The new Striiv Fusion Bio ticks all the boxes. It has a touchscreen display, a built-in heart rate monitor and smartwatch functions, like notifications for incoming calls.
A tracking module is accompanied by three interchangeable wristbands, in graphite, blue and red. It is comfortable to wear but difficult to put on. Pushing the stainless steel clasp into the holes on the band takes some effort. It is only splash-resistant, so you can shower but not swim with it.
The display can be easily viewed under sunlight and in dim conditions. However, it sometimes fails to respond to touch or swipes. This is frustrating as you need to tap the display to see your progress.
It will wake up upon tapping (this might take a few tries) and show the time and date by default. Swipe to the left and you can toggle through information about the steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned and activity movement, as well as sleep and heart rate measurements.
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TECH SPECS
PRICE: $189, available from axtrosports.com
WATER RESISTANCE: Splash- and sweatproof
WEIGHT: 20g
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RATING
FEATURES: 5/5
DESIGN: 3/5
PERFORMANCE: 3/5
BATTERY LIFE: 4/5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/5
OVERALL: 3/5
Sleep tracking must be activated before bedtime and deactivated when you get up. And it only tracks how long you sleep - there is no information on light or deep sleep.
There is no way to track your heart rate while you are walking. Heart rate measurements must be taken while you are stationary.
I found that it tracked fewer steps compared with my calibrated Nike+ FuelBand. There was a difference of as much as 10 per cent between both trackers.
Battery life is supposed to be five days, but the review unit needed charging by the end of four days.
Trevor Tan
- VERDICT: The Striiv Fusion Bio looks like the perfect fitness tracker on paper, but the touchscreen display leaves much to be desired.
