Fuelband gets fitter
nike’s wellness tracker’s undergone a new year transformation. Now it’s back, smarter than ever…
The Fuelband SE – it stands for “second edition” – looks and feels almost identical to the original. There’s no added bulk, but Nike’s been working on inner strength. With improved tracking it’s now harder to fool and, with added Bluetooth, easier to sync.
Setting up the Fuelband SE is simple. You’ll need to create a Nike+ account – alas, the app is still iOS only – but then it takes no time to begin clocking up Fuelpoints. It used to be easy to cheat the system, hitting your Fuel target by shaking your arm around vigorously, but the new Fuelband algorithm has been adjusted to put a stop to unfair gaming.
This is largely thanks to the new Sessions function, which allows you to tell Nike+ what activity you’ve been doing and the level of intensity. While this improves accuracy, it does rely on you updating it, and a heart-rate monitor would have been easier and more accurate. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity has been added, but waterproofing hasn’t; the Fuelband SE is water-resistant but not up for a swim.
The improved workout bracelet’s low energy consumption Bluetooth makes for a handily extended battery life – now up to four days of use – and automatic syncing of data with the Nike+ app. Yet despite these updates, the Fuelband still isn’t the most accurate or feature-packed fitness tracker on the market. However, it is the most simple to master, making it ideal for non-pros. $199, kogan.com/au