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In August of this year, I wrote a review of the Withings Activite watch. Let me remind you that the idea was to combine the look of a classic wrist watch with the functions of a smart watch. This is the ability to count the number of steps and calories, integration with a smartphone application, time synchronization with a smartphone and the presence of alerts using a vibration signal.
Since then, I have been waiting for the opportunity to get to know them better — and now we finally managed to get them. Moreover, the watch was brought to us in two versions: Runtastic Moment Classic and Runtastic Moment Basic.
There will be a detailed article about the Runtastic Moment Classic on iXBT.com, where we will analyze this device and its work with Runtastic applications in detail, and also compare the watch with Withings Activite (it is obvious that they are the direct competitor of the Classic version).
By the name it is clear that this is a budget version — with a silicone strap and, in a sense, a modest design, although this is not for everybody. By the way, Withings also has a cheaper version of the watch — Activite Pop. But Runtastic Moment Basic costs 20 euros less (130 vs. 150 euros), which is quite a weighty argument in this price category, especially given the approximately the same “weight” of the brands, as well as similar functionality and design approach.
The watch case is made of metal. We had a black version (beige is also available), it looks quite strict, although the watch still looks rustic for an accessory to a suit. They lack the charm of classic wristwatches. Appearance does not delight, does not attract the eye. It seems that there is nothing to particularly criticize for, but … somehow nothing.
A very strange solution is a button that protrudes strongly and is oriented downwards to the right, with which you can turn the watch on and put it into sleep tracking mode (or, conversely, turn it off). The button is very tight, it is pressed with great effort. This is rather a plus — accidental clicks are excluded. But it is not entirely clear why it was necessary to make it protrude so much, and why it could not be placed higher, as is usually the case with a single watch button.
The watch hinges are an extension of the case, and their size enhances the feeling of heaviness and massiveness. The watch is really heavy and quite thick, but this could be mitigated by thinner hinges. But, apparently, the designers opted for a more brutal look.
An unusual solution is a button that is strongly protruding and oriented downwards to the right, with which you can turn the watch on and put it into sleep tracking mode (or, conversely, turn it off). To some, this decision may seem strange, but it has a place to be. The button is very tight, it is pressed with great effort. This is rather a plus — accidental clicks are excluded. But it is not entirely clear why it was necessary to make it protrude so much, and why it could not be placed higher, as is usually the case with a single watch button. We will assume that there is some idea in this, which we did not understand during a quick acquaintance.
The watch hinges are an extension of the case, and their size enhances the feeling of heaviness and massiveness. The watch is really heavy and quite thick, but this could be mitigated by thinner hinges. But, apparently, the designers opted for a more brutal look.
The dial and hands are physical, just like Withings watches. There is also an additional mini-dial, the arrow of which reflects our progress in the number of steps per day (relative to the set goal).
The strap is removable, silicone. Very pleasant to the touch, soft, elastic. There are enough holes in it to comfortably fix the watch on any hand of an adult. The clasp is traditional and unremarkable.
In general, in my opinion, the design of Runtastic Moment Basic is neutral, does not attract attention and does not cause strong emotions, but there is nothing to criticize it for much (except that I don’t really understand why such a protruding button and such bulky hinges).
The packaging of the watch is inconvenient and not particularly beautiful, but on the other hand, the kit includes detailed instructions, including text in Russian, as well as four spare screws for the back cover and a clock screwdriver — you will need it to remove the back cover and change the battery. The watch runs on a CR2430 battery and will need to be changed every six months. But the rest of the time you don’t need to worry about charging the clock.
As for functionality, the watch can display the time by synchronizing it with a smartphone (especially useful when moving to other time zones), track physical activity and sleep phases, wake the user up with vibration at a set time. Unlike Withings Activite, there is no swim mode (although you can swim with the watch — diving up to 100 meters is allowed). It’s nice that there are reminders for long passivity. Compatible with devices running iOS 7 / Android 4.3.3 or later.
Interestingly, the watch interacts with both Runtastic and Runtastic Me. Moreover, the main application for working with watches is Runtastic Me, and Runtastic provides some interesting additional features. All the details will be in the article on iXBT.com.
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