You know the MO: an
entry-level activity tracker that does only the basics but does them
well, with a solid partner app and a bit of funky styling to make it
stand out.
At least, that’s what the Fitbit Zip ought to have been about before it went on a feature diet, and not in a good way. Sure, it tracks steps fairly accurately – in line with the competition – and has an incredibly straightforward tap-to-scroll interface that cycles through time, number of steps, distance, calories and a kooky emoji.
Sadly, that also happens to be just about all it does. That little smiley face is essentially the only modicum of motivation the Zip will offer and, whilst its bitty LCD display is a not unwelcome throwback to Gameboy's glory days, the lack of a backlight means no data updates after dusk.
Does it pack any fast-paced punches in the live-tracking stakes? If you’re a runner, yes: activate exercise mode and it’ll follow you with GPS whilst hitting you with updates through your phone. If you’re not a runner, no. Running is the only exercise it can cope with.
Still, at least the app is good. Of all the trackers we tested, it has the cleanest, easiest to use interface, with instant stats and target progress on display, as well as easy meal inputs and weight logging.
Unfortunately, this also lead us to feel that the Fitbit package is more of an app with a belt-clip accessory than the other way around. Whilst £35 might sound suitably petite, it’s not really worth it for an app n’ clip combo. Want to track sleep? You can only activate that from the app, which is a nightmare if you’ve dived under the duvet and left your phone on the desk.
Even the Fitbit’s get-up is generic: a sort of rounded teardrop module housed in a silicone clip case, it felt secure but was hardly head-turning.
At least, that’s what the Fitbit Zip ought to have been about before it went on a feature diet, and not in a good way. Sure, it tracks steps fairly accurately – in line with the competition – and has an incredibly straightforward tap-to-scroll interface that cycles through time, number of steps, distance, calories and a kooky emoji.
Sadly, that also happens to be just about all it does. That little smiley face is essentially the only modicum of motivation the Zip will offer and, whilst its bitty LCD display is a not unwelcome throwback to Gameboy's glory days, the lack of a backlight means no data updates after dusk.
Does it pack any fast-paced punches in the live-tracking stakes? If you’re a runner, yes: activate exercise mode and it’ll follow you with GPS whilst hitting you with updates through your phone. If you’re not a runner, no. Running is the only exercise it can cope with.
Still, at least the app is good. Of all the trackers we tested, it has the cleanest, easiest to use interface, with instant stats and target progress on display, as well as easy meal inputs and weight logging.
Unfortunately, this also lead us to feel that the Fitbit package is more of an app with a belt-clip accessory than the other way around. Whilst £35 might sound suitably petite, it’s not really worth it for an app n’ clip combo. Want to track sleep? You can only activate that from the app, which is a nightmare if you’ve dived under the duvet and left your phone on the desk.
Even the Fitbit’s get-up is generic: a sort of rounded teardrop module housed in a silicone clip case, it felt secure but was hardly head-turning.
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