11 Dec
Blog

Halo View Review: An Affordable Fitbit Alternative

Amazon Halo View lineup.

Halo View Review: An Affordable Fitbit Alternative

RRP $ 79.00

"The Halo View competes with Fitbit and offers robust functionality and a price that doesn't break the bank."

benefits

  • Inexpensive

  • Affordable membership

  • Easy

  • Focus on wellness

disadvantage

  • No GPS

  • Not as durable as others

Amazon unveiled its Halo fitness band in 2020 to mixed reviews. While many liked the simple design and abundance of wellness features, the voice tracking and fat scanning features caused quite a stir. The company has listened to this feedback and is back with its second iteration of the fitness tracker. The new Halo View takes the best features of the original Halo, removes the controversial ones, and adds an important feature that is missing from the Halo band. Is this new band keeping their promise to "build a healthier lifestyle right from the wrist?" We tested it to find out.

Fitbit-like and feature-rich

When I first saw the new Halo View from Amazon, my first thought was, "This looks like a Fitbit". The Halo View features Fitbit's traditional rectangular case, soft elastomeric strap, and a bright, colorful AMOLED display. It's a bit more boxy than the current-gen Fitbit Charge 5, but the similarity can't be denied.

Halo View's feature set is very competitive. It has a battery life of seven days and has withstood this claim in my tests. It's also equipped with an optical heart rate sensor, a pulse oximeter that can take both background and on-demand measurements, and a temperature monitor for your skin. Thanks to its 50-meter water resistance, you can wear the Halo View in the shower and while swimming.

Person wearing the Amazon Halo view.

Light as a feather

The Halo View looks like a Fitbit but doesn't have the same feel as a Fitbit. Compared to most other fitness bands with a weight of 30 grams, the Halo View is incredibly light at 20.6 grams. The View is so light that I've often forgotten I'm wearing it. It's also very comfortable on the wrist with an easy-to-close strap that doesn't pinch or, at least to me, irritate my skin.

If you want a fitness band that won't weigh you down, the Halo View should be your first choice.

The Halo View doesn't feel as solid as a Fitbit, either. While it feels cheap, it doesn't work like a cheap device. The Halo View exceeded expectations during the test. The battery life was up to a week and the sensor readings were accurate. Although the tape is awkwardly attached to the top of the sensor unit, it held it securely on my wrist and the screen remained scratch-free during the test.

Fitness tracking falls short in one area

Weekly goal for Halo view

Amazon is new to fitness tracking, but you wouldn't know. The Halo app is surprisingly designed with a user interface that makes it easy to find the information you need. And that information is abundant. Amazon's Halo View gathers all of the common health metrics you need to track your fitness, like step count, heart rate, calories, and more. The View uses a weekly scoring system to measure your activity level, which is perfect for busy people. Instead of cramming thousands of steps each day, you can take a day off, exercise when you have more time, and still meet your fitness goals. GPS is the only blatant omission. The View has no built-in GPS and does not use your phone's GPS. As a result, it will not display distance or pace during an outdoor activity. Most people probably won't care, but runners and bikers alike will be disappointed.

Temperature tracking while you sleep

Halo View automatically tracks your sleep every night and is great at knowing when you fall asleep and wake up. It also calculates a sleep score, which is a quick and easy way for you to gauge your sleep quality without digging deep into a variety of metrics. If you want to explore the details, you can too. The Halo app divides sleep into deep, light REM sleep, as well as number of disturbances, awake time, and more.

Not only does Amazon Halo View track your nightly heart rate and movement, it also measures your skin temperature at night. This adds another metric that you can use to diagnose sleep problems or to monitor your health. Do you wake up tired but have slept eight hours? You can check the temperature stats to see if temperature played a role in your insomnia. You may need to shed a layer or add a blanket to keep yourself comfortable at night. Temperature can also be used to diagnose illness, track your menstrual cycle, and monitor other changes in your body or around you.

Halo Fitness brings the burn

Halo fitness

Halo View integrates with Amazon's Halo Fitness, which provides access to a growing library of on-demand workouts led by professional fitness instructors. You can choose between cardio, outdoor, strength, yoga and mobility courses. And there are workouts for all fitness levels. Like Apple Fitness and iFit, the workouts are mostly bodyweight exercises, but that doesn't mean they were easy. The classes I took were strong enough to make me sweat and left me sore the next day. Most of the exercises take less than 25 minutes, so you can easily do them even on a busy day. Although I used Halo View to track my workout, the tracker stats don't integrate with Halo Fitness in the Halo app. I had to look at my watch to check my heart rate instead of seeing it on my phone's screen.

Decreased creepiness

Amazon raised some eyebrows with its tone voice analysis and the photo-based body fat analysis it added to its original Halo fitness band. Even though it removed Tone from the Halo view, Amazon kept the body fat measurements that require you to take a photo of yourself in your Skivvies. Measuring body fat using photos may be more accurate, but not everyone will use this feature.

Same goes for Halo View's new Movement Health, which uses the camera to assess your ability to make five simple movements. The data collected by the camera is then analyzed and used to improve your mobility, stability and posture. Fortunately, these features are optional and disabled by default. I turned it on for testing but didn't use it much after initial setup. Step count, activity score, and the weekly goal were my main motivators for keeping moving.

Diet adds a new dimension

View Hale nutrition recipes

Step count, heart rate and sleep tracking are only half the story. The Halo View is packed with a variety of health and wellness features that complement the fitness metrics gathered by the band's built-in sensors. Diet is one of the newest additions and shows promise. The Nutrition section in the Halo app contains customized single meal recipes as well as long-term nutrition programs to help you build healthy eating habits over time. I signed up for "Have a Glass of Water Before Every Meal" and cherished the daily reminders that encouraged me to improve my hydration each day. In the future, Amazon plans to offer instructions for meal planning and shopping lists that will be synchronized with Alexa.

Affordable monthly membership

Amazon nailed the membership options on Halo View. Some companies cripple their devices for non-subscribers, but Amazon gives you basic metrics like steps, heart rate, and sleep times for free. You do not need to purchase this additional subscription to take advantage of the device's minimal fitness tracking capabilities.

Those who want advanced metrics like daily activity results or personalized insights can sign up for a Halo membership. Amazon cost its membership at an affordable $ 3.99 per month. The View comes with a 12 month free subscription to Halo membership so you don't have to pay that fee right away.

Person wearing the Amazon Halo view.

Our opinion

The Halo View is a great value for those looking for an affordable alternative to the more expensive trackers from Fitbit and Garmin. It has more than enough metrics and wellness features to keep most users at ease. The Halo View might not have enough bells and whistles to draw people away from Fitbit or Garmin, but it's a great starting point for those new to fitness tracking.

Is there a better alternative?

The Halo makes a great entry-level fitness attacker, but there are better alternatives. With sleek, rounded lines and a beautiful AMOLED display, the Charge 5 is a worthy competitor to the Halo View. At an MSRP of $ 129, the Charge 5 is more expensive but offers the distance and pace metrics not found on the Halo View. Another option is Garmin's Vivosmart 4, which has a sophisticated design and loads of smart features to keep you both connected and healthy.

How long it will take?

Amazon Halo View is a budget fitness tracker, so don't expect it to last five years. Most users will be able to use Halo View for a number of years with normal usage. Adventure athletes or hand-working people such as mechanics or carpenters may find the View too sensitive for their harsh lifestyles.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. With fitness tracking, sleep tracking, nutrition, and access to instructor-led workouts, the Halo View is ideal for someone who wants a fitness tracker but doesn't want to spend a lot of money.

Editor's recommendations



06 Dec
Blog

Halo Infinite Review: A Great Shooter, Still in Progress

New Spartan armor in Halo Infinite.

Halo infinite

RRP $ 60.00

"Halo Infinite isn't going to reinvent the shooter genre, but it's a fun solo and multiplayer experience that can only get better over time."

advantages

  • Classic multiplayer action

  • Creative weapons

  • Varied battles in single player

  • Grappleshot is awesome

disadvantage

  • Sometimes disappointingly safe

  • Campaign is lacking in ideas

  • Unfinished at startup

"Why do you keep doing this?"
"That is everything I know."

This little exchange between an Echo 216 pilot and the Master Chief in Halo Infinite's campaign is a thesis moment for the game itself. Xbox has stood for Halo for 20 years. The shooter series defined Microsoft's entire foray into gaming, with Master Chief achieving icon status. Even after the series took a downturn when 343 Industries first took the helm of Bungie, Microsoft and Xbox fans alike remained committed to the future of the franchise. It's all they knew

Halo Infinite is careful not to disappoint – perhaps too cautiously. Gone are the days when 343 experimented with groundbreaking tweaks that would polarize longtime Spartans. Instead, Infinite plays it safe in multiplayer mode, while all experiments are limited to the single-player, lower-stakes campaign.

The end result is a reliable return to form, evoking the glory days of Halo 3. A lack of signature ideas means the first person shooter genre is unlikely to advance like its best contributions, but it doesn't have to. Halo is Halo, and the formula still works.

Safe multiplayer mode

Halo Infinite's multiplayer has been in beta for a month now, which gives me the rare opportunity to criticize a live service game after actually seeing what it will look like from week to week. After spending dozens of hours partying with friends, I came to a simple conclusion: Halo Infinite is a great multiplayer game, just not a central one.

The nuclear weapon game is second to none. Rather than continuing the unpopular experiments of Halo 4 and 5, 343 Industries stuck to the basics. Infinite feels like it's been pulled out of a box labeled "Halo" – and I don't mean that. The formula works as well as it ever has here, and there's little reason to tinker with it. The games are fast but not too fast, and players are rewarded for using every tool they can. It's less about landing headshots with precision than about using everything you can to melt an opponent's shield.

Halo Infinite captures the flag.

The best innovation here is the game's arsenal of weapons. Classic halo weapons, like the assault rifle and pistol, have been fine-tuned here to make them feel better than ever. But some of the newer weapons stand out in particular. The Cindershot is a powerful grenade launcher with a lot of power, while the Spit is essentially a harpoon that can blow a vehicle to pieces. They're not all winners (guns like the Ravager feel useless), but players have more options than ever, and that can radically change the feel of the game.

The main problem with multiplayer is a lack of personality. While 343's decision to play it safe is understandable, I can't help but feel like Infinite has no defining properties – and the potential is there.

Players can pick up multipurpose gadgets like shield walls that add an extra layer to battles. The standout tool is the grappleshot, a grappling hook that is an absolute blast when firing. With Grappleshot, vehicle-free players can race across Big Team maps, counter an incoming warthog by clinging to the driver, or pounce on enemies for a close-range kill. It's so comfortable that I immediately felt depressed that I didn't always have it fitted. I keep it so seldom that I practically never get to use it.

Infinite feels like it was plucked from a box labeled "Halo" and I don't mean that.

I understand why 343 didn't build the gameplay around the grappleshot. Long-time fans have complained about the tool and accused the studio of ruining Halo again. But I wish 343 had more faith in his gameplay ideas here. Instead of including their own innovation in the formula, the developers just flirt with new ideas. This makes Halo Infinite feel like a fun shooter, but not one that will change the genre as significantly as its predecessors.

Spider chief

The game's single player campaign takes some bolder moves. A complete reinvention of the Halo formula, it deals in linear missions for open world fluidity. This structure goes surprisingly well with Halo. One of my favorite moments was when I abducted a banshee from the sky, flew it across the map to an outpost, rained fire on a couple of unsuspecting grunts, and then got into a dogfight with another banshee. These little moments between the missions naturally combine the Infinite campaign with the multiplayer Big Team Battle mode.

It's the simple joys that make current single player gameplay work. As in multiplayer, there is a lot of heavy lifting involved in shooting. Even in the weakest moments of the campaign, it's always fun to make waves of opponents forget with a click of the mouse. The wealth of weapons is particularly noticeable here. Every time my clip went off, I knew I could always pull a random weapon from a corpse that would completely change the pace of a fight. I barely touched weapons like the Scattershot Heatwave in multiplayer until I was able to experiment with them in single player.

Movement is the main hook that brings us back to my beloved grappleshot. Unlike multiplayer, Master Chief has always equipped everything here, and that's the best. Traversing the map is an act of joy as Chief can drive up cliffs like Spider-Man. It also adds adorable new tricks to the fight. I always enjoy snatching a distant plasma coil into my hands and throwing it at a pack of enemies. Small details like these enrich an already entertaining shooting system and make every encounter appear different.

It's the simple joys that make current single player gameplay work.

These joys mask many of the campaign's flaws – and there are many. There isn't much variety in open world design. Non-story card activities (like evacuating bases or … evacuating smaller bases) are repetitive. The actual missions usually take place in chrome corridors, which cannot be distinguished from one another. Missions overwhelm the trope of “find a battery to power a door”. Recycled assets and ideas complete the campaign and make it appear much bigger than it actually is.

Master Chief speaks to an AI companion in Halo Infinite.

My biggest annoyance is the tone of the campaign. Characters are constantly joking like Marvel heroes, which can be a scratchy thing. Even the jokes are recycled. On two separate occasions, Chiefs A.I. Companion says a line that ends with a "Wait, don't reply to" punchline. Grunts that were once delightful moments of comic relief now crack one-liners constantly during combat. It's all exhausting and robs every personality from Halo's great science fiction saga.

Despite these issues, the campaign is compact enough not to pull it down completely. While this is an open world game, it is not a maximalist one. Players can play through the story in around 10 hours, even with additional exploration. You can spend a lot more time ticking off card symbols, but the lean approach works here. Longer and the seams of the game would become clearer.

At least it's Halo

Halo Infinite is a strange game to review because it starts in an incomplete state. By introducing a live service model, 343 Industries has a lot of flexibility here. It is able to hold functions until a later date or fail now and fix it later. I described it as a great game surrounded by bad decisions. Some of the choices in the game are so startlingly strange that it feels like they have to change at some point. Some do.

Spartans attack each other in Halo Infinite

Take the game's Battle Pass, for example. At launch, players were slow to gain experience points by completing daily and weekly challenges. Leveling up on the Battle Pass can take hours, which sucks the feeling of progression from the games. It didn't help that the actual Battle Pass cosmetics are generally lame too (rewards are a single shoulder pad or visor color). The progression system got so much play before it was released that 343 made several changes to fix it. It feels better now, although more tweaks are likely to be imminent.

Halo Infinite is a strange game to review because it starts in an incomplete state.

There are other quality of life issues that have not yet been addressed that are just as confusing. One of them is the fact that playlists are currently limited. Output 343 says it should be dealt with shortly after launch. Players can either jump into Quick Play, Leaderboards, or Big Team Battle, which contain a couple of modes. Currently, you can't just jump into a Team Slayer playlist if that's the only mode you like. You have to battle through objective modes like Oddball for a chance to play the mode you want.

This is especially noticeable in Big Team Battle, which features the game's absolute worst mode, Stockpile. The large-scale twist on Capture the Flag has players slowly walking energy cells to their base over and over again, placing the emphasis on the combat and mobility of the game. I hate it so much that I've largely decided against playing Big Team Battle. It's just not worth it.

Halo players compete against each other in a Halo Infinite multiplayer match.

It doesn't help that Halo Infinite starts with no full functionality. There's no co-op play until at least May, and the custom blacksmithing mode is even farther away. The lack of co-op at launch is especially disappointing as the campaign feels well suited for this. I want to believe this isn't a big deal. The core multiplayer is good enough that I'll be kept busy by then, but I'm also a little skeptical of the proposed schedules. Will Forge actually make it this year? Will collaboration be delayed if 343 is forced to make more fundamental changes in the quality of life? Playlist issues and weapon balance feel more urgent right now, and I wouldn't be surprised if they priority.

I can only criticize Halo Infinite with promises at this point. It's not the game it will be in five years. The question is, do I feel that it is in a good position to realize its potential? Historically, 343 is a responsive developer and I'm sure he will quickly address the more basic fan complaints based on his reaction to the Battle Pass. There's just no telling how quickly it can do that, especially given the game's already slow development cycle.

However, it is a strong foundation and one that is specially designed to deal with disasters. No matter what, Halo Infinite's problems are not fundamental. The safe approach to multiplayer means that any problem can be dismissed with an "Uh, at least Halo" answer.

Halo Infinite is a fitting name. When done right, core shooting really feels infinitely playable. The title isn't so much a great statement of the quality of the game; It's just comfort that 343 didn't rock the boat this time.

Our opinion

Halo Infinite is a worthy Halo game, pure and simple. Multiplayer doesn't do much to evolve the series or shooter genre, but the formula still works and there are some new twists here to make it feel fresh enough. The compact open-world campaign is a bit lacking in ideas, but the moment-to-moment gameplay is fun enough to make up for uninspired design. It's a shame it starts in an unfinished state and lacks key features like campaign co-op, but there's a lot to get players to log in for now.

Is there a better alternative?

Splitgate is a more creative shooter that builds on the Halo formula instead of repeating it. For a longer, more complex open-world FPS, try Far Cry 6.

How long it will take?

The campaign will likely last 15 hours for most players if they do a healthy amount of open world activity. Multiplayer will likely be supported for a good portion, if not all, of the life of the Xbox Series X.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. Or more precisely, if you have the Xbox Game Pass, you should download the free multiplayer and try the campaign. Both aspects are very entertaining, even if they don't do much to advance the series.

Halo Infinite was verified using an early verification code from Microsoft.

Editor's recommendations



23 Jan
Blog

Amazon Halo Review: No-Fuss Fitness Band, Privacy Disaster

Amazon Halo Fitness Band

Amazon Halo Review: Affordable but Questionable Fitness Band

"Amazon Halo is a no-frills fitness band, but privacy concerns tarnish an otherwise capable workout companion."

  • Slim, lightweight design

  • Informative sleep rating

  • Accurate body fat scan

  • Laboratory integration

  • Subscription for access to all functions

  • Questionable privacy

Amazon has taken its first steps in the wearable device market with its Halo fitness tracker. Much like its Echo and Alexa devices, the Amazon Halo is designed to blend in with the background and seamlessly track your health and fitness. The $ 99 Halo creates a niche with unique features not found on other fitness wearables. However, some of these features raise serious privacy concerns. We have both good and bad problems so you can decide if you want the Halo to be your next fitness machine.

Forget about simple carrying and design

The Amazon Halo has a simple design with a woven fabric band and a screenless tracker unit reminiscent of the older Fitbits. It has a single button that interacts with the Halo app, two microphones for speech analysis and an LED indicator. On the bottom there is an optical heart rate sensor and a charging area. Its straightforward design allows you to charge the tracker without removing it from the band.

Amazon Halo Fitness BandKelly Hodgkins / Digital Trends

The tracker unit is slim and mounts under the band with the heart rate sensor flush with your skin. The tracker clicks securely into place on the band, but it can be removed quickly and easily if you need to change the bands. The sensor unit is waterproof up to 50 meters, so you can swim and shower while wearing it.

The tape consists of a strong net with a Velcro fastener. The Velcro on the halo is just perfect. I can pull the Velcro as tight as I want without having to struggle with the various settings of a buckle. The mesh fabric is not as silky smooth as silicone straps, but it is pleasant on the skin even when perspiration builds up. If you don't like the web, Amazon sells a sports band with a more rubbery feel.

The Halo lacks a screen to grab your attention and lacks a vibrating motor to keep you buzzing. It's also incredibly slim and light (18 grams). It's so unobtrusive that I barely felt it on my wrist. I like that I could wear the halo and forget about it, but I miss the display, especially when I'm running. I can't check the time, watch my pace, or monitor my heart rate from my wrist like I can with my Garmin or Fitbit.

Activity tracking stays with the basics

The Amazon Halo is a more than powerful activity tracker with a heart rate sensor as well as a gyroscope and an accelerometer for movement tracking. It records all of the standard metrics for a fitness tracker. It counts steps, compiles calories and tracks selected workouts (walking, running, cycling and more) in real time. You can also add an activity manually if you forgot to start your tracker. One blatant omission is GPS. Most fitness bands have built-in GPS or at least connect to your smartphone.

Amazon Halo Fitness BandKelly Hodgkins / Digital Trends

The Halo takes a novel approach to measuring your activity level. You will earn points for every minute you are active. The Halo gives you two points for every minute of intense activity, one point for every minute of moderate exercise, and one point for every 20 minutes of light activity. Not only does Halo give points, but it also takes points away for every hour you are sedentary. You can set your own points goal, but Halo recommends achieving at least 150 points per week, which is in line with World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity.

The Halo's relaxed weekly scoring system has successfully kept me active.

Amazon's scoring system is great for those trying to get fit and need that extra encouragement. Since performance is measured weekly, I didn't feel compelled to exercise every day. I could spread my exercise over a week and mix a workout into my daily life if it fits my schedule. This relaxed approach successfully kept me active and kept me from becoming discouraged if I had to miss a workout.

Sleep tracking stays simple

Amazon's Halo competitor, Fitbit leader when it comes to sleep tracking. At night, the Halo can track movement, heart rate and even body temperature, giving you a detailed insight into what factors can affect the quality of your sleep. All of this data is summarized in a sleep score so that you can assess your sleep at a glance.

The halo accurately recorded my wake times, sleep times and movements during the night. The tracker not only monitored the length of my sleep, but also correctly rated the quality of my sleep. It was spot on with his assessment – when I woke up tired from a restless night, the Halo app knew instantly.

The Halo app goes one step further than simple analysis. It also provides insight into your sleep cycles. When I had a pattern of insomnia, the app gave me guidance on how to improve my rest. If I needed more detailed help, I had the option to sign up for a sleep laboratory. This third-party service offered activities that would improve my sleep, such as: B. Limiting caffeine in the afternoon (one of my bad habits!). The lab helped me implement these suggestions and then analyzed whether they actually helped improve my sleep.

The analysis of the tone voices is convincing and uncomfortable

The most impressive and controversial feature in Halo is tone-voice analysis. When enabled, Tone uses your Halo tracker's audio hardware to hear your voice regularly throughout the day. The idea behind Tone is to make you aware of how you sound to other people. Are you moody or positive? Do you sound tired or optimistic?

Amazon Halo Fitness BandKelly Hodgkins / Digital Trends

In order to protect privacy, Tone does not monitor the words you say, only the tone of your voice. In addition, the recordings are not saved. This eases some privacy concerns, but it limits functionality. Once marked as stubborn, I could think about the entire conversation. I couldn't hear exactly what I was saying.

I found the tone speech analysis compelling, but also creepy. I was checking my sound stats all day to see if I was negative without realizing it. I wish there was a notification that would nudge me if my mood changed. Instead of waiting afterwards, it would be helpful to be able to change my setting in real time. Although Tone recognized my mood for most of the time, I didn't feel comfortable with the device always listening in the background. The battery was also very discharged.

Although for the most part Tone recognized my mood accurately, it was a huge drain on the battery.

What I liked was the "Live" tab which offered on-demand, real-time analytics. I was able to practice a short speech and watch where my voice fell on the positivity and energy chart while speaking. I could then get a full analysis of how I sounded. This feature is incredibly useful for repeating a speech or preparing for an interview.

Body fat tracking with half-naked selfies

Many attached health devices promise to monitor your body fat, but few do exactly that. Most smartphone apps and even smart scales take your height and weight and put that information into a body fat calculator. However, this formula doesn't take into account whether the majority of your weight is fat or muscle. It also doesn't tell you where your fat is concentrated.

Amazon Halo improves body fat measurement by using your height and weight data along with photos of your body. These photos, taken only in your skivvies, can be used to determine if you are limp or fit for your weight. It also helps identify where your fat is located. When you are struggling with your body image, the process can be terribly uncomfortable.

All body scan photos are securely processed by Amazon in the cloud and then automatically deleted. They are only saved when you want to use them to keep track of your progress. This sets a privacy flag. They trust Amazon to handle your half-naked selfies discreetly. Do you feel comfortable with it?

Although uncomfortable and worrying, the body fat estimates can provide some accurate results, especially for those who are building muscle, not just losing weight. With the saved photo scans, you can literally see your body fat melt away. Just like with tone speech analysis, you need to decide whether leaving your comfort zone is worth the information it contains. For me, a one-time scan to test the function was sufficient.

The battery life is as expected

The Halo lasted up to a week with normal use on a single charge. Tone speech analysis was a tremendous burden, reducing battery life to a disappointing two days. Fortunately, the Halo charged consistently in just over an hour. The Halo may have hit Amazon's promised battery life, but we expected more from a tape that doesn't have a screen and only basic sensors. The Fitbit Charge 3 with color display, several sensors and smartwatch functions also lasts six days between charging cycles.

Labs

Like the Apple Watch, Amazon has partnered with third-party services to expand the health and wellness information you can get from your device. Most of these labs will help you develop healthy habits that will improve both your mind and your body. For example, you can receive training content from Sweat and take part in the American Heart Association's lunchtime powerwalks. With its clout and reach in retail, this is an area that Amazon could really develop in the years to come.

Not everyone is willing to forego some privacy for the sake of innovation.

Privacy is a deal breaker for some

We can't review the halo without mentioning privacy. Daily voice recordings and snapshots of your scantily clad body can make many people feel uncomfortable. However, Amazon is quick to point out that these features are optional. You don't have to use them to take advantage of the hands-off fitness tracking offered by the Halo.

subscription

You can use Amazon Halo to track basics like step count, activity level, and sleep. If you want more than just the basics, you can choose an optional subscription service that costs $ 4 per month and offers access to advanced features like sleep scoring and labs. Each Halo comes with a free six-month trial subscription. So give it a try and decide if it's worth the extra money.

Our opinion

The Amazon Halo is a straightforward fitness tracker for those who want to improve their health and fitness without worrying about it. The halo tracks the most important metrics. You don't have to view them every minute of the day. However, privacy concerns cast a long shadow over the device. Not everyone will be happy with their device if they take almost nude photos of them and hear them all day. Where you draw that line will determine whether you should buy the Halo.

Is there a better alternative?

The Amazon Halo brings some unique features to the table, but not everyone is willing to give up their privacy for the sake of innovation. Anyone looking for a fitness tracker with robust health and wellness features should consider the Fitbit Sense. Like the Halo, the Scythe focuses on your health and wellbeing, rather than just cross-threshold workouts.

How long it will take?

The Amazon Halo has a simplified design that interferes with a fabric strap that attaches to the tracker. There is no display and only a single button, which reduces potential problems with the device. As long as you do not abuse it, the halo will be used for many years. If you run into hardware problems, Amazon's Halo comes with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

If you can look beyond the privacy issues, the Halo is ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach to training. You just need to achieve a weekly goal and you won't be constantly reminded to move every hour. Those who want to track every metric and micromanage of their progress should pass the halo on and choose one of the many alternatives.

Editor's recommendations




20 Nov
Blog

Kwikset Halo Touch Review: Spy Fantasies Come to Life

Kwikset Halo Touch bars in action.

“With the Kwikset Halo Touch, you can open your door with your fingerprint. It is all of your spy movie fantasies come to life! "

  • easy installation

  • Works every time

  • Stores up to 100 fingerprints / 50 users

  • Permanent

  • Limited notifications

  • Might be a little too security conscious

You have likely seen your favorite actor walk through the halls of a high security complex, approach a door, and then put his fingerprint on a scanner to access the inner sanctuary of a secret project. Perhaps you wish you could do that too. It turned out that Kwikset wanted the same thing – and then made it a reality.

The Kwikset Halo Touch is a bar with a built-in capacitive fingerprint sensor. It does exactly what Kwikset says it does. Touch the fingerprint sensor with an enrolled fingerprint and the latch will open. Another touch with a finger closes it. An LED light strip shows the current action, regardless of whether this opens, closes or signals an unrecognized fingerprint. The bolt package also contains a resealable tumbler lock and two keys as a backup.

installation

Setting up the Halo Touch is easy!

Kwikset gets things right right away. Setup and installation are very easy. The lock comes with boxes numbered 1 to 5, similar to a Lego set. Start with box number one and so on. I ran into a little problem because my front door only had a 1 "hole and the lock required a 2" hole. Keep this in mind if you plan to pick one up. I should also point out that the Halo Touch will replace your existing latch instead of working with it, which some people may find uncomfortable.

Once the latch is installed, simply launch the app. The lock first connects to your phone via Bluetooth and then connects to Wi-Fi from there. The Wi-Fi connection enables app notifications and remote control of the lock. Bluetooth is required to add users and change settings, for example. That can be a blessing and a curse. While it is far safer to limit interactions to Bluetooth, it would be far more convenient to be able to do more over Wi-Fi. Given that the main purpose of a latch is security, I can definitely understand the Kwikset mindset.

Familiar app setup

Once you've set up the app, all you have to do is take fingerprints for you and anyone else who wants to use the door. This in turn requires Bluetooth proximity. So keep that in mind. When a babysitter or house sitter comes by, you need to be there to see them take their fingerprints. Again, this is a flaw on the security side, so we cannot judge it too harshly.

The fingerprint registration process follows the same pattern as registering phone fingerprints. You touch the sensor, lift up, touch again, lift up, and so on. The app guides you through the process and saves up to 100 fingerprints for up to 50 different users. Registered fingerprints can be provided with additional security measures, e.g. B. if they are allowed to open the door. You can also disable the fingerprint reader for individual users if necessary.

The lock just does what it's supposed to do. Nothing more, nothing less.

Once everything is set up, the lock does what it is supposed to. Touch the sensor and the lock will open. Touch it again, it locks. The sensor is non-reflective so you won't see your fingerprint on the pad after touching it. That's a nice security feature. You can also set the lock to automatic lock after a certain period of time. The Kwikset Halo Touch also works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

The lock suffers from typical problems with the fingerprint sensor. If your finger or the lock itself is wet, the sensor will not work. The lock is weatherproof so you don't have to worry about the elements outside of your home. However, if you come home in a rainstorm, having your keys on hand is probably a good idea. I wish there was another alternative here, like an automatic unlock that uses bluetooth and your location, or NFC so you can open the lock when the conditions are wrong for a fingerprint sensor. You can open the app and open the lock that way, but that's a bit of a hassle when you come home and just want to go in and take a load off. Lockly does that very well.

Finally, I want Kwikset to offer some notification options. I don't necessarily need a notification every time it gets locked or unlocked, but I want notifications when the reader has failed. A little more adjustment in this regard would be great to clean up the clutter.

Kwikset Halo Touch from the side

Overall, I can't judge a product based on what I wanted. I'll judge it by what it does, and in this case, it does it perfectly. I had no problems with the lock during my test phase and I am pleased that fingerprint sensors on doors are becoming more and more common. In addition, Kwikset included everything you could want in a door lock built for the future.

Our opinion

If you want a fingerprint sensor for a latch, this is a great choice. From simple setup (aside from having to remove your old latch) to simple app setup, this lock meets or exceeds expectations. There are a few issues, but these are common to all fingerprint sensors, not just this one. Also, there are two different styles and two different finishes to match your home.

Is there a better alternative?

As with any product, there are usually alternatives that are better suited to your tastes. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is much easier to install as it slides over your existing latch. The Lockly Vision adds a camera and an encoded entry. However, if you need a fingerprint reading latch that isn't complicated, this is a really good choice.

How long it will take?

Kwikset has been in the door lock game for a long time and knows a thing or two about durability. This philosophy is also implemented in the smart home products. Kwikset has an entire website devoted to the durability tests it does. The lock I tested is made of solid metal and I suspect it will last for years.

Should I buy it?

Yes. This is a very solid product from a company with a history in the field. The lock just does what it's supposed to do. Nothing more, nothing less. There are no hiccups. Some smart home products try to push their limits and do too much. This lock stays with what it can do.

Editor's recommendations




06 Mar
Blog

Kwikset Halo Review: A Tough Smart Lock That’s Hard To Love

kwikset halo

"You won't find a more stable Smart Lock, but the functionality is questionable."

  • Durable construction

  • Versatile entry

  • Must replace your latch

  • Bad installation experience

  • Touchpad is an annoyance

The Halo from Kwikset is an intelligent lock that can be controlled with an app, codes or an old-fashioned set of keys. This versatility, paired with super hard hardware, seems to be a winning combination. But while the halo has a lot to offer, there are some shortcomings that make it less practical than it looked at first glance.

installation

The halo is more difficult to install than some locks because you have to take out your current latch and install a new one. Other door locks like the August Smart Lock or the Wyze Lock fit over your existing bolt and make the transition easier. If you're not mechanically inclined (like me), getting the old latch out and inserting the new one can be frustrating.

If you don't need to install a new latch, why should you do that?

Kwikset's instructions even say that you may need a wooden chisel during installation. I'm not sure how many households have a wooden chisel on hand, but I tend to estimate few.

Halo before installation

However, my biggest frustration with the installation was due to the app. The quick start guide will ask you to download the app. You will then need to follow the on-screen instructions to install the lock. Paper instructions are not included.

However, I had to switch screens to answer a text. When I got back to the app, she insisted that I go through a long, lengthy account login process. When that was done, I never returned to the installation process. I had to find it again and then try to find the installation screen I was on before the interruption. That seems to me to be a usability error.

durability

Most of the characteristic of this intelligent lock is its toughness. The halo is shockproof, fireproof for up to 20 minutes, pickproof and hardened against drills or saws. Even the connecting wires inside are reinforced. This is a stable lock. You can only tell by its weight that it is made to last.

Keyboard and access

Halo app and lock

The Halo has a keyboard that lights up for easy viewing, but doesn't miss the problems with touchpads.

The big problem is sensitivity. You need to touch the pad to activate it and then enter your key code. I found that if I didn't enter my code quickly enough within seconds, the pad would fall asleep and wouldn't wake up again. I stood around, tapping the screen impatiently, trying to bring him back to life for a minute or two. If you're in a hurry to get in, this is a no-go.

In addition, the keyboard clearly shows fingerprints. This means that a potential crook can look at the pattern of fingerprints on the touchpad and find your code easily. I tried wiping the touchpad after use, but who will really clean the lock every time they use it?

One feature I like is that you can use the app to turn off the keyboard completely. You can then use your keys or the app to control the locking and unlocking of your door. It undermines the sense of an intelligent lock with a keyboard, but that shows you how much I don't like the Halo keyboard.

Too bad, because this lock can store up to 250 user codes, including time limits and expiration dates, which you can control via the app. I can see where that would be useful.

The alarm didn't work

One of the features I liked when I first heard about the Halo is that an alarm sounds when the code is entered incorrectly three times. This would let you know immediately if someone tried to find out your code and break into your home.

Kwikset Halo code options

So I tried it in the interest of science. I entered three random codes and nothing happened to my dismay. There was no alarm. No notification appeared on my phone. Other attempts have also not triggered an alarm.

I contacted the company's support team and they were informed that the batteries may be weak or the connection may become loose. Neither seemed to be the cause. As far as I can tell, the function just doesn't work as an advertisement.

Our opinion

The Kwikset Halo is disappointing. The keyboard is tedious and installing a new latch is a big problem. At $ 229, other smart locks are cheaper and work better.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The August Smart Lock Pro only costs $ 85 and works with your current latch. If you want a smart lock with a keyboard, choose the Nest X Yale or the Schlage Encode. They cost roughly the same, but these locks work better overall.

Will it take?

Absolutely. It is a beast. A lifetime warranty is also provided.

Should you buy it

The halo has no match when it comes to strength and toughness, but the technology isn't great. Pass this on.

Editor's recommendations