-Hi.
This is Brian Bennett for CNET.com and right now, we're taking a first look at the new Basis Band from Basis Science.
This device falls somewhere between a full-pledged smart watch and a sophisticated personal fitness tracker.
Priced at $199, the Basis isn't exactly an impulse buy either.
At first glance, the Basis looks like a standard even Basis digital watch.
It's not exactly thin, its monochrome LCD screen is small
and there's only one obvious button located on the right edge.
Flip the watch over and you'll begin to realize this is no ordinary time piece.
On the bottom of the device are 6 stud-shaped sensors plus 2 green LED lights.
The Basis uses these to measure your heart rate by estimating your blood flow through your skin.
The Basis Band also features an accelerometer which allows the watch to function as a pedometer, tracking the steps you take.
Additionally, the Basis is designed
to track the length and quality of your sleep.
What sets the Basis apart from other wrist fitness tracker such as the Jawbone UP and Fitbit Flex, is that it records your sleep stats automatically.
All you have to do is wear to bed.
In case in a water resistant coating, the Basis is also splash proof so taking it out in the rain or keeping it on in the shower isn't a problem.
Featuring a Bluetooth radio, the Basis now sings with Android smartphones to transfer captured data
to a companion app.
In the app, you can set up what Basis Science calls Healthy Habits for getting more sleep, taking morning and afternoon naps, and up in your daily activity.
Game application is a factor too since the app rewards you with points depending on how long you stick to your pledges.
You then use those points to unlock more challenging habits plus raise your overall level.
As with other fitness cyber services like this, you can also dive into performance data in myriad
ways for greater insights.
I'm Brian Bennett for CNET.com and this has been a first look at the Basis Band.
Be sure to check back soon for a full review.
