Nokia has announced that its Steel HR hybrid smartwatch will ship in time for the holiday season, almost a year after it was supposed to launch under the Withings moniker.
The watch was first announced in September 2016, but its scheduled launch the following month never happened as Nokia began negotiating its takeover of Withings, which was eventually finalized in June.
Shortly thereafter, Nokia relaunched several Withings products under the Nokia brand, including the Nokia GO and Nokia Steel watches, as well as Nokia BPM+ and Nokia Body+ connected devices.
The Steel HR finally joins the existing line-up and will be available in 36mm and 40mm case sizes. It features a simple and stylish analog watch face with unobtrusive digital meters for tracking heart rate and movement over the course of the day. In addition, the watch features automatic and learned activity tracking for over 10 activities, a comprehensive sleep monitor, and text, call and event alerts.
Nokia says it has also made some software improvements to the smartwatch since its Withings iteration, including an improved heart rate algorithm to ensure more accurate tracking. A design change has also been made that replaces the face with sapphire glass to guarantee up to 50 meter waterproofing.
The Steel HR syncs with the Nokia Health Mate iOS app, costs $179.99, and is available to pre-order from the Nokia website in either black or white.
Top Rated Comments
Unlike computers and phones, a watch is still seen more of a jewelry or fashion accessory than a computing device.
In addition to my Apple Watch, I’m considering getting either this Nokia or the Boss hybrid smartwatch https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/hugo-boss-smart-classic-review
It was dead if it was released earlier. Before xmas with the Apple Watch juggernaut, will ensure it will be super dead!
According to nokia health twitter account :
The Nokia Steel HR has Sapphire glass on the heart rate sensor for improved heart rate accuracy, improved heart rate algorithm, and a redesigned charger that boasts a more intuitive form factor and a stronger magnet for ease of use.
I think i'll be buying this watch as it represents the perfect balance between a tracker and a smartwatch. not too intrusive while being useful. All of this with a reasonable price point.