Difference between revisions of "Fitbit"

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<table style="border: 1px solid #AAA; border-spacing: 3px; background-color: #F9F9F9; color: #000; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; float: right; clear: right; font-size: 88%; line-height: 1.5em; width:22em">
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{{BodyWornWearables|
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name_of_device=Fitbit Charge|
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<tr>
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image_file_name=fitbit.png|
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<th colspan="2" style="text-align:center;font-size:125%;font-weight:bold">Fitbit Charge</th>
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category=Limb-mounted|
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</tr>
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developer=Fitbit|
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developer_commentary=|
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<tr>
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announced=October 2014|
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<td colspan="2" style="text-align:center">[[File:fitbit.png|250px]]
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announced_commentary=|
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</td>
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developer_release=|
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</tr>
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developer_release_commentary=|
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consumers_release=November 2014|
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<tr>
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consumers_release_commentary=<ref name="ref14">FITBIT STAFF. Fitbit Charge, Charge HR & Surge: Welcome to a Whole New World of Fitness [online]. October 27, 2014. Available online at: https://blog.fitbit.com/fitbit-charge-charge-hr-surge-welcome-to-a-whole-new-world-of-fitness/ (Retrieved December 15, 2015 </ref>|
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<th scope="row">Category</th>
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price=129.95|
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<td>[[Is categorized as::Limb-mounted]]</td>
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price_commentary=(July 2017) <ref name="ref13">Fitbit Store [online]. July 11, 2017. Available online at: https://www.fitbit.com/us/shop/charge2 (Retrieved 11th July, 2017)</ref>|
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</tr>
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operating_system=iOS, Windows Phone, Windows 10, Android|
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operating_system_commentary=|
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<tr>
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sensors1=3-axis accelerometer|
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<th scope="row">Developer</th>
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sensors2=Altimeter|
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<td>[[Developed by::Fitbit]]</td>
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sensors3=pedometer|
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</tr>
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sensors3=heart-rate tracking|
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sensors_commentary=|
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<tr>
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weight=23|
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<th scope="row">Announced</th>
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weight_commentary=|
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<td>[[Announced in::October 2014]]</td>
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controls1=smartphone|
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</tr>
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controls_commentary=<ref name="ref1"/>|
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data_available=|
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<tr>
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risk_factor=|
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<th scope="row">Released</th>
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standalone_not_standalone=Standalone|
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<td>Developers: [[Released for developers in::]]
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link_to_website= https://www.fitbit.com |
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<br/>Consumers: [[Released for consumers::November 2014]]<ref name="ref14">Fitbit Charge, Charge HR & Surge: Welcome to a Whole New World of Fitness [online]. December 15, 2015. Available online at: https://blog.fitbit.com/fitbit-charge-charge-hr-surge-welcome-to-a-whole-new-world-of-fitness/ </ref></td>
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}}
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</tr>
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Fitbit Charge is one in a series of smart fitness trackers from the American company Fitbit. Like its predecessors, it is characterised by simple design. The wristband is equipped with sensor that is able to scan daily activity of its owner, including his workout and sleep activities. Fitbit Charge is compatible with several operating systems.<ref name="ref1">Energize your day. October 20, 2015. Fitbit [online]. Available online at: http://www.fitbit.com/charge </ref>
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<!-- Very brief description of the technology. This section should contain the main information about the subject. It's good to leave this bit as the last one and use the information provided in greater detail in later sections.-->
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<tr>
 
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<th scope="row">Price</th>
 
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<td>[[Costs::130]] EUR <ref name="ref13">Fitbit Store [online]. December 13, 2015. Available online at: https://www.fitbit.com/eu/store </ref></td>
 
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</tr>
 
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<tr>
 
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<th scope="row">Operating system</th>
 
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<td>[[Operating system is::IOS]], [[Operating system is::Windows Phone]], [[Operating system is::Windows 10]], [[Operating system is::Android]]</td>
 
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</tr>
 
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<tr>
 
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<th scope="row">Sensors</th>
 
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<td>[[Has sensors::3-axis accelerometer]], [[Has sensors::Altimeter]], [[Has sensors::Vibration motor]]</td>
 
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</tr>
 
  
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<tr>
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== Main Characteristics ==
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<th scope="row">Weight</th>
 
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<td>[[Weights::23]] g</td>
 
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</tr>
 
  
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<tr>
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Fitbit Charge is a smart wristband for all-day use. It is composed of an elastic strip innocuous to human skin, a metal fastening similar to conventional watches, a small rectangular OLED display, and sensors for scanning activity of the wearer. Of course, it also displays the current time. The wristband has a variety of essential functions from the pedometer, which measures achieved time and distance, to monitoring the user's sleep, and provides a silent alarm. One last useful function is the monitoring of incoming call notification.<ref name="ref1"/> The Charge model is the basic version of this series. In addition to basic functions, Model Charge HR is equipped with a heart rate sensor and GPS, and displays real-time states of activities in an application on the owner’s smartphone.<ref name="ref2"> MRÁZ. Jakub. Recenze Fitbit Charge HR: srdeční záležitost pro každého. February 19,2015. [online]. Available online at: http://mobilenet.cz/clanky/recenze-fitbit-charge-hr-srdecni-zalezitost-pro-kazdeho-19083 (Retrieved October 20,2015)</ref> <ref name="ref3">STABLES. James. ​Fitbit Charge HR review. December 15, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-hr-review (Retrieved December 20, 2015)</ref>  
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<th scope="row">Controls</th>
 
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<td>[[Controls are::]]</td>
 
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</tr>
 
  
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<tr>
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The wristband is durable due to its material. The manufacturer states it is waterproof to 1 ATM, but only to sweat and rain. Therefore, it is not suitable for swimming or showering. Charge is equipped with three sensors: the accelerometer records the frequency and speed of physical activity; the altimeter works together with the accelerometer to measure the number of floors achieved per day. The vibrating motor displays notifications. In the case of incoming calls, the motor will vibrate slightly to signal the holder about the event. However, it is not possible to receive calls directly through the device.<ref name="ref4"> DC RAINMAKER. A few quick thoughts on Fitbit’s new activity trackers, GPS watch (with optical heart rate!) October 27, 2014.  [online]. Available online at: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/10/thoughts-activity-trackers.html (Retrieved November 10, 2015) </ref> <ref name="ref5">JARY. Simon. Fitbit Charge review: stats visible on wrist display. December 17, 2014 [online]. Available online at: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/activity-trackers/fitbit-charge-review-3584377/ (Retrieved November 10, 2015)</ref>
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<th scope="row">Data available</th>
 
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<td>[[Data available are::Good]]</td>
 
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</tr>
 
  
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<tr>
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The developer highlights a long life battery and compatibility with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to PCs. After pairing with applications in mobile phones or another desktop, the application is able to display customised settings of the wristband that features important information about the owner’s activity, such as number of steps completed, duration of motion and workout, distance, and number of burned calories. The wristband stores this information in the application and monitored for a long period of time.<ref name="ref1"/>
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<th scope="row">Risk factor</th>
 
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<td>[[Possible hazard is::Moderate]]</td>
 
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</tr>
 
  
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<tr>
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In order to take advantage of the full use of all of its functions, Fitbit Charge must be installed on users’ smartphones or other devices. Fitbit has developed a unified application that is compatible with a variety of operating systems and platforms, including Windows iPhone, iOS, and Android. The developers provide a list of devices that are suitable for Fitbit on their website. The synchronisation wristband with the phone passes through Bluetooth 4.0 and runs over a distance of up to 6 metres (20 feet). Transfer of information to the computer runs via Windows (Vista and later), Mac OS X (and later), iPad 3 Gen (and later), and leading Android and Windows devices.<ref name="ref1"/><ref name="ref3" />
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<td colspan="2" style="text-align:center">Standalone<ref>Shows if the device is a standalone wearable computer or if it needs to be connected to a processing unit to function.</ref></td>
 
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</tr>
 
  
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<tr>
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Other Fitbit models produced in 2015 include:<ref name="ref11">FITBIT. [online]. Available online at: http://www.fitbit.com  (Retrieved December 06 2015)</ref>
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<td colspan="2" style="text-align:center">www.fitbit.com</td>
 
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</tr>
 
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</table>
 
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Fitbit Charge is one of a series of smart fitness trackers from the American company Fitbit. It is characterized by, like its predecessors, simple design. The wristband is equipped with sensor which is able to scan all day activity of the owner, his workout and his sleep activity. Fitbit Charge is compatible with several operating systems. <ref name="ref1" />Energize your day. 2015. Fitbit[online]. Available online at:http://www.fitbit.com/charge (Retrieved October 20 2015)</ref>
 
−
<!-- Very brief description of the technology. This section should contain the main information about the subject. It's good to leave this bit as the last one and use the information provided in greater detail in later sections.-->
 
−
 
 
−
== Main characteristics ==
 
−
Fitbit Charge is a smart wristband for all-day use. It is composed of an elastic strip innocuous to human skin, a metal fastening similar to conventional watches, small rectangular OLED display and sensors for scanning activity of the wearer. Of course there is also displaying the current time. The wristband has a variety of essential functions from the pedometer, which measures the achieved time and distance, to monitoring the user's sleep and a silent alarm. The last useful function is the monitoring incoming call notification.<ref name="ref1" /> Charge model is the basic version of this series. Model Charge HR is equipped in addition to basic functions even heart rate sensor, GPS and display real-time state of activities in an application on your smartphone.<ref name="ref2">http://mobilenet.cz/clanky/recenze-fitbit-charge-hr-srdecni-zalezitost-pro-kazdeho-19083 (Retrieved October 20 2015)</ref> <ref name="ref3">http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-hr-review (Retrieved October 20 2015)</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
The wristband is durable due to its material. The manufacturer states waterproof to 1 ATM, but only to sweat and rain. It is not therefore suitable for swimming or showering routine. Charge is equipped with three sensors - accelometer records physical activity, its frequency and speed. Altimeter is capable with accelometrem measure together the number of floors achieved per day. Vibrating motor is needed for displaying notifications. In the case of incoming call motor will vibrate slightly to warn holder about the event. However, it is not possible to receive calls directly through the device.<ref name="ref4">http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/10/thoughts-activity-trackers.html (Retrieved November 10 2015)</ref> <ref name="ref5">http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/activity-trackers/fitbit-charge-review-3584377/ (Retrieved November 10 2015)</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
Developer highlights long life battery and compatibility with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to PCs. After pairing with application in mobile phone or another desk, application is able to display customized settings of wristband, important informations about owner’s activity – number of steps, duration of motion and workout, distance, quantity of steps, but also a number of burned calories. Wristband stores these information in application and are long time monitored. <ref name="ref1">http://www.fitbit.com/charge (Retrieved October 20 2015)</ref>
 
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For full use of all functions Fitbit Charge is necessary to have installed the original application on your smartphone or other device. Fitbit has developed a unified application that is compatible with a variety of operating systems and platforms - Windows Phone, iOS and Android. Developers provides a list of devices that are suitable for Fitbit on their website. Synchronization wristband with phone pass through Bluetooth 4.0 and runs over a distance of up to 6 meters (20 feet). Transfer of information to computer runs via a Windows (Vista and later), Mac OS X and above, iPad 3 gen and up and leading Android and Windows device.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref3" />
 
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Other Fitbit models (produced in 2015)<ref name="ref11">http://www.fitbit.com (Retrieved December 06 2015)</ref>
 
  
 
* Fitbit Zip
 
* Fitbit Zip
Line 95: Line 49:
 
* Fitbit Charge HR
 
* Fitbit Charge HR
 
* Fitbit Surge
 
* Fitbit Surge
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<!-- This section should describe the technology in more detail. Here should be information about the used hardware and software, available features, chemical composition and so on, provided that they are available. Second half of this section should offer information on history of the technology. When it was created, unveiled, developed, announced to the public or when it was available to purchase. Anything related to the technology that can be pinpointed to a certain date should be in this section together with relevant commentary.-->
 
  
 
=== Purpose ===
 
=== Purpose ===
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Fitbit is smart device, which is able to monitoring owner's all-day and fitness activity. Throughout the stored information monitors and assists the wearer to achieve better results in his fitness and healthy lifestyle.
+
 
−
<!-- This is a very short description of the technology's purpose. What will it be doing, for what goal was it created, how it modifies human cognition. Keep this as brief as possible. -->
+
Fitbit is a smart device that is able to monitor its owner's daily life and fitness activities. Through the monitoring of stored information, it assists the wearer in achieving better results within a fitness-focussed and healthy lifestyle.
  
 
=== Company & People ===
 
=== Company & People ===
−
Fitbit was founded in 2007 in San Francisco, CA.<ref name="ref1">http://www.fitbit.com/charge (Retrieved October 20 2015)</ref>  
+
 
 +
Fitbit was founded in 2007 in San Francisco, CA.<ref name="ref1"/>  
  
 
* James Park - CEO, President & Co-Founder
 
* James Park - CEO, President & Co-Founder
−
* Eric N. Friedman - Chief technology officer & Co-Founder
+
* Eric N. Friedman - Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder
−
* Edward M. Scal - Chief revenue officer
+
* Edward M. Scal - Chief Revenue Officer
−
* Bill Zerella - Chief financial officer
+
* Bill Zerella - Chief Financial Officer
 
* Steven Soderberg - VP, Information Technology
 
* Steven Soderberg - VP, Information Technology
−
<!-- This is a list of important people behind the technology. Note: It is not necessary to list absolutely everyone. -->
 
  
 
== Important Dates ==
 
== Important Dates ==
−
* Fitbit was founded in May 1 2007 in San Francisco. <ref name="ref9">https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/fitbit#/entity (Retrieved December 4 2015)</ref>
+
 
−
* Fitbit iPhone App is availible in October 2011.<ref name="ref10" />
+
* May 1 2007: Fitbit was founded in San Francisco. <ref name="ref9"> Company Details. [online]. Available online at: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/fitbit#/entity (Retrieved December 4 2015)</ref>
−
* Fitbit Zip is announced in September 2012.<ref name="ref10" />
+
* October 2011: Fitbit iPhone App was available.<ref name="ref10" />
−
* Fitbit Flex is announced in January 2013.<ref name="ref10" />
+
* September 2012: Fitbit Zip was announced.<ref name="ref10" />
−
* Fitbit Windows Phone platform is availible in July 2014.<ref name="ref10" />
+
* January 2013: Fitbit Flex was announced.<ref name="ref10" />
−
* Fitbit Charge, Charge HR and Surge is announced in October 2014.<ref name="ref10">https://blog.fitbit.com/category/fitbit-news/product-announcements/ (Retrieved December 4 2015)</ref>
+
* July 2014: Fitbit Windows Phone platform was available.<ref name="ref10" />
−
<!-- A list of important dates in the development and history of the technology. Use the information provided in the second half of the Main characteristics section and make it into a short, unnumbered list. -->
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* October 2014: Fitbit Charge, Charge HR and Surge was announced.<ref name="ref10"> FITBIT STAFF. Product News & Updates. [online]. Available online at: https://blog.fitbit.com/category/fitbit-news/product-announcements/ (Retrieved December 4 2015)</ref>
  
 
== Ethical Issues ==
 
== Ethical Issues ==
−
There has not been reavealed any strong ethical issues related to Fitbit device. One problem could be the protection of user privacy. This question, however, relates to almost all the wearables that operate on the basis of providing personal information to an external processor, most equipment manufacturers or another organization.<ref name="ref8" /> Most manufacturers, however assures their customers that their data are secure against misuse.
 
−
<!-- Provide detailed information (if possible or if available) about any ethical risks and related ethical topics or dilemmas in this section. --->
 
  
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[[File:Fitbit force irritation.jpg|thumbnail|Fitbit Force Skin Irritation]]
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No serious ethical issues have been revealed in regards to the Fitbit device. One problem could be the protection of user privacy. This question, however, relates to almost all the wearables that operate on the basis of providing personal information to an external processor, most equipment manufacturers, or other organisations.<ref name="ref8" /> Most manufacturers, however, assure their customers that their data are secure against misuse.
  
 
== Health Risks ==
 
== Health Risks ==
−
Skin irritation appeared at users wrist in one of the models. First, Fitbit Force, which was already recalled last year. For models Charge and Charge HR are emerging similar difficulties. Fitbit company reacts to complaints as misconduct with the hygiene recommendations. Skin burning could be caused by sweat, water held under band<ref name="ref6">http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-skin-irritation-complaints-593 (Retrieved November 10 2015)</ref> or it could be alergy reaction to materials of device (band and nickel in stainless steel).<ref name="ref7">http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/Is-my-Charge-Charge-HR-or-Surge-safe-to-wear (Retrieved November 10 2015)</ref>
+
[[File:Fitbit force irritation.jpg|thumbnail|Fitbit Force Skin Irritation]]
 +
Skin irritation appeared on users’ wrists for one of the models, Fitbit Force, which was recalled last year. Charge and Charge HR models are experiencing similar difficulties. The Fitbit company responds to complaints as a failure to abide by the hygiene recommendations. Skin burning could be caused by sweat, water held under the band,<ref name="ref6">STABLES. James. Fitbit Charge skin irritation complaints still plague company. February 13, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-skin-irritation-complaints-593 (Retrieved November 10 2015)</ref> or an allergic reaction to materials composing the device (band and nickel in stainless steel).<ref name="ref7">Fitbit Help. Is my Charge, Charge HR, or Surge safe to wear? February 19, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/Is-my-Charge-Charge-HR-or-Surge-safe-to-wear (Retrieved November 10 2015)</ref>
  
−
Some US insurers together with the employers included smart bracelets like Fitbit in their wellness programs. The aim of these programs is to force clients to invest more time and money in their health. The motivation for clients shall be reduction of the rate of health insurance they must pay. Many North American companies now invests in improving the health of of their employees through the purchase of smart bracelets. These programs offer more benefits than just the reduction of obligatory insurance. In addition to the health, employees can turn their achieved goals , for example, in a day off. <ref name="ref8">http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-21/wear-this-device-so-the-boss-knows-you-re-losing-weight (Retrieved November 9 2015)</ref>
+
Some US insurers, together with the employers, included smart bracelets like Fitbit into their wellness programs. The aim of these programs is to force clients to invest more time and money in their health. The motivation for clients is reduction in the rate of health insurance they must pay. Many North American companies now invest in improving the health of their employees through the purchase of smart bracelets. These programs offer more benefits than just the reduction of obligatory insurance. In addition to health benefits, employees can exchange their achieved goals with a day off, for example.<ref name="ref8">SATARIANO. Adam. Wear This Device So the Boss Knows You’re Losing Weight. August 21, 2014. [online]. Available online at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-21/wear-this-device-so-the-boss-knows-you-re-losing-weight (Retrieved November 9 2015)</ref>  
−
<!-- Any related health issues, be it already discovered and covered in literature, or just speculative ones, should be described and properly cited in this section. -->
 
  
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
−
Fitbit products are not recognized as medical aids. Users use this device to improve their health through the monitoring of their physical activity all day long. It is therefore a wellness device that can help users to lead a healthy lifestyle. Due to the functions of mobile applications (from the activity monitor to entry the menu), the user himself watching his daily routine and in accordance with the recommendations he can prevent various health complications.
+
 
−
<!-- Describe in detail whether the technology aims to enhance human cognition, i.e. to improve human abilities beyond what is considered normal, and/or if it is also applicable as a form of treatment or therapy, i.e. it can serve to cure patients or restore abilities that do not perform as they would in a healthy person -->
+
Fitbit products are not recognised as medical aids. Owners use this device to improve their health through the monitoring of their daily physical activity. It is therefore a wellness device that can help users lead a healthy lifestyle. Due to the functions of mobile applications (from the activity monitor to the entry menu), users watch their daily routine, and in accordance with the recommendations they can prevent various health complications.
  
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
−
Fitbit is a term among wearables and came to the attention of the media. Each new model Fitbit is very expected. Most mentions of this technology is in the form of user and expert reviews. Although Fitbit has media attention only of fans and users, they also have negative advertising. In 5/2015 Fitbit was accused by its main competitor, by Jawbone, taking over employees and stealing know-how.<ref name="ref12">http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/business/dealbook/jawbone-sues-fitbit-over-data-plundering-by-ex-employees.html?_r=1 (Retrieved December 07 2015)</ref>
+
 
−
<!-- Provide information about the impact the technology had on the public and how the technology is presented in the media or literature. If there was anything in the news regarding this technology, it should be noted and properly cited here. -->
+
There is a hype around the introduction of each model of Fitbit. Most mentions of this technology are in the form of user and expert reviews. Although Fitbit has experienced good reviews from its fans and users, it also has some negative publicity. In May 2015, Fitbit was accused by its main competitor, Jawbone, of taking over employees and stealing know-how information.<ref name="ref12">de la MERCED. Michael J. Jawbone Accuses Fitbit of Stealing Information by Hiring Workers Away. May 27, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/business/dealbook/jawbone-sues-fitbit-over-data-plundering-by-ex-employees.html?_r=1 (Retrieved December 07 2015)</ref>
  
 
== Public Policy ==
 
== Public Policy ==
  
−
There is not established some legislation regarding the protection of personal data provided by the user. The data are stored in the web interface, which can lead to information theft, or other illegal dealing with personal data of individuals.
+
No legislation has been established regarding the protection of personal data provided by the user. Data are stored on the web interface, which can lead to information theft or other illegal dealings with the personal data of individuals.
−
<!-- Information related to any regulations (law, patents, ISOs, government recommendations and so on.) -->
 
  
−
== Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research ==
+
== Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research ==
−
There is no related technologies, project or scientific research.  
+
 
 +
There are no related technologies, projects, or scientific research.  
 
<!-- If there is any scientific research conducted or being conducted that is closely connected to this technology, it should be properly cited here. -->
 
<!-- If there is any scientific research conducted or being conducted that is closely connected to this technology, it should be properly cited here. -->
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
−
 
  
 
[[Category:External Hardware or Software]]
 
[[Category:External Hardware or Software]]

Latest revision as of 14:38, 11 July 2017

Fitbit Charge
Fitbit.png
Category Limb-mounted
Developer Fitbit
Announced October 2014
Released Developers:
Consumers: November 2014 [1]
Price 129.95 USD (July 2017) [2]
Operating system iOS, Windows Phone, Windows 10, Android
Sensors

3-axis accelerometer, Altimeter, heart-rate tracking

Weight 23 g
Controls

smartphone [3]

Data available
Risk factor
Standalone
https://www.fitbit.com

Fitbit Charge is one in a series of smart fitness trackers from the American company Fitbit. Like its predecessors, it is characterised by simple design. The wristband is equipped with sensor that is able to scan daily activity of its owner, including his workout and sleep activities. Fitbit Charge is compatible with several operating systems.[3]

Main Characteristics

Fitbit Charge is a smart wristband for all-day use. It is composed of an elastic strip innocuous to human skin, a metal fastening similar to conventional watches, a small rectangular OLED display, and sensors for scanning activity of the wearer. Of course, it also displays the current time. The wristband has a variety of essential functions from the pedometer, which measures achieved time and distance, to monitoring the user's sleep, and provides a silent alarm. One last useful function is the monitoring of incoming call notification.[3] The Charge model is the basic version of this series. In addition to basic functions, Model Charge HR is equipped with a heart rate sensor and GPS, and displays real-time states of activities in an application on the owner’s smartphone.[4] [5]

The wristband is durable due to its material. The manufacturer states it is waterproof to 1 ATM, but only to sweat and rain. Therefore, it is not suitable for swimming or showering. Charge is equipped with three sensors: the accelerometer records the frequency and speed of physical activity; the altimeter works together with the accelerometer to measure the number of floors achieved per day. The vibrating motor displays notifications. In the case of incoming calls, the motor will vibrate slightly to signal the holder about the event. However, it is not possible to receive calls directly through the device.[6] [7]

The developer highlights a long life battery and compatibility with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to PCs. After pairing with applications in mobile phones or another desktop, the application is able to display customised settings of the wristband that features important information about the owner’s activity, such as number of steps completed, duration of motion and workout, distance, and number of burned calories. The wristband stores this information in the application and monitored for a long period of time.[3]

In order to take advantage of the full use of all of its functions, Fitbit Charge must be installed on users’ smartphones or other devices. Fitbit has developed a unified application that is compatible with a variety of operating systems and platforms, including Windows iPhone, iOS, and Android. The developers provide a list of devices that are suitable for Fitbit on their website. The synchronisation wristband with the phone passes through Bluetooth 4.0 and runs over a distance of up to 6 metres (20 feet). Transfer of information to the computer runs via Windows (Vista and later), Mac OS X (and later), iPad 3 Gen (and later), and leading Android and Windows devices.[3][5]

Other Fitbit models produced in 2015 include:[8]

  • Fitbit Zip
  • Fitbit One
  • Fitbit Flex
  • Fitbit Charge HR
  • Fitbit Surge

Purpose

Fitbit is a smart device that is able to monitor its owner's daily life and fitness activities. Through the monitoring of stored information, it assists the wearer in achieving better results within a fitness-focussed and healthy lifestyle.

Company & People

Fitbit was founded in 2007 in San Francisco, CA.[3]

  • James Park - CEO, President & Co-Founder
  • Eric N. Friedman - Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder
  • Edward M. Scal - Chief Revenue Officer
  • Bill Zerella - Chief Financial Officer
  • Steven Soderberg - VP, Information Technology

Important Dates

  • May 1 2007: Fitbit was founded in San Francisco. [9]
  • October 2011: Fitbit iPhone App was available.[10]
  • September 2012: Fitbit Zip was announced.[10]
  • January 2013: Fitbit Flex was announced.[10]
  • July 2014: Fitbit Windows Phone platform was available.[10]
  • October 2014: Fitbit Charge, Charge HR and Surge was announced.[10]

Ethical Issues

No serious ethical issues have been revealed in regards to the Fitbit device. One problem could be the protection of user privacy. This question, however, relates to almost all the wearables that operate on the basis of providing personal information to an external processor, most equipment manufacturers, or other organisations.[11] Most manufacturers, however, assure their customers that their data are secure against misuse.

Health Risks

Fitbit Force Skin Irritation

Skin irritation appeared on users’ wrists for one of the models, Fitbit Force, which was recalled last year. Charge and Charge HR models are experiencing similar difficulties. The Fitbit company responds to complaints as a failure to abide by the hygiene recommendations. Skin burning could be caused by sweat, water held under the band,[12] or an allergic reaction to materials composing the device (band and nickel in stainless steel).[13]

Some US insurers, together with the employers, included smart bracelets like Fitbit into their wellness programs. The aim of these programs is to force clients to invest more time and money in their health. The motivation for clients is reduction in the rate of health insurance they must pay. Many North American companies now invest in improving the health of their employees through the purchase of smart bracelets. These programs offer more benefits than just the reduction of obligatory insurance. In addition to health benefits, employees can exchange their achieved goals with a day off, for example.[11]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Fitbit products are not recognised as medical aids. Owners use this device to improve their health through the monitoring of their daily physical activity. It is therefore a wellness device that can help users lead a healthy lifestyle. Due to the functions of mobile applications (from the activity monitor to the entry menu), users watch their daily routine, and in accordance with the recommendations they can prevent various health complications.

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

There is a hype around the introduction of each model of Fitbit. Most mentions of this technology are in the form of user and expert reviews. Although Fitbit has experienced good reviews from its fans and users, it also has some negative publicity. In May 2015, Fitbit was accused by its main competitor, Jawbone, of taking over employees and stealing know-how information.[14]

Public Policy

No legislation has been established regarding the protection of personal data provided by the user. Data are stored on the web interface, which can lead to information theft or other illegal dealings with the personal data of individuals.

Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research

There are no related technologies, projects, or scientific research.

References

  1. ↑ FITBIT STAFF. Fitbit Charge, Charge HR & Surge: Welcome to a Whole New World of Fitness [online]. October 27, 2014. Available online at: https://blog.fitbit.com/fitbit-charge-charge-hr-surge-welcome-to-a-whole-new-world-of-fitness/ (Retrieved December 15, 2015
  2. ↑ Fitbit Store [online]. July 11, 2017. Available online at: https://www.fitbit.com/us/shop/charge2 (Retrieved 11th July, 2017)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Energize your day. October 20, 2015. Fitbit [online]. Available online at: http://www.fitbit.com/charge
  4. ↑ MRÁZ. Jakub. Recenze Fitbit Charge HR: srdeční záležitost pro každého. February 19,2015. [online]. Available online at: http://mobilenet.cz/clanky/recenze-fitbit-charge-hr-srdecni-zalezitost-pro-kazdeho-19083 (Retrieved October 20,2015)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 STABLES. James. ​Fitbit Charge HR review. December 15, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-hr-review (Retrieved December 20, 2015)
  6. ↑ DC RAINMAKER. A few quick thoughts on Fitbit’s new activity trackers, GPS watch (with optical heart rate!) October 27, 2014. [online]. Available online at: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/10/thoughts-activity-trackers.html (Retrieved November 10, 2015)
  7. ↑ JARY. Simon. Fitbit Charge review: stats visible on wrist display. December 17, 2014 [online]. Available online at: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/activity-trackers/fitbit-charge-review-3584377/ (Retrieved November 10, 2015)
  8. ↑ FITBIT. [online]. Available online at: http://www.fitbit.com (Retrieved December 06 2015)
  9. ↑ Company Details. [online]. Available online at: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/fitbit#/entity (Retrieved December 4 2015)
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 FITBIT STAFF. Product News & Updates. [online]. Available online at: https://blog.fitbit.com/category/fitbit-news/product-announcements/ (Retrieved December 4 2015)
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 SATARIANO. Adam. Wear This Device So the Boss Knows You’re Losing Weight. August 21, 2014. [online]. Available online at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-21/wear-this-device-so-the-boss-knows-you-re-losing-weight (Retrieved November 9 2015)
  12. ↑ STABLES. James. Fitbit Charge skin irritation complaints still plague company. February 13, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-charge-skin-irritation-complaints-593 (Retrieved November 10 2015)
  13. ↑ Fitbit Help. Is my Charge, Charge HR, or Surge safe to wear? February 19, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/Is-my-Charge-Charge-HR-or-Surge-safe-to-wear (Retrieved November 10 2015)
  14. ↑ de la MERCED. Michael J. Jawbone Accuses Fitbit of Stealing Information by Hiring Workers Away. May 27, 2015. [online]. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/business/dealbook/jawbone-sues-fitbit-over-data-plundering-by-ex-employees.html?_r=1 (Retrieved December 07 2015)
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