Validated by Speedo’s Aqualab testing, the new Speedo Shine tracks laps and distance swam so you don’t have to. Throw in 24/7 activity tracking and this collaboration between Misfit Wearables and Speedo seemed to have conquered both land and water. I got my hands on a Speedo Shine about 4 days back when it finally landed on the shores of Singapore. Let’s take a quick look at this newest tracker from Misfit Wearables.

IN SHORT

Pros:

• 24/7 activity tracker, tracks steps, sleep, distance and calories burned
• Tracks more than just swimming—also tracks walking, running, cycling, and more
• Accurately counts laps and distance swam, validated by Speedo’s Aqualab testing
• Runs on coin cell battery
• Tells time
• Can be worn multiple ways, necklace, belt clip, wrist band etc

Cons:

• Does not count number of strokes or swim stroke type

LOOK AND FEEL

Stylish packaging,very signature of Misfit. The picture shows only 1 wrist band but there’s actually 2 bands with every pack, a white and a black wrist band. Battery is seperately packed with a simple tool to pry open the Speedo Shine activity tracker. The magnetic clasp is the last accessory you can use to quickly attach it to your belt or shoes.

Now I have a habit of wearing the trackers on the hip and I have to confess that I also lost the original Misfit Shine in the same manner. I suspect the magnetic clasp doesn’t hold tightly enough and easily gets caught on big metal surfaces.True enough, I lost the Speedo Shine 4 days after it arrived. I’ve since emailed Misfit Support and am hoping they can help me out.

What’s new this time round is also an extra accessory in the form of an action clip that attaches to the back of the Speedo Shine unit when placed in a wrist band. I’m assuming this extra piece of accessory helps to keep the Shine tracker in the wristband. If you’re intending to engage in some serious swimming or physical activities, put the action clip on.

FUNCTIONS AND DATA PRESENTATION.

One of the most prominent changes I noticed was how the mobile dashboard is now blue instead of the previous maroon/purplish background. The “Speedo” logo is emblazoned across the dashboard; some subtle advertising there.

Like all Misfit Wearbles trackers, the Speedo Shine is a competent activity tracker with a mobile app interface has hasn’t changed much the last year; it is familiar and trustworthy. Distance travelled and calories burned are estimated based on steps tracked and profile of user. Over time, the user can access weekly and monthly views.

Sleep tracking is automated and duration is about right. Time and again I’ve stressed that I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on light and restful sleep unless it’s heavily backed by research data that correlates the sleep quality to that from a polysomnography.

The pool workout tracking is really the gist of the Speedo Shine. What the tracker does is not track the number of strokes but the number of laps based on a pre-set pool length. Once “Auto Lap Counting” is enabled, distance fixed, just triple tap to start swimming and leave the lap counting to Misfit. The type of strokes does not matter and the accuracy of the number of laps swam and distance is validated by Speedo’s Aqualab tests.

ANYTHING ELSE?

The Speedo Shine tracker will also track periods of activity throughout the day and record it in the mobile app where the user can edit and tag the activity. The default activity is walking. I’m unsure how useful this feature is because there are days when I clock more than 15 sessions of physical activities and I can’t imagine myself editing and making sure that each session is correctly tagged.

The Speedo Shine will supposedly work with Speedo Fit mobile app.

The Misfit mobile app also allows me to add friends from around the world who are users of Misfit Wearables products, subject to their agreement of course.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Now because the algorithm is able to make sense of lap count and distance swam based on a pre-set pool length, it’s not of much use in open water. Also, it doesn’t track the type or number of strokes for now. As a pool workout companion, it’s strictly a device that will log all your workouts over time so you don’t have to.

If swimming is a regular activity you engage in, you’d understand the pain of forgetting the number of laps you’ve clocked. The Speedo Shine activity tracker will take over that part from you so you can focus on cutting through the water like a dolphin. However, if you’re someone who rarely go into pools, then opt for the lower priced Misfit Flash, Link or Shine. Those will work just fine.

The Speedo Shine is available at the recommended retail price of $79.99.

Purchase the Speedo Shine from Amazon.com where there’s usually a small discount and free delivery depending on where you reside. Also, your purchase helps to fund the running of this site! Thanks for reading.