The high-tech scale that can track
data on your weight, body fat and heart rate
Withings makes a range of smart phone
connected health devices, including scales and blood-pressure monitors. The
latest is the Smart Body Analyzer WS-50 scale which can communicate with
Android and Apple tablets and smartphones via Bluetooth. Unlike Withings'
previous scales which can be configured using your PC - you must have a
smartphone or tablet to set up the WS-50. Just pair the WS-50 with your mobile
device and install the Withings Health Mate app, which will prompt you to
create an account and link it to your scale.
The
high-tech scale that can track data on your weight, body fat and heart rate
The app synchronizes with the scale and
tracks your measurements. By default it uses US-style pounds-only measurements,
but you can change the units of measurement in the settings menu. You can also
connect the scale with your wireless network and access your recorded data by
logging into the Withings website (www.withings.corn). Both the web interface
and mobile app make it easy to track your progress towards your weight goals.
Up to eight people can use the scale, tracking their health data on their own
phone or tablet if they wish.
You can use the app and never log into a
web interface, but there are a few things you can only do on the web, such as
setting goals for fat loss. Both website and app occasionally feel clumsy, but
the graphs generated from all the collected data are excellent. You can even
link your scale to other body-monitoring tools, such as the RunKeeper app and
MyFitnessPal nutrition- tracking website.
Works
with Android and iOS
The scale is very accurate at measuring
your weight. For body-fat and muscle analysis, it has three different profiles.
Most people should use the standard profile, but if you have a lot of muscle,
you should switch to the 'athlete' profile to get more accurate figures. The
third profile is designed specifically for people of South East Asian descent
who typically have fat distributed in their bodies differently to Caucasians.
The
Health Mate app works with the scales in order to show fat mass, heart rate and
weight loss
The WS-50 uses the bioelectrical impedance
analysis method to assess how much lean mass and body fat you have. Scientists
dispute the accuracy of the measurements generated by this method, but it's
good enough to show how your fat loss is progressing. Cleverly, the WS-50 has
sensors and indicators on its display to make sure you're standing in the
correct position.
You
can use the app and never log into a web interface, but there are a few things
you can only do on the web, such as setting goals for Fat-Loss
Our verdict
Great if you want to easily track your
weight and other measurements, but you pay a high price for the convenience
Key points
Simple to set up • Makes record keeping
easy • Works with Android and iOS • Expensive
Best price online
Website: www.snipca.com
Price: $195
Alternative
Withings Wireless Scale WS-30
Price: $135
A cheaper version of the WS-50, but without
the heart rate and carbon dioxide monitors
