Based on materials from techradar.com
The Grip fitness bracelet was unexpectedly shown by HTC at MWC 2015, and with it the company entered the wearable electronics market for the first time. It's a Nike FuelBand-style device, an electronic bracelet with a very futuristic look. It was created in collaboration with Under Armor and is reminiscent of various sci-fi movies and devices that glow green.
Just like the Fuelband, it is available in three sizes, you can adjust the length for yourself, but there is a danger that, when fastening, the bracelet will grab the hairs on the arm.
The key feature here is the presence of a GPS module, which allows the device, on the one hand, to act like a watch, and on the other, a smart bracelet that connects to your smartphone when you need it. And when not needed, the device works great on its own.
HTC focused on making the bracelet a great company on the run, but in-gym promo photos hint that the manufacturer uses the same rhetoric as every other fitness product maker: 'Overcome or go home. '
On the bracelet, we can see a small display that looks like an E-Ink, but in fact is called Passive Matrix OLED – the grandfather of technologies used in modern Samsung and a very modest battery consumer.
The device makes a strange impression, because it is not entirely clear what is different here from other similar devices. GPS tracking in its infancy – showcases your speed, distance, and more, but lacks, for example, training plans you would expect, or something similar from HTC or Under Armor.
There is no heart rate sensor on the inside, but if you need such information, the device can connect to the heart rate belt at Bluetooth.
This is not to say that the bracelet offers many scenarios of use, in addition to working with the Under Armor Recorder application, however, the benefits of feedback after training are not obvious here.
The HTC Grip also includes such functionality as reminders of upcoming meetings, switching music tracks on the phone, checking the time – the latter is not as convenient as if the time was constantly shown on the display.
The swipe-based interface is rather odd: no separate buttons are offered, so all you have to do is fumble with your finger across the display and hope you get there, as with the Home button.
However, we have not yet seen the final version, and therefore it is premature to make a final verdict on the device. In a nutshell, the bracelet looks cool and comfortable to wear, and can act as a link between running watches and pedometers. But who is this device for? For a representative of the elite sports world? Probably, such people have something cooler … Besides, for now, this potential buyer must live in the USA.
HTC Re
“It’s probably a periscope,” you might think. Or an inhaler. ' This device HTC was also announced as part of a program to enter non-smartphone market segments. And the first thought that arises when you look at this thing is how great it will solve the problem that arises while running. Just think, a 16 MP camera with a large storage (this is built-in microSD) is what you need to capture the moments you like on a run without the distraction of pulling out your smartphone. The ergonomic design allows you to hold the device in one hand – very convenient for walking or morning jogging.
Aside from the fact that you don't have to stop, the benefits are questionable. The camera is completely unable to reduce motion blur. So at a time you will get 60 frames, each of which would be ashamed and a drunk Picasso.
And even when you stop, you have to be very careful. And without a screen, one can only guess about the composition of the frame. It takes ten to make one decent.
True, the device makes good video recording – maybe not while running, but it will do for a walk. Well, or you want to film your own version of The Blair Witch.
Overall, the camera is disappointing, although it looks promising. Suitable for the spontaneous 'runner' who is more interested in bringing more photos from a run than in personal accomplishments.