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Home  » Get Ahead » Looking for an entry-level fitness band?

Looking for an entry-level fitness band?

By Debashish Pachal
November 30, 2018 09:45 IST
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The Riversong Wave O2 looks good and feels nice to wear. But it has a few drawbacks, says Debashish Pachal.

IMAGE: The Riversong Wave O2 fitness band. Photograph: Kind courtesy riversongindia.com
 

China-based Riversong recently launched the Wave O2 in India.

The Amazon-exclusive fitness band's health- and fitness-tracking features are backed by the required hardware.

It can monitor activity, heart rate, blood pressure (SPO2 or blood oxygen levels) and sleep.

 

IMAGE: It can monitor sleep. Photograph: Kind courtesy riversongindia.com

The Wave O2 is thin and sleek.

Its minimalistic design is quite an appealing alternative to bulkier smartwatches.

It counts the number of steps taken, the distance covered and the calories burnt.

 

IMAGE: It has five exercise modes to keep you fit. Photograph: Kind courtesy riversongindia.com

It tracks five fitness activities: walking, running, cycling, basketball and football.

 

IMAGE: It is water- and dust-resistant. Photograph: Kind courtesy riversongindia.com

The band is IP67-certified, making it water- and dust-resistant.

This protection, however, is limited only to rain and normal splashes while washing hands.

You will have to leave it by the edge of the pool before diving in.

 

 

IMAGE: It has a heart rate monitor. Photograph: Kind courtesy riversongindia.com

The data is synced when paired with a smartphone via the RS Care app, which keeps detailed records of all the activity, heart rate, sleep and more.

It supports all the standard features of a basic watch and a fitness band -- monitoring sedentary state and setting alarms and reminders.

Unlike other bands in the segment, the Wave O2 has a built-in USB charging connector which makes it easy to charge without connecting any other peripheral.

One can put it on charge by removing the upper strap and inserting the USB connector into a computer, charger or a socket.

Even though the device lacks a touch screen, it has a capacitive touch key below the screen for switching between different modes.

At a competitive price of Rs 1,999, the Riversong Wave O2 is an entry-level smart band that has a good design, accurate sensors and a satisfactory range of features required to map fitness routines.

The blood pressure monitor is an added advantage, unique for fitness bands in this price range.

But its 90 mAh Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery, which lasts a little more than a week on a single charge, slots it behind only the Xiaomi Mi Band 3.

 

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Debashish Pachal
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