The Activité Steel and Activité Pop are two minimalist fitness trackers that allow you to keep the time while tracking your distance and exercise (in limited form, mind you). Both devices feature batteries that last for around no more than 8 months before you have to change them out, which is definitely different from smartwatches that come with rechargeable batteries. With that said, though, smartwatches and fitness trackers are designed for different purposes: fitness trackers are meant to be used by consumers who just want to track their exercise, with fitness being central to the experience. Smartwatch users want to have notifications on the wrist, among other things.
Well, Withings has dropped the price of its Activité Steel and Activité Pop at its own website, bringing the price of the Steel model from $199.95 down to $179.95 and the Pop model from $149.95 to $129.95. $20 discounts aren't much, but we don't know how permanent the price drops are, either. Of course, there was that Black Friday special on both fitness trackers, and, if you missed it, you should take great care to consider the price reductions here.
You can always decide to pick up the Steel and Pop models from Amazon. One of the most renown online retailers is selling the Activité Steel and Activité Pop for $149.95 and $122, respectively. The Withings Activité Pop model has a similar price at either site, but Amazon does have a better deal on the Activité Steel than Withings.
The Activité Steel tracks your sleep, swims, and food consumption, alongside of the usual calories, distance, and runs. The device is called "Steel" because it is made of a stainless steel case, whereas the Activité Pop offers a more ruggedized design with a rubber wristband. The Steel model seems to offer more exercise and sleep tracking whereas the Pop model seems to be devoted entirely to fitness and the basic fitness tracker activities. So, keep that in mind before you decide to make a purchase.
Do you own either of these? Care to shed some light on what you like about them? We're always encouraged by your input.