I'm still undecided which health gadget to get, and you know that with Christmas (food) and New Year's (as in "resolution to get healthy") around the corner, the choices are only getting harder. A year ago, I would have just thought that Fitbit was the answer. Low profile and detailed metrics is definitely the key to putting the thing on, but now that there are so many different products that have different features, it seems like an over saturated market, yet no single product has that magic X-Factor that convinces me to drop $100+ on it.
I mostly know people (from podcasts) that have Fitbit, but it seems to be lacking any sort of social integration. They'll say that their motivation is trash talking each other about how many calories they've burned and compete, but it doesn't seem addictive enough to keep people hooked. When you think about it, we've already created a phenomenon where people quantify their "achievements" and are able to compare with each other... video games. The XBOX gamerscore immediately took off as a way to boast your achievements to friends and compete. Does any health gadget emulate that concept? BodyMedia's Armbad does have more room for that, and I talked to one of their reps at the Chicago gdgt live event, but he was like, "Sure, we have an API and someone can go make that if they want." It doesn't really seem like any company making these devices intends to tap the "achievement hunter" audience. Having a website and mobile app is great to view your own metrics, but I want the pressure of competition to motivate me - and let's face it, shame is a great motivator, which is why there's a market for the Withings Body Scale that tweets out your weight. Whether it's a couple's way to bond or your Twitter followers telling you, "hey fat ass, I noticed you gained weight last week," there's a strong desire for other people to make us exercise.
Anyone feeling the same way? Any devs out there trying to create this functionality? Would anyone accept an internet/public challenge to see how many of your friends can do the most ? We have a whole new culture of people who are addicted to living social and publicness (see: Jeff Jarvis) that could only be a successful way to get people healthier.
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Has anyone made the perfect health gadget yet?
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I don't know about gadgets that do this specifically, but apparently the website Fitocracy has really nailed that "gamer achievement" feeling, to judge from the amount of people talking about it (including Penny Arcade and xkcd): www.fitocracy.com/
Unfortunately, right now you have to log everything manually, which means it's either a) inconvenient, or b) really easy to cheat. They've talked about integrating with some devices like the Fitbit, but there's nothing right now.
Unfortunately, right now you have to log everything manually, which means it's either a) inconvenient, or b) really easy to cheat. They've talked about integrating with some devices like the Fitbit, but there's nothing right now.
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I think you're on to something, Robert. Crossing a fitbit device with a leaderboard would make working out much more competitive, and it would make it appealing to gamers who may not get much physical activity.
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From what I know about the various fitness gadgets out there I would highly recommend the Fitbit Ultra. I have one myself and there are things about it that bother me, but none that I think would be significantly improved by other gadgets that are available.
It sounds like your main issue is with the software that's available to go along with these gadgets. Personally, I use an app called Lose It! for iPhone (there's also an Android version), and they have some basic Fitbit integration but it leaves a lot to be desired. The Fitbit website/app doesn't seem like it is as good as Lose It in terms of how easy it is to log exercise and food so I've never really used it much.
It sounds like your main issue is with the software that's available to go along with these gadgets. Personally, I use an app called Lose It! for iPhone (there's also an Android version), and they have some basic Fitbit integration but it leaves a lot to be desired. The Fitbit website/app doesn't seem like it is as good as Lose It in terms of how easy it is to log exercise and food so I've never really used it much.
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the fitbit is basically the tech equivalent to a "thigh master" or "ab rocker". it does jack shit except make fat people feel good about purchasing it. What does the fitbit do? it lets you know that you walked around some today.. WHO GIVES A SHIT! how is that making you more fit? it isn't..
Getting fit isn't about knowing how many steps you took today and posting it to facebook, its about not eating a ton of shit on a daily basis and working out consistently. Technology can help you improve you strength speed and endurance, but you've got to bring the drive and motivation to the table before you hit the checkout button
Getting fit isn't about knowing how many steps you took today and posting it to facebook, its about not eating a ton of shit on a daily basis and working out consistently. Technology can help you improve you strength speed and endurance, but you've got to bring the drive and motivation to the table before you hit the checkout button
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Can't say when it'll be launched publicly, but somebody *is* working on it... ;) That's all I can say for now! =X
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