At the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas today, LG Electronics (“LG”) fired its first salvos into the wearables market with the introduction of the LG Lifeband Touch and LG Heart Rate Earphones.
Your activity partner on the wrist
The Lifeband Touch is an activity tracker that is compatible with heart rate monitors (HRM) and smart devices. The device is designed to transmit data to Android and iOS devices and interact with the LG Fitness app or a number of third party apps like MyFitnessPal, Runkeeper or MapMyFitness.
The Lifeband Touch is asymmetric and flexible, featuring a touch OLED to display time, biometrics, incoming calls and music controls. It also features a 3-axis accelerometer and altimeter.
The device incorporates a motion-sensing feature that automatically turns on the display when the wearer rotates his/her wrist (similar to Samsung’s GALAXY Gear). The wrist-worn device connects and transfers data to devices like smartphones and the LG Heart Rate Earphones via Bluetooth.
Your heart on your ear
The LG Heart Rate Earphones feature PerformTek sensor technology that measures blood flow signals from the inner part of the ear to capture accurate biometric data like heart rate and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max).
Employing a flexible ear piece design, the HRM is made to be more comfortable to use than other monitoring devices. A clip-on medallion connected to the earphones provides Bluetooth connectivity to other devices.
Lifeband Touch and Heart Rate Earphones will be available Stateside first in the first half of 2014, followed by other markets later. No pricing has been revealed as yet.
Initial impressions
The Lifeband Touch reminds me of the Fitbit, one of the better known fitness/activity trackers out there. It does look pretty nice in my opinion. The HRM is rather intriguing, with its method of measuring through the ear. Will reserve further comment until I get a hands-on.
Image source: LG Electronics
