The new kit comes in the form of a wristband that records your exertion levels and calculates a notional points score against your level of daily activity. You can set targets that will be highlighted on the device's innovative LED light readout which then feeds back on your performance in red, yellow or green as to how well you are doing towards your target. The more active you are, the more points you score but, and this is the key difference, because the devices measures your oxygen uptake as well as having an on-board accelerometer. Other devices, including the Nike+ shoe sensor (which I use daily) only tracks the number of footsteps, whereas the Fuel band will watch your body chemistry, enabling exertion in other areas to be included in the measurement process. It's a very innovative idea....do more work, get more points....
The band links via Bluetooth to your iPhone (an Android app will follow in Spring!) to allow you to check your performance and has an in-built usb link for syncing and charging via your pc. Although not cheap at $150.00 each, the band has a great deal of promise and will no doubt encourage people to look for more energetic options in daily activities (e.g. take the stairs instead of the lift to score a few more points) as well as appealing to the fitness fan looking for better metrics on their body and performance. With it due for release in the UK from the 1st of May, this will hopefully coincide with the Android app launch and my own purchase!
I have used Nike+ for years and am an ardent fan but this might just persuade me to ditch the shoe sensor!
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