If the Apple Watch is too geeky and a typical fitness tracker doesn't do enough for your overall health and well-being, the GoBe 2 ($169) from Healbe may be of interest. They sent me their "Smart Life Band" which is something inbetween a smartwatch and a fitness tracker. The GoBe 2 measures (or recommends) calorie intake, energy balance, sleep quality, emotional states, water balance, burned calories, heart rate, stress level, steps, and distance. In short, it addresses all or most of the health benefits of a smartwatch, and perhaps more, but without the excess capabilities many fitness users wouldn't bother with.
The result is a health-focused smart band (not watch) with a subtle although oversized display. It is normally off and when it turns on to display something, it does so with an attractive blue pixelated look that's almost retro. I even like the band better than the sport watch band that came with my Apple Watch, as it's more secure. And they sell multiple color strap options.
The GoBe 2 works with its own app as well as multiple third-party apps. However, it's a bit bulky compared to less functional fitness trackers and requires a proprietary charging dock, which is another thing to carry on trips, etc. Plus, for all that it does do, it is not a watch and doesn't have alarms, etc. But you probably use your iPhone for that.
Pros
- Attractive pixelated display
- Focused on health and well-being
- Works with multiple apps
- Multiple color strap options
Cons
- Bulky compared to less functional fitness trackers
- Only a couple of days battery life
- Another proprietary charging dock
Final Verdict
The GoBe 2 from Healbe is an attractive smart band that falls somewhere between a smartwatch and a typical fitness tracker.
