Xiaomi officially unveiled the successor to the original Mi Band 2 days back. The upgraded Xiaomi Mi Band Pulse includes an optical heart rate sensor, better quality wrist strap and improved sleep tracking capabilities.

The tracker unit is still removable and offers aesthetics customisation in the form of changeable straps. Right from the get go, we’re already seeing variations of blue and pink straps. In terms of measurements, the Mi band Pulse is slightly thicker yet minutely smaller than the original Xiaomi Mi Band. One can only wonder what engineering feat has been accomplished to squeeze the optical heart rate sensor right into the center of the tracker device yet maintaining the IP67 rating and respectable battery life!

If the features of the new Xiaomi Mi Band Pulse follows closely with what the original Mi Band offered, here’s what we can expect.

Expected list of features:

• Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, activities and heart rate
• Auto sleep detection
• Vibration enabled for incoming calls, alarms, notifications, find my phone
• Customisable indicator light colour
• IP67
• Excellent battery life, about 20 days
• Wireless syncing via Bluetooth 4.0
• Smart unlock (Select compatible devices only)

In terms of compatibility, the Mi Band Pulse should work with Android devices running OS Android 4.4 + & support Bluetooth 4.0. For Apple devices, iPhone 4s / 5 / 5c / 5s / 6 / 6 Plus are supported and must run iOS 7+.

This new Mi Band Pulse is a game changer that’s going to shake up the wearable tech industry; offering optical heart rate sensors at such a low price is unheard of. To put in perspective in terms of price, a single Polar A360 wrist based heart rate activity tracker will cost the equivalent of  13 units of Xiaomi Mi Band Pulse! That being said, I am sure something’s got to give. Time and again, I’ve expounded my concerns with the accuracy of the heart rate readings and I suppose we’ll  know when we get our hands on one.

The Xiaomi Mi Band Pulse will officially go on sale on 11th November 2015 in China for 99 yuan or the equivalent of $15 USD.

Source: en.miui.com