The new fitness tracker from Mio Global has appeared quite a long time ago (announcement - 2016; on sale since January 2017), and still there are questions: I would like to tell you a few words, what is the revolution here.

Before Slice went on sale, Mio had already gained credibility among and professional athletes, and amateurs thanks to a range of comfortable and accurate heart rate monitors(Alpha, Alpha 2, Fuse, etc.) The fact that the company once became friends with Garmin, whose first optics Mio.

And, it would seem, do and do heart rate monitors: but no! Like many others, Mio Global has taken a look at healthcare and has released a tracker with a message that translates as "You'll live longer if you wear Slice."

Part 1. Pedometer does not work

Literally before last days the popularity of pedometers was determined by the formula of “10,000 steps per day”. Yoshiro Hatano's marketing ploy, formulated for sales in the 1960s Manpo-Kei, stuck so much that everyone began to believe it!

Although, according to by and large, there can be only one effect from the steps taken in such an amount: tired legs. This myth has already been partially brought down, and it continues to lose popularity, however, 50-odd years cannot be easily thrown out of the song.

The current generation of developers, together with doctors, say something like this: physical exercise must "train the heart", in other words, without stressing the heart muscle, all 10,000 steps is a waste of time. It is better to run a flight back and forth along the stairs, and then there is more sense. Therefore, a quiet regimen is a walk, and training is an effort, but how to correctly count efforts and their beneficial effect on the body, Mio Slice should teach us.

How will he do it?

For this, the PAI metric has been developed - the central proposal of the new tracker. The metric is scientifically proven and substantiated for a long time, which is referred to both in and in other sources, but it was done, if not commissioned by Mio Global, then clearly in its interests.

This does not say anything bad: in general, everything is believable and honest. The heart acts as a "starting point" of research and, according to logic, its work in the future depends on its current work. It just took a number of volunteers to prove it, and as a result, physically active volunteers were at a lower risk for cardiovascular diagnoses.

The main problem that the inquisitive reader sees is the delayed effect. You need to buy Mio Slice now, but you will see the effect of it only in 30-40-50 years, already with age, that is.

How PAI is calculated

Automatically. PAI is a personal activity index, which, of course, can be fooled, but for what? In general, it is calculated automatically based on the resting heart rate (the tracker measures it at night) and the maximum heart rate.

For comparison, two "measurements" of PAI were made: in the first case, the range from 70 to 120 was set with the hands. In the second: automatically and according to the formula 220 minus age. The difference is enormous.

In general, it is better to rely on "automation". Otherwise, the data will be very beautiful and stupid: no load, but a beautiful picture, because dial 75 PAI in the morning with rate of 100 PAI per week- already very optimistic.

Since Mio Slice is a constant heart rate monitor (during the day, the interval is averaged to a minute, at night - up to 15 minutes), the goal can be mobile from day to day, and therefore the rate is calculated in a week.

A few words about the application

Slice works in tandem with the brand, and, as you can see from the screenshots already given, it is Russified. But it should also be noted that the company, apparently, is betting on the new metric and system of preparing the body for a long life: as it appeared for the rest of the line.

The application has several menus, including settings.

Brief information on how the tracker and PAI metric works and, of course, the main menu. There is also statistics on activity and calories burned, which is unrelated to PAI: they do not seem to affect each other, but for those who want to count steps, everything is in place.

Plus sleep statistics, the ability to add activity if you think the tracker missed something or considered something wrong. And, of course, one of the main menus is the constant heart rate menu.

There is also a breakdown into zones with the indication of the upper / lower figures for the period.

A few words about the ability to add activity

This is actually an important feature for the Mio Slice tracker. And that's why. Despite the fact that His Majesty Pulse is at the head of all the calculations, the tracker somehow relies on the accelerometer data when the activity writes.

This means that some power training(and this was in a number of reviews) can pass by: at the same time, there is a load on the heart, but there is no PAI. For example, during leg workout in the gym, when the user's hands are not actively involved.

From the reasoning about how motivated this is, logic suggests only ethical considerations, when in the dying state the pulse will be under 200, and Mio will say that you will live happily ever after: it is difficult to find other explanations, but what is - that is.

It is no coincidence that it turns out, and in most screenshots, users in Slice are running: a sport where both legs and, importantly, arms work. In other words, if the hands are working and there is a load on the heart, there will be PAI!

Therefore, it is important, if you think that any load is missed by the tracker, to be able to enter the load by hand: the data will be averaged, but this is better than nothing.

A bracelet

The tracker turned out to be a little different from what was originally planned.

However, it looks very attractive. In total, the display can be switched between the time, distance, heart rate, sleep, calories burned and PAI screens. The last menu has statistics for today and general, as well as a scale for reaching the next unit.

The heart rate sensor is located with back side bracelet. The device is attached to the hand with a clasp:

And the number of holes makes one size quite universal within reasonable limits:

Slice - overall impression

Accurate, and his ability to track the heart rate (and this is the main thing) are beyond doubt. There are comparative tests, and the history of the company, and a general credit of trust in the brand and brands for which Mio Global worked ... All together in general.

It sits normally on the hand, does not irritate, it is easy to operate: yes, there is nothing special to control (with a menu heel and one button - anyone can handle it). Russified software - thank you very much.

PAI. This is what makes the tracker both unique and fair: it's fair enough to shift responsibility for the work of the heart to the heart. It was understandable and so, but it was not very convenient to count it manually and in the mind: here is an automatically calculated individual algorithm with, perhaps, figures that are not very clear at once, but quite plausible. In any case, the "Health Index" will only grow when you load the body - this is an honest deal.

While most of the popular fitness tracker companies are trying to create a device that combines all the newfangled features and a large screen, Mio is sticking to its own standards. They've been making monitors for years heart rate, so this is what the Mio Slice is focusing on.

New Slice from 7900 rubles, is equipped with slightly more extensive functionality than we are used to seeing on other models of this company, but the main advantage is still the heart rate monitor. It has several advanced features, including sleep and calorie monitoring, accelerometer, incoming call notification, but still uses Mio's proprietary heart rate technology and unique PAI technology. Below we will take a closer look at all the pros and cons of this model.

Synchronization with a smartphone

Specifications

• Price: from 7 990 rubles.
• Weight: 29g
• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Colors: black, white, blue, orange
• Waterproof: WR30 (withstand rain and splash)
• Battery life: up to 5 days based on 1 hour daily training
• Sensors: optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, vibration signal
• Interfaces: Bluetooth
• Optional: PAI

Mio Slice: Design and Battery

The design of the device is made in the already familiar features for the entire line of Mio. The bracelet is light enough (about 28 grams) and comfortable, so you won't even feel it during training. The case and buckle are made of anodized aluminum.

There are 2 sizes to choose from: Small and Large. In the smaller version, the circumference of the wrist is 140-171 mm, and in the larger version, the circumference of the wrist is 171-201 mm. In general, when properly sized, they fit very well on the wrist and will not fall off during intense workouts.

On the inside of the device there is an optical heart rate monitor, and inside there is an accelerometer and a vibration motor. In general, the case can withstand up to 30 meters of immersion in water, but we do not recommend testing it in this regard.

The Slice features a monochrome OLED display with a control button below it. It is used to switch statistics. Here's what's available on the menu as standard: time, weekly total PAI, current PAI, current heart rate, and distance traveled. Menu items can be edited through the app.

According to data from the official website, Slice measures heart rate data at 1 second intervals during exercise, every 5 minutes during normal activity, and every 15 minutes during sleep. These savings help extend battery life. In active mode, the battery charge lasts up to 5 days, this can be compared with the indicator like that of.

However, if you wear the device day and night, I find that the charge drops to 50% after 18 hours. In this case, one workout was carried out per day and sleep monitoring was monitored at night. Perhaps, if you take off the bracelet at night, then it will last for the stated 5 days.

Mio Slice: PAI - what is it and what is it for

PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) is literally translated as "personal activity index", that is, it is calculated for each person individually. For the calculation, the following data are taken: gender, age, height, weight, physical form and an increase in the level of cardiac activity. The latter is the most important factor for PAI.

The principle of this system is very simple: score 100 points in a week and you will complete the plan. And from next week again on a new one 🙂

This formula was derived over the years by doctors from the Norwegian University. They noticed that there is a direct relationship between physical activity and longevity. Therefore, after testing the formula on more than 50,000 people, they launched it to the masses.

Now you can test this unique technology on yourself. Every week you will need to collect 100 points (that is, 14.3 points per day). You can track the number of points in a special application. It is worth noting that you can skip classes and then catch up on the number of points on another day.

The picture shows the difference in activity between a regular bracelet and a Slice tracker. In the first case, the manufacturer focuses on covering a certain distance (usually 10,000 meters), while physical activity is minimal. In the second case, the activity is calculated from individual parameters, and as a result, the heart muscle develops much stronger.

Mio Slice: Heart Rate Monitor

Unsurprisingly, a device that is designed to accurately measure rhythm does its job well. Mio models have been impressive in this regard before, but this model has a special emphasis on this.

We compared the readings between the Mio Slice and the Polar H7 chest strap, which we found to be very accurate. We were impressed by the results, the heart rate readings corresponded to the real indicators, this also applies to measurements during sports loads, and during normal walking... In the worst case, the indicators showed the result 1 or 2 values ​​lower.

Mio Slice: App

If you have used the products of this brand before, then you know that the Mio application is well optimized and convenient. The device supports platforms iOS 9.0 and above, Android 5.0 and above.

In the main menu of the application you will see the weekly PAI balls. In the second tab, we see a more detailed picture that shows the low, medium and high heart rates throughout the day. Next, statistics are shown on the distance traveled, calories burned, steps and amount of sleep. There is also complete data on the quality and phases of sleep.

In the last tab, you can customize the device to your liking, as well as see the battery charge. It is a pleasure to use such an application.

Conclusion

This device is best used as a jogging or aerobics aid. It perfectly tracks physical activity, determines the amount of distance traveled, calories burned and much more.

Leave your rating for Mio Slice in the comments!

New MIO Slice from CES-2017 seemed like a sweet dream and a complete replacement for the deceased Jawbone 3: built-in laser heart rate monitor, support for notifications from a smartphone, up to 5 days of work, water resistance of 30 meters, sleep analysis, mmm ...

With the Mio Slice on my wrist, the belief in exceeding the daily rate of activity seemed armor-piercing and could not be denied. Still, as a proof of good physical fitness served as statistics Apple Watch and a bag of dedication medals earned.

Medals from Apple Watch in the Activity iOS app

However, on the very first day of Mio me humiliated, "Announcing" from the screen that the owner is a wimp, and the daily activity rate has not been met. It's strange, because I spent in sports hall more than two hours and spent over 1100 kcal (according to Apple Watch). After a week of using the bracelet, I felt like the hero of the movie "Obsession" - I seem to play well, but in the eyes of the conductor I personify complete insignificance.

A dangerous thought bubble inflated in my head: "How you boil!"

PAI

Mio Slice is not about calories and steps, but about personal information about activity - PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence)... This is happiness and unhappiness at the same time. For sweetness, let's talk about a beautiful theory, and then I'll tell you about the rake of reality.

Unlike the baseline goal of most trackers of 10,000 steps, PAI is calculated for each user personally, taking into account age, gender, resting heart rate and maximum heart rate - this data is entered when the bracelet is activated.

The norm is 100 PAI in seven days (or 14.3 PAI per day). I barely earned 91 even though I go to the gym three times a week.

The use of heart rate as an indicator reflecting the level of load in cyclic sports has become generally accepted. The higher the intensity of the load, the greater the need for working muscles for oxygen, the more blood the heart must pump, the higher the heart rate.

Norm - 100 PAI
in seven days

For a tracker without a heart rate monitor, 10,000 steps on the street and on the treadmill are “the same”. The heart rate reflects the level of stress in cyclic sports, therefore, the presence of a heart rate monitor in a sports gadget is desirable. The higher the load, the greater the need for working muscles for oxygen, the more blood the heart must pump, the more energy is spent. A person can walk slowly, say, 100 steps with a pulse of 65 beats / minute, or maybe with squats and weights in each hand and a pulse of 140. For the second exercise, the energy consumption and the PAI value are several times higher.

PAI is based on 25 years of research by physicians at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Technology. More than 45,000 people took part in the tests.

Mio Slice is the first tracker with a heart rate monitor constantly... Let me remind you that Apple Watch turns on it every 5 minutes, if a workout is not started.

Management and functionality

Slice is controlled via a single button below the monochrome OLED display. Pressing changes the information on the screen: time (the bracelet can be used as a watch), earned PAI points in 7 days, PAI result for a day, heart rate. Optionally, steps, calories, distance traveled and sleep time are connected in the application settings.

Time: when we bring our hand to our face, the screen lights up, like the Apple Watch.

Notifications: we see the fact of a call, SMS, requests from instant messengers. Reply, content cannot be viewed. There is no repeated notification, as well as the LED about unviewed messages.

Pulse: how fast the heart is beating at the moment.

PAI: As soon as the activity strip reaches the right edge of the screen, the counter switches to the next number (12 → 13), the strip is rewound.

Steps, calories, distances: thinks - and God bless them.

Dream: Analyzes the phases of sleep. It is impossible to forcibly switch to this mode, like in Jawbone, therefore daytime sleep does not count. If you stop moving for a long time closer to midnight, the heart rate monitor switches to a 15-minute interval and sleep monitoring begins.

Switching to the "Training" mode: long press on the button. The type of training is not specified, but it is assumed that it is running.

Working hours: declared 5 days, in reality 3.

Why do I need an always-on heart rate monitor?

Consider a life situation. You have an Apple Watch on your left hand and a Mio Slice on your right. Suppose, after turning off the Apple Watch laser sensor, gopniks roll up to you and ask the time ... quick legs", You vomit on the lawns in crowded place... If you run fast, then both gadgets will remain with you. Apple's tracker will count your steps based on your last heart rate measurement, and your Mio bracelet will record more full information about your sudden adventure.

As a result, in running, swimming, aerobics classes, Mio Slice outperforms Apple Watch and other trackers exactly, although it operates not with steps and calories, but with PAI. Something similar was pushed by Nike in the Fuelband - this was the Fuel value that many wearers, including myself, did not understand.

PAI. Bitter practice

Questions begin with resistance training. The bench press with your legs in the prone position does not count in any way in the Mio Slice statistics. I was surprised, because in terms of energy consumption, there is little that compares to leg exercises.

I earned 3 PAI per day ... Silenok was only "enough" for 20% of the daily value.

Summary of the same day with Apple Watch. Exceeded the norm by 200%.

Mio Slice takes into account the activity if the hands are moving. Fine? Thus, a relaxed two-hour game with his son on the playground closed the daily norm of activity.

Why do my Mio Slice and Apple Watch readings differ dramatically in my lifestyle? The fact is that the Mio tracker is tailored for walking, running, aerobics, where it outperforms Apple watches in terms of overall accuracy.

In the gym, the Mio Slice is inferior to the more versatile Apple Watch, which has a Strength Training mode.

Once a day, the owner of Mio Slice can add activity manually by choosing the level of load (easy, medium, hard). Apparently, the manufacturer thus insured itself against the imperfection of the counting method.

The Russian version of the application is on its way.

In the dry residue

If you go to gym, you don't need Mio Slice: the device cannot track activity on simulators.

If you are doing jogging or aerobics, then the choice of a bracelet is justified: of all existing trackers with a built-in heart rate monitor, Mio Slice is the most suitable for such activity.

We've got a new fitness tracker Mio Slice, which offers a new activity monitoring system that is different from what we are used to seeing before. Instead of calculating steps, heart rate, sleep phases, the innovative PAI function is declared here. And there really is a reasonable ground for its appearance, you must agree that walking 10,000 steps in a day at a measured pace and the same distance running or briskly will require a different amount of resources from the body. This is exactly what Mio Slice suggests taking into account, if we talk about the function in a few words and as simple as possible to understand. At the same time, just like those discussed earlier in MIO Alpha 2 and MIO Fuse, it is distinguished by the accuracy of determining the heart rate and activity corresponding to the level required by professional athletes.

MIO Slice review

Equipment

The MIO Slice is delivered in a nice and compact box with a transparent window, allowing you to make your first impressions of appearance bracelet before unpacking. It can be useful for choosing a suitable color from several available. There is a metric on the side of the box to determine the correct size.

The package includes a charging cradle, detailed instructions and a warranty card.

Appearance

MIO Slice is made in four versions, depending on the chosen color of the strap changes. There are also classic black, flesh gray and stylish brown.

The design can be called rigorous. Such a bracelet will also look good when paired with sports uniform, and with a business suit.

MIO Slice appearance

The bracelet body is inseparable from the strap. Will not be lost by accident. The strap is made of hypoallergenic rubber.

Irritation is really not observed with prolonged wear, and with prolonged sports.

Fastened with a metal clip and a magnetic lock. It cannot be called the best solution available, although it is generally fastened securely, but during the tests, while putting on the sweater, it spontaneously took off several times.

The girth adjustment range of the MIO Slice is sufficient for both men and woman's hand... Plus, remember, there are two separate sizes.

The main part is a one-piece body made of glossy plastic, resembling ceramic in texture. The declared protection of the outer glass can be confirmed by the absence of scratches that have appeared during the tests.

We remove fingerprints and dirt that have accumulated during wearing either with a cloth or directly under a stream of water. It is not afraid of water and can withstand diving to a depth of 30 meters.

Removal from the shower, while swimming in the pool, accidentally starting rain while jogging or cycling will not cause damage.

Information is displayed on a monochrome screen. Brightness is enough to make out the output data in direct sunlight. The time and the collected activity results for the day are displayed sequentially on the screen.

The control is carried out by a single mechanical button, a little effort is required. MIO Slice supports automatic screen turn on when you turn your hand.

WITH inside there is a heart rate sensor block and contacts for charging using the complete cradle. It is also attached with a magnet.

Underwater test MIO Slice

Software

Previously tested bracelets from MIO used a common application, immediately, most likely due to the new activity counting function, MIO Slice received a separate software. Be careful: there are messages on the network related to the difficulties of installing the application on a number of smartphones. Before considering a purchase, we recommend that you try downloading MIO PAI 2 and check if the installation is correct. We put it on several smartphones OnePlus 3, Xiaomi Mi5, Xiaomi Mi Max and Highscreen Boost 3 SE, this error could not be reproduced, but we cannot deny its possibility either. For now, the app is only available in English.

MIO Slice software

The principle of operation is similar, communication is carried out via Bluetooth. Pairing is simple, it is carried out in several steps. Initially, age, height and weight are set. This data will be used to calculate the PAI.

Further in the main window is a diagram with the output of PAI points and statistics for the week. There is also heart rate monitoring and battery data. You can control the level of the generated load and, if necessary, keep it in the correct mode.

Let's find out in the current version the information content and clarity. So far, there are not enough additional graphs, a general understanding of what type of load is required. This is partially displayed in the second tab with data on distance, calories burned, steps and sleep patterns. Activities are also added manually, in addition to those that the bracelet itself did not track.

The third tab is used to configure. From the interesting, the display of notifications for incoming calls and messages is activated (Cyrillic is not supported), constant monitoring of the heart rate is turned on.

Tests

As mentioned above, MIO Slice offers a new type of activity control. The goal for each day is to receive 100 PAI. These points take into account different types loads, including simple moves during the day. We were not able to identify the exact formula that can be used to deceive the bracelet or quickly obtain the necessary points. You need to really try, and this load is felt. If you trust the manufacturer's description, there is a whole series of data that are analyzed and calculated in a complex. Most other solutions are limited to simply counting steps and, in rare cases, calculating the level of exercise by heart rate.

MIO Slice Review

In terms of the accuracy of determining the pulse, MIO Slice surpasses Chinese bracelets. Plus, the counting itself is carried out in a constant mode, offering monitoring, which will be especially useful for control. The accuracy of determining the steps is also high, the data obtained is close to real. Experience shows that one battery charge lasts for about 3.5 days with continuous heart rate monitoring and displaying notifications on the screen, and 5 days in a more economical mode. Charging is fast.

Summary on MIO Slice

MIO Slice is an interesting look at the already familiar format of fitness trackers, offering a comprehensive assessment of activity during the day instead of the boring pedometer function. According to personal feelings, the data received from it really correspond to the real load and general condition organism. The pluses include a nice design, an informative screen, accurate reading of the heart rate without external sensors, real-time monitoring, data analysis through the application, a waterproof case, a comfortable strap. The lack of vibration in different cardio zones, the lack of Cyrillic support and potential problems with installation on a number of Android smartphones may not suit you.

Around March 8, my collection of fitness gadgets was replenished with several new items. The first of them is the fitness tracker Mio Slice, which was received as a gift by the eldest daughter, who just before the holiday mentioned that she would soon need a heart rate monitor, as she began to practice in a fitness club. I've been interested in new model Mio, as I was very pleased with the previous Mio Link and.

PAI - Personal Activity Intelligence

The main feature of this tracker, which distinguishes it from Garmin, Fitbit and the like, is PAI - Personal Activity Intelligence, in Russian it can be called a personal activity analyzer. PAI sets you not just a goal of walking 10,000 steps a day, but based on your age, a week physical activity and Fitness Level calculates physical activity points based on your heart rate. The task is to score 100 points.

Mio Slice Specifications

Material - TPU

Display - OLED

Battery - li-poly, lasts about 5 days

Water resistance - 30 meters, 3 atmospheres

Sensors - optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer and vibration motor

Communication - bluetooth and ANT +, but heart rate data is transmitted only via ANT +

Memory - 7 days of activity, heart rate data every 1 second in training mode, every 5 minutes during average daily activity and every 15 minutes during sleep.

Mio Slice Measurements

• pulse
• resting pulse
• calories
• distance

Mio Slice Dimensions

• Small fits a hand with a circumference of 13.97cm to 17.15cm. Size 1.35cm x 2.08cm x 21.5cm. Weight 28g.
• Large fits a hand with a circumference of 17.15cm to 20.96cm. Size 1.35 cm x 2.08 cm x 24 cm. Weight 29g.

Mio Slice Compatibility

• iOS 9.0 or higher - iPhone 7, 7Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, SE and 5S
• Android 5.0 or higher - Google Nexus 5, 5x, 6, 6p, Samsung Galaxy S5, S6, S7, Note 5

Experience with Mio Slice

Sleep tracking

For those for whom a fitness bracelet on the wrist does not interfere with sleep, Mio Slice gives quite truthful information about deep and not deep sleep, based on heart rate data. Here's what I got -

Heart rate sensor for fitness bracelet Mio Slice

For the test, I used 3 sensors at once -

1. Actually Mio Slice, transmitting heart rate to Garmin Fenix ​​3. I'm not sure if you can export heart rate data directly from Slice. Also, my Xiaomi Mi 5S phone does not have ANT +, and I did not find a single device via Bluetooth Mio Slice.
2. TomTom Spark 3 with LifeQ sensor.
3. Scosche Rhytm connected to the phone.

And here are the results I got in the 5 km race, with 4 short accelerations for 30 seconds and the last fifth one for 1 minute. The graph shows that Slice was a little late from the beginning. Perhaps this is due to the fact that he was too close to the palm.

TomTom Spark 3 data

Scosche Rhythm + Endomondo data on Xiaomi MI 5S

Heart rate data Mio Slice, everything else with Garmin Fenix ​​3

On my second run, I secured the Mio Slice further away from my palm and made 3 intervals. The difference in measurements with Scosche Rhytm, which transmitted data to my phone, is almost invisible.

The following graph was made during functional training - horizontal bar, kettlebells and TRX. There is a difference between Scosche and Mio Slice, but not as criminal as in.

Mio Slice Instruction

The bracelet manual is available in 10 different languages, including Russian. You can download the Mio Slice instruction in Russian.

Pros of the fitness bracelet Mio Slice

• Broadcasting heart rate data in training mode via ANT + (HR broadcasting)
• Personal activity analyzer PAI. For 3 days, 2 of which I ran 5-7 km and once worked in the gym for 1.5 hours, they counted 85 PAI
• Sleep detection accuracy
• Design
• Convenient charging with magnet
• Automatically turn on the screen if you turn the tracker screen up
• Excellent warranty support from the manufacturer, for example, they sent me a new Mio Fuse after I broke the strap on the old one after one year of warranty.

Cons of the fitness bracelet Mio Slice

conclusions

If you need a high-quality and inexpensive fitness tracker, the presence of GPS is not so important - then you should seriously consider the Mio Slice bracelet, as possible variant for purchase.