Wearables are mostly related to units that connect to your wrist, however that’s certainly not your solely possibility.
Xiaomi is exploring 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 Good Bands with a brand new two-piece design. Every half of the strap now clicks into place on both aspect, just like what you’ll discover on the Apple Watch.
Nevertheless 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 turn into a necklace, whereas a operating clip allows you to connect it to your shoe.
After all, this redesign means all earlier Mi Band equipment aren’t suitable with the brand new mannequin. It’s a disgrace, contemplating how comparable it's to the Mi Band 7 in lots of different methods.
Xiaomi
It retains the smooth pill-shaped design, with slim bezels surrounding a 1.62in OLED touchscreen. You possibly can nonetheless select from over 150 totally different train modes, with 5ATM water resistance making it effectively fitted to the likes of swimming.
Health and sleep knowledge is generated through screens on your coronary heart price, blood oxygen and VO2 max, though these will all be extra correct when the machine is in your wrist. It might additionally monitor stress ranges, depend your steps and hold monitor of energy burned. NFC assist means you should utilize it for cell funds, however that’s solely obtainable on some fashions in China.
Different key options embrace telephone notification assist, an all the time on show and a spread 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 obtainable, however that’s not a shock at this finances value level.
Launched alongside the Xiaomi 13 Extremely flagship telephone 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 each time it launches internationally, however European pricing and availability is but to be confirmed.
It appears to be like set to be a contender for the most effective health tracker as soon as once more.