Amazon has just released the Halo, a curious health gadget, close to FitBits and others, but with some really confusing features.
In recent years, FitBits and others wearables the genre is all the rage among wellness and fitness enthusiasts. It is therefore not surprising that Amazon, already well placed in the segment of connected objects, also wants to carve out a piece of the pie with its brand new Halo.
This connected bracelet embeds most of the technology that you would expect to find on an object of this kind. The great classics such as cardio, temperature or sleep monitoring are present. This bracelet however stands out on several levels. For example, the lack of a screen is immediately obvious.
Some really curious features …
And reading the description of some of the other options, you can’t help but raise your eyebrows. Starting with that of a function that allows you to analyze your body fat rate … with your phone’s camera, by creating a 3D model of your body – ideally in tight underwear, Furthermore ! It’s a safe bet that few people are comfortable with this idea.
We can also cite a system supposed to interpret your emotions by analyzing your voice. At the end of the day, you will receive a recap of your state of mind during the day. For example, you can know when you were full of energy or slightly hesitant. In addition to its questionable usefulness, this system certainly involves being recorded regularly or even continuously by both microphones. A concept which is reminiscent of the Alexa tapping affair.
… but also measures to reassure customers
Fortunately, there are several features that seem to show that Amazon is not deaf to criticism. For example, data from 3D scans and voice recordings can be deleted independently of the others. There is also a button to mute the microphone on the edge, and Amazon explains that none of these audio recordings are sent to the cloud. 3D scans will be prohibited for children under 18. However, they will be sent to Amazon’s servers before being deleted “within twelve hours”.
In addition, the Halo does not have GPS, Wi-Fi, or cellular receiver. Instead, it works entirely via Bluetooth using the corresponding smartphone app. That’s good news when it comes to privacy, as an app’s permissions are easier to control than a device without a screen or light.
The enemies of my bad habits are my friends
Despite these few confusing points, we have to admit that the Halo does have some interesting ideas. More than a sports companion, it seems intended for people who want to lose their bad habits, or adopt healthier ones.
Unlike the most basic objects in the segment, it is able to tell the difference between different activities like running, swimming or walking. The app can also tell you about the intensity with which you practice each activity. The whole is aggregated in an abstract score. The user can then set various quantified goals as they wish. The sleep tracker works on the same model.
Finally, Amazon will soon be offering “Labs”. These are small programs over a few weeks, produced by partner companies. They will be, for example, initiations to yoga, or advice to sleep better. Amazon specifies that each Lab must provide “scientific proof” of its effectiveness to be accepted. This feature is however reserved for those who will pay the subscription of $ 3.99 per month.
In the end, it is a funny object that Amazon offers us. On paper, the idea of diversifying the health segment is not bad. But in practice, it is difficult to know who this product is for. Meet at the exit to find out if Jeff Bezos’ troops are on target! It will be released on a date unknown at a price of $ 99.99, with $ 3.99 per month the subscription. During the Early Access period, the Halo is available for $ 64.99.
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Fitbit activity tracker …
- BATTERY LIFE Up to 7
- COMPATIBILITY iOS and Android accounting
- INTEGRATED GPS Track pace and distance in real time even without your phone thanks to the …
- ACTIVE MINUTES This function alerts you to the cardio zone in which you are …
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