Not quite there yet

The Leaf jewelry is beautiful. I totally get that. I rented this to compare with other trackers. This concept targets young women who are still actively menstruating and does not have an option to turn off the tracking line for those in menopause. So we get our faces rubbed in it when we open the app. As the app says when step data or sleep data was not received, "this is awkward". Ummmm yes, yes it is.

I had to wear extra strong reading glasses to read the app, because print is too tiny for us older gals with weaker eyes, and the contrast between white letters and very soft delicate feminine colors does not enhance visual acuity. I have no doubt that I would have totally loved this as a young teen 40 years ago. But this is not the app and product you are looking for, if you are in your crowning glory years.

In my case I was also looking for heartbeat or heart rate monitor and tracking, and there is no pretense of that here. But even for steps taking on walking, the numbers did not compare well to the wrist trackers I was also tracking. So that is disappointing. The Tracker seemed to gloss over it in terms of "oh, you met your goal of 20 minutes of activity", but no way to tell if it was just shuffling around the house activity or if it was walking at a rate to drive heart rate to 70% of capacity.

Part of the reason for that is the bracelet is not designed well enough to be flexible in accommodating wrists of all sizes, from thin teenagers to more "Reubenesque" women of size. As a result, wearing as a necklace does not yield as accurate tracking as a wrist based trackers (which are, admittedly ugly and have a harsh rubbery texture against skin.).

So maybe in a few years the systems will be improved to accommodate a wider variety of women and body types and abilities. Lets hope!

msdrpepper about Bellabeat Wellness Coach, v1.15