An "appcessory" is a physical item you can get to interact with your phone or tablet. There's a large variety of them out there now, from children's toys to blood pressure monitors. We're going to look at a few health and exercise appcessories to help you get the most from your workouts.
As more people get Android phones, expect the number of these devices to go up, and expect the price to go down and creativity to increase. You might even get motivated to take up jogging this year.
1. Fitbit Ultra
Image courtesy Fitbit
The Fitbit tracks your walking distance, the number of stairs you've climbed, how long you sleep, and how often you're active during the day. It broadcasts the information wirelessly whenever you're in range of your computer. You can track your progress through the Web, through Fitbit's Android or iOS app, or through many different compatible fitness apps that also share data with Fitbit.
Full disclosure: Fitbit sent me a review unit.
2. MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Tracker and Music Player
Available in both regular and golf editions, the MOTOACTV is more than just a jogging accessory, it's also an Android device in its own right. You can use it to communicate with your Android phone, or you can use it as a standalone device.The MOTOACTV fits around your wrist like a slightly over-sized watch, and it stores music, tracks the distance you've run, monitor your heart rate (with an optional accessory) and allows you to schedule walks and runs.
Because it's wireless and Android, it's also upgradeable - and pricey. This appcessory will set you back $200-$300 depending on the model you choose.
3. Jabra Sport Bluetooth Stereo Headset
Workouts are best when done to some tunes. The Jabra Sport Bluetooth headset uses a standard Bluetooth profile to transmit full stereo sound without the cords getting in your way. Put your Android phone in your pocket or backpack and jog away. The headset is small and light and compatible with the Android version of Endomondo.4. Withings WiFi Body Scale
I weigh myself every morning when I wake up, but sometimes I forget to record the results. I'm not a morning person.Withings offers a bathroom scale that transmits your weight and body fat, estimates your BMI (body mass index) and then sends the whole thing wirelessly to their website. The Withings scale is compatible with a large number of apps and other websites, so you can use your morning weigh-in as part of your overall diet plan without having to type in your weight at oh-it's-too-early O'clock.
Fitbit also introduced a similar wireless scale that shipped on April 30th, 2012. Fitbit will still support the Withings scale as well.
5. Scosche MyTrek Wireless Pulse Monitor
Similar to the Motorola watch idea, the MyTrek attaches to your forearm and monitors your pulse to gauge workout intensity. It's also got a built-in TomTom powered GPS to measure the distance of your workouts. MyTrek comes with a free Android or iOS app to sync the data with your phone. While not as autonomous as the MOTOACTV, it's certainly cheaper. There's no need to buy more appcessory than you'll actually use.
