While activity trackers seem like a fresh new thing, they’ve existed in various forms for decades and were used primarily by scientists studying sleep and the many sleep disorders that people suffer from. Specifically for the scientific market, Philips Respironics, a Pittsburgh-based subsidiary of Philips, has released its new Actiwatch Spectrum Plus activity, sleep, and light-exposure tracker.
The device detects if it’s actually being worn, records that information, and can start an alarm to remind the user to put it on. The light sensor detects not just the brightness levels, but also the color composition of the light, so a more comprehensive assessment of the environment can be performed. Moreover, a button on the watch allows the user to mark an event, like when getting to and finishing work.
Features of the Actiwatch Spectrum Plus according to the product page:
- Off-wrist detection—software indicates when the device was not worn
- Long-term recording—supports months of data recording
- Advanced light sensing—records photopic light and light in red, green and blue
- Audible off-wrist reminder—reminds the user to put the device back on
- Direct USB connectivity—enables rapid charging and data retrieval
Product page: Actiwatch Spectrum Plus and PRO Data Collection Systems…