Huawei Band 2 Pro
Recommended price: R1 299
Available at takealot.com, Makro and other good retailers
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Most of us know Huawei for its phones, but now it has entered the realm of wearables. One of its new fitness bands, the Huawei Band 2 Pro, is compatible with both IOS and Android, and as a fitness fanatic myself I was excited to try one. The first day I got the Band 2 Pro, I linked it to my iPhone. Operating the app was basic and user-friendly and the watch has a little button that you tap to scroll. The Band 2 Pro has a heart rate monitor and can track your sleep.
After more than a month of taking the watch on my 5km morning runs, I had logged more than 150km. Then out of nowhere the app on my phone just booted me out. When I tried to log in again with my details the app did not recognise me. I called Huawei and they asked me to sent an email with a screenshot of the message I kept getting. But because I was impatient I had already re-registered a new account. What was strange is that I used the same details I had originally used to register this new account and it didn’t pick up my details. Although I could use the app again, I had lost all my old data. What happened to me can really peeve off anyone who is religiously tracking their fitness. In my case not much sweat was lost as I mostly used it for my running.
Another factor I wonder about when it comes to these big companies and their fancy gadgets is whether they factor in the issue of safety. Why you might ask? To use the band’s GPS function you have to take your phone with you. Well, I live in a not-so-safe part of town. So, I don’t EVER run with my phone. This means I can’t join the Instagrammers who post their GPS-tracked route to showcase their sweat mission. The band does track your distance and time without requiring your phone close by, though.
I managed to try out the GPS function with a group of fitness buddies at work. We literally run around in circles in the parking lot twice a week after work. At least this way I got to see how the function works.
If tracking your running, swimming or cycling is something you would like to do for your fitness this year, the Huawei wearable range selling prices are not bad. The Band 2 Pro retails for R1 299. Here’s to a fitter you.