Review of MIO Slice. Fitness tracker with new load counting technology

IT industry veteran Liz Dickinson founded Mio in 1999 to develop in-demand chestless heart rate monitors for the recreational sports community. The Canadian company gained fame for being the first to release a sports watch with an optical sensor and continuous heart rate tracking.

Since then, the market has changed, and fitness bracelets have become the main and best-selling type of wearable gadgets. The successes of Fitbit and Jawbone were followed by several generations of the mass-produced fitness tracker Xiaomi Mi Band.

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During this time, Mio developed and released several new sports heart rate monitors: , and the second generation. In 2016, when it became clear that consumers preferred fitness bracelets, the Canadians announced just such a device - .

To stand out from the motley field of competing gadgets, the heart of the new device was made into an optical heart rate sensor. And in order to make Mio Slice understandable and accessible, the manufacturer has supplemented it with a new activity monitoring technology called Mio PAI.

The abbreviation PAI simply stands for: personal activity index, that is, personal activity index. Its formula is based on the results of a series of HUNT studies conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Natural Sciences and Technology. Scandinavian scientists examined tens of thousands of people over the course of 20 years and identified a connection between longevity and constant physical activity.

PAI is calculated based on a person's gender, age, weight, height, and physical fitness, but changes mainly due to increased cardiac activity levels.

For the user, the system is extremely simple: you need to collect and maintain the number of PAI points at 100 per week.

Compared to step counting, PAI measurement seems to be a much more logical system. In most cases, the step goal is 10k every day. This activity count doesn't include workouts without steps, but it does count slow walking that doesn't really get your heart pumping. But it is the condition of the main muscle of the body that determines how long a particular person will live and how well his body will cope with physical activity.

Additionally, PAI has a lot of flexibility built into it, as the 100 points are spread out over the entire week. Let’s say that on some day you may not have time to work out due to a huge number of things that have piled up. It's OK! A few short, high-intensity workouts over the weekend and you'll be back on top.

Results and activity data can be tracked in a special application. Mio Slice works with a separate enhanced application and shows the current score on the display.

Mio Slice: appearance and battery

In terms of design, the Slice continues in the tradition of other Mio heart rate monitors. This is a lightweight fitness bracelet made of polyurethane. The aluminum body of the device itself is rounded to fit the hand more securely. The gadget is protected from drops of water, but not waterproof: you can wash your hands with them, but absolutely not for swimming.

The strap does not change, but is available in two sizes: small for wrists with a circumference of 14 to 17 centimeters and large - up to 21 centimeters. Available colors: black, blue, gray and brown-orange.

The data is displayed on an OLED display. In its normal state it is turned off, but it reacts to raising your hand and turns on. Since the screen is not touch-sensitive, a large button is used to switch statistics. One press will show the PAI score for the week, two – for the current day, and after three presses the pulse will be displayed. The workout recording mode is activated by one long press of the button.

The bracelet is put on the hand and tightly fixed two fingers above the wrist. This is necessary to ensure that the optical sensor adheres properly to the skin and takes accurate heart rate readings.

Everyone's hand shape is different, so some users may experience discomfort, so the Slice should be tried on before purchasing. Discomfort is least noticeable during training; the bracelet reminds you of itself only the rest of the time. There were no cases of skin irritation caused by the gadget.

The bracelet sizes are comparable to and. It's slightly thicker than the Fitbit Alta and has more rigidity. Like all of these trackers, the Slice pairs well with sportswear and casual styles.

It is designed for daily wear, so it was equipped with a long-lasting (by today's standards) battery. A full charge will last for 4-5 days of operation, and recharging is carried out via the included USB cradle.

The bracelet is set up quickly and easily. To get started, the new happy owner needs to download the PAI 2.0 mobile application. Mio has other apps that will work with Slice, but the functionality will be limited, so it's important to find the right version. PAI 2.0 will work on smartphones with Android 5.0 and higher or iOS 9.0 and higher.

Note to Russian-speaking users: a localized version will be released especially for them at the end of May.

Synchronization with a smartphone occurs via Bluetooth. Mio Slice also supports the ANT+ standard, which allows you to connect other sports devices to it. The gadget is equipped with built-in memory that stores data collected over seven days.

The configured and connected bracelet should be on your hand 24/7 (or 24/5, if we take into account the need for recharging). What metrics does it track? In addition to PAI and heart rate, these are the distance traveled and steps, calories burned, duration and sleep phases. Individual workouts are not divided by type; their duration and the number of points earned for each are recorded.

Of course, the PAI system comes to the fore, since this is what Slice was created for. One tab in the application is entirely occupied by a graph with activity statistics. The resulting “flower” clearly illustrates progress over the week and serves as a motivating mechanism. On days when activity is low, the “petals” turn out to be short, and on especially successful days, they turn out to be long.

Mio Slice is the latest and most advanced fitness bracelet in the line of the famous Taiwanese manufacturer. Like all wearable devices of this brand, starting with the revolutionary Alpha smartwatch, the model is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor that is not inferior in accuracy to stationary ECG devices.

Main features of the model

• Functionality. The main difference between Mio Slice and earlier models (Link, Fuse) is the automatic determination of PAI (personal activity index). This is the development of the institute natural sciences Norway, calculated on the basis of a set of data: age, height and weight, physical fitness, etc. It’s very easy to use – all you need to do is earn at least 100 points every week.

In addition to measuring heart rate, the bracelet also allows you to count calories burned, steps taken, speed, distance traveled, and also synchronize information with other mobile devices.

• Ergonomics and appearance. The price of Mio Slice is slightly higher compared to previous generations of bracelets, but this is compensated not only by increased functionality, but also by improved aesthetics.

The rounded aluminum case with a polyurethane strap in various colors turns the fitness tracker into a stylish accessory. Operating the device is very simple and clear thanks to the clear display and large multifunction button.

You can buy the Mio Slice fitness bracelet with free delivery in Moscow in the Watchsport online store.

While most of the popular fitness tracker companies are trying to create a device that combines all the newfangled features and a big screen, Mio sticks to its own standards. They have been creating heart rate monitors for many years, so they focused on this with the Mio Slice.

New Slice priced from 7900 rubles, is equipped with slightly more extensive functionality than we are used to seeing on other models from this company, but the main advantage is still the heart rate monitor. It has several additional features, including sleep and calorie monitoring, accelerometer, incoming call notification, but still uses Mio's proprietary heart rate technology and unique PAI technology. Below we will take a closer look at all the pros and cons of this model.

Synchronization with smartphone

Characteristics

• Price: from 7,990 rub.
• Weight: 29 g
• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Colors: black, white, blue, orange
• Waterproof: WR30 (withstands rain and splashes)
• Battery life: up to 5 days with 1 hour of daily training
• Sensors: optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, vibration signal
• Interfaces: Bluetooth
• Additional: PAI

Mio Slice: Design and Battery

The design of the device is made in the already familiar features for the entire Mio line. The bracelet is quite light (about 28 grams) and comfortable, so you won’t even feel it during training. The case and clasp are made of anodized aluminum.

There are 2 sizes available to choose from: Small and Large. In the smaller version, the wrist circumference is 140-171 mm, and in the larger version, the wrist circumference is 171-201 mm. In general, if you choose the right size, they fit very well on the wrist and do not fall off during intense training.

On the inside of the device there is an optical heart rate monitor, and inside there is an accelerometer and a vibration motor. In general, the case can withstand up to 30 meters of immersion in water, but we do not recommend testing it in this regard.

Slice is equipped with a monochrome OLED display, under which there is a control button. It is used to toggle statistics. Here is what is available in the menu according to the standard: time, total PAI score for the week, PAI score for today, current heart rate and distance traveled. You can edit menu items through the application.

According to the official website, Slice measures heart rate data at 1-second intervals during exercise, every 5 minutes during normal activity, and every 15 minutes during sleep. This savings helps extend battery life. In active mode, the battery charge lasts up to 5 days, this can be compared with the figure of .

However, if you wear the device day and night, I found that the charge drops to 50% after just 18 hours. In this case, one training session was carried out per day and sleep monitoring was monitored at night. Perhaps if you remove the bracelet at night, then it will last the stated 5 days.

Mio Slice: PAI - what is it and what is it for?

PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) - this literally translates as “personal activity index”, that is, it is calculated for each person individually. For the calculation, the following data is taken: gender, age, height, weight, physical fitness and increase in the level of cardiac activity. The latter is the most important factor for PAI.

The principle of operation of this system is very simple: collect 100 points in a week, and you will complete the plan. And with next week again again :)

This formula was developed over many years by doctors from the University of Norway. They noticed that there is a direct relationship between physical activity and life expectancy. So after testing the formula on over 50,000 people, they launched it to the masses.

Now you can test this unique technology for yourself. Every week you will need to score 100 points (that is, 14.3 per day). You can track your points in a special application. It is worth noting that you will be able to skip classes and then catch up on your points on another day.

The picture shows the difference in activity between a regular bracelet and a Slice tracker. In the first case, the manufacturer focuses on walking a certain distance (usually 10,000 meters), while physical activity is minimal. In the second case, activity is calculated from individual parameters, and as a result, the heart muscle develops much stronger.

Mio Slice: Heart Rate Monitoring

It is not surprising that a device that is designed to accurately measure rhythm does an excellent job. Mio models have impressed in this regard before, but this model puts a special emphasis on this.

We compared the readings of the Mio Slice bracelet and the Polar H7 chest strap, which we found to be very accurate in readings. The results impressed us; the heart rate readings corresponded to real indicators, this applies to measurements both during sports activities and during normal walking. In the worst case, the indicators showed a result 1 or 2 values ​​lower.

Mio Slice: app

If you have used products from this brand before, you know that the Mio application is well optimized and convenient. The device supports platforms iOS 9.0 and higher, Android 5.0 and higher.

In the main menu of the application you will see weekly PAI points. In the second tab we see a more detailed picture that shows low, medium and high heart rates throughout the day. Next, statistics are shown on the distance traveled, calories burned, steps and amount of sleep. There is also complete data on the quality and phases of sleep.

In the last tab you can configure the device as you wish, and also see the battery charge. Using this application is a pleasure.

Conclusion

This device is best used as an assistant for running or aerobics. It perfectly tracks physical activity, determines the amount of distance traveled, calories burned and much more.

Leave your rating for Mio Slice in the comments!

The MiO brand is known for its accurate heart rate monitors, as well as supplying heart rate monitors for Garmin wearables. The company also created its own fitness bracelet, MiO Slice, which offers not just counting steps, but a comprehensive assessment of personal activity.

The device constantly monitors your heart rate and, analyzing all the loads for the day, determines Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) - a personal activity index. It is calculated taking into account gender, age, body weight, basic training, but it is changes in heart rate in response to physical effort that are converted into PAI points (in a week, the owner of MiO Slice is asked to score 100 points).

Additional indicators for control

The bracelet also measures steps (using an accelerometer), distance, activity period, and calories burned. Additionally, you can specify types of activities that the wearable gadget did not take into account (for example, strength training with low arm activity). The bracelet analyzes sleep quite accurately, since heart rate is measured at night (every 15 minutes). But the model lacks a vibrating alarm clock in the morning.

Stylish and practical

MiO Slice is equipped with a monochrome screen with an OLED matrix and the ability to adjust brightness. The device has a non-removable rubber strap (2 sizes and several colors are available, including black, grey, blue, brown). For control, there is one mechanical button that responds to both short and long presses.

The model has a 60 mAh battery, the capacity of which is enough for 4 – 6 days of operation with average intensity of use. A convenient magnetic cradle is included for charging.

Control and synchronization

All Slice settings are performed in the proprietary Mio PAI 2 application. It is already Russified, but the quality of localization leaves much to be desired.

Bluetooth v 4.0 is used to synchronize data with smartphones. After connecting to mobile devices, the bracelet will notify you of calls and SMS. Additionally, support is provided wireless standard ANT+. It is used to transmit heart rate readings in training mode and makes it easy to connect pro-level sports devices to the bracelet.

Note that the bracelet is protected from moisture and dust, waterproof up to 30 meters. But it is not recommended to swim in it, if only because you cannot press the mechanical button in the water.

MiO Slice is suitable for fans of running, aerobics, other cyclic sports and simply active people. By constantly measuring your pulse, the bracelet will also help you monitor your condition. cardiovascular system and health in general.