Apple and Samsung are competing for dominance in health and fitness–and the consumer wins:
- The iPhone 6’s motion sensor tracks distance, steps and, for the first time, elevation. It will sync with HealthKit, designed by Mayo Clinic doctors. HealthKit stores nutrition, fitness and other vitals for doctors or others to access, and works with existing fitness apps.
- The Apple Watch has four sensors that measure pulse and a movement tracking accelerator. Heart rates can be shared. It measures pace, calories burned and time spent working out in real time. Personal goals can be set and compared to achievements. Users can track, compare, and gamify health and fitness.
- Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 includes an exercise tracker with built-in pedometer, and the ability to monitor food, weight, sleep patterns, and heart rate. The phone can now sense blood oxygen saturation and the strength of ultraviolet light from the sun.
- The Samsung Gear S doesn’t require a companion mobile device, as is the case with the Apple Watch. It offers a pedometer, heart rate monitor and exercise trackers.