Gorgeous fitness, activity & smart gadgets

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Erin Lawrence

Erin Lawrence

For many years, fitness and activity trackers were utilitarian, rubbery and, let’s face it, sometimes ugly.

Now, a whole new generation of fitness and activity trackers, plus other smart devices have the look of fine jewelry, with all the smart functionality you need!

Fitbit’s new trackers

Meet Fitbit Altaimg_1691

The Alta is the fashionista version of an activity tracker. Slim and bracelet-like, the Alta actually looks a lot like the original Fitbit Flex (and comes with all the basic activity tracker features you’d expect), but with some improvements:

  • more sleek bracelet/band options including more watch/jewelry style options
  • vertical display on the front of the band with built-in watch
  • smart alerts come directly to the bracelet

The Alta is meant for a person who wants to be fashionable and not be seen to wear an ‘ugly’ rubber athletic band all the time. The band does the physical tracking and it pairs with a free smartphone app where you can store and access stats from day to day and long-term. There are also several pretty options for bands, from leather, to metal to the original rubber if you’re going to be working out hard.

Read my FULL REVIEW of Fitbit Alta .

Check out Fitbit Blaze

To use the Blaze you’ll need the Fitbit App if you want to keep long-term stats. With the app downloaded, you pair the device to your phone.

The Blaze has an interesting configuration; it’s essentially two parts; the band (which is interchangeable, more on that below), and the tracker unit, a flat, square device just over an inch square and slightly thicker than an average watch.  The tracker pops out of the band to allow for changeover, and must be removed and placed inside a tiny box for  charging.

At first I thought this band would be heavy and bulky, but after less than an hour, I had already forgotten it was on my wrist. Really, it doesn’t feel any heavier or bigger than my original Fitbit Flex, despite the obvious size differences.img_1456

I also like that the tracker unit itself can be popped out of the band, and tucked into a sports bra, sock, or pocket. This was one of my favorite features of the Fitbit Flex; it allowed me to hide the tracker if I didn’t want to be wearing something obviously athletic and rubbery on my wrist for a nice night out or a formal event. While the accuracy of the device may not be as exact if it’s worn elsewhere since it’s been made to be worn on the wrist, in my experience it wasn’t off enough to throw my day out of whack. And besides, the better looking these devices get, the less likely we are to want to hide them anyway, right?

Read my FULL REVIEW of the Fitbit Blaze.

Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 smart watch &

Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone

Samsung Gear S2

I’ve been playing with this device for a week now and I love it’s clean lines and intuitive interface. While it functions as a chic watch, with a host of cool faces to match any style, it also has fitess tracking abilities.

  • Taking charge of your fitness goals is easy. It helps you track your daily activity levels,  and water vs. caffeine intake.
  • The Gear S2 helps you stay fit (even when you don’t want to!) with motivational messages, giving you the extra push, or much needed reminders.
  • The Gear S2’s battery life enables you to stay connected approximately 2-3 days on a single wireless charge.
  • No matter the weather, you can stay on your fitness track because the Gear S2 is water resistant and dustproof, so you never have to miss that much needed outdoor jog, even in the rain!
  • The Gear S2 will also track your heart rate.

The Gear S2 pairs with the  Samsung Galaxy S7

Features:

  • The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are the first Dual Pixel smartphones, letting you get the shot in 0.15 seconds. With a 12MP camera and a larger (f1.7) aperture, the camera owns the night and captures the moments that matter like never before, even in low light.
  •  With a stunning 5.1″ Quad HD Super AMOLED Display (5.5″ for Galaxy S7 edge) these smartphones are designed to not just look beautiful, but feel great in your hands. Plus, with an always-on display, stay up to date on the time, calendar and notifications without having to wake up your screen.
  •  Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge deliver fast wired and wireless charging technology. Additionally, the hybrid SIM card tray allows users to insert a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage

For Apple users, Samsung is working on an app that will allow the watch to function with iPhones too so more users may then be able to  jump on board.

Ringly Smart Ring

This little gem (pun intended) is a chic cocktail ring with smart functionality. Ringly rings come in a variety of metal finishes and stones. They work by sending you alerts when texts, phone calls or emails come in. You can also set it up to work with other apps and devices, like Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, Instagram, Twitter and many more.

The Ringly will vibrate on your finger, and you can set it for one buzz, up to four vibrations. The ring also sends a coloured light alert, via a tiny LED light in the side of the ring (the stone itself doesn’t glow). You can change the colout from orange to red, blue, green or purple, depending on they type of alert you want to get. It’s a fun accessory, but I recommend getting a size smaller than you might ordinarily, as the stone is quite heavy and falls to the size if not fitted properly. You’ll find that frustrating, and pull the ring off, so size appropriately.

Erin Lawrence

Erin Lawrence

I'm a journalist, tech blogger, writer, TV producer, silversmith& jewelry designer, foodie and world traveler. I blog, write for publications, and supply freelance writing services to Calgary, and the world.

37 Comments

  1. Cindy Stewart on May 12, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    Hoping to win the new ALTA for my fitness routine! It would be so fun! Cindy

  2. Travis Stewart on May 12, 2016 at 10:15 am

    Looking forward to the draw! ALTA

    Thanks, Travis

  3. Kristin Kaluta on May 12, 2016 at 10:13 am

    Super excited about maybe winning an ALTA! 🙂 ♡

    Thank you!

    Kristin Kaluta

  4. Lori Bell on May 11, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    I cannot wait to try win the ALTA fitbit for my hikes 😊

  5. Lori Bell on May 11, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    I hope I win!!! This would help on my hikes!

  6. Michaela on May 11, 2016 at 11:38 am

    I love that you can finally change the wrist band! I’d love to win the ALTA!

  7. Travis Stewart on May 11, 2016 at 8:00 am

    2nd entry! Would love the opportunity to win! Code ALTA!

    Travis

  8. Cindy Stewart on May 11, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Would love to win the new ALTA!

    Cindy

  9. Kristin Kaluta on May 11, 2016 at 7:55 am

    2nd entry! I’m so excited about the chance to win the Fitbit ALTA! Pick me 😉 Thanks! Kristin

  10. Lorraine on May 10, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Awesome looking watches! Never thought much about them but after watching the news, I am interested in getting one. Thanks Erin!

  11. edwin munoz on May 10, 2016 at 7:59 am

    love this,,,ALTA

  12. edwin munoz on May 10, 2016 at 7:57 am

    nice one ALTA

  13. Nina on May 10, 2016 at 7:47 am

    This is great i wanted to get one for my husband for our anniversay so he can keep track of his fitness. The keyword : ALTA
    Thank you
    Nina

  14. Margaret McPherson on May 10, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Looks great – would love to have one and to win it would be super !
    Keyword Alta

  15. Nina on May 10, 2016 at 7:43 am

    This is great i wanted to get on for my husband for our annuversay so he can track his fitness . Thank you
    Nina

  16. Travis Stewart on May 10, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Loved watching this am! Would love to win a new fitness gadget! Keyword Alta! 🙂 Looking forward to the draw! Thanks, Travis Stewart

  17. sivart1@telus.net on May 10, 2016 at 7:37 am

    I am on my 3rd Fitbit as I love them and this one is starting to fall apart as well. ME and my 3 sisters that all live in different cities have weekly competitions with our Fitbits and I don’t want to be left out when mine completely falls apart. Also we live in Medicine Hat and are faithful watchers of the Morning Live show.

  18. Randy martens on May 10, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Looks great. Been thinking of trying one.

  19. Kurt Bauert on May 10, 2016 at 7:36 am

    Glad to see the new devices are providing more details on your fitness activities via your smartphone. Time to retire my VivoSmart for the new Fitbit Alta!

  20. Greg Wright on May 10, 2016 at 7:33 am

    Alta

  21. Afsoon ahmadi-izadi on May 10, 2016 at 7:33 am

    This is awesome .. I really appreciated the feedbacks..there are so many of these devices and it is always hard to choose. Thank you for your info..I so hope I can win..as I cannot afford one at the moment ..the word is : Alta

  22. Bret rhoads on May 10, 2016 at 7:32 am

    Interesting products, and good explanations, thanks you.
    ALTA

  23. Melissa Whitwham on May 10, 2016 at 7:32 am

    I’ve never understood the hype about the Fitbit or fitness trackers, but after watching the CTV morning segment on the Fitbit ALTA I’ve decided I need one! I can see how extremely useful and helpful it would be when I start trying to reach my pre-pregnancy level of fitness after giving birth in 8 weeks, and tracking my caffeine and activity during these last 8 weeks! Neat!

  24. Karen Helland on May 10, 2016 at 7:31 am

    I would love a new Fitbit! Love this product. 🙂 Keyword -Alta

  25. Layla on May 10, 2016 at 7:31 am

    Great article in the MANY OPTIONS there are out there for fit band tracker devices! And appearance in ctv this morning!
    Would love to win the ALTA to help me in my health goals! It’s functional and will be a great addition to my little fashionable arm party 😉

  26. Karen Keith on May 10, 2016 at 7:30 am

    Good timing. I was just talking about upgrading my flex but wanted more information. Thanks. Code: ALTA

  27. Kristin Kaluta on May 10, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Thank you for the information about the new tech gadgets your shared this morning on CTV morning live! I enjoyed watching! I would love to recieve a Fitbit Alta to supplement my work out routine! After having a baby 6 months ago it would sure help my weight loss journey. Keyword – ALTA! 🙂 Thank you! Kristin

  28. Katherine McClurg on May 10, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Saw your segment on ctv. Love the new straps available! Would love to win and track my journey to get my baby weight off!
    Key word ALTA

  29. Ann on May 10, 2016 at 7:29 am

    What an amazingvgadget

  30. soloadventurer on May 10, 2016 at 7:28 am

    The contest link doesn’t seem to work.

  31. Mel Robb on May 10, 2016 at 7:28 am

    Thats super awesome! I have always wanted a fitbit, but always have other things that are needed more for my family than a fitbit for me!
    Thanks for the opprotunity!

  32. Merle Dyck on May 10, 2016 at 7:28 am

    enter fitbit didn’t work

  33. Lori on May 10, 2016 at 7:28 am

    I am usually the last to get technology to help with working out but your information piece on ctv made me interested in getting one. Oh and I also hate wearing anything on my wrist but I would love a fit bit ALTA! I hope I win one 😉 seeing as it sounds like Alberta -> ALTA

  34. AshleyD on May 10, 2016 at 7:27 am

    Alta

  35. Diana on May 10, 2016 at 7:27 am

    Thanks for taking the time to demystify the many options. I love that leather is now an option. ALTA is cool.

  36. Kim Long on May 10, 2016 at 7:26 am

    Great segment this morning.These fitness trackers have come a long way! Would love to give the Fitbit Alta a try this summer!

  37. Lisa Fuller on May 10, 2016 at 7:26 am

    I love the streamlined look of the ALTA.

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