![]() Nearly all consumer devices that track heart rate rely on optical sensors that continuously monitor the volume of your blood. How patient records from one Boston hospital fueled an explosion in AI research in medicine But the companies that make the devices don’t disclose the fact that they could be less accurate for some consumers. There are a number of online complaints from consumers who suggest the devices can’t get a reading on darker skin. The phenomenon has received almost no media attention, even as the market for smartwatches and fitness trackers has grown exponentially in recent years - and as both consumers and scientists have raised broader concerns about the trackers’ accuracy. Other popular trackers, like the Apple Watch, use it, too - but simultaneously track heart rates with another method. Fitbit uses the potentially problematic technology in every heart rate tracker it offers, and it’s also in many Garmin and Samsung devices. Nearly all of the largest manufacturers of wearable heart rate trackers rely on technology that could be less reliable for consumers who have darker skin, according to researchers, engineers, and other experts who spoke with STAT. But some people of color may be at risk of getting inaccurate readings. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.An estimated 40 million people in the United States have smartwatches or fitness trackers that can monitor their heartbeats. Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.īefore becoming an analyst in 2020, I spent eight years as a reporter covering consumer tech news. I unbox, set up, test, and review a wide range of consumer tech products from my home in Florida, often with the help of my pitbull Bradley. ![]() I'm PCMag's expert on fitness and smart home technology, and I've written more than 6,000 articles and reviews in the 10-plus years I've been here. Once you narrow that down, there are still several devices to choose from in each category. ![]() All of these devices support notifications from your phone and connect to Fitbit's excellent app for Android and iOS. The fitness trackers have grayscale screens and fewer lifestyle features, but they cost less. The first thing to consider to narrow down your options is: Do you want a fitness tracker or a smartwatch? You'll get a wealth of health features like activity and sleep tracking with any Fitbit device, but the smartwatches feature color touch screens and support a wider selection of apps. We've reviewed all of Fitbit's devices, and we're here to help you figure out which one is right for you depending on your needs and budget. If you're looking to start monitoring your health and tracking your activities, but you're not sure which Fitbit is right for you, you've come to the right place. It offers so many, in fact, that choosing between them can really work up a sweat. One of the most well-known and respected names in the wearables market, Fitbit offers a wide range of fitness trackers and smartwatches. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication. ![]()
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