Sony Launches Top-Notch Fitness Tracker

We live in an era now awash with wearables. Since there are so many options in sight, consumers may find it hard to determine which is worth purchasing. Sony is taking a leap into the wearables market with a hope that you’ll buy its fitness tracker dubbed the Sony Smartband Talk. But does this wearable stand out among the crowd of fitness bands vying for your attention? Its unique features including an e-ink display make it a viable pick for health-conscious consumers.

Design

The Sony Smartband Talk weighs a mere 24 grams and fits comfortably around your wrists due to its flexible rubber band design. The fitness band is adjustable since it features small pegs at the end which can be used to fasten the rubber straps. The bands come in black or white and will also feature alternative colors including green in the near future according to Sony.



In addition to a comfortable design the fitness tracker is also waterproof, up to 1.5 meters for about 30 minutes, making it compatible with swimming and other water-based activities. This waterproof capability enables the device to function during workout where excess sweating would otherwise pose a risk to hardware.

Display

The Sony Smartband Talk sports a 1.4-inch e-ink display similar to what’s found on Kindle tablets. This display, unlike the LCD screens on Android Wear smartwatches, offers several advantages including substantial battery conservation. E-ink screens use power when compared to the LCD displays and therefore Smartband Talk users will be able to access an always-on screen for up to three days without needing to charge their device.



Another benefit of Smartband Talk’s e-ink display is the fact that it is easy to read. The e-ink display technology reflects light and offers high contract since the screen is in black and white.  Whether users are jogging outdoors or working out in the gym or performing, they’ll be able to access information from the screen including details regarding daily fitness activities and goals by simply glancing at their wrists. Since the screen is not backlit, the Smartband Talk is also less likely to feature glare compared with other LCD fitness models.

Phone Features

Though Sony’s fitness band lacks popular fitness features such as a heart rate monitor and built-in GPS, the device offers several phone capabilities found in more expensive smartwatch alternatives. For instance, the Smartband Talk features a built-in microphone and loudspeaker which enables users to make and receive calls once the activity tracker is connected a smartphone. Note however that the device is only compatible with phones running Android 4.4 and later.



The fact that Sony’s activity tracker offers phone features may leave some uncertain. After all, call capabilities on a fitness device may not seem to offer obvious advantage. However note that that the built-in microphone and loudspeaker enables users to stay connected while jogging or performing other tasks. Multitasking is also possible since users will not need to pause mid-step to fumble for their smartphone. In addition, the Smartband Talk offers touch/ tap and voice control capabilities which enable users to access calls and emails, SMS messages and other notifications easily.

Price

The Sony Smartband Talk is being sold within the sub $200 category on par with other activity trackers like the Garmin’s Vivosmart. This price makes it much more affordable than Android Wear alternatives which are often closer to the $300 mark.

Verdict

When one considers the fact that the Sony Smartband Talk boasts fitness tracking features, a neat e-ink display and call capabilities, the Smartband Talk really makes a strong case for itself within the wearables market. This fitness device offers is a good option for users seeking an affordable price, comfortable fit and unique capabilities.




Sony Launches Top-Notch Fitness Tracker