Heart rate monitor watch. Overview of "smart" portable devices with optical sensors. health and fitness

Over time, the Apple Watch has evolved into a completely everyday smartwatch. But while they do a great job of handling your notifications and providing third-party apps, the real cream of the Apple Watch is tracking your activity. The Apple Watch heart rate monitor is the subject of our review.

Through the Apple Activity app, you can see the basics like calories burned, active minutes, and how many hours you've moved throughout the day, while Workout handles more detailed sports tracking. And this is where the mental qualities of the Apple Watch heart rate monitor are most prevalent.
But how does it all work, what data is presented on the wrist and on the iPhone, and how accurate is this tracking? Well, below, we have provided answers to all questions.

Almost every smartwatch that has a heart rate monitor uses the same technology, and the Apple Watch is no different.

Photoplethysmography is known to essentially work on this premise: blood is red because it reflects red light and absorbs green light. Therefore, by using green LEDs and pairing them with photodiodes, the device is able to detect the amount of blood flowing through the wrist. When your heart beats, this flow, and through the proxy, green light is absorbed, more. Between beats, meanwhile, it's less.

To get the most accurate BPM data, these LEDs flash hundreds of times per second. This technology is also used during the Watch's Breathe app, which focuses the user on relaxation, as well as new with watchOS 4, providing insight into walking average BPM and heart rate variability.

However, it is not only during bouts of exercise that the heart rate monitor is in action. It can also use infrared light to measure your heart rate in the background and gives you a heads-up if your heart drops to dangerous levels.

Data on the wrist

When you wear the watch, you give your continuous heart rate readings during your workout, and you can also view your average heart rate for the entire workout once you're done.

But if you're just at your desk and want to see how your heart is progressing, head over to the Watch Watch app, which also gives you insight into your rest, walking, and overall speed throughout the day. You can even go straight to the app from your watch face by adding a complication like below. Don't know how to do it? Head to our guide to collecting information about your Apple Watch.


These screenshots above show exactly what you'll get on the Watch. The left screen shows the heart rate widget on the watch face, while the middle and right screen shows how the heart rate is read. The small graph above the measurement, meanwhile, gives you an idea of ​​how your heart rate changes throughout the day. But that's not all, as slipping will give you access to your daily resting rhythm and average walking course.

Apple Watch calculates these metrics by comparing readings taken in the background with accelerometer data. As with the standard heart rate screen above, a mini graph will show you how this has changed over the course of the day. Interestingly, your daily resting heart rate is something that only shows up after a couple of hours in the device. This figure will change as the amount of data increases throughout the day, with readings taken when the device has determined that the user is still staying for a few moments.


It's even smart enough not to take a reading when, for example, your heart rate is still slightly elevated from your morning sprint for the train. As far as heart rate goes, things are a little clearer. Whenever the watch detects that your heart rate is elevated, say walking to get lunch, this will be logged to give you an idea of ​​how your heart is working.

Users also have the option to be notified when the Apple Watch detects your heart rate rising higher, like 120 beats per minute, while you're inactive. The easiest way to enable and adjust this is by heading to the Watch app on your iPhone, scrolling down to your heart rate in the My Watch section, and changing the settings that match your ticker.

Data on the phone

As you might expect, the data received and presented on the Watch is also enhanced on the iPhone.

If you want to view heart data from completed workouts, you need to go to Activity - this gives you a more detailed graph of how your heart rate fluctuated during the entire activity, as well as how your heart recovered in the three minutes after the exercise ended. Let's take the information below as an example. The red markers on the graph show that the heart rate develops as the exercise progresses, with a break when paused before resuming and continuing to track the heart rate. If you swipe, you will access heart rate recovery. The faster your heart returns to a steady pace, the healthier your cardiovascular system will be.

But while these are useful ways to give you a more detailed look at your heart rate, the downside here is that there is no real interpretation of this data. For example, if you have a metric for when your heart rate was high, there is no difference in how much time you spent in each heart rate zone or any VO2 Max related data.

Moving from exercise-tracked heart data, you can also get deeper data analysis that doesn't affect resting speed, walking average, and overall heart rate on iPhone. Again, you can't view a history of these metrics in the Watch, so jumping to the Apple Health Heart section will give you a comprehensive overview of each of these sections.

As shown below, you can choose how your heart performed on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly time frame, and pressing "i" on each tab takes you to a more advanced graph, helping you pinpoint specific readings.


Third Party Applications
You can get a pretty detailed look at your heart with Apple's own tracking, but there are dedicated third-party apps that aim to make up for some of the shortcomings discussed above. Both Cardiagram and HeartWatch will give you a live view of your heart rate zones, for example, and will also give you a more detailed view of your heart history on the watch itself.

And this action is not limited to heart health. Fitness platforms that support heart rate tracking, like Strava, can use the technology to better interpret your data - perfect for those who don't want to use Apple's own tracking apps.

Apple Watch Heart Rate Monitor: Let's talk about accuracy

This all sounds good in practice, but it all comes down to whether or not it can actually provide accurate monitoring from the wrist.

And for the most part, the Apple Watch makes smartwatches as well as any watch-ready wrist on the market. In the end, although the same technology is used to collect data, it is how it is interpreted that results in accuracy or inaccuracy.

Through our Watch vs. Chest testing over the past few years, we've found him to be one of the more consistent performers. However, this does not mean that it is free from the same limitations as the others using optical sensor technology. That is, when moving quickly between low and high beats per minute during intense intervals, he can often struggle to keep track of time.

In our experience, for example in the example below, we tend to see that the average heart rate is slightly higher than the amount given by the chest straps, but it's not that much if you just want to keep the base tab of your strokes.

It's also worth noting that for the most accurate results, you'll need to make sure the wrist fit is correct. This means that you cannot be too tight or too loose. Your skin needs to be constantly in contact with the sensors, but with room left for your skin to breathe.

Apple Watch Heart Rate Monitoring: What's next?

Apple has turned to health and fitness lately, announcing its atrial fibrillation research and offering more health options like Apple Watch notifications and heart rate monitor through the watch.

But the big step here is upgrading the current photoplethysmography method for ECG monitoring, medical grade, currently found in chest straps. And, according to reports, it's a development that could show its face through the Apple Watch Series 4 if Cupertino can get the FDA required by the customer. While ECG monitoring is considered more accurate than current wrist-based methods - good news for trainers - it is also more effective at detecting cardiac abnormalities and potentially notifying users of problems before they become more serious.

If this is indeed something Apple provides sooner rather than later, expect the data to be available to users to take the big leap forward. And for those of you who can't wait for ECG technology to hit the wrist, the AlivCor startup has already developed a belt solution, the Kardia Band, that can give users readings.

After talking with a former professional athlete (tennis player), I realized that during sports it is important to know your pulse, depending on the heart rate, the body most effectively performs various functions.
For example, if you need to burn fat - keep your heart rate in the range from 112 to 131 beats per minute (average), if you just warm up - 94-112 beats / min, cardio training - 131-150, enhanced muscle growth / endurance training - 150-169.
Who is interested in the continuation - go under the cat.

That's when I decided to buy at least some kind of heart rate monitor, because I like to pedal (15-50 km almost every day in the season) + roller skate at the All-Russian Exhibition Center.
A walk through the sporting goods stores made it clear that for less than $30 you can’t buy anything, and good heart rate monitors generally cost $100 and up. I abandoned the idea for a while, especially since I accidentally stumbled upon the application for the Cardiograph phone, which can measure the pulse using the phone’s camera (by the way, it does a good job, tested and compared the readings along with good blood pressure monitors).

I bought this watch by accident. I bought several goods from one seller at once, and decided to throw something into the parcel to the heap. I climbed into it in the store and stumbled upon them. The price is ridiculous (196.22 rubles), without hesitation I ordered one for testing.
While walking, I searched the internet for reviews and found a site where 4 people left their opinions about such watches. Moreover, three of them were negative and mostly consisted of crybabies (there is no backlight, the menu is not according to Feng Shui, putting a finger on it is not comme il faut, they don’t look with a jacket, and in general it’s China!), And the fourth, from a girl, said that she constantly trains in the gym and happy for hours - they perform their function well, the measurements are more or less accurate, and for this price there can be no competitors or shortcomings.
I confess, then I believed these tearful reviews more, and thought that probably complete crap would come.

Hours passed for 1.5 months, I won’t announce the tracks and exact dates, I don’t even see the point in it. We are not discussing the work of mail :)
When I received it and opened it, I didn’t take a picture either, no one is particularly interested in a standard white or yellow envelope with a pimply inside. In it, wrapped in 4 more layers of pimples, there was a watch + a simple instruction sheet in English. All this packaging, along with the instructions, immediately went to the trash, and I proceeded to inspect the watch. I was surprised that on the seller’s picture on the watch the inscription WR50M flaunts (water-resistant up to 50 meters), but on my watch there is not, apparently there was not enough paint. But I wasn’t particularly upset, I wash my hands in them every day - they seem to hold water, but there are others for diving.

I have been wearing this watch every day for more than 2 weeks, and then there are pictures with explanations, I will remove them under ONE spoiler. I will not warn you about traffic, I think it is at least pointless - 99.9% of users in our time are still sitting on unlimited.

Different angles.







Clasp plain


Back cover without inscriptions.


Strap from the inside with a white coating - the epidermis is updated :)


Strap on the other side.


Functions. The first screen is the current time + date, the display of modes (sounds and alarms are on). The transition between the screens is carried out by pressing the "Mode" button.

The second screen is an alarm clock, as you can see, mine is set to 12:00 at night.

The third screen is a simple stopwatch.


The fourth, the most incomprehensible for me, is the calorie counter during sports. You can enter your age (date of birth DD / MM / YYYY) and height into the watch, turn on this function - it will count the calories burned. In my opinion, complete crap, so I don’t use it and didn’t even understand how it works.

The most important thing is the heart rate monitor.

On the first screen, when you press the Start / Stop button, the time display mode changes from 12 to 24.


And here we have a heart rate monitor sensor.


He, close-up. Standard IR sensor.

By the way, I noticed that the paint began to peel off and the inscription SENSOR turned into SENSOP.
Not fatal :)

Buttons on the other side.


Hand view.



The measurement of the pulse is simple - select the mode with the MODE button, press and hold the SET button, a beep sounds and the inscription TOUCH SENSOR blinks on the screen. We put a finger to the sensor, wait 10-20 seconds and the measurement results appear on the screen. I didn’t take the process itself, but I took the results and even compared it with the “reference” iPhone :) Data after measuring the pulse.




For a change - a photo with other watches on hand that came to hand








And measure the size with a tape measure.

`Heart design, new trend, veryfit smart band.

` fashion statement, activity will be wonderful, multiple color straps for option.

` smart interaction, simple and practical, key touch switch, call + sms reminder, super long standby time.

` fashion + health, good way, 24h real-time dynamic heart rate monitoring, all-day activity recording, automatic sleep monitoring, sedentary reminder, call, SMS, SNS Alerts. alarm alert clock alert, remote camera, touch key.

`Focus on heart rate continuously, 24h real-time heart rate monitoring, all day activity recording, sedentary reminder.

` night sleep + morning alarm clock. auto sleep tracking, mute vibration alarm.

` more functions, camera control, anti-lost, find phone, sports target remind, share health data, heart rate.

` 0.86 » OLED large screen, you can check at any time, and it is clear at a glance, you can check the data through the vertical layout or horizontal layout for your choose.

`call, sms and messages, intelligent report clearly at a glance, it is convenient to receive a call, sms and other information, open the sample for do not disturb, no information to remind received during during installation,

` remote camera.

` reminder call.

ABOUT SHIPPING

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WARRANTY & AFTER-SALES SERVICE

Genuinely faulty item will be replaced or refunded during the protection period. however, we must be alerted to any defective item upon receipt of the item. it is the customer's responsibility to pay and ship the item back to us. If the item is found to be defective, we will also refund the postage back to the buyer.

It takes about 3 business days to process your return after the product has been received.

Although, we pack the item very carefully with high quality packaging materials, there may be unexpected damage due to shipping from the carrier. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO THE DELIVERY on the ITEM, so we offer an exchange for damaged items due to shipping damage.

ABOUT IMPORT DUTIES, TAXES AND CUSTOMS FEES

You may be subject to import duties, taxes, and/or customs fees, which may be imposed by your local government when you receive your package.

The buyer is responsible for any taxes and additional charges that are required for customs clearance. rates of fees or taxes vary by country and type of goods and over time, so we cannot give an exact cost. Please check with your local post office or customs office for details about these charges. If the package is returned because you are unable to pay the required taxes or fees, we will not refund you for the order.

In today's world of smart technology and smart handheld devices, optical sensors are still used and important. In this article, we will look at some devices and technologies created using optical sensors.

The first example of a device with built-in optical sensors is the MioGlobal Heart Rate Monitor. MioGlobal is partnering with Phillips Electronics to develop a wearable wrist device with optical heart rate sensors. Its advantage is that it does not require chest straps to secure the device, unlike other heart rate sensors on the market today.

MioGlobal Heart Rate Monitor can take electrocardiogram readings and does it with high accuracy. A special application has been developed for it, with which the device can be synchronized with the iOS and Android operating systems, the user needs an iPhone 4S or newer models and Android 4.3. It also works with other devices via BlueTooth.

There are eleven different models of MioGlobal Heart Rate Monitor on the market at prices ranging from $69 to $199, which you can purchase at www.mioglobal.com and other branded stores.

Mio Global Train with Heart (video):

Masimo Corporation

Masimo is engaged in the production of optical sensors for "smart" portable devices. It was founded in 1989 and has been producing sensors for a wide variety of products ever since. Some of their "smart" technologies are used in health monitors, brain monitors, and a host of other devices.

They built their reputation by producing monitors and sensors for home alarms and blood oxygen monitoring devices for healthcare facilities. Today, Massimo is involved in the development of many "smart" portable devices for professional athletes. During its twenty-five years of activity, the company has earned an excellent reputation in its industry.

TBPC Healthcare

The next company using optical sensors to produce smart handheld devices is TBPC Healthcare or Taiwan Biophotonic Company. The main products of the company are non-invasive glucometers, this company was the first in the world to establish their production on an industrial scale. TBPC is a young company founded just last year. She is also known for her wrist devices that monitor her pulse and the amount of oxygen in her blood.

A glucometer is a camera-like device that uses sensors to measure blood sugar levels and displays the data on a screen where the user can see it. It has been well received by customers due to the fact that it does not require a finger prick to take readings. Taiwan Biophotonic Company's new devices are already in the final stage, so the management attends all the major medical conferences and exhibitions of "smart" technologies. The company's latest products are expected to hit the market later this year or in 2016.

The product, which the developers position as the Angel Sensor, is a bracelet that can measure all health indicators. Its manufacturer is the Israeli company Seraphim Sence.

Three sensors built into the device monitor vital data such as heart rate, physical activity, body temperature. Also at the moment, work is underway on the function of measuring the level of oxygen in the blood. The developers hope that in the future, improved models of this device will be able to prevent heart attacks and other serious problems.

The design of the bracelet allows you to wear it around the clock, which makes it possible to monitor all indicators in real time. Angel Sensor can sync with other devices using BlueTooth and has an app for both iOS and Android operating systems. This bracelet can be purchased for a rather attractive price of $159, which is a great deal considering all its features. Angel Sensor has different sizes and is sold on the official website of the company angelsensor.com.

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Microsoft has long been known in the world of high technology, so it was not a surprise that its penetration into the industry of health care and "smart" portable devices. Microsoft Health is a new division of Microsoft dedicated to the development of the Microsoft Band fitness bracelet. This is a simple device that uses built-in optical sensors to measure various health indicators such as steps, heart rate and sleep quality.

You can watch Microsoft Band 2 here:

Golfers will love this device because it is able to measure the force of a shot and plot its trajectory using GPS, showing the location of the ball on the course. The Microsoft Health app works on both iOS and Android operating systems. The bracelet also has a built-in GPS navigator, real-time training mode and other functions are supported, up to messaging and e-mail alerts.

There is also a “smart coach” service, with its help the user can set various tasks for himself and monitor their implementation. The Microsoft Band will no doubt make a name for itself in the field of smart portable devices.

This innovative device, approved by all medical institutions and golf clubs, can be purchased for $199.

RHYTHM+ from Scosche

Scosche's RHYTHM+ is another optical fitness tracker used for vital signs monitoring. The device works on the basis of the patented PerformTek technology, optical sensors capable of collecting and storing all information. The RHYTHM+ is designed for heart rate measurement and does not require a chest strap.

This device has many applications. All key metrics from step counting to heart rate measurement are captured and stored in the RHYTHM+ memory. You can connect with other devices via BlueTooth or with devices with an ANT+ display. Real-time data collection allows everyone to engage in a productive workout at any time convenient for them.

The price of RHYTHM+ is also very tempting - it can be purchased at www.scosche.com for $79.99, where the user can get all the information about this innovative heart rate monitoring technology.

Workout trackers occupy an important place among today's "smart" portable devices. The sports bracelet from Atlas Wearables is one of them. Optical sensors help the user to count the number of arm swings while crossing the lane in the pool or the number of repetitions that he did when doing push-ups or bench presses. Using optical 3D sensors and the latest developments, Atlas Wearables engineers have created a device that is sure to be a success in the market.

The application, which runs on iOS and Android operating systems, provides up-to-date information about the state of the body, the effectiveness of training and can perform the function of a "smart trainer". You can use Workout Mode to help you during your workouts, or you can do free mode exercises if the user prefers to work at their own pace.

Take a look at our other articles:

The Atlas sports bracelet is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters and charges via a USB cable. With this fitness tracker, you won't lose track of your workouts. At the moment, the device is open for pre-order, which you can place on the Atlas Wearables website for $249.

Of all the heart rate monitors and fitness trackers on the market today, the Charge HR from Fitbit is the best known. Advertising of this device can be seen on many TV channels and on the Internet. Optical sensors allow the wearer to use the FitBit in any way they want, such as heart rate, activity tracking and fitness tracker.

You can look at the FitBit Charge HR here:

Synchronization via the BlueTooth wireless system allows you to free your hands and not worry about cumbersome wires. The application works on iOS and Android systems. FitBit is considered a leader in the production of "smart" portable devices for leading a healthy lifestyle, so fitness enthusiasts greeted the new product with great enthusiasm. The FitBit Charge HR is available both online and at specialist retailers in your area. For $149, this device is a great buy and an excellent accessory for sports.

For comparison, you can look at other models of this brand:

Garmin ForeRunner 225 Running Watch

Garmin has been known for decades for its contributions to smart workout technology. She now introduces the Garmin ForeRunner 225 running watch. This is another wearable gadget with built-in optical sensors that keeps track of all your fitness metrics.

Pace, period and heart rate are vital data that the ForeRunner 225 captures in real time. The Garmin Connect app has been developed specifically for this device, with the help of which the user can track the number of calories burned and other indicators of the effectiveness of the training.

See also other variations of this line:

The device can function as a coach, this application is supported by iOS and Android operating systems. ForeRunner 225 is the company's first device equipped with a GPS navigator. The trainer sets the training intensity, so you can exercise at any time with high efficiency. The device has a lithium-ion battery, which ensures its long operation without recharging in watch mode and up to 10 hours in active mode. ForeRunner also has a customizable screen. The Garmin ForeRunner 225 sells for $229 in stores worldwide and also online.

The next portable device that uses optical sensors that we will look at is the Basis Peak. Functioning as a smartwatch and fitness tracker, this device has a simple design, but inside it is packed with features and the latest technology. Text messages, email, and notifications are just some of its features. Thanks to the patented BodyIQ technology, Basis Peak is able to measure heart rate, count steps and monitor sleep patterns.

Plus, it doesn't need a chest strap to monitor your heart rate, unlike most other devices on the market today. Basis Peak has a Gorilla Glass 3 touchscreen and its battery lasts up to four days. The price of $199 is quite fair for a device with so many features. Basis Peak also features a patented interchangeable SportVent strap available in a variety of colors. It is light and smooth, so it will be a great fashion accessory.

Look at this model in more detail:

Research University of St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Scottish city of St. Andrews is famous for its inventions. Golf was first played here and the oldest university in Scotland was founded. St. Andrews University is a place where pioneering developments in optical sensors for the healthcare industry take place.

There is a lot of research going on at this prestigious college regarding the possibility of using optical sensors to control prostheses. Prof. Ifor Samuel and Dr. Ashu Bansal have developed disposable sensors that can monitor the state of health. The research team has also been working on sensors that contract muscles to help control the prostheses. Sensors scatter light to help control muscle movement. Research like this will be very useful in the future and may help paralyzed people to walk and fully use prostheses that replace lost body parts.

In the future, optical sensor technologies will have unlimited possibilities, especially in the field of healthcare. Fitness trackers and health monitoring devices are two areas where we can see the rapid development of optical sensors.

Studies show that these new inventions can also play a huge role in the recovery process of patients. Optical sensors will provide people with a healthy and active life, which means that the future of this technology and the healthcare industry will be promising.

Thank you for liking the site! Be a happy, athletic and active person always! Write what you think about this, what gadgets do you use and why?

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