Jawbone has been busy manufacturing trackers for quite some time now. And after numerous generations UP2 proved to be an attractive device with an app adequately advanced to round off the package.
The UP2 is the smaller, cheaper version of the UP3, designed to be worn anytime, anywhere.
However, it is the app that is considered to be the main driving force behind the product, with algorithms that track the user’s activity and sleep.
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The aim is to make a change in your lifestyle and identify what aspects need to be altered.
When it comes to the visuals, the UP2 features three different illuminating icons on the screen. There's a human figure to denote activity tracking, a moon for sleep, and a message icon for alerts. The tracker vibrates when an alert or feedback takes place.
The strap of the UP2 is more flexible as the clasp of the tracker is adjustable.
As for the battery life the tracker could last for a good seven days on a full charge via USB.
For those that like a little competition, Jawbone have also included the new feature called Duels, which allows you to challenge your friends.
The app is clear, attractive and easy to understand.
Daily activity tracking and nightly sleep are shown at the top with options to delve deeper for more analysis.
The Smart Coach offers tips based on activity and directs you to sites around the web that offer even more tips on how to get the best out of your training.
VERDICT
There's no escaping the fact the Jawbone UP2 is a remarkable piece of engineering.
More fashion bracelet than clunky fitness tracker, the UP2 looks great on the wrist while doing a respectable job at keeping tabs on your fitness levels.
The UP app continues to stand out as the best bit of software for this new category of devices, breaking down the data in a friendly, easy way so you can actually understand what it all means.
Having the social integrations makes the UP a robust system for anyone looking to track both their activity and they sleep over time.
Hpwever, the UP2 still feels like it's made a few too many sacrifices. The proprietary charging cable is pretty poor: it's short, has a magnetic connection mechanism that doesn't engage properly with the port on the band, and charges quite slowly as well.
The touch interface, while adding to the strength of the new look, is temperamental at best, and makes switching between modes a frustrating experience. Especially when rival Fitbit automatically detects sleep mode without any user input.
There's also a real question of compatibility issues for owners of newer Android phones.
Its app is still arguably the best out there for delivering the most useful information to users, but the hardware itself, while attractive, fails to deliver a frustration-free experience.
Price: 479 DHS.
Where to buy: Virgin Megastores, iStyle, Dubai Duty Free, Jumbo Electronics, Sharaf DG, and EMax stores.
