Fitbit has come up with a weight scale that does more than measure your weight.
The Aria is a smart scale with builtin WiFi that adds a whole new dimension to the level of information athletes of any level can access to help them maintain their chosen level of fitness.
Most fitness wristbands, such as Fitbit Charge HR, monitor various daily exercise activities and the calories burned, but they do not monitor a key indicator – weight.
Weight monitoring is where the Fitbit Aria comes in. It can be added to a Fitbit account that has been recorded from a fitness wristband.
The Aria transfers data of your weight, body fat percentage and BMI (body mass index) to add to your account via WiFi.
The Aria looks sleek with a polished glass surface and is available in white or black. It has a tempered glass plat¬form, which measures 31.2×31.2×3.3 cm and weighs about 1.93 kg.
It has a backlit LCD display that shows weight and percentage of body fat in pounds or kilograms.
It automatically recognises up to eight different people and the data is recorded on the Fitbit dashboard.
The scale, which supports weights from 9 to 158 kg, is powered by four AA batteries. It can be used in a humid bathroom environment, but it should not be submerged.
The Aria supports WiFi 802.11b wireless connection protocol and supports WEP/WPA/WPA2 personal security.
To scale must be connected to the Fitbit dashboard before it can be used, with either a smartphone app or a computer.
It can be set up using an application downloaded from Fitbit.com or by using the web set up function. Using the app is easier. Users are prompted to log in to their Fitbit account and the application automatically connects to the Aria.
During the set up process, the Aria must be in “Set up Active” mode. If the scale is new, the battery seal must be removed from the scale to enter the set up mode. If the scale has already been used, the battery must be removed for about 10 seconds and reinserted it to enter the set up mode.
After the scale has been successfully set up and synced to the Fitbit dashboard, the dashboard can be used to send an email invitation to family members to set up their own Fitbit account or link their existing Fitbit account to the smart scale.
During the test, I found the Aria connected to my WiFi router with ease. After I stepped on the scale, it displayed my weight and body fat percentage before it synced the data to my Fitbit dashboard.
The dashboard can be used to set weight goals and when a goal is reached, Fitbit alerts users and congratulates them. The dashboard also displays weight stats and progress in easy-to-read charts and graphs. The chart also displays BMI data.
The body fat percentage is a good indicator of fitness levels. For example, a body fat level between 18 and 25 per cent is considered acceptable in a male. A percentage over 25 per cent is regarded as obese.
Fitbit Aria has a suggested retail price of Bt5,590.
Display: Blacklit LCD display
Wireless syncing: |Wi-Fi 802.11b, supporting WEP/WPA/WPA2 |security
Battery: 4 AA batteries
Dimensions: 31.2×31.2×3.3 cm
Weight: 1.93 kg |n First-time setup requirement: Windows XP and later, Mac OS X 10.5 and up, iPhone 4S and later, iPad 3 gen. and later, and leading Android and Windows devices
This source first appeared on The Nation Life.