bioelectrical impedance

Electrode-studded InBody Band quantifies the self

Every new fitness band released to the market tries to one up everything else by including something that would make it worthwhile for someone who is considering wearing one day in and day out. The InBody Band does just that by taking the familiar and adding four electrodes in order to measure the body’s composition. By doing so, a more complete picture of the body can be created to more accurately inform users of their needs.

The four electrodes work in tandem by measuring bioelectrical impedance, which is often used to measure the body’s water composition, from which fat and muscle content can be derived. Together with the ability to track heart rate, steps taken, and sleep, the InBody Band is able to create a very detailed picture of the body over a period of time. In addition, it can also create call and SMS notifications for added convenience.

The InBody Band is extremely versatile, and able to take cues from other products that measure body composition like the MyBiody Balance sensor in order to create a more powerful wearable system. Although the iOS/Android app is able to sync to a user’s contact list and compare stats with others, it unfortunately doesn’t interface with either of the platform’s health apps, leaving the wealth of information stuck within the app. The product’s lack of size options and interchangeable bands may turn others off, as well. The product does make an attempt at differentiation, but it may not be enough to make a splash.

The $159 InBody Band is estimated to ship in March of this year if the campaign reaches its goal of $50,000 by March 13.

MyBiody Balance sensor checks vitals, keeps you fit and healthy

Many connected fitness devices don’t provide health insights that go much beyond the number of steps being taken by the user and the number of calories burned.

MyBiody Balance from French company Biody Balance & Régime Connecté (BBRC) fully takes into account user data including age, weight, size and gender. It can be used by fitness enthusiasts, seniors, athletes, or any other consumers who would like a way to better monitor their health.

This portable device relies upon bioelectrical impedance (bio-impedance) analysis, a commonly used system of estimating body composition. The device performs an immediate body check-up when pressed against a user’s ankle, measuring and analyzing body composition accurately and in real time. In order to do this, it also takes into account muscle mass, hydration, fat mass, bone mineral content and excess weight. The data can easily be viewed on an intuitive dashboard available on smartphones, tablets and computers. The campaign seems to be missing from CrowdedRocket, but the product can still be checked out on the Web site.

MyBiody Balance may well be more accurate than many other wearable fitness devices on the market, such as SensoTRACK, Fitbit and Jawbone. However, MyBiody Balance lacks the wearable component of rival devices. Some consumers might see that as a benefit, but others, especially those who like to show off their latest tech gadgets, will see that as a drawback. The latter camp may see this more as a medical instrument along the lines of a thermometer than an appealing new tech toy.