OVERVIEW: Xiaomi Mi Band 2 - an advanced version of the popular fitness tracker

Apparently, Xiaomi has decided to once every six months to update their fitness device. Each of them produces a sensation, and the company has just increased its sales every time. The Mi Band last year became the best-selling smart fitness accessory. We wrote about first Xiaomi Mi BandAnd about an updated version of a heart rate monitor. It is the turn to tell their impressions of the work of the second-generation device - Mi Band 2.

Features Xiaomi Mi Band 2

• capsule material: polycarbonate plastic.
• bracelets materials: thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate.
• Enclosure class: IP67.
• Functions: heart rate measurement, a pedometer, count the distance and calories burned, sleep monitoring, smart alarm clock for calls unlock the tablet / smartphone's notification.
• Sensors: three-axis accelerometer, an optical heart rate monitor.
• Indication: monochrome OLED-display with a diagonal of 0.42 inches, the vibrating motor.
• Battery: built-in lithium-polymer capacity of 70 mAh.
• Battery life: up to 20 days.
• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 LE.
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• Operating Temperature: -20 to +70 ° C.
• Dimensions: 40.3 × 15.7 × 10.5 mm.
• Weight: 7 g
• Compatibility: iOS 7 / Android 4.3.
• Package Contents: Module, bracelet, charging cable.

Other fitness bracelets Xiaomi novelty is the presence of the OLED-display and the touch of a button. Bracelet consists of two parts - the plastic capsule and the strap. The module has become larger. Weight also increased, although it is not felt. Basic functionality is not related to screen, virtually unchanged, as the requirements for smartphones, with which the device will operate in a duet.

Appearance and delivery

The traditional carton line is located 2 Mi Band module, bracelet, instruction in Chinese and charger.

The main unit has undergone significant changes. Top panel now occupies the OLED-display and touch-sensitive button. The image on the screen due to the use the matrix perfectly readable in the sun and not blind in the dark. Most of the time display is dark and only when needed: if the button is pressed, incoming notification, or the need to look at his watch (how to do this without touching the device, see below). Capacitive button, does not respond to third-party items. The whole panel is now flat.

In addition to the appearance of the screen and buttons embedded in it, there are other external changes. So, Xiaomi Mi Band 2 uses a new heart rate monitor - can be seen on closer inspection. Light from the sensors become smaller, the LEDs are arranged differently. But most importantly, it is now in the fairing that rises above the module by almost 1.5 mm window heart rate monitor.

Changed and strap. Now it is regulated in the range 155-210 mm and the total length is 235 mm. The first version of the module inserted from the outside and occasionally dropped. The new design of the functional capsule can only be inserted from the inside (by hand). Furthermore, the capsule does not act, on the contrary, the edges of the recesses in the bracelet rise above it, protecting screen. This fixes two of the most serious design flaws - down scratches and loss!

Since the updated device significantly larger than the first model, there are some problems in use. For example, a child he was no longer wear. On a miniature female hand bracelet Mi Band 2 looks bulky and can be great.

Because of the increased size of the device can often for something to touch. It saves only durable bracelet.

Following the changed dimensions of the capsule changed charger. It has become deeper and wider, charging pins are longer. Old charger will not work. Set Mi Band 1 or 1s in the slot of the second model is more realistic, but only with the use of any gaskets for contact charging module and the contacts.

Functionality

Unlike previous versions, the new product can operate in standalone mode or via the app. In this case, a common set of functions virtually unchanged.

Bracelet all the same can monitor the activity, heart rate, count calories, steps, distance, and track the phases of sleep. Pedometer the novelty and improved, according to the manufacturer, more accurate. The difference indication Mi Band 1s and Mi Band 2 reaches 10-15%. On a simple wave of the hand device no longer responds.

Since the update affected the heart rate and, here too, we can expect increasing accuracy. The error in the tests did not exceed 5%.

Alerts are working to the same extent, but they are set depending on the application. For incoming calls and SMS bracelet vibrates. When the notification of the application there is a double vibration and output App icon.

Like the previous model, Xiaomi Mi Band 2 can unlock the related smartphone via Bluetooth, if the two devices are within a radius of operation of the interface. Upon unlocking operates at distances not greater than 5 m.

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

Offline mode: the possibility of the screen and gestures

On the screen Mi Band 2 is the most important information: time, number of steps, heart rate. The display is a touch button. The first press on it starts the clock. On the second pressing gadget shows the number of steps. On the third screen is displayed heart and pulse measurement starts either shown its value, if the pulse changed during the last minute. If you do not tap on the button after the measurement was made, and wait for the screen is turned off, at the first touch of a button is displayed is not the time, and the value of the heart rate. The same happens with statistics and steps.

All data is updated using the built-in sensors. The device needs to synchronize with your smartphone only if there was a battery. If you charge the Mi Band 2 on time, the smartphone application and can be used very rarely and then only for viewing statistics.

Very conveniently it has a function to display the time. To find it, just turn the hand rapidly - the screen wakes up and shows the time regardless of the latter type of scanned data. It works even when typing on the keyboard, when the hand is on the table. Detach it from the surface is not required, always works.

Applications and compatibility

As before, the functionality of the device depends on the application. Pedometer, distance, sleep tracking and detailed statistics are present in the program version for all devices and markets.

Testing iOS-application was carried out. But with versions for Android still is not the best way. Who is the official app from the Google Play works with any Mi Band, intelligent scales, and two types of shoe, as well as Chinese application. There are unlocking the smartphone using the bracelet. When he is close and connected with your phone over Bluetooth, a password is not required. However, the run function it does not have, but there is synchronization with MyFitnessPal and Google Fit.

Official Chinese version applications distributed through the company store for MIUI OS, can not be synchronized with other applications. But there is a running mode that activates a special button, as well as voice assistant for running mode (in amateur assembly he transferred). And, according to some sources, it is possible to build a track walking or jogging (this point is not checked).

All formal applications allow you to set up alerts (for Android 4.4 or higher and iOS) for incoming calls and notifications from three applications to choose from. When you call the device vibrates twice, pauses, and continues the cycle until there is a call (by the way, you can adjust the delay from the start of the call to not feel too much discomfort).

Mi Fit new vibration application can remind the user to move during the day.

Unfortunately, since version Mi Fit 2.0 smart alarm clock is missing in the application. Even if it appears it is still not working. Therefore, if this feature is important to you, it is better to use a previous version or amateur assembly.

there are third-party applications to work with the Mi Band. They each have their pros and cons, try them in action, and select the most suitable.

autonomy

Despite the fact that the bracelet came in the whole plastic packaging, the battery was charged. If you believe the application, the gadget was loaded 29 days ago. When the screen is off it enough for 29 days.

Two days active testing (3-5 synchronizations to 20 pulse measurements attempt freezing, frequent switching of the screen work as a clock) battery level fell to 16%. If you often enough exercise and wear Mi Band 2 as a clock, battery charge will last for 12-15 days (with function enabled more accurate tracking of sleep, where frequent measurements are made pulse). With less active use of the device can work for 20-30 days.

Testing in harsh conditions

Despite the declared manufacturer of protection against water and dust to standard IP67, users often complained about the Mi Band 1 and 1s because of the leaks. Test specimen well experienced hot and cold shower, and even attempts to drown him in a direct stream of water within an hour. However, it was found that the first touch of the hot water jet activates the button. If the stream is not interrupted due to movement on or off the water, repeat false positives are observed.

Button works and frozen at -18 ° C until the bracelet. And how, after removal from the freezer and straight into it. On cold, wet fingers reacts.

results

All users Mi Band agreed that the device screen is needed. Xiaomi engineers have done exactly what they asked for. Now Mi Band - is not attracting the attention of a bracelet that turns into a fitness gadget when necessary. Take it or not? Be sure to take.

Now the cost of Xiaomi Mi Band 2 (where it really is available) reached $ 60. This phenomenon is temporary, designed for fans who want to get the most awaited gadget. During the summer, its value probably decrease.

Recall that the official sales of the new Mi Band kicked off on 30 June. A couple of weeks after that the device will appear in the warehouses of stores that are available for Russian consumers.