Nokia announced a new wearable on Thursday that comes complete with a heart rate monitor and 25 days of battery life.
The Withings Steel HR is the first analog activity tracking watch that comes with heart rate monitoring and the ability to push smartphone notifications. The Steel HR can continuously measure heart rate during workouts, throughout the day, while at ease and while the user sleeps. Furthermore, the device offers a digital screen that displays users’ overall health data and smartphone notifications.
The Steel HR will be available in two sizes; 36 mm and 40 mm. The standard 36 mm screen will come with an 18 mm strap and will be available in black and white. The 40 mm will be available with a 20 mm strap and will only be available in black.
The display on this device will stay true to what’s become typical Withings fashion by incorporating hand dials that show the time and a smaller sub-dial that shows the percentage of a users’ daily activity goal achieved. The Steel HR, however, comes with a new digital screen that displays smartphone notifications and health data.
Users can choose the information they’d like to be shown on this screen by using the button on the side of the watch. This option also allows users to navigate through data options, including calories burned, daily steps, distance, sleep duration and smart alarm.
The Steel HR has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 25 days. After 25 days of heart monitoring, the device will enter power-save mode which could give users up to 20 days more battery life, during which time the watch will continue to track basic activity.
Users can use the Steel HR to identify how much time during the day was spent in each heart rate zone, providing a more holistic picture of their daily activity.
“Whether you’re an athlete or simply trying to lose a few pounds and get a better handle on your health, knowing your heart rate can help you better understand your overall health and reach your fitness goals. With the wealth of insights it provides and the extended battery life for a health watch of its type, Steel HR truly is the first of its kind,” said Cédric Hutchings, vice president of digital health at Nokia Technologies, in a statement.
Withings is the connected health company that was acquired by Nokia in June of this year. Since then, Nokia has pledged a commitment to digital health as a vital part of the company’s future. The acquisition was completed for $191 million, and since then, the two companies have gone on to add the Body Cardio to the company’s line of connected scales as well as launch the Thermo Wi-Fi thermometer.
According to a statement sent to MobileSyrup, the Steel HR will be available starting October exclusively on withings.com. The 36mm version will cost $179.95 US and the 40mm version will cost $199.95 US.
We’ve reached out to Withings to inquire about Canadian availability and will update when we receive a response.
Related: Withings introduces two new connected scales that monitor heart rate and the weather
[source]Withings[/source]
