Runtastic Orbit Sleep and Activity Tracker Review

It is on the occasion of the launch
a new review platformdedicated to objects
connected:Connexted
accessible here, that we received (by surprise) asensor
activity and sleep to test: this is theOrbit of
Runtastic.

Neither one nor two, in the wake of those that we have already had the opportunity
to try (The
Pulse is, the
Up 24orthe Misfits
Shine), it was off to live a few days with the Orbit, created and sold
by a specialist in mobile sports tracking apps, of which we have already often
speak.

The Orbit is on sale here for around 114 euros

Presentation

The sensor is delivered with small docs and getting started guide, but also
and above all with two bracelets, one blue and one black as well as with a clip
belt.

Setting up the sensor, a small plastic box with button and screen
monochrome in the bracelet and the clip, is done without worries by sliding it,
but above all, we realize that itis very well maintainedIn
one as in the other. This is an important point, for anyone who has already lost
son
ShineFor example …

We find delivered with the sensor, asmall USB cable which allows its
recharge. It connects very easily to the Orbit thanks to a
magnetic mechanism.

Practical of course, but conversely, if you forget the cable when leaving
vacation or weekend, it's ruined! There, once again I can only
advocate for the use of astandard micro-usb socket, rather than
this type of proprietary solutions.

Last element to start is the applicationRuntastic
Mewhich you just have to install on the iPhone:
it's free here.

Utilisation

Using the Orbit sensor as such is very simple, we
carry it on your arm, in your pocket or hung on your belt, simply
keep it with you all day to collect the measurements
of activity.

The screen allows, by pressing the single button, to have a quick look at
different parameters: time, number of steps, calories burned and
activity time. A long press allows you to switch to monitoring mode.
sleep.

The bracelet offers several interesting functions in addition to tracking
not :the discreet alarm clock to be programmed from
l’application, it vibrates and thus does not wake the partner. Other
important information: a warning again by vibration when
the objective (also adjustable via the app) is reached at 25, 50 and 100%

All this looks very good and should make the whole thing an excellent
companion for outings but also for the night.

Unfortunately, during testing, a size problem was encountered, it
concerns the most important function: step counting. This one
turned out to be more than random.

When the sensor is on the arm, steps are overestimated by well 30%.
Never mind, it was possible that it was linked to the port on the arm. Test
next, to the belt, there it should be ok. Bad news, counting
is this time seems about 30% below reality.

The question may then arise, how was the comparison made?
It's quite simple, at the same time as the Orbit, the iPhone with its counter
steps and the Withings Pulse sensor were used in exactly the same
circumstances. The latter two were found to be in agreement within a few percent.
close …

This is therefore a disappointment in one of the major aspects of the Orbit meter.

Is it serious? Not necessarily if we simply want to increase
regularly your activity, we then work in relative terms, but you have to know
that the absolute count remains very uncertain.

For sleep monitoring, it is impossible to know if the result is good or
not but the app displays graphs corresponding to different phases of
sleep.

In terms of autonomy, we are well below a Pulse, since it is necessary
plan to recharge approximately every 3 to 4 days.

Synchronization is very easy with the iPhone as soon as you launch
the application, it turns out to be relatively fast. That's a good point! By
However, the app remains very basic, which is a bit surprising coming from a
basic fitness app editor. We can't find his statistics either.
activity in the Runtastic Pro app or on the website (you may
I didn't find it or that you have to switch to Gold mode, anyway
it remains unclear if this is the case)

Finally, you should know that in addition to the two bracelets (one black, one blue)
provided, it is possible to purchase other colored bracelets.

Conclusion

If the realization, both the bracelets provided, the belt clip and the
sensor itself seems very well made, as does the application which
is well done but sometimes incomplete or the connection is efficient and fast,
we cannot help but unfortunately deplore a crippling defect. It is
this step counting, it is too erratic for us to be able to make it
confidence on a daily basis. Worn on the arm, it's too much, on the belt it's
not enough. For those just looking to progress, this will do the trick, for
others will have to turn to another model.

In this case, we can advise
Pulse from Frenchman Withingsin a similar price range, which in addition
allows you to measure heart rate and oxygen saturation.