Wearable technology continues to gain popularity as Americans seek tools to support their healthy lifestyles. We’ve put together a tech guide to showcase two upcoming devices that may help electrify your workout routine. In our opinion, each smartwatch has its perks and shortcomings. Overall, they’ll both provide data on your daily steps, calories burned, heart rate and even sleep patterns.

 

 

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is one of the most anticipated products in the industry. Ever since its introduction at the Apple Spring Forward Event, consumer and press buzz continues to grow exponentially as its release date draws closer.


Apple Watch

 

Pros

  • Lightweight and luxurious design
  • Advanced fitness tracking (provides suggestions to improve exercise patterns)
  • Variety of customization options
  • Retina multi-gesture display
  • Bragging rights

 

Cons

  • May be expensive for some people (starts at $349)
  • 1st generation product
  • 18-hour battery life
  • Non-intuitive interface (must learn how to use it)
  • iPhone only compatibility

 

Availability

Online preordering starts April 10th
Purchase in store on April 25th

Pebble Time

The Pebble Time is a tough, underdog tech competitor. It’s the highest crowd-funded product on Kickstarter with over $20 million in support. The number of Backers actually spiked when the Apple Watch was first announced.

 

Pebble Time

 

Pros

  • Premium materials, steel and leather, at a low price (starts at $199)
  • Open app platform to track almost any fitness activity (more apps than Apple Watch)
  • Water Proof
  • 7-day battery life
  • iPhone and Android compatibility

 

Cons

  • Block-like design
  • Color epaper display (not vivid yet fully visible in daylight)
  • No touchscreen technology
  • More practical than high end
  • Simple and less dynamic content

 

Availability

In stores and online ordering in early May

 

 

Are you interested in purchasing a fitness tracker? Both the Apple Watch and Pebble Time are exciting wearables. It’s important to consider what type of workout you are likely to engage in. If you swim and participate in group aquatics, then the Pebble Time might be a better choice. If you prefer low impact exercises like cycling and yoga, then the Apple Watch might suit you better. Regardless of which you choose, it’s exciting to see how advancements in technology will play a role in making us more fit.