Tag: no subscription

  • Amazfit Helio Strap Pro Adds Motion Sensor

    Amazfit Helio Strap Pro Adds Motion Sensor

    Key Takeaway

    – Two-component system: wrist/upper arm HR monitor + waist motion tracker for torso stability data
    – No subscription fees and affordable price point
    – Tracks advanced metrics: muscle strain, stability, and workout quality (not just heart rate)
    – Supports 60+ sport modes, 5 ATM water resistance, long battery life (11 days HR, 40 days waist)

    The Amazfit Helio Strap, priced at $95, was designed to offer precise sensors at an affordable price and, most importantly, without any subscription requirements. The new Amazfit Helio Strap Pro builds on that concept, but it’s not just a wristband, it’s an entire workout system. To this end, Amazfit combines the so-called Helio Core Motion HR, which is worn on the wrist or, for more precise data, on the upper arm, with the so-called Helio Core Motion Waist.

    Two-Component Tracking System

    The motion sensor, worn around the waist, tracks the movements and stability of the torso during a workout. The collected data can also be combined with data from a compatible smartwatch, such as the Amazfit Balance 3 or Balance Ultra. This allows the system to track not only superficial metrics like heart rate, but also muscle strain, stability, and the quality of the workouts completed.

    Designed for Athletes

    With this two-component setup, the Amazfit Helio Strap Pro is clearly aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Amazfit Helio Strap Pro supports more than 60 sport modes and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, so it can be worn even while swimming. Amazfit claims a battery life of 11 days for the Helio Core Motion HR and up to 40 days for the Core Motion Waist.

    Sales of the Amazfit Helio Strap Pro are set to begin in “a few weeks”; pricing details have not yet been announced. In addition to the wristband and a charger, the package also includes the Helio Core Motion Waist belt and a clip.


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    • Sharp Titanium Smart Ring: 4 Sensors, 14-Day Battery Life

      Key Takeaway

      – No mandatory subscription for core features like sleep tracking, heart rate, and SpO2
      – Up to 14-day battery life, significantly longer than many competitors
      – Lightweight titanium build with 10 ATM water resistance and scratch-resistant coating
      – Nutrition tracking via app is optional and costs only $3.75/month
      – Launches in Japan July 9, 2026, for $279, with global import options available

      Sharp’s New Ring Challenges Oura

      Sharp is giving the new Oura Ring 5 a run for its money, as the new Karada Mate Ring not only largely does away with paid subscription’s but also promises a longer battery life of up to 14 days with normal use, so users can skip monthly fees while still getting good health data, and it’s a big deal for people who hate paying extra after buying the hardware itself.

      Design and Sensor Suite Details

      The ring features a titanium case that weighs between 2.1 and 3.1 grams depending on size and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, allowing it to be worn even while swimming without any worries, and a Duratect coating is designed to make the surface particularly scratch-resistant, so it stays looking new longer. The ring has a total of four sensors: an accelerometer, a heart rate sensor, an SpO2 sensor, and a skin temperature sensor, which lets the Karada Mate Ring to track steps taken and calories burned, plus it supports sleep phase tracking for better rest insights.

      Subscription and Compatibility Features

      While all these features can be used without a subscription, the accompanying smartphone app offers a nutrition tracking feature for ¥600 per month, which allows users to scan food with their smartphone camera and record its nutritional values, so it’s optional but helpful for diet monitoring, and the ring connects via Bluetooth 5.0, working with both Apple iPhones and Android smart phones without extra fuss.

      Launch and Pricing Information

      The Sharp Karada Mate Ring will be available in Japan starting July 9, 2026, for ¥44,800 in US ring sizes 4 through 13, so it’s priced competively against other smart rings, and Sharp has not yet commented on availability in the rest of the world, but platforms like ZenMarket make direct import from Japan straightforward if you want to get it early.


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    • Deal: Baseus X1 Pro Security Camera Hits All-Time Low

      Key Takeaway

      – Lowest price ever: Baseus X1 Pro security camera now $130 on Amazon with code X1PROPRNO1 (down from $280 MSRP).
      – No subscription needed; one-time investment for home security.
      – Dual-camera system with 3K resolution and 300-degree coverage.
      – Includes 3W solar panel; 20 minutes of sunlight provides 24 hours of power.
      – Supports up to 512 GB SD card storage and motion-triggered 20-second clips.

      Big Save on Security Camera Deal Currently

      Baseus is doing a promotion on its X1 Pro security camera, witch has brought it down to its lowest price ever. With the X1 Pro, no subscription is needed, so its a one-time investment for home security. It features 300-degree coverage with a dual-camera system and 3K resolution.

      Mounting Options and Solar Charging Details

      The X1 Pro can be used in a variety of mounting locations and offers quite a lot of adjustmment. There is a 3W solar panel included in the package that keeps the camera charged. Baseus says 20 minutes of sunlight can keep the cameras running for 24 hours. As mentioned earlier, there are two cameras that can either show separate or stitched footage, with 3K resolution for each camera. This can provide up to 300-degree pan coverage.

      Key Features and Storage Capabilities

      All the major features that you would expect from a high-end security camera are present here, and you can read about them in detail in our review. The X1 Pro supports up to 512 GB of SD card storage and can store 20-second clips when motion is detected.

      Promotional Price and Available Bundles

      Baseus is offering a significant discount on the X1 Pro till June 14, with a possibility of extension. The typical MSRP is $280, but with the promotion and the additional discount code – X1PROPRNO1 – the price comes down to $130 on Amazon. This is for the non-SD card bundle. You can also get the SD card bundles from the website, where they are priced at $150 after discount.

      Important Note on Pricing

      Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

      Baseus, Amazon

      • Promotion: Baseus X1 Pro lowest price ever
      • No subscription required
      • 300-degree coverage and 3K resolution
      • 3W solar panel included
      • 20 minutes sunlight = 24 hours power
      • Up to 512 GB SD card storage
      • Price: $130 after code X1PROPRNO1 (non-SD bundle)
      • SD bundle: $150 after discount
      • Offer ends June 14
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    • Luna Band: Soon-to-launch Whoop alternative (no subscription)

      Luna Band: Soon-to-launch Whoop alternative (no subscription)

      Key Takeaway

      – No subscription required; Luna Band will be sold with upfront purchase rather than ongoing fees.
      – Rich feature set for a wristband: vibration motor, microphone for voice commands, heart rate, SpO2, 6-axis motion sensor, and long battery life (about 10 days).
      – Voice-driven interactions and integration: workouts can be started by voice; commands processed via Siri or Google Gemini; LifeOS enables third-party platform integration.
      – Limited on-device feedback: no built-in speaker; responses shown on the phone or via connected headphones.
      – Pre-orders begin July 4; delivery starts July 31; price not yet announced.

      Introduction to Luna Band

      Luna Band was originally announced at CES in January. The manufacturer has finally confirmed details of the launch schedule. Accordingly, pre-orders will open on July 4 and delivery is expected to begin on July 31. Luna plans to reveal more information about the functionality by then.

      Pricing and Subscriptions

      While no details on the price are yet known, Luna has already confirmed that no subscription is required to use the wristband – clearly differentiating Luna Band from the market leader Whoop. Compared to competitors such as the new Google Fitbit Air ($99 on Amazon), the Luna Band is said to offer a much wider range of functions, as the wristband has both a vibration motor and microphones.

      Features and Capabilities

      This makes it possible to use haptic feedback to notify users of predefined events, such as an appointment in the calendar or the achievement of a fitness goal. The microphone allows Luna Band to recognize voice commands, which can be processed either via Apple Siri or Google Gemini. However, due to the lack of a speaker, responses can only be seen on the smartphone display or heard via connected headphones.

      Voice Commands and LifeOS

      It is also possible to start workouts by voice command. LifeOS is designed to enable the integration of Luna into third-party platforms. Luna Band achieves a battery life of ten days. The sensors are largely the same as those of the competition, as the Luna Band also offers a heart rate and SpO2 sensor as well as a 6-axis motion sensor, allowing steps, activity and sleep to be tracked.

       


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