The innovative Basis fitness watch (hands-on)

The $199 Basis Band from Basis Science puts a new spin on the personal health monitor. Like many similar products on the market, such as the Jawbone Up, Nike FuelBand, and Fitbit Flex, this watch-style gadget functions as a pedometer to track steps and basic activity level. Additionally the Basis can measure how long and how well you sleep, a trick both the Up and Flex manage as well. What really sets the Basis Band apart from other fitness devices is that it also keeps an eye on heart rate, skin temperature, and perspiration. The gadget can use several criteria to measure the intensity of your activity and record sleep data automatically, the first device of its kind to do so. Also innovative is how the Basis Band pushes users to adopt "healthy habits" such as burning more calories taking walks throughout the day. Combine this with the product’s new wireless Bluetooth-syncing capabilities plus Android app and it’s easy to see why the Basis is a very compelling personal fitness solution.
Design
When I first got my hands on the Basis Band, I admit I wasn’t blown away by the its styling. At first glance the Basis looks like a standard, even basic digital watch. It’s not exactly thin, either; its monochrome LCD screen is small, and there’s only one obvious button, which is located on the right edge.
Flip the watch over, however, and you’ll begin to realize that this is no ordinary timepiece. On the bottom of the device are six stud-shaped sensors plus two green LED lights. The Basis uses these to measure your heart rate by estimating bloodflow through your skin.

An array of sensors records biometric stats.

(Credit: Brian Bennett/CNET)

Additionally, the four silver circles placed in each corner of the watch face (which I immediately thought were ordinary screws) are actually capacitive buttons. The two buttons on the right cycle through views for steps, calories, and heart rate (either up or down). The key in the top-left corner activates the Basis Band’s backlight, and tapping the bottom-left button pulls up the date.
It turns out that these fancy touch-sensitive controls aren’t just for show. They help you operate the watch in wet environs without fear of moisture entering the Basis’ chassis. Indeed the Basis Band is splash resistant so taking it out in the rain or keeping it on in the shower isn’t a problem.
On the left edge of the watch are four metal contacts. They connect to the Basis Band’s wired charging cradle, which in turn plugs into USB ports. The folks at Basis Science claim the watch’s lithium polymer battery can run the Band for four days straight between charges.
Features
As mentioned before, the Basis Band uses a built-in accelerometer to record the steps you take. But its features go way beyond the average pedometer. The device relies on a pair of green LED emitters to pulse light into your wrist periodically. An optical sensor simultaneously uses the pulse to calculate the amount of blood flowing through your skin, and ultimately your heart rate.
Other sensors take note of your skin temperature and perspiration level. Since body temp typically drops significantly during sleep, as does heart rate, the Basis uses the data its sensors generates to determine the length and quality of your slumbering. What’s more, the device does so automatically. Other gadgets, such as the Jawbone Up and Fitbit Flex, require you to press a button to begin sleep logging. After a very long day, remembering this step can be a tall order. What’s really innovative about the Basis Band and the Basis system is how it’s built around what the company calls "healthy habits." Essentially, to buy into the Basis lifestyle, you must adopt habits for various preset behavior patterns. For instance a "Get More Sleep" habit asks you to log a certain amount of sleep for at least one night a week. The better you perform, i.e. more nights you fulfill your requirements, the more points you earn.
You can then use the points accrued toward opening up access to more habits. Gaining more habits ups the level of your profile, which also rewards you with more-demanding habits to choose from -- and I imagine some bragging rights, too.

The Basis Band now syncs via Bluetooth to Android smartphones running a custom app.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

A new ability, and one that Basis has been promising since it first showcased the Basis Band a few years ago, is wireless syncing via Bluetooth to a companion Android app. I had the privilege of taking the application for a short spin ahead of its official launch. I have to say that I’m impressed. The software is smooth and aside from a brief glitch or two, it operates as advertised.
Also, while the Basis app is only officially supposed to function on Samsung’s Galaxy S2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note, and Galaxy Note 2 handsets, I successfully had the software up and running on my HTC One and LG Nexus 4 test phones. Be advised that you'll only be able to download the Basis application from the Google Play store using officially sanctioned devices.

Unlock new habits to complete by gaining points.

(Credit: Screenshot by Brian Bennett/CNET)

Outlook
I had high hopes for the Basis Band when it debuted a while back at CES 2012. I was concerned, though, when the promised Bluetooth-to-Android phone syncing didn’t materialize in a timely manner. Now that Basis Science has brought these features onboard, I have renewed enthusiasm for the Basis solution.
Sure, it can be cumbersome to wear a watch 24-7, especially one as thick as the Basis Band. That said, it’s relatively compact and light compared with many all-metal timepieces I’ve owned. I also think the habit approach to changing people’s behavior has a shot to succeed and hopefully motivates others (other than just the fitness-crazed) to live a better lifestyle. That said, it may be difficult to get your hands on a Basis since the company's Web site says units are currently out of stock. Be sure to check back soon for a full review of the Basis Band.

Source : cnet.com