Jawbone reattempts Up wrist-based lifestyle monitor
updated 11:16 am EST, Tue November 13, 2012
Learns from mistakes made last year
Jawbone is retrying its wrist-based health monitor by improving and re-releasing the Up. Worn on the wrist, the Up uses various sensors to measure how people eat, sleep, move and generally live their lives, in an effort to help users live a more healthy lifestyle. The wristband then connects to an iOS device via the headphone socket, which displays the collected data in a free app.
Learning from the mistakes and subsequent refunds of its first attempt last year, Jawbone has reworked the manufacturing and testing processes to make sure the Up is water resistant and tough enough to be worn around the clock. Hypoallergenic, medical-grade rubber has been applied to counter the previous waterproofing faults, and the battery can now last up to ten days on a single charge.
Its motion sensing can track micro-movements of the wearer's wrist while they are sleeping, can tell how much light a person receives, and general pedometer functions such as calorie burn rates and amounts of steps taken in a day. The linked app can take photographs of food to create a visual journal, can scan barcodes of food packaging, and can even be used to track the mood of the wearer. Users can then look at the data, with the app offering highly personalized insights and connections between different elements of the wearer's life.
Available in three sizes and eight colors, the Jawbone Up is on sale for $130.
