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The Yves Béhar-Designed Jawbone UP3 Is Very Sensitive (In A Good Way)

11.06.14 | By
The Yves Béhar-Designed Jawbone UP3 Is Very Sensitive (In A Good Way)

Jawbone seems acutely aware the fitness wearable segment is getting crowded and competitive, with the likes of the Apple Watch and Microsoft Band elbowing in attempting to establish a position in the hierarchy of wearable technology of today and tomorrow. Jawbone’s latest response is a sophisticated multi-sensor activity wristband monitoring nearly everything a person does from the moment they awaken, throughout the day, and well into the wearer’s sleeping hours, all presented in a slim innovative design where the function hasn’t erased fashion. Ounce for ounce, the Jawbone UP3 may also be the most advanced fitness tracker available for consumers today.

Unlike competing smart bands, the UP3 doesn't offer a display. All data and information is accessed via compatible UP app.

Unlike competing smart bands, the UP3 doesn’t offer a display. All data and information is accessed via compatible UP app.

The first thing you’ll notice about this third iteration of the UP band is the eye-catching design, an adjustable wristband utilizing a unique clasp design which permits almost any wrist to comfortably widen or tighten the fit of the UP3, all while keeping the array of sensors connected to the wearer’s skin for consistent monitoring. The array of colors and textures – all designed by industrial designer wunderkind and Jawbone chief creative officer, Yves Béhar – gives the UP3 an almost jeweled bracelet finish, rather than the usual tech-aesthetic language connected to most other personal monitoring devices. A lightweight, yet strong anodized aluminum casing covers a magnesium chassis within, designed to withstand the demands of someone wearing the UP3 from morning to bed.

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"With UP3, we have taken this even further and explored hundreds of internal component and sensor layouts, resulting in different widths and lengths of the band. These prototypes, often differing by as little as .3mm, were judged for comfort, size impression, and proportions before we selected the optimal ergonomics for a variety of wrist sizes." - Yves Behar

“With UP3, we have taken this even further and explored hundreds of internal component and sensor layouts, resulting in different widths and lengths of the band. These prototypes, often differing by as little as .3mm, were judged for comfort, size impression, and proportions before we selected the optimal ergonomics for a variety of wrist sizes.” – Yves Béhar

"An innovative adjustable clasp had to be invented to allow for the sensor data to travel around the wrist and strap. The clasp mechanism allows the band to slide through a flat metal gate and lock in at just the right size for the user. This maximizes the exposure of the sensors on your skin." - Yves Behar

“An innovative adjustable clasp had to be invented to allow for the sensor data to travel around the wrist and strap. The clasp mechanism allows the band to slide through a flat metal gate and lock in at just the right size for the user. This maximizes the exposure of the sensors on your skin.” – Yves Béhar

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But what does the UP3 do besides looking oh so stylish while adorning the wrist? Plenty:

• Inside the flexible wrist band, an array of multi-sensors works to record everything the wearer does throughout the day and even while asleep. A new tri-axis accelerometer, bioimpedance sensors, and skin and ambient temperature sensors are on monitoring at all times. The sensors inside are so sensitive, the UP3 can even detect dehydration, and offer advice accordingly. The UP3 also records the all-important resting heart rate; Jawbone promises additional health data metrics will be added via future firmware updates.
• You might be sleeping, but the UP3 will still be awake tracking the sleep patterns and the quality of wearer’s sleep through stages of REM, Light, and Deep patterns, converting the data into a status report for tracking and improving daily sleeping habits.
• The UP3 is not only able to determine how you’re doing, but also what you’re doing. Algorithms, partnered with the multi-sensors – work together to identify the specific type of workout you’ve completed, then offers personalized guidance for improving performance and overall health. Over time, the UP3 is able to take personal biometric data and shape recommendations via the UP App “Smart Coach” feature.
• While Apple’s watch will require daily recharging, the UP3 can go a whole week (7 days) between charges.
• The UP3 is water resistance up to 10 meters, ideal for pool swimmers.

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The Jawbone UP3 starts at $179, currently only available for pre-order in Silver and Black, each with their own distinct relief surfaces. Jawbone promises additional colors and textures, alongside matching rubber, leather and woven band options, will be released later in 2015.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.