Withings debuted its Smart Body Analyzer scale at CES 2013, and as of today, the scale is available for purchase.
Like its previous Wi-Fi Body Scale, Withings' Smart Body Analyzer tracks weight and body fat, but this updated version also monitors heart rate and environmental air quality.
Air quality detection might seem like a strange addition to a scale, but Withings says that the feature, which measures ambient temperature and carbon dioxide levels, is designed as a sleep and health aid.
High levels of CO2 can produce a range of adverse health effects: deterioration of sleep quality, headaches, dizziness, restlessness, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, etc. By monitoring and managing indoor air quality, people can live and sleep in a healthier environment.
The scale, which requires four AAA batteries to function, sends the information that it collects to Withings' cloud service, which works in conjunction with the company's Health Mate app. The data can also be accessed by third party apps like RunKeeper and Fitbit.
Withings' Smart Body Analyzer is currently available from the Withings website for $149.95.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Also, I now just jump on the scale, wait 5 seconds, then jump in the shower. Don't have to write anything down, don't have to remember anything. I can show my doctor my weight for every day (that I am home) since Dec. 2011, which you must decide if it is worth it. It also works with others in the household, so a family of 4 can all do the same. This is well worth the cost IMO.
Not sure why this needs to be sending info to the cloud. The app should be fine without this cloud crap. I guess as long as they can mind more personal data from people, the more they can "monetize" in the future.
Where would the data be stored if it wasn't in the "cloud"? If it was stored locally, you'd have to be at the scale to see it, if it was stored on your smartphone/device, they would have to be paired and you would have to have your device with you to weigh yourself. It takes your weight, attaches it to your account, and the app on your phone pulls it down from their servers.Next thing you know, your health insurance company is raising your pemium because you gained 5 lbs...
Next thing you know, your health insurance company is raising your pemium because you gained 5 lbs...
Ooopsss wrong thread.
Also, the Co2 sensor readings at floor level might be much different than the Co2 levels at sleeping, sitting or standing level.
If the passive ventilation in your bedroom is so bad that the air isn't moving around enough to stop (what are really very light and easy to mix) gasses pooling then you've got a much bigger problem to deal with!Just note- these devices measure BMI, not body fat. I found out this distinction out after i purchased one of their scales.
That's incorrect. Withings make three different models of scale with different features : Two are scales with 'body composition' measurements (i.e. they measure body fat percentage) and one is a vanilla scale. You probably bought the cheaper one without! Go read the model list on their website... and yes, I know this because I own one and track daily.----------
Emphasis on "rough." BIA measurements are very sensitive to hydration, so you'll get a different answer in the morning than in the evening as your hydration levels change, etc.
I agree - however if you monitor daily, the variation can be overcome by statistical methods such as moving averages (as the withings app does). Also, I get great results on my 1st gen one by measuring every morning just after getting up. I don't drink water through the night so this leaves me in a relatively predictable state. Looking at my history this gives me around +/- 1% accuracy on readings which is perfectly fine but really works best if you combine with weight to give you a fat mass reading not percentage! The moving average lets me see trend changes in a week or two (using daily readings). Bear in mind that the same accuracy caveats is true with raw weight - the contents of your digestive system will easily add +/- 1Kg to weight so I see as pretty similar accuracies and similar strategies to mitigate.It's more accurate than not measuring your body fat, I suppose, but shouldn't really be taken as "truth."
If you use it armed with some knowledge and understanding it's a great tool.