Separating from Nokia appears to have been a great decision for health accessory maker Withings, as the company today announced three legitimately compelling new products ahead of CES: a customizable activity tracker called Move, an electrocardiogram-recording version of the tracker called Move ECG, and a next-generation heart monitoring device called BPM Core. Each improves significantly upon an earlier Withings release.
The simplest of the devices is the entry-level Move, a fitness and sleep tracker in the guise of an analog watch. As the latest follow-up to the company's $450 2014-vintage Activité and $150 2015 sequel Activité Pop, the $70 Move is leaning on two key features to differentiate itself from innumerable rivals: an 18-month battery, and a wide variety of personalization options.
Battery life has been a major focus for Withings watches since early days, as the company has sought to contrast the longevity of its analog wearables with the day- or week-long lifespans of digital competitors. Paired via Bluetooth LE to Withings' Health Mate app, the 38mm housing tracks steps, multiple types of workouts, and sleep patterns. One of its three dials is dedicated to a 0-100 activity progress meter tied into the app, while the other two dials tell the time.
Move will initially launch on February 5 with five different color schemes, including black, light blue, dark blue, green, and red wristbands. Each month and on "special occasions" throughout 2019, the company will introduce new color, case, glass type, and wristband options, with complete customization -- including "down to the colors of the dials" -- coming later in the year.
For $130, Move ECG takes one big step forward in functionality, enabling users to take electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to detect atrial fibrillation. Three total electrodes are included in the watch's frame: two "discreetly" within the watch's body, and the third within the bezel. To generate an ECG, users touch both sides of the bezel for 30 seconds, which the watch will signal with a vibration. Results can be viewed in the Health Mate app and shared with health care professionals.
The key to Move ECG's appeal is that price tag. Apple's Series 4 Apple Watch was the first consumer device to include a completely standalone ECG reader, but it starts at $399. Withings' price is only $30 more than Kardia's $100 ECG accessories, which depend upon other phones or watches to function.
