • Best Fitness Trackers: 2019 Buying Guide
  • Fitness
    • The 7 Best Spin Bikes for Home 2019
    • Best Vertical Climber Machine Reviews and Comparison Buying Guide 2019
    • Best Vibration Machine Reviews and Comparison (2019): Which One is for You?
  • Smart Watch
    • Best Screen Protectors for Smartwatches 2019
    • Reviews of the Best Smartwatches of 2019
    • Best Fitbit Ionic Accessories: Screen Protectors, Bands, and More
  • GPS Watch
  • Health
  • Protein Powder
    • Best Protein Powder Buyer’s Guide
    • Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Intense Workouts in 2019
    • Best Glutamine Supplements for Energy and Muscle Growth in 2019

Wear Action

The best in health & fitness technology

Fitbit Versa vs. Fitbit Ionic: Which Smartwatch is Best?

By Emery Leave a Comment

The new Fitbit Versa smartwatch has generated a ton of buzz since its launch in April, so it’s easy to overlook the fact that Fitbit already has a pretty solid (if controversial) smartwatch available: the Fitbit Ionic.

There are two big differences between these two devices: price and style. However, there’s much more to it than that. We took a close look at these two offerings from Fitbit to bring you this comparison between the Versa and Ionic. One of them is probably better for your needs than the other, so let’s uncover which one it is.

Style

When the Ionic first launched, the design of the face and the sheer size of the watch overall caused a bit of commotion in the world of wearables. The Ionic is not small and it is not a good option for a lot of women and particularly for those with smaller wrists. It also has a distinctly different design compared to most of the popular smartwatches on the market currently.

While style is an individual thing, it’s safe to say the Versa has more of a mass appeal style than the Ionic. It looks similar to the Apple Watch and the size is more suitable for slender wrists. The Special Edition versions of the Versa have woven wristbands and elegant color combos.

The screens themselves are very similar, with both watches featuring vibrant color screens and the same app store options for watch faces. Here’s what you can expect from either watch:

  • Vibrant screen with plenty of watch face options via the app store
  • Large and small bands included
  • Interchangeable bands

Winner: Fitbit Versa

Despite the fact that the various styles will appeal to different people, the Versa still wins this category. Its smaller, more versatile style will fit more wrists more easily than the Ionic, and already shoppers have found the Versa to be preferable to the Ionic’s unique and bulky design.

Features

On the wrist, both the Versa and Ionic offer similar experiences. The interfaces are essentially the same, with similar navigation and the ability to customize and add apps available on both. The buttons are also the same on the two, so there really isn’t much difference to speak of in terms of functionality.

Both watches are water resistant to 50 meters. Both offer up to 4 day battery life.

No matter which watch you choose, you’ll get:

Health & Fitness Features

  • Activity tracking, including steps, flights of stairs, exercise, etc.
  • Sleep tracking, including time asleep, stages, etc.
  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Multiple workouts and activities
  • On-screen guided workouts (included, plus more through Fitbit Coach membership)
  • SpO2 sensor
  • Guided breathing

Smartwatch Features

  • Smartphone notifications
  • Music control plus music storage

The Ionic does have a richer feature experience, and the most significant areas where it excels are the built-in GPS and the smart notifications. The Versa lacks GPS (though it can connect to your phone for it) and there are fewer options when it comes to interacting with notifications on your wrist. Additionally, NFC contactless payments through Fitbit Pay come standard on the Ionic, but you have to upgrade to the Special Edition to get that on the Versa.

Winner:  Fitbit Ionic

Although you pay for them, the Ionic still wins at features simply because it has more of them. For those looking to leave their phone behind on runs or hikes, the Ionic is the only Fitbit that will give you music AND on-board GPS. The Versa is still an excellent smartwatch/fitness tracker, but the Ionic has more.

Price

Those extra features we just mentioned does equal a higher price tag. The Ionic entered the market at a price point that matched the other smartwatches in the competition, including Garmin’s and the Apple Watch.

The Ionic is on sale for $50 off at the time of writing this, so it’s a safe bet that it will be priced down for sales on a regular basis. This means you’ll be able to pick up the Ionic for under $250 at certain times of year.

However, the Versa is regularly priced under $200, and it’s a good price given everything it does. To get a fancier band and NFC payments, you’ll need to shell out about $30 more.

Winner: Fitbit Versa

Obviously the lower price takes the win here, but even in terms of value for the money, the Versa wins hands-down.

 Who Should Get an Ionic

The guts of the Ionic and the Versa are the same, with the exception of GPS/GLONASS on the Ionic. The look of the two is very different, however, so those two differences are going to be what sells you on one versus the other.

To break it down, here’s why you might decide on the Ionic:

  • You want on-board GPS
  • You want NFC payments standard
  • You like the look of the Ionic (or one of the Special Edition versions, like the Adidas)
  • You have larger wrists, or don’t mind the bulkiness of the Ionic

Who Should Get a Versa

If you’re leaning toward a Versa, you can be assured that there isn’t much you’ll be missing in terms of fitness and tracking features. The Versa is lighter in weight and smaller overall, so it’s a better option for many women.

Here’s a look at the main reasons you might pick the Versa:

  • You prefer the smaller design
  • You don’t need built-in GPS
  • You don’t need contactless payments (or you’re willing to get a Special Edition to have it)

That’s really it! There are so few differences in these two devices that you can choose based on preference of design (and the GPS question) and not worry about missing out on anything.

Final Verdict

We liked the Ionic when it first came out (here’s our initial review) and we really like the Versa. Therefore, it’s hard for us to pick one over the other aside from the more universally appealing design that the Versa has.

Both of these smartwatches offer excellent Fitbit technology in fitness and health tracking. We love the Fitbit app, so you’ll get all those data points and goodies on either. Neither the Versa or the Ionic is the very best smartwatch (no reply options or anything like that at this point; the app store is still pretty small).

The best one is a highly individualized choice that boils down to design preference and whether you need built-in GPS. The two devices are basically the same inside, so there isn’t anything beyond those two points to narrow down options.

Early reviews on the Versa show that the most common complaint is regarding the watch bands — they are difficult to get on and off. The most common complaint about the Ionic is bugginess, but some of those issues have been addressed through updates. Keep in mind that Fitbit is still relatively new to the world of smartwatches (particularly compared to Apple), so there will continue to be kinks to work out in this first year or so.

 

What’s your take? Which one of these watches has your eye?

 

Fitbit Blaze: Discontinued & Discounted

By Emery 2 Comments

If you’ve been following wearable news, you know that Fitbit’s latest offering, the Versa, is making waves.

The forthcoming smartwatch is an affordable alternative to the Apple Watch, and its design is already gaining much more approval than the Ionic, which ultimately was largely a disappointment to Fitbit and Fitbit fans. Bottom line? Everyone is pretty excited about the Versa.

But the Versa’s release also means that it’s time to say goodbye to the Fitbit Blaze, which the Versa is replacing. The Blaze has been a popular option for fitness fans seeking an everyday watch, so it’s a little sad to see it go. However, the good news is that you can pick it up at a steep discount.

The Blaze is likely to sell out fairly quickly even though there are many perks to the Versa (including water resistance) because it is a solid smart fitness watch that has been highly rated by plenty of outlets and actual customers. With the initial discount of up to 20% off the original price, it’s a pretty sweet deal for a Fitbit product and for a fitness watch.

Fitbit Blaze Comes with all favorites

The Blaze is available while supplies last, then it’s gone forever. Currently it’s about $40 off of list price, and only a few colors are left on Amazon. If you’re interested, we suggest snagging one ASAP. We’re long time fans of the Blaze for men and women, marking it as one of the top fitness trackers on the market. It is a stylish watch, but it also offers activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and more.

Want to know more about the Blaze? Check out our full review here. 

Fitbit Blaze Sport GPS

Related

Fitbit Blaze vs. Fitbit Charge 2

Fitbit Ionic vs. Fitbit Blaze

 

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for Health & Fitness Fans

By Emery Leave a Comment

Shopping at the last minute is tough. Not only is it busy everywhere you go, it’s hard to get inspired when you’re under pressure. Our guide to last-minute gifts is meant to inspire you to finish up your shopping so you can sit back and relax.

Our gift guide assumes you have the time left to shop and line and get it shipped to you or your recipient before Christmas, but we also have a few ideas you can throw together at the very last minute.

 

For the Kitchen

For the health and fitness minded, cooking healthy meals is very important. Having the best gadgets and appliances means that cooking delicious meals is a breeze. If you’re stumped for ideas, consider getting your loved one of these top gifted kitchen tools.

Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is one of the must-have items of the year. If you haven’t heard of it, the Instant Pot is a nifty device that does the work of several small appliances, including slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, and more. If the person you’re gifting is a cook, is trying to eat healthier, or recently moved out or bought a house, the Instant Pot will be a welcome and meaningful gift.

 

Spiralizer

The spiralizer is another hot item this year, and it’s especially useful for healthy cooking. This gadget turns veggies into noodles for delicious, low carb meals. The possibilities are endless. There are several affordable spiralizers out there, so you can find the best one that’s on budget and that will fit in your loved one’s kitchen.

For more in depth reviews about spiralizers, you can go check out the site The Kitchen Witches. They have great reviews on which spiralizers are the best to buy on the market.

Ninja Professional Blender

For smoothies (and after workout margaritas), a good blender is a must-have. This Ninja is well-reviewed and priced well under $100. It includes to-go cups with lids, so your loved one can make smoothies to go and stay healthy all day.

If you want to see a review of this blender and more, go check out The Kitchen Witches. They have a great site that reviews many different kitchen products.

 

For Workouts

Depending on their favorite activities, there are tons of gifts to choose from that will help your gift recipient reach their goals. Whether you want to splurge on a wearable device or help them update their cold weather workout gear, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.

Fitbit Charge 2

The Charge 2 is one of Fitbit’s most popular devices, and it makes an excellent gift. It tracks activity, sleep, and heart rate, and there are several options for personalizing the style. The app is great, and overall the Charge 2 is great for anyone who wants to take their health and fitness seriously.

 

Bluetooth Beanie

A cool way to stay warm and listen to music all winter long, this bluetooth beanie has two speakers and connects to your smartphone. This is a fantastic gift for outdoor runners, winter hikers, skiers, and anyone who spends time outdoors in the chilly winter months.

 

Fitbook

Know someone who is getting serious about getting fit? The Fitbook is designed to help you tackle all the elements of a healthier way of living. It has space for goal setting, measurement and food logs, and reflections. While there are plenty of apps that can do the same, there’s something about the physicality of a log that makes it more fun to jumpstart goals and keep track of progress.

 

For Fun

Fire HD 8

Whether they want to read an inspirational memoir, catch up on the latest fitness magazines, or watch yoga videos on YouTube, the Amazon Fire tablet does it all — and it’s way less expensive than some other tablets that will remain nameless. Tip: If you’re buying for someone who hates technology, get the whole device set up and preloaded with their go-to apps, favorite books, and magazine subscriptions, so all they have to do is turn it on to get started!

 

Pajamas

Pajamas are fun, functional, and cozy. Whether you go for a traditional set or a silly animal onesie, the gift of pajamas says, “I want you to be warm and comfortable.” I’m not sure who wouldn’t love get some comfy pajamas (except maybe not your boss — that might be weird), so definitely consider this for (almost) anyone.

 

A Funny Mug

It might be a little cliche, but the perfect mug can be the perfect gift if you find just the right saying for your loved one.

 

For Later

Some of the easiest ways to tackle last minute shopping (especially when you’re out of time) is to give a gift to be used later. Planning a trip or an outing is just one idea. You can also give a gift card, buy tickets to a concert, or give a monthly subscription box. Instead of stressing out about what you don’t have to buy, use your last minute planning to give the recipient something to look forward to!

The Conquer Vertical Climber Review: Climb the Ladder of Weight Loss Success

By Ken Leave a Comment

You might think, like I did, that a vertical climber is more hype than substance, but like me, you would be wrong.For years, I have been using the treadmill, and while it gets the job done, it is a bit boring. Plus, I still need to do other exercises to tone and work my upper body, so I decided to try a vertical climber. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made. Vertical climbers are not just the latest craze- they are a proven method of exercising that is even more effective as a treadmill. I could exercise in the comfort of my home, and in less time. For anyone who wants to lose weight, or maintain it, this machine will help you get there. If that sounds good to you, and you are interested in getting one of these machines, then check out my Conquer Vertical Climber review. I’ll explain what sets this machine apart from the others, and what it can do for you.

What a Vertical Climber Can Do for You

Vertical climbers are all-in-one machines, allowing you to perform aerobic, toning and isolation moves. It is designed to mimic the motions associated with rock climbing, with stationary and movable arm and foot rests. What I love about them is that they engage every muscle group, but also allow you to spot train problem areas, like your thighs or that annoying under arm flab.

Here is a rundown of the great benefits of using one of these machines:

  • Tone your upper and lower body, as well as your core
  • Low-impact method for exercising, making it safer
  • Produces less stress on your joints
  • Burns more calories
  • Makes movement more proficient and effective
  • Good for the people who love hiking and want to practice rock climbing
  • Does not occupy a lot of space

The Conquer Vertical Climber Inside-Out Review

Of all the vertical climbers on the market, I found the Conquer model to be the best. Affordable, durable, and compact, it can fit in any size home or apartment. It’s even slim enough to fit in an office for lunch time workouts. Here is what the Conquer Vertical Climber has to offer:

  • Sturdy Design: this machine is made from steel, with a sturdy base, so it won’t rock no matter how vigorously you exercise. The steel enables it to remain upright, even if you weigh over 200-pounds, and the base, with non-slip pads, keeps it steady on any surface. You can use it on tile, hardwoods, rug and more without worry.
  • Ergonomic/Adjustable Handles: this machine is fitted with ergonomic handles, for a natural grip when you exercise. There are four handle, 2 stationary and 2 that can be moved, so you can tweak your movements accordingly. The grips are soft, so they won’t irritate or chafe as you exercise, and they feel comfortable.
    The placement and shape of the handles lets you vary your grip, so you can try different moves that work specific areas on your arm. And since they can be adjusted, you can be short or tall and use this machine without straining or slouching.
  • Chain and Sprocket Mechanism for Easy Use: with the Conquer, you can perform aerobic and toning movements easily thanks to smooth component that glide as you move. The chain and sprocket mechanism lets you go easy or hard, without it catching or stuttering.
    Other models and brands use a pulley system, which I found to be difficult. They would stop and start, and the movements were jerky. The Conquer was smooth, so I could concentrate on exercising.
  • Affordable: at under $125, this model is significantly less than others, but is of a superior quality. It has all the same features as the more expensive models and is built to last, making it a great investment.
  • Convenient: slim, yet durable, it fits in any space, so you can exercise anytime, anywhere. Plus, it can fold up, so you can store this model anywhere. If you have limited space, this is great, as you can slide it under a bed or couch when you’re not using it.

Pros & Cons of the Conquer Vertical Climber

There are a lot of great reasons to own a Conquer. To start, it is a high-quality machine, so it will last for years to come. It can hold upwards of 250-pounds, so almost anyone can use it, and it gets you results in less time. I love that you can work out at home- no traveling or wasting time.
And I really love that it works every part of my body, making me slimmer and stronger. I can do all my arm reps on it, either while I’m climbing or while stationary. It is by far the most versatile machine I’ve ever used.

On the down side, it can take a bit of work to put together. It is not complicated, and the instructions are simple, but it does need some assembly.

Q & A

Here are what users are asking about this machine:

Q. Can it hold a 250-pound man?

A. Yes. This model can take a lot of weight, up to 250-pounds safely, so it is good for guys and girls. No matter how hard you exercise, it will stay put.

Q. Do the hand and foot pegs move easily when in use?

A. Yes. The arm and foot rests slide up and down without incident. They don’t stick, so you can concentrate on your movements, instead of fighting the machine.

Q. Is it sturdy?

A. Yes, even on rug and tile it will not slide or tip.

I hope my Conquer Vertical Climber review helped you see all this machine can do for you. It is a solid investment, one that will last for years, and transform you into the person you want to be. Easy to use and efficient, you will see results, and in a shorter amount of time. This vertical climber is versatile, challenging, and fun- and buying one will be the best decision you ever made!

Best Android Wear Smartwatches: Play & Pay With These New Devices

By Cindy T Leave a Comment

Android Wear smartwatches are everywhere. Seriously, walk into any store or go on any website and you’ll find offerings from every major brand.  And there are more to come. From Huawei and Tag Hauer to Casio and ZTE, there is lots more to see in this ever expanding market. Which is good and bad news.

It’s good because it gives you more choices, but it’s not good for the same reason. Too many options can leave you confused and unsure. Never fear: you have my guide to the Best Android Wear Smartwatches. From a rundown of the best devices to a look at Android Wear 2.0, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the “smart” choice.

Android Wear 2.0: From Great To Extraordinary

Android users have been waiting forever for an update to their OS system, and the wait is finally over. That’s right, Android Wear 2.0 is launching on 4 new smartwatches and will be hitting existing devices shortly. So, what exactly does this update mean? Well, simply put, it means better functionality and performance from an already great system.

Android Wear 2.0, like Apple’s OS update, targets what smartwatches do best: tracking, notifying and simplifying your life. Among other features, it allows for automatic work out detection, store payments from your wrist, and easier notification access. And there are specific, custom functions depending on the device.  I know, sounds more like the same old same old, but trust me it’s not. The purpose of any good smartwatch is to act like a computer on your wrist, minus your smartphone, and that’s exactly what this new update does! And, iPhone users can now easily sync to an Android smartwatch.

Here’s a look at what to expect:

Phone-Free Apps:

One of the most annoying things about using a smartwatch is having to have your phone nearby for texts, apps, and other functions. Well, that’s about to be a thing of the past. With this update, Google is unveiling hundreds of stand-alone apps that you can access using Wi-Fi. Which means no phone needed to download or access apps. Even better,  iPhone users can download an app directly to their watch, for improved app support.

A New Play Store:

Since this new system is all about untethering you from your phone, it makes sense to have a stand-alone Play Store. Now, you can download the store directly to your device, so you can browse, buy and install right on your wrist.

Face Customization:

Taking its cue from Apple, Android Wear 2.0 gives you advances in face customization, called Complications. With Complications, you can access third-party apps from your screen, like Spotify, and interact with them. Even better, you can quickly swipe between face styles you set up. For instance, you can configure 3 different faces, with particular Complications, and switch between them. Now that’s convenience!

Messaging:

With 2.0, you’ll get a mini keyboard to make typing messages a bit easier. There will also be handwriting recognition, so you can type a single letter or join a few together to make words.

Fitness:

There are lots of improvements in the world of fitness with this update. To start, Google Fit has improved integration, with more individualized stat counting. Also, with new watches like the Moto 360 Sport and the New Balance RunIQ, there is a host of premium fitness features for Android enthusiasts.

Android Pay:

Android Pay means you can use your watch to pay in thousands of stores- no phone or watch needed. Just load your bank card (it’s secure), and you’re ready to go.

The Best Android Wear Smartwatches

As you can see, Android Wear 2.0 is going to make Android-based smartwatches hotter than ever. So, to help you figure out which one to pick, here’s our rundown of the best of the best:

LG  Watch SportLG Watch Sport Unlocked GSM (Dark Blue)

Big and bold, the new LG Watch Sport is equipped to handle all the Android Wear 2.0 upgrades and provide phenomenal support for LTE Connections and NFC for Android Pay. The large bezel gives this watch a striking design and prime functionality, with a rotating crown and 3-button to access everything.  2 of the 3 buttons can be customized, with the middle button being the main attraction, as it can pull up any screen based on how you touch it. Push it to bring up apps or spin it to see notifications.  As for the band, I’m bummed it’s not interchangeable, but the Thermoplastic Polyurethane material gives a secure fit and looks nice against the face.

Also, it has an ambient light to make it easier to see the screen in any light and an IP68 rating, so you can shower or get caught in the rain. Oh, and there’s a speaker to hear music while you exercise.

But that big size and sporty look is both a curse and a blessing. On the positive side, the larger size makes for a clearer touchscreen display and more room to type. It also allows it to stand up to everyday wear and tear, especially with Gorilla Glass 3 to cover the screen and stainless steel casing.

On the downside, its size makes it suitable mainly for guys, and even then, it’s less than ideal to wear dressed up or to work. But this is a small inconvenience for a watch packed with innovations like GPS and heart rate monitoring and a built-in speaker.

Specifications:
  • .38-inch P-OLED, 480 x 480 pixel display
  • 316L stainless steel
  • Gorilla Glass 3
  • Thermoplastic Polyurethane strap
  • 1.1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor
  • 768MB RAM
  • 4GB storage
  • 430mAh battery
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS
  • NFC (for Android Pay)
  • IP68 dust and water resistant
  • Titanium or Dark Blue colors

LG Watch Style

LG’s other watch offering, this model is the opposite of the Sport, with a simplified design and function meant for no-nonsense users. There is no GPS, speaker, NFC for Android Pay or a heart rate sensor, but what it lacks in components in more than makes up for in style. Slim, light and super comfortable, you can take this one from work to the gym or a night out on the town.

This watch, as the name implies, is all about style. The strap is leather and interchangeable; you can swap it for one of Google’s Mode bands or a traditional strap. And the face is surrounded by a two-tone bezel that’s available in Titanium, silver or rose gold; they’re matte on top and shiny on the sides for an eclectic, fun look. It also has an ambient sensor, like the Sport, for easy reading, even in sunlight.

As for what it can do, there are plenty of great fitness apps, along with Google’s voice-activated assistant. Fair warning, though, the apps take a bit of time to download/respond, which can be frustrating.

Overall the Style, which is dust and water-resistant, is a decent starter watch for under $300.

Specifications
  • 1.2-inch P-OLED, 360 x 360-pixel display
  • 316L stainless steel
  • 1.1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor
  • 512MB RAM
  • 4GB storage
  • 240mAh battery
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • IP67 dust and water resistance
  • Silver, titanium, or rose gold colors

Huawei Watch 2

The Huawei Watch 2 just debuted at  Mobile World Congress 2017 to mixed reviews. This is primarly because of the less than stellar design, both in looks and performance. The fact is, the Huawei Watch 2 is nothing to write home about when you look at it, with its rugged, sporty look made of mostly rubber.

However, looks can be deceiving. It may not be pretty, but compared to the LG’s it’s a step up thanks to a thinner, lighter, and way more comfortable design. This is important seeing as it has 24-hour heart rate monitoring built-in. The band moves with you for a better range of motion, and the traditional watch face has 3 inner circles to show various information. It also has GPS, NFC Android Pay, and Bluetooth, giving it a well-rounded set of features to make it user-friendly.

Where it falters, though, is in its functional design. The bezel, unlike on the LG’s, is just for show: you can’t turn it to scroll through messages or apps. Plus, the screen is significantly smaller; reading notices or stats is annoying at best.

There is also a Huawei Watch 2 Classic version. The main difference is it has LTE capability and a leather band for a bit of a more upscale look.

Specifications
  • Snapdragon Wear 2100
  • 420mAh battery
  • 768MB of RAM
  • 4GB of storage
  • Wi-Fi
  • GPS
  • Bluetooth
  • IP68 dust and water resistant
  • 390×390 resolution

Casio WSD-F20:

Another big, substantial smartwatch, the WSD-F20 is an improvement over its predecessor, the WSD-F10. Again, this is a watch, thanks to its prominent size, that looks best on larger wrists and arms (sorry ladies!). What I like most about this offering is its dedication to quality and providing a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Fitted with GPS and water resistant, it will take users where they want to go and beyond.

It doesn’t apologize or try to look like something it’s not, which is refreshing. Built to military standards, it could pass for an army watch; It’s available in black or orange, there are 3 buttons on the side, along with screws at the top and bottom and a prominent charging terminal. Surprisingly, the orange is the more attractive of the 2.

As for the display, it has a colored LCD touchscreen that is bright and crisp. It’s also ideal for highlighting the satellite view style maps you can download through GPS.  Speaking of GPS, there are some impressive new features due to its inclusion. In addition to being able to download and view maps offline using it, the WSD-F20 also has Location Memory. With this feature, users can place route markers, making for a better running/hiking experience.

Overall, this watch has a lot to offer. The one drawback is the limited battery life with GPS. For those who want to hike or camp, they’ll need to have a charger handy, as the watch will last about a day with GPS enabled

Specifications:
  • 1.32-inch screen with a 320 x 300 resolution
  • GPS (with GLONASS and Michibiki)
  • Wi-Fi
  • 50M water resistance
  • Lithium-ion battery
  • Black or Orange

New Balance RunIQ:

Anyone who likes to run, jog or bike should consider this strong offering from sports retail giant New Balance.  With an ingenious Strava integration, GPS, and no need for your phone, this watch rivals its more expensive competitors.

New Balance is known for their running shoes, and it shows with the design of this watch. To start, you can keep your phone home while you take off for a run, which is a big selling point. Anyone who has ever tried to run with a phone in their pocket knows what I’m talking about. And with Google Play, you can listen to your music too, sans phone!

Then there’s the GPS and heart rate monitoring. GPS gives users access to maps, split times and more, even in remote areas while heart monitoring provides greater statistical accuracy.

But as good as this all is, it’s the Strava Integration that impressed me. With Strava you can track or analyze runs, challenge others and train with your friends, all from your wrist.  You can also go to tracked cycling or running session, either from the app center or main screen.

And I like it’s subdued, simple style that lets it blend in wherever you are. The band is snug, but flexible, for a custom fit and the AMOLED screen is easy to navigate.

Specifications:
  • 1.39-inch AMOLED display
  • GPS
  • Strava Integration
  • Wi-Fi

Wearable News

In addition to these watches, there are some other worth noting. The Tag Heuer Connected 2 just hit stores this May. Company CEO Jean-Claude Biver confirmed the news and also let slip there will be a smaller, woman-friendly version as well. We’ll bring you more news and specs as they become available. Also, ZTE and Swarvoski are both releasing smartwatches. No word on when it will debut or any leaked designs to report.

My Guide to the Best Android Wear Smartwatches illustrates the good and the bad of Android Wear that is yet to come. From LG’s duo of high-end watches to the up and coming Casio device, there is lots to see and consider. Android Wear 2.0 is guaranteed to put these watches in high-demand and up their appeal, so choose wisely.

 

Recent Posts

  • Collagen: What It Is and Why You Should Take It
  • Accessories for Fitbit Charge 3: Best Bands & Screen Protectors
  • Fitbit Holiday Sales 2018: Keep Track of the Best Deals
  • Indoor Exercise Bike Holiday Sales 2018: Best Deals + Gift Guide
  • Fitbit Charge 3 vs. Versa: Comparing Two Top Wearables

Best Deals


  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • FTC Statement
  • About
wearaction.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Copyright © 2019 · Log in