Wearables are mostly related to units that connect to your wrist, however that’s under no circumstances your solely possibility.
Xiaomi is exploring alternate options on its new Mi Band 8 health tracker, following the footsteps of Fitbit and others by selling the tracker a possible necklace and even shoe accent.
A design shift makes this potential, with Xiaomi changing the frequent unibody strap (the place the tracker snapped into the center) of previous Sensible Bands with a brand new two-piece design. Every half of the strap now clicks into place on both aspect, much like what you’ll discover on the Apple Watch.
However it additionally makes the Mi Band 8 extra versatile, permitting the machine to be worn elsewhere on the physique. A easy ring permits it to grow to be a necklace, whereas a working clip permits you to connect it to your shoe.
After all, this redesign means all earlier Mi Band equipment aren’t appropriate with the brand new mannequin. It’s a disgrace, contemplating how related it’s to the Mi Band 7 in lots of different methods.
Xiaomi
It retains the glossy pill-shaped design, with slim bezels surrounding a 1.62in OLED touchscreen. You’ll be able to nonetheless select from over 150 completely different train modes, with 5ATM water resistance making it effectively fitted to the likes of swimming.
Health and sleep information is generated by way of screens in your coronary heart fee, blood oxygen and VO2 max, though these will all be extra correct when the machine is in your wrist. It may well additionally monitor stress ranges, rely your steps and preserve monitor of energy burned. NFC help means you should use it for cell funds, however that’s solely accessible on some fashions in China.
Different key options embrace cellphone notification help, an at all times on show and a variety of straightforward video games – together with one boxing title which depends on the accelerometer for air punches. The elusive built-in GPS nonetheless isn’t accessible, however that’s not a shock at this funds value level.
Launched alongside the Xiaomi 13 Extremely flagship cellphone and Pad 6 tablets, the Mi Band 8 begins at ¥249 in China (approx. £29/€33), however stepping as much as the NFC model prices ¥279 (approx. £32/€37). You’ll most likely find yourself paying nearer to the Mi Band 7’s £54.99/€59.99 every time it launches internationally, however European pricing and availability is but to be confirmed.
It appears set to be a contender for the most effective health tracker as soon as once more.