InformationWeek Releases Fitness Tracker Gift Guide

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Are the loved ones in your life in need of losing a few pounds? Do they need something different to motivate them at the gym?

Right now, fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit Charge and the Jawbone Up Move, are some of the most notable wearables available, and these devices act as a starting point for how consumers think about the Internet of Things – a growing market that has the potential to reach $33 billion by the end of the decade, according to one report.

This year, 10 percent of US consumers are expected to buy a fitness tracker during the holiday shopping season. Another 8 percent plan to purchase a smartwatch, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. This is even before the release of the high-end Apple Watch.

To help pick the best fitness tracker gifts, InformationWeek Editor Alison Diana has pulled together a list of a dozen different wearables designed to help motivate users in the gym after the holiday season has past.

In her report, Diana looks at several different models that range in price from a modest $12 for beginners to more than $500 for serious athletes. Diana also notes about these devices:

"Most fitness devices offer similar capabilities: They track steps, calories, and sleep. Some developers differentiate their devices through software, providing more in-depth analysis that could be helpful to athletes or users with chronic health conditions. Some products include a strap; others use clips that attach to belt loops, shoelaces, or purses. For fashion-minded users, some device makers offer an array of strap designs or color choices. Then there are devices that target athletes who prefer a specific activity, such as biking or swimming."

Diana also reminds potential buyers that it's important to know how the hardware interacts with the software, and how her 12 picks work with either Apple's iOS or Google's Android operating system.

Each week, InformationWeek explores those areas of technology that are changing our lives, and the way we do business. In addition, we welcome your comments and questions. If you have any experience with fitness trackers, wearables, or smartwatches, we want to hear from you. In the meantime, checkout the fitness tracker holiday guide here.

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SOURCE InformationWeek