Withings Launches Pulse O2, Revamped Health Mate App
Updated Wear-It-Your-Way Activity Tracker Reads Two Vital Signs; New App Brings Live Coaching
BOSTON, April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Withings, the leader in the connected health revolution, today announced the launch of the Pulse O(2) activity tracker and a redesign of its companion app, Health Mate. The new device expands on the versatility of Withings' original Pulse, adding a wristband accessory so users can wear it as a watch. The Pulse O(2) also adds the ability to measure blood oxygen level in addition to heart rate, a first for the category. The updated Health Mate app now features real-time coaching that turns the data from Withings devices into actionable advice.
Long-term adoption
To promote long-term use and alleviate the inconvenience of single-purpose wearables(([1])), the Pulse O(2) is designed to be worn a number of ways - whether it's in a pocket, clipped to a user's clothing, or worn on the wrist. Cedric Hutchings, CEO & co-founder of Withings explains: "Activity trackers have become very popular among health-conscious consumers, but we recognize a responsibility to design devices that are very accessible for a large population to use consistently over the long term. It's the only way they can have a real impact on health." New automatic background synchronization via Bluetooth Low Energy and wake-up recognition also contribute to Pulse O(2)'s ease of use.
Two vital signs
Like its predecessor, the Pulse O(2 )tracks users' activity, sleep, and heart rate. The improved device tracks a second vital sign, blood oxygen level, via an optical lens and light on the back of the unit - a first for the category of activity trackers. Accurate blood oxygen readings can be critical for mountain climbers, athletes, and people with breathing problems like asthma and other COPDs. It's also a way for anyone to quickly assess respiratory function.
New Health Mate App
Along with the introduction of Pulse O(2), Withings also released a major update to the Health Mate, the central user experience for all their products. The web and mobile application has been revamped to provide real-time coaching toward the user's health objectives. Smart Insights help point out users' progress, Healthy Reminders help them adopt the right habits, Virtual Badges provide rewards, and Leaderboards add a competitive element to staying healthy. All items appear in real-time on a new Timeline view to maintain daily motivation. According to Hutchings, "People are done with raw graphics! They want some kind of interpretation and, most importantly, some realistic call to action."
Availability
The Withings Pulse O(2) is available today from selected retail partners and on Withings.com for $119.95.
About Withings
Withings is the company that leads the connected-health revolution. Founded by visionary innovators Cedric Hutchings and Eric Carreel, Withings create products and services that empower people to track their lifestyle and improve their everyday well being for a better long-term health. Emotional, flawlessly designed and simple-to-use, they seamlessly introduce cutting-edge innovation into people's daily routine. Since 2009, Withings has built a range of products that covers the whole health spectrum including the Withings Pulse (activity tracker), the Smart Body Analyzer, the Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor and Withings Aura. Every piece of collected data comes to life into the Withings Health Mate application where users get coaching and motivation tools to shape every aspect of their health.