The classic, modern Withings Body Scale up close (pictures)

The Withings Body Scale measures 12.6 inches by 12.6 inches square and has modern good looks. Its main platform is made from a dark and glossy glass and sits 0.9 inch above the ground. Both black (shown here) and white models are available.

The top center of the Withings Body Scale's platform houses a recessed and backlit 2.4-by-1.6 inch LCD screen. It displays Wi-Fi status, percentage body fat, and of course, your weight.

The surface of the Withings Body Scale is divided up into four quadrants each holding tiny electrodes. It sends a small electrical impulse into your body to measure its biometric impedance, used to calculate your ratio of fat to lean mass. For the sensors to operate properly, you'll need to step on with bare feet.

Flipping the Withings Body Scale over reveals its plastic back side painted in silver. At the center is a white plastic plate covering the scale's four AAA batteries. Here, too, is a switch to set the units of measurement the device displays.

All you need to do to activate the Withings Body Scale, once properly set up on your home Wi-Fi network, is to step up onto it...if you dare. After that, the Body Scale does the rest, taking just a few seconds to calculate your weight and percentage body fat. Then the device mercilessly sends you stats to the cloud for tracking.