Verdict
Key Specifications
- Bluetooth 4.0 for real-time syncing
- OLED display
- Works with iOS and Android phones
- Tracks calories and steps
What is the LG LifeBand Touch?
The LG LifeBand Touch is the Korean electronics manufacturer’s answer to the Nike Fuelband SE, and a whole host of fitness tracking devices from Fitbit, Withings and newcomers like Garmin.
After showing an initial prototype at last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, LG is launching the LifeBand Touch in the US in Spring with a UK release date yet to be confirmed. It has some unique features and is clearly been inspired by existing fitness trackers with hopes of getting people in shape in 2014.
LG LifeBand Touch – Design
Like a cross between the Nike Fuelband and the Fitbit One pod-style fitness tracker, the Touch features a matte black strap that strongly resembles the strap on the Fuelband and a touchscreen OLED display that’s around the same size as the flagship Fitbit tracker. There’s just a single button to jump between screens as an alternative to simply swiping on the display. Sadly, there’s no built-in USB connector so it looks like you will have to rely on a charging dock to power it up with the connector concealed inside strap behind the display.
LG LifeBand Touch – Features
The LifeBand Touch has a built-in 3-axis accelerometer and altimeter to monitor distance, speed, number of steps, calories consumed and even your projected pace.
It’s compatible with iPhones and Android phones including the LG G Flex and LG G2 via an accompanying app that will pair with the Touch using Bluetooth 4.0. That also means you’ll be able to pair Bluetooth heart rate monitors and LG’s new heart rate headphones.
The Touch also includes some smartwatch-like capabilities like the ability to check incoming phone calls, notifications and control music playback.
There will also be support for existing fitness apps with MyFitnessPal and Runkeeper among the first to work with the LifeBand Touch at launch.
First impressions
The LG LifeBand Touch clearly takes inspiration from existing fitness trackers already available and offers a rich amount of information to make it useful for fitness enthusiasts and users aiming to get fitter simply by taking the stairs instead of the lift at work. In our initial play we found that the hard OLED display and dfiiculty to even strap it onto the wrist means it might well fail the biggest and most important test of all, being comfortable to wear. We look forward to spending some more time with it later to find out.
Trusted Score
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.