Xiaomi has updated its bargain fitness tracker, the Mi Band, announcing the Mi Band Pulse. Outwardly, the wearable has a very similar design to the original Mi Band, but inside it has a key new feature — heart rate measurement. The addition of such a complex feature often boosts the price by a considerable amount, so has Xiaomi doubled, tripled, or quadrupled the cost of its low-price band? No, it’s 100 yuan in China, and that’s about $16, just $4 more than the original.
The Mi Band’s minimalist design remains, meaning it’s an aluminum core wrapped in a colorful silicone strap, that meets the IP67 water resistant standard. On the top of the core module are three LED lights, ready to show progress towards your goal, and can be used for notifications. Flip the core over to find the new heart rate sensor.
Set up and monitored through the Mi Fit app, the heart rate sensor helps fitness fans get a clearer picture of personal performance, and ensure their training pays off. The band’s other functions don’t appear to have changed, so it’ll deal with steps, calorie burn, and sleep, should you decide to wear it all night long. Notifications include an incoming call alert, smart alarms based on your sleep patterns, and a vibrating reminder if you accidentally leave your phone behind.
Xiaomi will release the Mi Band Pulse in China on November 11, better known as Singles Day, when millions go online to shop. Last year on Singles Day, Xiaomi sold 1.1 million phones in just 24-hours. While there hasn’t been an announcement the Mi Band Pulse will be sold elsewhere, it may only be a matter of time. Xiaomi operates an international online store for its accessories, and already sells the original Mi Band through it. Listed as out of stock at the time of writing, the Band is normally yours for $15, so should the Mi Band Pulse eventually arrive, it may work out around $20.
We’ll keep you updated right here.
