I’ve got a surprising story of how an exercise tracker put a man in jail. Here’s how Fitbit tracked down a killer, in 60 seconds.
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Your smartwatch isn’t as accurate as you think
Sensors in today’s smartwatches can detect your heartbeat, track how you sleep and even monitor blood oxygen levels. We’re not far from your watch tracking your blood sugar … and possibly sending reports about it to your doctor.
Ever wondered, “Just how accurate are these smartwatch readings?” You’re not the only one, so I took a look. Smartwatches and fitness watches have some serious flaws you should know about.
Paging Dr. Watch! Emergency!
Turns out that cramming a bunch of sensors into a tiny watch doesn’t create the most legitimate results. Who knew? If you’re seeing spikes or drops in readings for sleep states or blood oxygen levels, don’t panic — it happens to everyone.
- Sensors have problems with skin tone: A lawsuit filed against Apple says its Watch blood oxygen sensors don’t work correctly on dark skin. Yikes! Research, however, indicates this may be a problem with many blood oxygen sensors.
- Smartwatches don’t reach medical levels of accuracy: High-grade studies are limited, but this one for Garmin fitness watches found they couldn’t measure energy expenditure or blood oxygen levels with enough accuracy to make medical decisions.
- Step counters and calorie trackers are easily fooled: Smartwatches stink at measuring calories burned and can struggle to define steps walked. And don’t get me started on how vague sleep tracking can be!
OK, so smartwatches are only helpful for estimates. But what can we do to make them better?
Take your health in stride
Here are a few figurative steps I think all smartwatch users should take while getting in their literal steps (plus, a free play on words!).
- Size your watch for your wrist: Many accuracy problems are caused by loose-fitting watches that slip around on your arm. Buy one with straps you can adjust.
- Focus more on heart rate than steps or calories: Your pulse is right there, so it’s no surprise watches are more accurate about heart rate than almost anything else.
- Don’t stress over readings: Ironically, that stress will increase your heart rate and other vitals. Even worrying about sleep tracking can cause inadequate sleep (doctors call it “orthosomnia”). Don’t think of readings as hard numbers but rather general brushstrokes about your health picture.
- Watch readings over time: Those bigger-picture charts and graphs are more helpful than going number by number.
- Visit a doctor if you’re worried: Don’t waste time or energy obsessing over what your smartwatch tells you. If you’ve got a serious concern, make an appointment like a grown-up.
‘Kim, which watch should I buy?’
This is one case where splurging on newer tech is actually better; the big-name smartwatches get more accurate with each new model. Here are the heavy hitters:
- Use an iPhone? The Apple Watch Series 10 has all the bells and whistles, including ECG, fall detection and heart tracking. For a cheaper option, the 2nd-gen Apple Watch SE is under $200 right now.
- In the Google-sphere? The Pixel Watch 3 is Google’s fancy-schmancy version — and way more affordable than Apple’s. For something more fitness-focused, a Fitbit is the way to go.
- If your phone’s a Samsung: You might as well get the watch that “talks” to your phone best — the Galaxy Watch 7 is Samsung’s latest and greatest.
- In it for health and wellness? I hear great things about WHOOP.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Unlock the secrets of your slumber: Best sleep-tracking tech
Ah, sleep — the one thing we all love but never seem to get enough of. You’re tossing and turning, counting sheep, or maybe out like a light but still wake up feeling like you’ve pulled an all-nighter. How can you crack the code of quality slumber?
Which company was rejected on “Shark Tank” but later sold for $1 billion? Was it … A.) Scrub Daddy, B.) Ring, C.) Fitbit or D.) Roomba?
Before you buy holiday gifts, check this list for tech snoops
Once Christmas music starts playing, the trees go up and the wish lists are compiled, I know an email I’ll get: Mozilla’s latest warning about popular tech gifts that are just awful when it comes to privacy.
This year’s *Privacy Not Included guide ranks over 150 gadgets across different categories by what data they collect and what they do with it. Mozilla does a great job at these lists, for sure.
New study: Put on your walking shoes
A walk a day keeps the doctor away. Really! A new study says if you want to live longer, get moving.
As little as 75 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (aka a brisk walk) lowers the risk of death from certain types of cancer and heart disease. The CDC recommends 150 minutes a week, but good to know that just half gets the job done.
Fitbits recalled after reports of third-degree burns
Burning calories is a key to losing weight and staying in shape. However, you should never feel an actual burn when working out. Unfortunately, that is what some Fitbit owners have had to deal with recently.
It wasn’t because they hit the gym too hard or that Fitbit built personal motivators into its smartwatches. But an issue with some batteries led to injuries and a subsequent recall of thousands of gadgets.
2 new fitness features to get in shape with your Apple Watch
With the introduction of Fitbit, a revolutionary way to track fitness habits effortlessly was introduced. It didn’t take Apple long to catch up. Apple Fitness+ paired with its devices has come a long way in forming effortless healthy habits for people worldwide. Tap or click here to enable health features on your Apple Watch.
What's keeping you up at night? Fitbit can detect snores and other noise
Do you snore when you sleep? Unless you have woken yourself up while doing so, you can’t be that sure. But if it sounds like you are sawing logs at night, someone might kick you to stop. Tap or click here for 10 ways to get better sleep: Apps, podcasts, gadgets and more.
60M records exposed: Fitbit, Apple, Google health info leaked in massive data breach
Whether you are a professional athlete, casual runner or enjoy tracking your fitness level, you need an app to record progress. There are many of these apps available, and some smartphones come pre-installed with them. Tap or click here for five health apps you never knew existed.
10 Fitbit tips and tricks you need to try
Most of us made resolutions heading into the new year, like trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Tap or click here for tech resolutions that you can actually keep. Technology can help you take control of your fitness routine like never before if you need a little help. One great option is to get a fitness tracker like Fitbit.
10 must-try Samsung smartwatch tips and tricks
Are you in the market for a new smartwatch? There are so many options out there that it can be tough to figure out what each one offers.
You have a wide array of choices, from Apple Watch to Samsung Galaxy to Fitbit’s range of smartwatches. One of these options, the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch, offers some cool features that you may not know about. Need help choosing? Tap or click here for the five best smartwatches on the market.
Top security settings for Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy and Fitbit
When we think about smartwatches, convenience comes to mind. These smart devices make it easy to check messages, make phone calls, listen to podcasts or music, track fitness or even complete contactless purchases.
What we don’t often think about is how much information these little devices hold. Smartwatches are like miniature versions of our smartphones — which means they contain a ton of personal data. Your payment information and personal data are all up for grabs via your watch. Even the health apps you use can put your privacy at risk if you aren’t careful.
Stressed? Fitbit's new smartwatch can tell
There are plenty of smartwatch options available right now — many with different features and unique capabilities. The Apple Watch, for example, is the only smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your iPhone, while there are many options for Android users.
Use your smartwatch to stay safe from coronavirus germs
Find it difficult to keep up with all the health guidelines hurled around these days? With COVID-19 information coming at you from all sides, it’s downright impossible to remember every tidbit on how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
6 pieces of cheap tech not worth the money
When you buy tech, you can spend less or spend more. You can pick up a $150 Chromebook or a $2,500 MacBook Pro. You can choose between $60 Cowin noise-canceling headphones or $400 ones from Bose. Logic dictates the expensive tech is better, but is this really the truth?
Seniors can get a $49 Apple Watch 5 - see if you qualify
The Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches you can buy today. But there’s just one little problem with it: It’s expensive enough to be out of reach for many people.
Though you can buy older models for a discounted price, you’re still looking at upwards of $200. Meanwhile, many of Apple’s competitors like Fitbit offer similar features for a much lower price. Tap or click here to read more about Fitbit’s range of fitness trackers.
Wearable Android gadgets that can save your life
Wearable technology is saving lives. The Apple Watch has gotten press for helping a man who suffers from pulmonary embolism and for spurring a teen with kidney failure to seek treatment, but Android users also have options for health-focused wearables. Today, you can choose from a capable crop of Android-compatible smartwatches and other gadgets geared for tracking your health and fitness. I’ll show you which ones will work the best at keeping you fit, healthy and safe.
10 great gifts for any Android user
Android fans can be very particular with the devices or tech that they use. They like sleek designs and easy-to-use interfaces. That’s a good thing to keep in mind this time of year as we are purchasing gifts for those friends and family that are die-hard Android fans. That’s why I have put together a list of 10 gift ideas that would be perfect for the Android lover in your life.