A new watch-like activity tracking device called Basis could advance personal health and fitness gadgets to an entirely different level. It helps the average Jane or Joe set goals not based on their desired but unrealistic outcomes, but based on their actual habits.
Users wear the Basis device, listed at $199, on the wrist like a watch all day and night to track their total activity, sleep, and even heart rate and perspiration. Those metrics are then used behind the scenes in a Web app to calculate how many calories the users has burned, how much activity at different cardio levels, and so on. The Web app, which I was able to preview a few days before launch, lets you select from a number of general fitness goals, such as "Get Moving" (increase total activity) or "Activity Addiction" (days when activity is consistent, rather than in spurts). The system then tracks your actual habits and tendencies over a full week and adaptively adjusts your goals to give you a target that's just a little bit of out of reach. The results, according to Basis Science CEO Jef Holove, are realistic and achievable goals rather than far-fetched and unattainable ideals.
A few things struck me about the Basis fitness tracker, which has not yet tested, only previewed. First, it captures measures for heart rate and perspiration, in addition to the usual metrics, like miles traveled per day, total steps taken, and flights of stairs climbed. The only device I've seen with an included perspiration/heat monitor is the chunky and clunky BodyMedia Fit Core, which must be worn on the upper arm. And I've never seen any product go to market (I saw one prototype) that includes heart rate measurements without having to add a chest strap, sold separately. The Editors' Choice winning Fitbit One ($99) doesn't have either of those components, nor does Nike+ FuelBand ($149) or the forever back-ordered Jawbone UP ($129).
From the front, Basis looks like a rubbery sports watch, showing the time as well as distance traveled, heart rate, and how much battery life remains. The back of the gadget has several sensors that touch the skin, plus an optical component that reads your blood pressure. It has additional monitors to account for the air temperature, plus a three-axis accelerometer hidden inside.
At launch, the Basis is only available in black or white, though you can swap out the wrist bands for new colors when they become available. Shoppers can pre-order today and Basis is expected to ship in early December.
For more from Jill Duffy, follow her on Twitter @jilleduffy.