No matter how well-intentioned, ever since George Orwell’s classic novel 1984, people tend to get a little uneasy about devices that can monitor and track our every movement.
Even when it may be in our best interests.
Sci-Fi films, though at times captivating, can add to the paranoia.
Code 46 is a 2003 British film directed by Michael Winterbottom, with screenplay by Frank Cottrell Boyce. It was produced by BBC Films and Revolution Films.
grapplingstars.com femcompetitor.com writer, MGM Distribution Co. photo credit
It is a dystopic science fiction love story exploring the implications of current trends in biotechnology.
The film was shot on location in Shanghai, Dubai and Rajasthan, with interiors done on stage in London. The mix of foreign locations was chosen because the juxtaposition of elements in these cities offered a believable futuristic setting.
For us viewers, it worked to perfection.
In that world Traffickers deal in stolen or forged "papelles" -- papers necessary to travel from one zone of this world to another.
The papelles function not like passports but like genetic ID codes. In this future, couples are forbidden to reproduce unless their DNA is a good match.
It is not wise to mate otherwise.
Very eerie but intriguing.
With the rise in sales of Activity Trackers, in terms of monitoring, the future in now.
grapplingstars.com femcompetitor.com writer, fitbit.com photo credit
What a great name for a movie. Here we go. Michael Dressnoff’s Activity Trackers. Run. Once you begin, there’s only one end.
Something like that.
Fortunately this Sci-Fi title is related to fitness.
An activity tracker, also known as a fitness tracker, is a device or application for monitoring and tracking fitness-related metrics such as distance walked or run, calorie consumption, and in some cases heartbeat and quality of sleep.
It is a type of wearable computer.
The term is now primarily used for smartwatches that are synced, in many cases wirelessly, to a computer or smartphone for long-term data tracking. There are also independent mobile and Facebook apps.
Now for the creepy Sci-Fi part.
Some evidence has found that the use of these type of devices may result in less weight loss rather than more.
As reported by The Mayo Clinic, “Activity trackers, often worn on the wrist or waist, are designed to encourage more movement throughout the day. And people who wear them do seem to be more physically active. However, these people don't necessarily lose more weight than others.”
Understood.
Having said that, they are becoming increasingly popular. As shared at backcountry.com, “Health and fitness trackers are becoming more and more popular, with over 8.5 million sold last year. People are clearly interested in getting fitter, healthier, and improving their performance.”
When there is large demand it can become the focus of many companies that are ready to supply.
With so many choices out there, how can you choose the best Activity Tracker for you?
There is one San Francisco based company that seems to be running ahead of the rest and that is FitBit.
They attracted the attention of Fortune Magazine who reported, “Fitbit is pushing a smartwatch strategy that’s noticeably different from rivals Apple, Garmin, and Samsung: Lower prices.”
We love the same service, hopefully better, at lower prices.
grapplingstars.com femcompetitor.com writer, fitbit.com photo credit
Fitbit, Inc. products are activity trackers, wireless-enabled wearable technology devices that measure data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal metrics involved in fitness. Before October 2007, the company was previously named Healthy Metrics Research, Inc.
According to an IDC report published on December 3, 2018, Fitbit is considered the third largest wearable company in shipments as of the third quarter of 2018, behind Xiaomi and Apple.
We love what we are reading so far.
Why don’t we jog over to their website for a monitored look? It’s okay if they monitor us. At fitbit.com they explain their purpose, “Fitbit motivates you to reach your health and fitness goals by tracking your activity, exercise, sleep, weight and more.”
Very good. We could all use a little motivation in our lives.
Their mission is to empower and inspire you to live a healthier, more active life.
They design products and experiences that fit seamlessly into your life so you can achieve your health and fitness goals, whatever they may be.
So what is their story in their own words? They continue, “In 2007, our founders, Eric and James, realized that sensors and wireless technology had advanced to a point where they could bring amazing experiences to fitness and health. They embarked on a journey to create a wearable product that would change the way we move.”
Getting used to the idea of monitoring oneself every day is challenging for some of us. It may take time but clearly more and more health enthusiasts are coming around to the idea.
So why choose FitBit over their competitors. They add, “On the walk to work, at the weight room or in the last mile. Somewhere between first tries and finish lines. Pillow fights and pushing limits.
That’s where you find fitness.
Every moment matters and every bit makes a big impact. Because fitness is the sum of your life. That’s the idea Fitbit was built on—that fitness is not just about gym time. It’s all the time.
How you spend your day determines when you reach your goals. And seeing your progress helps you see what’s possible.
Seek it, crave it, live it.”
Well said.
Never one to rest on their laurels, their product line continues to grow. On March 10, 2019, as reported by fox13now.com, “Fitbit is adding four new wearables to its product range.
They include the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition, the Fitbit Inspire and Inspire HR, and the Fitbit Ace 2.
The popular fitness tracker maker announced the new lineup of devices on Wednesday.
They include a new budget-friendly smartwatch, two health-focused fitness trackers, and an upgraded device for kids ages six and up.”
Great. Working with FitBit is increasingly becoming a family affair.
“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”…Jim Rohn
The future doesn’t always have to be dystopian. Bad things are not always around the corner.
Technology in the right hands, even one that monitors, can be very beneficial.
By being motivated to have a healthy fitness program that partners in conjunction with our Activity Trackers, we just may be creating a future that we can look forward to.
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OPENING PHOTO via The Business Journals
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_46
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/code-46-2004
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activity_tracker
http://fortune.com/2019/03/06/fitbit-new-smartwatches-trackers-apple/
https://www.backcountry.com/explore/how-to-choose-and-use-a-fitness-tracker
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitbit
https://www.fitbit.com/whyfitbit
https://fox13now.com/2019/03/10/fitbit-launches-four-new-wearables-for-kids-and-adults/
