NOTE: This is an original review from 2010 of Withings’ first Smart body analyzer scale that was posted on Geekasms. Since that time Withings has updated their scale and apps to not only provide additional information but also work and sync with additional health apps. While the original review is dated, the scale itself is still awesome! (And still sitting in my bathroom)
Okay, for anyone that hasn’t figured it out by the name of the site, I consider myself a geek, and in that, any new, or unique technical gadget just seems to call my name! So, when I came across a scale that not only was Wi-Fi enabled, but also had a free iPhone app you could download, I was all of it! (My desire to lose some weight at the somewhat direct suggestion of my doctor was also a helpful push towards this bad boy!)
Features
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Backlit screen
- Battery-powered
- Body mass sensor
Pros
- Multiple users with automatic user detection based on weight
- Attractive/Slim design
- Quick readings
- Lots of reporting options
Cons
- Seemingly low battery life
- Some might argue about the price; $159
So, you might be asking yourself “why does a scale need Wi-Fi?” Well, I’m here to tell ya, and rest assured, you’ll not wonder “why” anymore after I’m done with ya!
To start off, yes, the scale has Wi-Fi built-in, but that allows it to transmit your data to your Withings site, to your personal, password-protected account. You are also able to post your progress and the data the scale collects on sites like Google Health, Twitter, and others. The data mentioned that the scale collects is your weight (obviously) but it also collects your fat percentage and your BMI, all of which is transferred over to your account, viewable on the Withings site, and allowing you to keep continual track of your progress nearly effortlessly. (Well you still have to get yourself up on the scale, so there is SOME effort).
The scale itself looks rather sexy for a scale. It has a nice contemporary look, with a shiny glass top, and a nice, bright, easy to read LCD display. Getting the scale set up to use is really rather simple. After installing the batteries (4 AA) you connect it to your PC or Mac with the included USB cable. Point your web browser to http://start.withings.com where you can pair your scale with the site, and you’re ready to roll in about 5 minutes! It’s pretty sweet, and simple, rather more simple than I had expected.
Once you set up your account on the Withings website, you can start weighing yourself and have your data uploaded to the site. Another cool thing about the scale? I can recognize up to 8 people! That should be plenty for a normal household with a couple of extras for random guests. The site itself has some added functions beyond what some might be used to, basically a spreadsheet of data. You can have graphs showing your progress over time as you weigh yourself, and you can have separate graphs for weight, fat percentage, and BMI. You can also set goals that you can mark on these graphs, so you can have a visual of how close you’re getting to your goal.
Remember that iPhone app I mentioned before? You can go out to the App Store, find the Withings app, download it, and you’ll be able to check your stats and progress anytime you like, while on the go!
BOTTOM LINE
Overall I have been very impressed with e scale itself. The only issues I’ve had with it have been how quickly it drains the batteries or seemed to drain the batteries, short of that, I have nothing but high praises for this scale and feel it’s worth a look by everyone. If you’re looking to drop some pounds and want to keep track of your progress, the Withings Wi-Fi Scale is the definite way to go! I definitely feel it is worth the price tag for what it offers and is a “must-have” product for this year’s holiday season.
**For more information, check out Withings on their website, their blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
UPDATE
Withings has just announced, you can now get their Wiscale app for your Android Smartphone! Now even more people can enjoy the brilliance of this scale!