Wearables

Polar A360 fitness tracker packs color touchscreen and optical heart rate monitor

Polar A360 fitness tracker packs color touchscreen and optical heart rate monitor
The Polar A360 fitness tracker will be available in a variety of colors with interchangeable bands
The Polar A360 fitness tracker will be available in a variety of colors with interchangeable bands
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The Polar A360 fitness tracker features a full color TFT touchscreen display
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The Polar A360 fitness tracker features a full color TFT touchscreen display
The Polar A360 fitness tracker will be available in a variety of colors with interchangeable bands
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The Polar A360 fitness tracker will be available in a variety of colors with interchangeable bands
The Polar A360 fitness tracker also features an optical heart rate sensor for real-time monitoring
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The Polar A360 fitness tracker also features an optical heart rate sensor for real-time monitoring
The Polar A360 fitness tracker vibrates to indicate smartphone notifications
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The Polar A360 fitness tracker vibrates to indicate smartphone notifications
The Polar A360 fitness tracker is designed with an adjustable, silicone band
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The Polar A360 fitness tracker is designed with an adjustable, silicone band
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Finnishcompany Polar has been in the health monitoring game for over 30 years and launched the world's first wearable wireless heart monitor in 1982. Sincethen, the market has been flooded with wearable devices designed to track andmotivate the fitness training efforts of professionals and amateurs alike. With the new A360 fitness tracker, Polar has added a splash of color to a device designed to offer convenient wrist-based heart rate monitoring and smartwatch-like notifications.

Polar caters to a variety of fitness levels with its lineup of activity trackers, running/sports watches, and heart rate monitors. The A360 is the company's first fitness tracker to combine all the best features in a slim, adjustable silicone band. Similar to the Polar Loop 2 activity tracker that we recently reviewed, the A360 monitors activity and provides in-depth feedback. It also records sleeping patterns, vibrates to inform of smartphone notifications, and reminds you when you've been sitting for too long.

The Polar A360 fitness tracker also features an optical heart rate sensor for real-time monitoring
The Polar A360 fitness tracker also features an optical heart rate sensor for real-time monitoring

A highlight of the Polar A360 is the company's proprietary optical heart rate sensor. Along with Polar's smart coaching, users can benefit from this real-time monitoring to achieve fitness goals and get the most out of cardiovascular workouts without having to strap on additional hardware. Although the A360 is designed with Polar's proprietary algorithm for accuracy, those who prefer a chest strap can still use Polar's H7 heart rate monitor, which connects to the device via Bluetooth. It is also compatible with Apple Health Kit, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal and MapMyFitness.

Unlike previous Polar products that have relied on monochrome displays, the A360 fitness tracker displays current activity levels, measured steps, calorie count, notifications, workouts, and time on a full color, 80 x 160 pixel resolution, TFT touchscreen display that measures 13 x 27 mm. The wristband is 13.5 mm thick and 23.5 mm wide, with three different lengths on offer – small comes in white, while medium and large will come in black. Additional color options and changeable wristbands will be available sometime after launch.

The waterproof device is powered by a 100 mAh rechargeable battery that Polar claims is good for two weeks of 24/7 activity tracking, including one hour of training per day. However, using smart notifications will cut battery life a bit.

The Polar A360 fitness tracker will be available sometime next month for US$199.95.

Source: Polar

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1 comment
1 comment
MarkoMaslakovic
Polar A360 is a well designed fitness tracker that we feel will be popular with consumers who are looking for a convenient, 24/7 way to track activity and easily transition into a training session any time. People who go to the gym, attend fitness classes, focus on cardio fitness (i.e. swimming, running, cycling/spinning, treadmill, crossfit, dance, etc.) will enjoy the A360. The device has an excellent battery life, provides motivational feedback and is water-resistant.
On the negative side, the A360 would benefit form a built-in GPS system. Also, heart-rate monitoring is not 24/7, something that may be upgraded with forthcoming firmware updates. I certainly hope so. The A360 is Polar’s first attempt at competing head-to-head against mainstream premium fitness trackers like the Fitbit Surge, Jawbone Up3, and Microsoft Band 2. All in all, this is a decent, fairly accurate activity tracker that delivers good results against some tough competition. Here is a good review:
http://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=1428