Mi bracelet how it works. Testing in aggressive conditions. Weaknesses of the device

registration

An important point in setting up Mi Band is - if you have not set up Mi-accounts before, then you can do this through a browser or mobile application. In the first case, go to the official website and fill out the questionnaires there, indicating your email address, date of birth and your country. And we recommend that you uncheck the box for sending messages from Mi Store. Plus, some instructions say that you can use your mobile number instead of an e-mail address - to do this, click on a special item at the bottom of the page. After all the above steps are completed, you will be prompted to enter the password twice, as well as enter the verification code. You can log into the system through the settings using your username and password.

But when launching the application and registering through it, it is better to use an email address, not a phone number - for users from the CIS countries, registration through a mobile number has not yet been configured properly.

Xiaomi Mi Band: setup

And yet, the main question for users who have just bought a brand new xiaomi accessory is the question “how to set up a fitness bracelet”. Setting it up is very simple:

We activate the application using the registered login and password. The app will ask you to enter your gender, nickname, weight, height, date of birth and desired minimum number of steps per day. You can change your personal information later if you wish.
We connect the bracelet. Everything is very simple here - you need to connect and configure via Bluetooth wireless technology (turn it on on your smartphone), you just need to follow the recommendations prescribed in the application. First select the type of device, after that the application will ask you to press the bracelet - tap lightly on it, this will be enough. If this manipulation correctly configured the bracelet and everything was done correctly, an inscription will appear on the screen stating that the device has been successfully paired.
After successful connection, the bracelet firmware will be updated, and for this operation to go smoothly, keep the tracker near your smartphone. When the firmware update is completed, you will see the open interface of the application on the phone display - now you can delve into the settings and activate the most interesting features.

Mi Band Gestures

In the Mi Fit app itself, you can see three tabs called "Profile", "Activity" and "Notifications". In statistics, you can view:

The number of steps taken and activity per day;
Statistics for any past period;
Grouping information by different time periods (day, week, month) and for the entire course of training;
Information about the sleep of the owner of the bracelet: phases, duration of deep sleep, REM sleep, when there was an awakening and much more;
The dynamics of changes in weight and the difference in weight for different periods;
Body mass index, physique.

You can create multiple accounts, run them at different times, and view data from multiple users. In the achievement bar, you can see the indicator of the steps taken per day and whether the goal that was originally set was achieved. Sort information by date, share achievements on social networks or send them via instant messengers.

Function "Run" in Mi Bend, you can activate it when you turn on the GPS - wait until the icon for the number of active satellites turns green and start your activity. While you are running, Mi Fit will show basic information about your workout - if this function is enabled, you will see the speed, average pace and distance covered, calories burned, as well as the running trajectory. You can stop the countdown by long pressing "Pause".

In addition to viewing statistics through a smartphone, you can find out the statistics you are interested in with a special movement - as if looking at a wristwatch. This gesture will make the indicators flicker - if two out of three diodes are flashing, then you have already completed 2/3 of the daily norm, one - more than 30% have been completed, the bracelet does not glow at all - you have not yet completed even a third of the number of steps planned for the day.

When the set target is reached, the vibration will turn on, and the bracelet will flash at this time. When you check the distance traveled with a gesture "watch time view" and two extreme diodes are lit, which means that you have reached the goal, and if all three are blinking, the goal has been exceeded.

Other functions

The included incoming call notification function is very convenient;
Alarm clock (switching on occurs even when the phone is discharged);
Notifications about notifications in applications on a smartphone or about SMS messages - even the most ignorant user easily activates the function in the settings;
Dust- and partially waterproof (you can shower with a wristband or briefly dive with it to a depth of one meter);
Pulse measurement.

The first version of the bracelet became famous for the poor quality of the strap, but for more modern models, the most durable alloy is now used, and this significantly increases the wear resistance of the device.

It is undeniable that digital technology has come a long way in the last couple of decades. Instead of simple mobile devices and “antediluvian” computers with their bulky dimensions, we got a number of devices that tend to constantly decrease in size, but increase in terms of functionality. And such gadgets, entering our everyday life, make it more diverse and exciting.

Moreover, what is most remarkable is the variety of those devices that are presented around us. With them, you can not only have fun playing various simulators and arcade games, but also monitor your health, strengthen it, play sports more efficiently, and so on.

In this article, we will just talk about such a device. Meet: we are talking about the Band bracelet - a device that allows you not only to monitor the state of your body, but can become a real personal assistant. More details - later in the review.

General concept

Let's start with the presentation of the gadget as a whole. Before us is the so-called fitness bracelet, which has now become very popular among the young and active population. Already from the name itself, we can conclude that the device is intended for physical exercises, sports, tracking your activity. We will describe this in more detail in the section where the functionality of the device will be listed - so you will understand what exactly this device can do.

In the meantime, we note that the manufacturer of the bracelet is Xiaomi (an active technological giant, which has won the sympathy of millions of users in a short time on the market). This means that the product is designed in the spirit of this company: it is inexpensive, but it has an attractive design, a simple interface and a lot of useful functionality.

And indeed, in recent years, this brand has become very popular. Smartphones produced by him, as well as various accessories for them and other electronics, are sold in millions of copies. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Band caused such a stir in the market for electronic wearable devices.

Equipment

If you have never used such a gadget, for sure, the first thing you want to ask is how such a bracelet is sold: what it is offered with, what package it has. Therefore, we will begin from this point to describe the gadget in more detail.

So, it is offered in the company's traditional packaging made of simple cardboard with a logo printed on top. Having opened it, we find parts that are too tiny, for which it does not immediately become clear what's what. But in fact, we have the following components: a USB cord (for charging and connecting the gadget to a PC), the bracelet itself (enclosed in a metal sheath), a strap for it (made of rubber) and instructions for use.

In fact, the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet is offered in a fairly simple package, although it also contains everything you need.

Design and device

When the sales of the device began, the developers promised a whole line of straps for the bracelet, which can be matched to any suit, regardless of where the owner of the gadget is going to go. But now, for some reason, only rubber models of different colors are available for sale from the official manufacturer. That is, for now, the choice can be made between color schemes, but nothing more.

The material from which the strap holding the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet (the 2nd generation of the device has not yet seen the world) is made is made of some special material with high strength. At the same time, it is quite pleasant to the touch, although outwardly it looks like a simple rubber band.

The fastening of the bracelet is very simple: at the end of one part of the strap there is a loop through which the other part is threaded. In addition, the latter is also fixed in one of the holes (according to the clock principle). Thus, a double bracelet retention system is involved: the ring is made to secure against the possible opening of the mechanism during wearing. And it turns out that the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet will not fall off your hand under any circumstances.

The second element that the gadget consists of is the core. In fact, we are talking about the "brain" of the bracelet - the part in which all the electronics are placed. Outwardly, it looks like a small metal plate that simply fits into the strap.

Software component

In the mentioned “brain”, on the basis of which the Xiaomi Mi Band sports bracelet works, equipment is installed that uses software. In fact, we are talking about a miniature computer with great functionality.

An important condition for full-fledged work is that the bracelet must be connected to a smartphone. As you understand, this can only be done using Bluetooth. In addition, there are restrictions on the version of the operating system on the phone: the Xiaomi Mi Band 1S bracelet can only be paired with Android 4.3 (and older) or iOS 5.0 (and older).

In order to work with all the functions declared in the technical specifications, you must have a pre-installed application on your phone. You can get it on Google Play and in the AppStore - it's called that (named after the bracelet).

Gadget features

Finally, we got to the description of what our device can do. First, this is a great fitness tracker. Using the built-in sensors and focusing on your hand movements, the device is able to calculate the number of steps you have taken per day. This is the main feature that captivates many active lifestyle enthusiasts and makes them buy the device.

Secondly, the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet (which comes with instructions) can become a “smart” alarm clock and thus help you wake up when you need to. By reading your movements during sleep, the gadget can roughly calculate the time when you will be in one phase or another. Settings (performed, of course, on a smartphone or tablet) will help you set the wake-up mode you need. When the time comes, the bracelet will vibrate and thus wake you up. The beauty is that it will not cause inconvenience to your loved ones who sleep nearby - they will not hear anything.

Thirdly, the device can become a personal assistant thanks to the notification function. Fitness bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band, as already mentioned, is synchronized with a mobile phone. Using the software for this gadget, you can configure the receipt of alerts from a particular application. For example, it can also be SMS, incoming VK, calls and much more. Also, the user is given the opportunity to select the color that the bracelet will flash if necessary. In addition, it can be just a vibration that will not let you miss an important call if you do not hear your smartphone.

Price

The device has a lot of functions, but other bracelets from the same category have approximately the same characteristics. True, their cost often exceeds $ 100. Xiaomi, on the other hand, went the other way, providing the opportunity to buy such an accessory for only $20. Indeed, it is very cheap (after all, such a cost makes the Xiaomi Mi Band bracelet (the review of each client confirms this) not only an excellent assistant, but also a very affordable device for the general public.

Yes, and there are no problems with ordering - you can buy a device both in large online stores and online auctions. The price, of course, is more favorable in the second case, but the quality and service are clearly in the first.

Battery

The buyer may also have a quite reasonable question regarding the batteries installed in the device. Indeed, the dimensions of the core, which is inserted into the Xiaomi Mi Band (strap), cannot be called large enough to place a serious battery there. Obviously, the gadget runs on some kind of miniature batteries, the charge consumption of which, most likely, is optimized to the maximum.

Apparently, Xiaomi has decided to update its fitness devices every six months. Each of them makes a splash, and each time the company only increases its sales. Last year, Mi Band became the best-selling smart fitness accessory. We wrote about and about. The turn has come to tell your impressions of the second generation device - Mi Band 2.

Specifications of Xiaomi Mi Band 2

Capsule materials: polycarbonate, plastic.
Bracelet materials: thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate.
Case protection class: IP67.
Functions: heart rate measurement, pedometer, counting distance and calories burned, sleep monitoring, smart alarm clock, call notifications, tablet/smartphone unlock.
Sensors: 3-axis accelerometer, optical heart rate monitor.
Indication: 0.42 inch monochrome OLED display, vibration motor.
Battery: built-in lithium-polymer 70 mAh.
Autonomous work: up to 20 days.
Wireless: Bluetooth 4.0 LE.
Operating temperature: -20 to +70 °C.
Dimensions: 40.3 × 15.7 × 10.5 mm.
Weight: 7 g.
Compatibility: iOS 7 / Android 4.3.
Delivery set: module, bracelet, charging cable.

The novelty differs from other Xiaomi fitness bracelets in the presence of an OLED screen and a touch button. The bracelet consists of two parts - a plastic capsule and a strap. The module has become larger. Weight also increased, although it is not felt. The basic functionality, not related to the screen, has not changed much, as well as the requirements for a smartphone with which the device will work in duet.

Appearance and scope of delivery

The traditional cardboard box for the line contains the Mi Band 2 module, a bracelet, instructions in Chinese and a charger.

The main module has undergone significant changes. The top panel is now occupied by an OLED display and a touch-sensitive button. Due to the used matrix, the image on the screen is perfectly readable in the sun and does not blind in the dark. Most of the time, the display is dark and turns on only when necessary: when you press a button, receive an alert, or need to look at the clock (how to do this without touching the device, read below). The button is capacitive, does not respond to third-party objects. The entire panel is now flat.

In addition to the appearance of the screen and the button embedded in it, there are other external changes. So, Xiaomi Mi Band 2 uses a new heart rate monitor - this can be seen upon closer inspection. There is less light from the sensors, the LEDs are located differently. But most importantly, now the heart rate monitor window is in the fairing, which rises above the module by almost 1.5 mm.

The strap has also changed. Now it is adjustable between 155-210 mm, and the total length is 235 mm. The module of the first version was inserted from the outside and periodically fell out. In the new design, the functional capsule can only be inserted from the inside (hand side). In addition, the capsule does not protrude, on the contrary, the edges of the recess in the bracelet rise above it, protecting the screen. This fixes two of the most serious design flaws - no more scratches and losses!

Since the updated device is significantly larger than the first model, there are certain problems when using it. For example, the child can no longer wear it. On a miniature female hand, the Mi Band 2 bracelet looks bulky and can be large.

Due to the increased dimensions, the device can often hurt something. Saves only a strong bracelet.

Following the changed dimensions of the capsule, the charger has also changed. It has become deeper and wider, the charging pins have become longer. The old charger will not work. Installing Mi Band 1 or 1s in the slot for the second model is more realistic, but only using some kind of spacers to ensure contact between the charging contacts and the module.

Functionality

Unlike previous versions, the novelty is able to work offline or through the application. At the same time, the general set of functions has not changed much.

The bracelet is still able to monitor activity, heart rate, count calories, steps, distance, and track sleep phases. The pedometer of the novelty is improved and, according to the manufacturer, more accurate. The difference between the readings of Mi Band 1s and Mi Band 2 reaches 10-15%. The device no longer responds to simple waves of the hand.

Since the update also affected the heart rate monitor, we can also expect an increase in accuracy here. The error during testing did not exceed 5%.

Notifications work in the same scope, but their set depends on the application used. With incoming calls and SMS, the bracelet vibrates. When alerted by an app, it will vibrate twice and show the App icon.

Like previous models, Xiaomi Mi Band 2 can unlock a connected smartphone via Bluetooth if both devices are within range of the interface. In fact, unlocking works at distances not exceeding 5 m.

The bracelet is able to work in difficult temperature conditions from +70 to -20 °C. In case of hypothermia, battery life will be reduced to 128 hours. Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is able to withstand a fall onto a hard surface from a height of 1.2 m.

Offline Mode: Screen and Gesture Features

Mi Band 2 displays the most significant information on the screen: time, number of steps taken, heart rate. The touch button is used for display. The first press on it turns on the clock. On the second press, the gadget shows the number of steps. On the third, a heart is displayed on the screen and the measurement of the pulse is started, or its value is shown if the pulse has changed during the last minute. If you do not tap on the button after the measurement has been taken, and wait for the screen to turn off, then the first time you touch the button, not the time, but the heart rate value will be displayed. The same will happen with the statistics of steps.

All data is updated using built-in sensors. Your device only needs to sync with your smartphone when the battery is low. If you charge Mi Band 2 on time, you can use the smartphone and the application very rarely, and then only to view statistics.

The time display function is very conveniently implemented. To recognize it, it is enough to turn your hand sharply - the screen wakes up and shows the time, regardless of the last type of data viewed. This works even when typing on the keyboard when the hand is on the table. It is not required to tear it off the surface, it always works.

Applications and Compatibility

As before, the functionality of the device depends on the selected application. Pedometer, distance traveled, sleep tracking and detailed statistics are available in versions of the program for any device and market.

The iOS application has not been tested. But with versions for Android, everything is not in the best way. Now the official app on Google Play works with any Mi Band, smart scales and two types of sneakers, just like the Chinese app. There is also an unlocking of the smartphone using a bracelet. When it is nearby and paired with your phone via Bluetooth, you do not need to enter a password. However, there is no running function in it, but there is synchronization with MyFitnessPal and Google Fit.

The official Chinese version of the application, which is distributed through the MIUI OS store, cannot be synchronized with other applications. But there is a running mode, which is activated by a special button, as well as a voice assistant for the running mode (it is translated in the amateur assembly). And, according to some reports, it is possible to build a track for walking or jogging (this point has not been verified).

All official apps allow you to set up notifications (for Android 4.4 and above and iOS) about incoming calls and notifications from three apps to choose from. When you call, the device vibrates twice, pauses and continues the cycle while the call is in progress (by the way, you can set the delay from the start of the call so as not to experience unnecessary discomfort).

The new Mi Fit app can vibrate to remind the user of the need to move throughout the day.

Unfortunately, starting with Mi Fit 2.0, the smart alarm clock has disappeared from the app. Even if it appears, it still does not work. Therefore, if this feature is important to you, it is better to use previous versions or amateur builds.

There are also for working with Mi Band. Each of them has its pros and cons, try them in action and choose the most suitable one.

autonomy

Despite the fact that the bracelet arrived in a whole plastic package, the battery was charged. According to the application, the gadget was charged 29 days ago. With the screen turned off, it lasted 29 days.

In two days of active testing (3-5 syncs, up to 20 heart rate measurements, freezing attempt, screen turning on frequently, working as a clock), the battery level dropped to 16%. If you train often enough and wear Mi Band 2 as a watch, the battery will last for 12-15 days (with the more accurate sleep tracking function enabled, which takes frequent heart rate measurements). With less active use, the device can work 20-30 days.

Testing in aggressive conditions

Despite the manufacturer's protection against water and dust according to the IP67 standard, users quite often complained about Mi Band 1 and 1s due to leaks. The test specimen survived hot and cold showers and even attempts to drown it under direct running water for an hour just fine. True, it was revealed that the first touch of a jet of hot water activates the button. If the flow is not interrupted due to movement or shutdown of the water, no repeat operations are observed.

The button also works on a bracelet frozen to -18 ° C. And both after removing from the freezer, and right in it. Reacts to cold and wet fingers.

Results

All Mi Band users agreed that the device needed a screen. Xiaomi engineers did exactly what they were asked. Now Mi Band is an unobtrusive bracelet that turns into a fitness gadget if necessary. To take or not to take? Be sure to take.

Now the cost of Xiaomi Mi Band 2 (where it is actually available) reaches $60. The phenomenon is temporary, designed for fans who want to get the long-awaited gadget as soon as possible. During the summer, its cost will certainly decrease.

Recall that the official sales of the new Mi Band started on June 30. A couple of weeks after this, the devices will appear in the warehouses of stores available to the Russian buyer.

Electronics from Xiaomi has long proved that inexpensive gadgets can not only have rich functionality and high quality, but also compete with more expensive flagships. One of these devices is the Xiaomi Mi Band smart bracelet, which can become both a fashion toy and a fitness trainer for its owner.

Market trends

In modern society, fitness bracelets have become an integral part of the life of every person who more or less tries to monitor their physical condition - despite sedentary work or simply unwillingness to play sports. Therefore, new devices in this category appear like mushrooms after rain, while most of them are functionally the same.

Most fitness bracelets have a common feature - a relatively high cost, which makes you seriously think about buying this kind of device. The official price of one of the most popular Jawbone UP24 fitness bracelets in the US is $129.99. In Russia it will be about 6-7 thousand rubles.

The legendary Chinese company Xiaomi decided to play on this. At an ultra-low price, the new Mi Band bracelet can do almost everything that more expensive analogues are capable of. How did the Chinese company manage to cut the price of such devices so drastically? How much worse is it than expensive competitors? And is it worse?

Technical features of Xiaomi Mi Band

Screen: none
Water and dust protection: yes (IP67 standard)
Strap: Detachable, multiple colors available to choose from
Compatibility: devices based on Android 4.4
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0LE
Sensors: accelerometer, pedometer
Cameras, internet: no
Microphone, speaker: no
Indication: 3 single-color LED indicators, vibration signal
Battery: 41 mAh
Weight 13 g

Equipment

The fitness bracelet, like many products from Xiaomi, comes in an "eco-friendly" box with a company logo. The active module is inserted into the cutout, and when the box is opened, only it is visible.

The bundle is elementary: the bracelet itself (it consists of two elements: the main unit and a silicone strap), a short charging cable and a leaflet with a manual in Chinese.

That's all, this completes the package. What else could you expect from a $15 bracelet?

Special mention should be made about charging. Unlike Sony, Xiaomi opted for a proprietary solution. This, of course, is a minus, because, firstly, you will have to carry this cable with you on trips (whereas SmartBand SWR10 could be charged from any Micro-USB cable), and secondly, in case of loss or breakage of the cable, you will have to buy new bracelet.

On the other hand, there is nothing special to break here (unless the wire itself frays). On one side of the cable there is a cradle where we put the main unit of the bracelet with the contacts forward, on the other side there is a USB 2.0 plug.

Bracelet design by Xiaomi

The appearance of fitness bracelets is the main stumbling block: not everyone wants to wear something of dubious beauty on their wrist, especially since the bracelet is supposed to be used not only during classes, but throughout the day. It was the inexpressive design that was the main complaint against the Sony SmartBand SWR10. We expected even worse from Xiaomi: cheap, and even Chinese! But here's a miracle - the bracelet not only does not cause rejection by its appearance, but, on the contrary, makes you admire the hand in the bracelet for the first time.

All thanks to the oval aluminum surface of the main unit. It is she who attracts attention in the first place when the bracelet is worn.

The active block is a small 5 gram plastic capsule with an aluminum top cap. The housing is waterproof and IP67 certified. The lower part of the module is made of matte black plastic with the company logo on the reverse side. On one of the faces of the block are contacts for charging.

There are no buttons, connectors or touch zones on the main unit. Under the top cover are three LEDs. The color of the blinking LEDs can be selected in the proprietary application. They allow you to visually track your progress right on the bracelet. To do this, you need to raise your hand as if you were looking at a watch.

The strap is silicone. It provides a snug fit and hold of the main unit, so even with active activities, the likelihood of the unit popping out of the strap is minimal.

Outwardly, the complete strap is nothing special, although you can’t make any claims to it. Fastening is carried out using a metal pin. Due to the presence of a large number of holes for fastening, the bracelet can be worn by owners of hands of any size and thickness.

The only remark regarding the appearance of the strap is an oval loop at one of the ends. It is clear that it is made for a more secure fastening on the arm - it is assumed that the other end of the strap should be threaded into it and after that the pin should be inserted into one of the holes. But this loop spoils the aesthetics a little. However, these are already nit-picking - hardly anyone will look at such details on your hand. All attention is drawn to a really beautiful metal oval coating.

Assembling the Xiaomi Mi Band Black smart bracelet is quite simple. On the strap itself there is a special groove in the form of a frame into which you need to insert a metal gadget. For ease of installation, you can stretch the edges of the silicone case to the sides. Many buyers are confused by the process of constant assembly and disassembly of the bracelet (after all, in order to recharge the gadget, it must be removed from the silicone case). But many owners in their reviews assure that the elastic bracelet is very durable and does not spontaneously stretch during operation.

In general, Xiaomi designers managed to create a device that you can take with you for a run or even to the pool (the bracelet is protected from moisture and dust according to the IP67 standard), but it’s not a shame to put it on under a suit or complement it with a stylish casual look. I never thought that I would use a 13-dollar Chinese bracelet as an example for a similar product from Sony (with a price tag several times higher), but I have to admit: Xiaomi Mi Band is much more attractive than Sony SmartBand SWR10.

Separately, I want to talk about the bracelet. As a standard, you buy a Mi Band with a black silicone bracelet, and then you can buy additional bracelets for it, currently the colors are available: yellow, orange, pink, light green, blue and blue. At the same time, as my experience shows, bracelets may not be available at all. I bought a pedometer in a company store in Beijing, and there were simply no colored bracelets, and only two colors were available for ordering via the Internet: yellow and blue.

Connecting to a mobile device

To work with the bracelet, you need to install an Android application. The proprietary Mi Fit app is available for both Android and iOS. After installing the application, the user is prompted to make basic settings for their profile.

The app can be installed on both smartphones and tablets. But you still need a smartphone to create an account. When registering, you need to enter the phone number to which the activation code will be sent. Why such difficulties and why it was impossible to confine ourselves to just mail and a password is not entirely clear. But - as is.

The bracelet itself is always on (if charged), so to connect, just turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and search for the bracelet in the application.

In Mi Fit you can see all the information about your daily activity in the form of graphs, pie charts and summary data. This applies to daily activity and sleep analysis.

If you put on a bracelet with a pedometer on your wrist before going to bed, it will count the phases of sleep, separating light sleep from deep sleep. Xiaomi does not say what algorithm is used to measure, probably, the number of “twitchings” of the hand with the bracelet on is taken into account, and maybe some other factors. One way or another, the next morning you can see exactly how you slept. Nothing special, just a graph showing the phases of light and deep sleep. The program will not advise you anything (unlike Jawbone), but this data can also be shared.

A running assistant also works, which requires the included GPS - and a smartphone in your pocket or backpack.

Nevertheless, if we compare this program with analogues for more expensive models of sports trackers, then its capabilities do not impress with its diversity.

In addition to simple statistics, the bracelet can act as a smart alarm clock by vibrating on your hand. Also, by vibration, the bracelet during the day can report incoming incoming calls or new messages. Undoubtedly, a convenient opportunity, because at any time you can switch your smartphone to silent mode and not be afraid to miss important calls.

Opportunities

The built-in accelerometer in a mobile device no longer surprises anyone. However, not every gadget is able to distinguish walking from running. Differentiation of the speed of movement, measurement of the distance traveled, calculation of calories burned - the smart bracelet Xiaomi Mi Band has all the useful functions for the user. Reviews of the owners of the gadget come down to the fact that the device can measure the pulse, however, no one managed to get data on the heartbeat.

Pedometer

Xiaomi Mi Band counts the number of steps and distance taken throughout the day. 100% accuracy should not be expected from him. He also captures the swings of his hand. But what fitness tracker does not sin with this now ?!

In the app, you set your daily step rate.

The LEDs on the module will help you control the level of progress, in case you do not want to go to the phone for information. But it will be very conditional. Let me remind you that there are only 3 LEDs, respectively, - 3 degrees. 1 LED is on - it means you have gone 1/3 steps from the target. You see 2 burning indicators - you have made 2/3 steps. When all the LEDs are on, this indicates that you have completed your daily norm, and you need to look at the phone for details.

By the way, the indicators on the module are very small and dim. They are almost invisible in the sun.

The tracker is sensitive to all changes in daily activity and can distinguish a step from a run. In the application, he will break down these readings and provide extended information.

Calorie counter

The bracelet also counts calories based on your height, weight and age. And in the application, he will even be smart and share with you information about what the calories spent correspond to. For example, 27 kcal is eaten broccoli. 30 kcal is a strawberry.

For those who are losing weight, such tips will serve as additional motivation. Like, he walked, walked all day, and burned only a chocolate bar.

Smart alarm clock

The bracelet notices any change in your activity. When you go to bed, the tracker does not need to be put into sleep mode (as it is now necessary to do with many). It independently determines this and enters the data into the application. Mi Band will analyze your sleep, highlight deep and light phases of sleep, count how many times you woke up and how much you slept.

Moreover, this bracelet, like Jawbone, is equipped with a smart alarm clock. It will determine the phase of light sleep by your movements and wake you up at the ideal time for you with a light but tangible vibration.

Notifications

Xiaomi Mi Band also knows how to notify about incoming calls by vibration (there is no speaker here). But it does not do this immediately, but after a while (it is configured in the application). The minimum is 3 seconds. That is, if you receive a call on your smartphone, the bracelet will begin to vibrate after 3 seconds. It's convenient and inconvenient at the same time. When the phone is in my hands, I would not want the bracelet to vibrate at that moment, but I can see everything. But when the smartphone is in my bag and I can’t hear it, someone calls me for 3 whole seconds, then waits a little more until I react to the vibration of the bracelet and start looking for my phone. It takes a long time.

autonomy

The daily used bracelet is able to work on a single battery charge for about 20-30 days, depending on how active you are. If you spend most of the day in the office and at home, then the Mi Band will work for more than a month in the “a couple of hours a day” step counting mode. My pedometer was discharged by only 20 percent in two weeks. Perhaps this is not such a huge plus over other pedometers, but, on the other hand, in the case of the Mi Band, we see where the savings on the screen, buttons and additional features went - in very good battery life, this time. And also in the cost, it's two.

Usage impressions

In the course of use, we compared the accuracy of the Xiaomi Mi Band step measurement with the iPhone 5s, on which the Runtastic Me application is installed. Recall that the iPhone 5s has an Apple M7 motion coprocessor that collects and processes data from sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, compass), so its competent use allows you to count steps with high accuracy. So, the results of the bracelet and the iPhone 5s were slightly different, but the difference was not so great that it could somehow affect the conclusions during normal (household) use of the bracelet. That is, its results can be trusted.

Similarly with sleep: we tried to cheat the bracelet and just put it on the table, and did not take it to bed with us, but the application later said that "you did not wear the bracelet last night." In turn, when the bracelet is really worn on the hand at night, it wakes up quite correctly and, thanks to the convenient compact strap, does not really interfere. As a minus, we note that if the bracelet is discharged at night, then it will signal a couple of times right in the middle of the night, after which it will turn off completely and will not wake you up in time. You have to be very careful to ensure that the bracelet is not discharged.

If you don't follow up, you risk oversleeping. It is strange that the developers did not provide for some kind of fallback - for example, so that the mobile device with which the bracelet is connected signaled at the right time.

Another disadvantage: the bracelet does not have a reminder mode for a long period of inactivity, as in Jawbone Up24. There is also no daytime sleep mode (again, it is in Jawbone Up24, and many people love it very much: for example, if you want to take a nap during the day and there is such an opportunity, then this mode allows you to sleep for about forty minutes and wake up before the body goes into deep sleep phase, and therefore, after waking up, you will feel rested and refreshed).

And the last. The bracelet sometimes synchronizes with the application for quite a long time, and if the mobile device turns off the screen, the process stops and you have to start it again. By synchronization, in this case, we mean the transfer of information from the bracelet to the mobile device. The fact is that it is not at all necessary to constantly wear a bracelet with a mobile device. At the end of the day, you can simply connect the bracelet to your smartphone / tablet and press Sync. Then the activity data for the past day and sleep for the past night will be transferred to the application. And this process takes from ten to fifteen seconds (if the bracelet and the mobile device did not part at all, and the previous synchronization was carried out quite recently) to a minute or two. For comparison, in Runtastic Me on iPhone 5s, a similar operation is carried out in any case in a few seconds, although the essence is the same: transferring data from sensors to the application (I don’t think that the amount of data is much more than the width of the Bluetooth 4.0 channel, so it’s unlikely Is there a problem with the slow synchronization of the bracelet in this).

Weaknesses of the device

The manufacturer claims that training and weight loss are priority functions that the Xiaomi Mi Band smart bracelet positions on the market. Reviews of many owners assure that the gadget copes with this perfectly. After all, the Mi Fit software menu provides for several training programs (walking, running, squats and abs). The accelerometer counts, and the smart program calculates the calories burned. Visually, everything looks functional.

However, the owners have many questions to the manufacturer regarding the calculations themselves, because, logically, energy consumption directly depends on body temperature and heart rate. In this connection, many coaches believe that this gadget has nothing to do with sports. The only useful feature in the fitness device is the alert system. You can set up a stopwatch, Tabata counter or a reminder that will notify the user by vibration of the gadget on the wrist.

As many professionals note in their reviews, the device incorrectly calculates calories burned. When compared with a professional heart rate monitor, the discrepancies are about 10-15%. Naturally, such an indicator is unacceptable for many people who want to get rid of excess weight. The brightness of the LED display cannot be reduced, which annoys some owners (in the reviews, many users advise painting the bulbs with black nail polish).

Price

In the official Xiaomi store and on the website, the pedometer costs $ 15, in rubles it is about 900 rubles. Even taking into account the delivery and purchase on the website of some large Chinese online store, the cost of Xiaomi Mi Band will not exceed 1,500-2,000 rubles. For comparison, bracelets from Jawbone or Fitbit cost an average of 4,000-6,000 rubles, even the most inexpensive (noname) Chinese pedometers are generally slightly more expensive than the Mi Band. On Yandex Market, the average price for Xiaomi Mi Band for 2017 is 1000 - 1500 rubles.

conclusions

A cheap Chinese pedometer turned out to be a quality device that successfully copes with its functions. Mi Band is inferior in functionality to some analogues, but only in terms of software. The lack of "chips" is more than offset by the low cost of the device, as well as excellent battery life. 30 days is just fine.

Many potential buyers will certainly wonder when they see the Xiaomi Mi Band smart bracelet on the market: "What is it - a toy, an alarm clock or a fitness trainer?" It’s hard to say for sure, because it all depends on the needs of the user himself. You need a beautiful and modern gadget - it means that the bracelet is designed for entertainment. The need for effective sleep and timely rise in the morning will assign the device the status of an alarm clock. And monitoring the conduct of training will definitely make a wonderful fitness trainer out of the gadget. Each buyer independently decides what he needs in the end result. The main thing is that the manufacturer pleased everyone by introducing a universal device on the market.

Xiaomi Mi Band is a simple and practical accessory for counting steps taken, distance and tracking sleep phases. It is suitable for those who want to know what modern fitness bracelets are, but are not ready to pay three to five thousand rubles for the sake of curiosity. In addition, this bracelet is a great gift!

Pros:

Low price
Simple and stylish design
30 days of work without recharging
Smart alarm clock
Convenient application
Notification Alert
Waterproof IP67

Minuses:

The initial connection of the device will take time
Small and dim LEDs
No heart rate monitor

Video review

The materials of the current article were found on the sites: ixbt.com, iphones.ru, mobile-review.com, smartwatchpro.ru, fb.ru

A detailed review of the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 bracelet from the CAFAGO website, in which I will show how to set up call notifications with the name of the caller displayed in Cyrillic on IOS-based phones, run through the Mi Fit application and compare the readings of the bracelet's heart rate monitor with a chest heart rate sensor.

Hello everyone. Finally, this long-awaited package arrived to me, which contains the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 fitness bracelet.

The bracelet was bought on sale on the CAFAGO website for only 16 bucks

The site is not well known

but accepts payment via Paypal, so in which case there will be no problems

Also in the payment from Paypal appears the name of another store - TOMTOP, which is much more eminent. So basically CAFAGO is his daughter. Here is such a strange Chinese marketing.
The bracelet was sent by mail from Laos, without a track number (although CAFAGO promised to send it with a track, apparently they decided to save money) and it took 21 days to reach me.
The packaging is so-so, but the box was not damaged at all.

Its dimensions are 97 * 97 * 31 mm and weight 95 grams

It should be said right away that there are two versions of the bracelet - international and Chinese. The differences are insignificant - the international version of bluetooth 4.2 LE, while the Chinese one has 4.0 LE.

This is clearly stated on the box.

Photo of the box that came to me. Bluetooth4.0LE

The abbreviation LE stands for Low Energy, that is, low energy consumption.
It seems like version 4.2 is more energy efficient, but I could not find any real evidence that a bracelet with bluetooth version 4.2 works longer. The color of the screen is also slightly different.

The international version is colder, the Chinese one is warmer.

Also a completely uncritical difference. Also gives the Chinese version

complete absence of inscriptions on the back of the bracelet

In my opinion, there is no point in chasing the international version. Take the one that is cheaper. Keep in mind - there are fake bracelets.
Read reviews carefully before buying and only buy from trusted places. It is elementary to check for originality - if the bracelet is synchronized with the original Mi Fit application, then it is not fake.

Also, before buying, make sure that your smartphone meets the minimum requirements:
To work with the bracelet, you need to support Bluetooth 4.0 LE and
- Android: 4.4 and above
- iOS: 7.0 and up (iPhone 4S and up)
- BlackBerry OS: 10 and above
- Windows Phone: 8.1 and higher (There is no official program. Work through Bind Mi Band)

So let's now open the box and take a look at its contents.

Traditionally for Xiaomi, it is designed simply and ascetically.
Nothing extra. Modest and tasteful.
Included: capsule itself, silicone bracelet, charging cable and waste paper.

Cable length 14 cm with USB connector.

It can be connected to the USB port of our laptop or to any charger. The bracelet itself limits the current it needs for charging (about 50 mA), but for some reason the manufacturer does not recommend using chargers with an output current of more than 1 A.

You can see the polarity of the contacts in the picture.

It is also worth noting that this cable is not compatible with older versions of the bracelet (1 and 1s), so to charge Mi Band 2, you only need to use the cable from the kit or a similar one, which can be bought without problems on the same Ali.

The hand strap is made of medical grade silicone. Strap length is 235mm adjustable from 155mm to 210mm;

The strap from the second version of Mi Band is also not compatible with the previous generation of bracelets, because it has an improved design (a silicone side that prevents the capsule from falling out, which, by the way, is now inserted from the inside (from the side of the hand) and will not fall out accidentally).

Fastens with a mushroom clip.

Spare straps can also be bought on Ali or other sites, they often have sales and you can snatch them for half a buck.

Well, now the most important thing is the capsule itself.

Its body is made of polycarbonate. It is sealed, protected from water and dust according to the IP67 standard.
But be sure to remove the bracelet when visiting the sauna / bath, as the high temperature will damage the battery. For the same reason, you should not leave it in direct sunlight (on the beach or by the pool).
On the front panel there is a 0.42-inch OLED display with an oleophobic coating. Glass is said to pick up scratches a lot. You can stick a protective film - here everyone decides for himself. Below is a 0.05 mm (five hundredths of a millimeter) anodized ultra-thin button that turns on the screen and toggles the displayed data.

The bracelet can show the time (cannot be disabled), the number of steps, the distance traveled, the calories burned, the pulse and the remaining battery charge. Also, the button is used to turn off the vibration of the bracelet when you call or the alarm goes off. All settings are made through the native Mi Fit app.

Inside the capsule is an energy-efficient accelerometer, which has a new upgraded pedometer and sleep monitoring algorithm (the version of the algorithm is updated when the bracelet is flashed).

70 mAh Li-Pol battery. This is enough for about 20 days.
The bracelet also has its own memory, in which statistics are accumulated. When synchronizing, it is uploaded to the smartphone. The memory is enough for 40 days. Mi Band is completely autonomous, it counts the steps and phases of sleep. A smartphone is only needed to view detailed statistics and settings. A permanent connection is only needed for call notifications and unlocking (for Android devices)

The total weight of the capsule with strap is 19 grams.

On the back side there is an optical heart rate sensor (with green LEDs), which works according to the PPG (Photoplethysmogram) principle.

This heart rate measurement technology is based on the effect that the blood flow in the blood vessels periodically changes during heartbeats and, accordingly, the amount of absorbed light. The technology is completely safe. The same as shining a flashlight into your hand.

Unfortunately, the bracelet came to me empty, so before continuing, we put it on charge.
To measure the charging current in practice, we use a USB tester.

Unfortunately, the KEWEISI USB tester could not register such a small current, so we take another tester from JUWEI. As you can see, the charging current is 40 mA. Let's leave the bracelet to charge to full, at the same time and measure how much energy will be poured into it.

After an hour and a half, the charging current first dropped to 20 mA, and after a minute, charging completely turned off. 67 mAh of energy was poured into the bracelet and now it is fully charged.

To set up the bracelet and synchronize it, we need the Mi Fit application. If you don't have it, then download it from the App Store.

We launch it and

After that, you must either create your MI account (if you do not have one), indicating your mail.
To do this, click "Create Mi Account" and

we follow the instructions.

After registration, a confirmation letter will be sent to the mail, in which you just need to click on the orange button.

Everything. MI account created. Using his data, we log in to the application and again

agree to all requests

We allow the application to enter data into the Health program.

Upload an avatar and enter personal data. They are needed to correctly calculate the distance traveled and calories burned. So there is no point in cheating).

We enter the daily rate of steps, upon reaching which the bracelet will happily vibrate (adjustable function).

.
Everything. Now we have the main screen in front of us and the next step is to pair the bracelet with the phone. It is worth noting that the Mi Fit app also works with other products from Xiaomi, such as Mi Scale floor scales, smartwatches and even sneakers.

At this stage, we need to stop and say a few words about the firmware. The bracelet contains two parts of the software: the firmware itself and the pedometer and sleep monitoring algorithm.
At the moment, the latest version of the Firmware is 1.0.1.53, the Algorithm is 1.1.06.
In order for the bracelet to correctly display the name of the caller when the output is incoming, you need to CORRECTLY update its firmware and additional fonts. Unfortunately, for some reason this can only be done by squinting under the Chinese (and downloading the Chinese firmware). To do this, you need to temporarily switch your phone to Chinese.

The 4pda website has very detailed instructions.

1. If the Chinese language was previously installed, remove it from the "preferred order of languages"
2. If Mi Fit was previously installed, untie the bracelet in it, untie the pair in the bluetooth, remove Mi Fit
3. Reboot your phone
4. Download again Mi Fit from AppStore and install
5. Launch Mi Fit, log in, sync with the bracelet, pair in bluetooth, put the bracelet next to the phone as close as possible
6. The firmware should be updated (for the English version), check that everything works, there is synchronization
7. Check and turn off all notifications in Mi Fit (calls, sms, apps, alerts, alarms)
8. Close Mi Fit (so that it does not hang in the background)
9. Add Simplified Chinese in the language settings, it should be in the first place in the language priority, then English, then Russian, put the bracelet next to the phone as close as possible
10. Run Mi Fit (in Chinese), there should be an update, if it doesn’t work, try again, if it doesn’t help, turn off / on the bluetooth (do not break the pair)
11. If the update is interrupted (and this happens in most cases), close Mi Fit, remove it from the background
12. Without changing the Chinese language in the bluetooth settings, unpair with the bracelet (forget the device), then turn off and on the bluetooth, put the bracelet next to the phone as close as possible
13. Run Mi Fit, sync, the update should go in Chinese and complete successfully (the firmware version will not change, only additional fonts will be loaded)
14. In the Iphone settings, return the Russian language back, in the language priority, Russian should be in the first place, English in the second, Chinese can be deleted everywhere
15. Launch Mi Fit, sync, turn on the necessary notifications
16. Check, now the name of the caller should be displayed in Russian letters

I will start right away from point 5, since I have never had either Chinese or the Mi Fit application on my phone.
Choose a bracelet and click accept.

The application starts looking for a bracelet that lies calmly in the immediate vicinity of the phone.

At some point it will find it

At this point, you need to quickly press the button on the bracelet to confirm pairing.
If you managed to do this, then the pairing was successful and you get to the main screen of the Mi Fit application

At this stage, you should not climb the menu and start exploring everything. You need to update the firmware. This all happens automatically. Wait a couple of minutes. When it downloads, you will see:

On the bracelet at this moment, the following indication is on the screen

We are waiting for the update to complete (if an error pops up, try again).
Now we have the latest firmware on the bracelet… But… That's not all. In order to download additional fonts with Cyrillic support, you need to temporarily switch your phone to Chinese (what an irony) and DO update the bracelet. Close the Mi Fit app completely.

Turn on in the phone settings (Settings - General - Language and region - add language) Simplified Chinese.

We observe the correct order of languages.

Now we restart the Mi Fit application (already in Chinese). Judging by the manual, there should be another firmware update by itself. But it didn’t work for me until I went into the bracelet notification settings

After that, the bracelet began to be updated.

After that, we return the Russian language in the phone settings and try to call ourselves.

We enter the subscriber in the address book and repeat.

As you can see, everything works fine - the name is displayed. It is worth noting that a maximum of 9 characters will be displayed, not counting spaces. Here is a limitation.

Let's take a look at all the settings that the Mi Fit app on IOS provides us with. Unfortunately, its Russification leaves much to be desired…
The application has three tabs. Status, Activity and Profile.
In the Status tab, you can see the current progress of the activity, force synchronization by pulling the screen down, open the help about the Mi Band (see the description of the icons that you see on the bracelet), check the data on the pulse, weight (you can enter it manually or with xiaomi scale scales. There are profiles for different people), as well as to know the progress towards the goal (for example, 8000 steps per day, as recommended by WHO).

Status tab

The Activity tab is something like a fitness tracker, similar to popular apps like Strava, RunKeeper and others.

Activity tab

And the last tab Profile. Allows you to configure the bracelet itself (we will consider below), set an activity goal (for example, 8000 steps per day), desired weight, share this information with friends using a QR code, add accounts of some social networks. networks, set behavior labels (as I understand it, behavior standards so that the bracelet can more accurately recognize activity), set up units of measurement, leave feedback to developers and look at the About section (About in the original), where you can find the version of the application and algorithm.

Profile tab - general application settings

If you select your bracelet on this tab in the My devices section, then we get directly into the settings of the bracelet itself. Here you can set up notifications about an incoming call, set an alarm (you can set it by the days of the week. There are 10 alarms in total that work independently of phone alarms. That is, even if the phone sits down, the bracelet will vibrate), set up notifications from applications, inactivity, SMS, mail , reaching the goal and turn on the do not disturb mode.
You can make it so that with a short press the triggered alarm clock is postponed for 10 minutes, and turned off completely only by holding the button on the bracelet for a long time.
You can also set the visibility mode of the bracelet (I don’t know why this is necessary, it’s always invisible for me and everything works), select the hand on which you wear the bracelet, select the data to display on the screen (everything except the time can be turned off), select the format time (useful when the screen has the date and day of the week), and also activate the gesture of raising your hand to turn on the screen and switch the displayed data. You can also turn on heart rate tracking at night while you sleep to analyze it in the morning. Cool feature, but causes increased battery consumption (because it periodically turns on to measure the pulse in a dream).
At the very bottom, you can see the firmware version of the bracelet, its Bluetooth address (MAC address) and untie the bracelet from the application. It is worth saying more about this. Each bracelet is associated with your MI account and the bracelet cannot be linked to a new account without first unlinking it from the old one. So if suddenly your bracelet was stolen - do not untie it from your account. Don't make life easy for thieves.

Profile tab - My devices

For the sake of interest, let's compare the heart rate readings obtained from the bracelet with the readings from the chest heart rate monitor, a review of which I also once wrote. Since the bracelet itself cannot constantly measure heart rate (heart rate), we will force it to do this through the Mi Fit application.

We put on the bracelet above the wrist, as the manufacturer advises.

To take heart rate readings from a bib - run the PulseMe program.

At rest, the readings are almost the same

After doing several dozen squats, the heart rate readings on the bib clearly grow, while the Mi Band 2 is still dull.

And only after 5-10 seconds Mi Band 2 starts to show correctly.

Thus, the readings of the bracelet converge with the readings of the chest heart rate monitor, but one must take into account the delay in measuring the pulse that Mi Band 2 has. In principle, for cardio training, when the load grows slowly or constantly and the heart rate also changes smoothly, the accuracy and speed of Mi Band 2 is enough .

In order to constantly monitor the heart rate in other programs, and not just in Mi Fit, you can use the Mi HR continuous heart rate monitoring program. The functionality is paid. It costs 299 rubles. There is a 10 minute free trial.
But, to be honest, it did not work for me (when I tried to turn on the measurement of the pulse, the LEDs did not even light up). Also, for a fee, the program allows you to downgrade the firmware of the bracelet. I did not buy the paid version, I do not know if it works. Write if you have tried.

UPDATE! The MI HR program is working. Continuous heart rate measurement works. And the pulse is visible in third-party programs, such as RunKeeper.

For Android users, the bracelet is more functional and allows you to implement functions such as unlocking your phone without entering a password.

It works especially cool on Xiaomi phones (on MIUI)

On MIUI:
When you turn on the screen and bring the bracelet to the phone, the secure lock is disabled
If the bracelet is not close (for example, they gave it to someone): you will have to unlock it with a pattern key with a PIN code / password
On other firmware:
If the bracelet is connected, there will be no secure lock, only the slider will remain
If the connection with the bracelet is lost (distance over 10 meters), the screen lock will return

Also on Android there is a wonderful application Mi Band 2 Func Button, which allows you to configure various functions for single, double and triple pressing. And also to the gesture of turning with a brush.

Features of Mi Band 2 Func Button

* Switch music (Forward/Back/Pause/Play) in most known players.
* Timer (Start/Stop) for a given time. You can set an intermediate vibration at a specified interval.
* Sending commands to Tasker
* Reset, accept and mute an incoming call.
* Trigger vibration on your phone.
* Trigger an alarm sound on your phone.
* Volume control.
For each of the types of clicks, you can configure the feedback in the form of a given vibration.

Unfortunately, I don't have an Android smartphone. If you have and managed to configure this functionality - write in the comments. Sending commands to Tasker opens up a huge scope for creativity. Write how you use this feature. Interesting.

That's all. I hope you enjoyed my review and found it helpful. If so, don't forget to upvote. A lot of time was spent on it.

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