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Go, go gadgets ... A new class of gadgets is helping wearers get fit. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
TECHNOLOGY is not just something you stare at from the couch. The latest generation of wearable gadgets is designed to listen to your vital signs and remind you to move, while more still helps you get outside in any weather. Here are five of the best and freshest fitness gadgets.
Fitbit Charge HR
Fitbit / 4.5/5 / $199.95 / fitbit.com/au
Fitbit family ... The Charge HR is the middle child of the 2015 Fitbit family, offering heart-rate monitoring in a slim form. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
This is the first Fitbit gadget that takes “resting heart rate” literally. The Charge HR adds a continuous pulse monitor to the back of this fitness tracker, with two green lights measuring your heart around the clock. The results are fascinating, categorising workouts into fat-burning, cardio, or peak zones, and showing your heart rate during your sleep. Naturally, it also tracks steps, incline, calorie burn, and records sleep automatically, plus it delivers phone call alerts via Bluetooth and silent, vibrating alarms. Sadly, it is only water resistant to splashes and won’t survive a shower, but its subtle, well-built form and pulse technology is seriously impressive.
Samsung Gear Circle
Samsung / 4.5/5 / $179 / samsung.com/au
Wearable sound ... Samsung’s Gear Circle wireless headphones let you carry them around like a necklace. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
In some ways, the Gear Circle is more like a piece of wearable technology than a pair of headphones. The design of these 28g wireless headphones is such you can wear it as a necklace, the two magnetised earpieces working as a clasp. Install the Samsung Gear app and you can also ask spoken notifications to be sent to its earbuds, reading out text messages and more. Of course, they’re also handy as wireless Bluetooth headphones, with an in-app equaliser and touch panel to adjust volume. They won’t work with Apple smartphones, however, and runners may appreciate a plastic arm to keep earbuds in place.
Garmin Forerunner 920XT
Garmin / 4.5/5 / $549 / garmin.com.au
Smart run ... Garmin’s 920XT running watch also delivers phone updates. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
Garmin has taken the best features from its sports watches and activity trackers and put them together in one of its smartest watches yet. This multi-sports GPS watch tracks your performance while running, swimming or cycling, and features an activity tracker for counting steps and sleep. It has Bluetooth and wi-fi connections for uploading data and can be personalised with third-party apps, such as one app that calculates how many beers you’ve burnt off on a run. What really sets it apart from other GPS watches is that it displays smartphone notifications such as SMS messages, email, calendar and call details. For runners and triathletes, this is the new benchmark.
Aurisonics Rockets
Aurisonics / 4/5 / $299 / busisoft.com.au
Strong sound ... Aurisonics Rockets earbuds feature Kevlar for strength. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
If you’re tough on headphones, these tough headphones could be for you. The earbuds are made from titanium while the cord is military-grade Kevlar. A collar of three silicon prongs help keep them in your ear and although they don’t cancel noise, they do a remarkably good job of blocking all external noise. They’re also waterproof so you don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain. Along along with being robust, they deliver an impressively deep sound.
LifeProof Fre for iPad Mini 3
LifeProof / 4.5/5 / $129.95 / lifeproof.com
Outdoor life ... LifeProof’s Fre iPad Mini case lets you venture out for a hike and take tech with you. Picture: Supplied.Source: Supplied
If you take your tablet with you no matter what you’re doing, you’ll need a case that’s tough enough for anything. Lifeproof phone cases have long been a favourite with sporty types, but this iPad case that fits all Mini models has the same advantages if you’re planning on taking your tablet hiking or camping. It’s waterproof, drop-proof (from 1.2m), and dustproof. There is a handy detachable strap for carrying your iPad Mini over your shoulder, and the case has a screen protector that still lets you use Touch ID
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