This is Halo, the new activity bracelet from Amazon. An interesting product that paves the way for the company towards a new field for them: that of health. Whether or not it is successful is something that we will see over time, but for now it comes with some striking new features and a payment service that it seems that it will not be the only one that we will see in this regard this year.
This is Amazon Halo
Amazon gets fully into the field of sports bracelets or physical activity quantifiers with Halo. Its first proposal offers some interesting novelties, although it will be difficult to gain a foothold in the market. Because at the bottom you have Xiaomi and its Mi Band 5, an economical and very capable proposal. And for that most demanding sector, the Apple Watch is practically the indisputable option. Even so, Halo, Amazon's activity bracelet he has an ace up his sleeve.
This surprise letter is none other than its application and subscription service that will offer the user an added value that many other proposals do not currently offer. Although we go in parts and first we know what Halo is like on a physical level.
As you can see, Halo is a simple bracelet with different types of bands that makes use of various sensors ranging from an accelerometer to another to measure heart rate, monitor sleep, and even incorporates microphones to analyze the user's voice. But there is no screen, no GPS module or WiFi connectivity. The only way of communication with the mobile phone is the Bluetooth connection.
These are them Amazon Halo main features:
- Quantifier bracelet with a module without screen, GPS or WiFi connectivity
- Bluetooth connection for phone pairing and data synchronization
- Sensors included: accelerometer, temperature sensor and heart rate monitor
- Two microphones with a button to mute them (they are not for using Alexa, that integration does not exist)
- Support for Android and iOS
- Interchangeable bands (15,99 for sport versions and $19,99 for cloth)
Knowing all this, as you can see it is an activity bracelet that physically attracts little attention, although that gives a little idea about where Amazon's shots are going. Here they want you to forget about the gadget itself and focus more on the data. Therefore, along with the bracelet comes a subscription service with the same name that will cost $3,99 per month.
This will be in charge of processing your data and proposing a series of challenges and routines so that you improve aspects of your day to day and with them healthy habits that allow you to be better in health issues.
For example, along with the already popular measurements of cardio exercise, sleep or heart rate, they will also be able to measure body fat and even the tone of voice. With one they will then give you indications to improve your physique and with the second they will be able to know your state of mind during the day. Without a doubt, they are two of the great values of this proposal.
How do you manage to collect the necessary data for both functions? Well, for the subject of body fat, the camera of your smartphone will be used to perform a 3D scan of your body. Thus, with that image, Amazon's algorithms analyze it and indicate an approximate value of body fat. For the second, the two microphones integrated into the bracelet are used. They listen to your tone and can tell when you are in a better mood or sadder.
Halo, Amazon and user privacy
At this point it is likely that, also knowing the problems and suspicions generated by the use of Alexa in the home, you wonder what about data privacy. Well, here as with almost any technology company you have to take a leap of faith. Sometimes it's more or less dangerous, but Amazon warns that they are taking many precautions so that they are one hundred percent safe.
Thus, the first thing he did was create a document where they explain well what type of data they collect, where they are stored and how to delete them if desired. Also, if you are interested in Halo, but some of its functions are not useful for you, you can deactivate them as they are all optional.
As extra details, there are points that are worth highlighting:
- Halo's profile is separate from your Amazon account. Therefore, whether or not you are overweight, they will not recommend dietary products when you enter the store.
- Data can be deleted at any time
- The most compromised ones such as digital scanning or those referring to voice can be eliminated individually
- These body scans only stay on Amazon's servers for 12 hours and are not shared with other apps.
- The voice is analyzed locally on the phone and then deleted
- The data can be shared with Amazon partners, but always generated by the laboratory function and anonymously
Halo, price and availability
Halo will be priced at U.S. dollar 99, $64,99 if you buy it in advance. The only problem is that for this you will have to have access by invitation. For the rest, the monthly subscription service will cost 3,99 euros.
Success or failure? It is difficult to venture out and say what will happen. Amazon has tried in the past to innovate and it hasn't worked out. Here you have two tough rivals as we said at the beginning. In the cheapest sector, there are proposals such as the Mi Band 5 from Xiaomi and for those who do not mind investing more in a more serious device, there is the Apple Watch or some Garmin watches.
However, if Amazon manages to give value to the product with that service and its partners, proposing effective deliveries and improvements for the common user, they may be able to gain a foothold. For now it only remains to be patient and see what kind of reception it has. in the market.