Technology & IT | Monday 3 October, 2016 10:28 am |

With fitness and health devices setting the pace in wearable tech – a segment that is forecast to reach US$25 billion by 2019, according to CCS Insight – it’s no surprise that this year’s GITEX Shopper has the widest choice of fitness trackers and wellness devices on show. Currently running until Saturday, 8th October at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the show brings together both global brands and power retailers under one roof, to offer the best deals on the latest consumer electronics, including wearables.  Some of the products to be found at the show this week include:

 

Fitbit Charge 2: One of the best fitness trackers in the world, Fitbit, has recently released Fitbit Charge 2, which is sleeker and comes packed with loads of new features. The Charge 2 comes with all-day activity tracking, sleep monitoring, a five day battery span and interchangeable bands, meaning that you can easily swap out the strap. The updated Fitbit also has a bigger screen which, of course, allows for more information to be displayed and also has a GPS connect feature that connects to your phone’s GPS, to monitor your distance travelled and give you an accurate pace reading.

 

Samsung Gear Fit 2: What sets the Gear Fit 2 apart from other fitness trackers, is that it provides features of a fitness tracker and a smart watch. The Gear Fit 2 comes with 4GB of storage and has a touch interface, as well as two buttons on the right side allowing you to navigate easily. It includes a built-in GPS and has an auto-tracking feature that can detect and track your steps, calories and sleeping patterns. The Gear Fit 2 also comes with an auto-tracking feature, which recognises when you are doing different types of exercises and activities ranging from squats and cardio to riding a bike and doing yoga.

 

Apple Watch: Not your usual fitness tracker however, the Apple Watch is quite the convenient gadget. Not only does the watch come in three models which include Sport, Watch and Watch Edition, but Apple also has a Hermes Collection for those looking to make a statement. When it comes to fitness tracking, the Apple Watch has an accelerometer, a heart rate monitor and an Activity application that monitors your calorie intake, tracks your average heart rate ranges and normal activity levels. The watch also comes with a Workout application that tracks your workouts and allows you to choose between several indoor and outdoor workouts.

 

Garmin Vivosmart HR+: Named as the best fitness tracker by Wearable.com, the Vivosmart HR has three main features which include GPS run tracking, smart notifications and daily activity tracking. By adding a built-in GPS functionality, the Vivosmart HR+ enables runners to accurately track their distance and plan running routes once connected to the Garmin Connect mobile application. It also has a 24/7 heart-rate monitoring system and a motion sensor data, which together, will tell you the intensity of your fitness activities.

 

Misfit Ray: Not only does this unique fitness tracker promise to run on a single battery life for six months without charging, but it is also water-resistant for 50 meters. This affordable tracker also has basic features which tracks steps, sleeping patterns and estimates burnt calories. When it comes to the design of the watch, the Misfit Ray’s minimalistic design is what makes it stands out, and has a single multi-coloured LED light which is designed to convey information including your progress.

 

Avinash Shanbhogue, Director of GITEX Shopper 2016, said: “GITEX Shopper is offering visitors the widest choice of products from the broadest range of manufacturers and retailers, and this year’s range of wearable tech is exceptional. Not only can you get informed advice from sales assistants on what’s best and why, you’re also likely to get a winning GITEX Shopper deal. Getting fit never felt easier!”  

 

GITEX Shopper 2016 runs until Saturday, 8 October and is open from 11:00am - 11:00pm every day. This year, tickets for GITEX Shopper will be priced at AED 30 for the weekdays and AED 35 for the weekend. Entry is free for children below the age of five.