MISFIT SHINE ACTIVITY TRACKER REVIEWUpdated November 8, 2014
The Misfit Shine fitness tracker is roughly the size of two or three quarters, yet Misfit Wearables has packed a powerhouse of features into its sleek, minimalist, aircraft-grade solid aluminum casing.
The company also has released the Misfit Flash, which offers all the same features for half the price (go to Misfit Flash Review >)
The Shine activity tracker from Misfit Wearables is a gorgeous little thing made from intimidatingly tough materials. Carved out of solid, aircraft-grade aluminum, the device is waterproof enough to swim with, small enough to be compared to pocket change, and smart enough to track your walking, running, cycling, swimming, and sleep. Double tap the surface to see your goal progress and the time of day via embedded LEDs, and open the app to view your data in detail.
Made to look elegant yet withstand a beating, the Shine joined a bevy of new and existing fitness trackers during August 2013. After an indiegogo fundraising campaign, it has arrived in Apple stores (not all Apples stores carry it, so order online or call for availability) and other outlets, and consumers (including me) have since been putting it to the test. Since the release of the Misfit Shine, the company has also come out with the Misfit Flash, which offers all the same features at half the price. How I obtained my Misfit ShineAs always, when I do a first-hand review, I like to let you know how I obtained my device. In this case, my special man received a Misfit Shine as a gift -- and to be fully transparent, it was a gift to him from the founder of Misfit Wearables. It was also special in that it came in a fancy wooden box with a black paper sleeve -- a fancy step up from the normal packaging. Knowing my penchant for all things activity tracker, my special guy gave it to me to wear and test for as long as I'd like. As always, my priority is to provide my honest opinion, including what I think is great and what I don't like, no matter how I obtain a fitness tracker.
A Misfit that . . . Fits (and shines!)At the heart of the Shine's design is the Apple ethos of thinking differently, as reflected by the company name: Misfit. The company wanted to make a tracker that was beautiful, sturdy, elegant, and enjoyable to wear.
In my opinion, they've succeeded on all four fronts. Of all the fitness trackers I've worn, I have to admit that I find this one to be the most attractive, whether I use it as a clip or a wrist watch (I have not tried the necklace format yet). While other fitness trackers betray my geekiness (and clash with my outfits) via their plastic-y hints at clunky 80's digital watches, the Misfit Shine's compact aluminum visage makes me feel like a visitor from a future where we all ride around in self-driving hovercraft made of buffed aircraft-grade aluminum. Please take me to that future. In addition, one way Misfit approached the goal of pleasurable wearability was to make the Misfit Shine wearable in a variety of ways. And they succeeded: The Misfit Shine has an outstanding array of wearability options. It can be worn loosely in a pocket, on the wrist using a silicone sports band (left), as a necklace (middle), or clipped to your clothing like a pin via a magnetic clasp. It also can be worn with a brown or black leather watch band for business or formal occasions. The Misfit team has also come out with a new "Bloom" necklace design -- a metallic, flower-inspired stainless steel pendant that encases the Shine. |
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So, how does it measure up?
Early adopters have now had the chance to wear their Shines, get a feel for the devices and report back -- and so have I. And, overall, I'm not the only one who has been pleased with the high quality of the device, its tracking capability, and the accompanying app. Mixed in with all that love are some grumbles -- mostly grumbles originating when the apps were first released because some features were still being completed (like long-range wireless syncing, an API, and full app features for Android). But these have all been addressed, and the company continues to beef up their app, their partnerships, and their product offerings. Read on to learn more.
Syncing
Wireless syncing is a boon -- I know from my experience using the wireless FitBit One versus the non-wireless Jawbone UP. One less cord in life is a clear benefit in my book. The Shine's Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless syncing originally only worked when the Shine was placed directly on your phone, but has been extended so that it now can wirelessly sync while it is still on your wrist/when it is within range of your phone.
The Shine syncs under three conditions:
Though you may have to physically facilitate a syncing session in some instances (as the background syncing is only occasional), it's one of the more straightforward and simple manually-initiated wireless syncing experiences I've endured. In fact, some existing Shine users say they love the sync animation that accompanies the current short-range syncing so much that they say it compels them to exercise more just to have another excuse to sync.
Style Considerations
The Shine is often compared to jewelry because of its emphasis on beauty and presentability. In line with this, the silicone sports band which comes with the device is dainty and somewhat feminine, more in line with a women's watch proportions than some other fitness tracker bands I've tried. A leather watch band can be purchased separately for about $40 USD, and a very sleek, somewhat masculine, mesh metal watch band (in black or silver) is available for about $50 USD. A necklace attachment is also available, though at a seemingly high price (~$50 USD) considering its simple appearance, while the metallic Bloom necklace goes for about $80 USD.
I also have the leather band. It comes in one size, and on the tightest setting is still just a tad loose on my wrist (wrist circumference 5 5/8 inches). However, there's plenty of room for you or a jeweler to punch new holes in the remaining portion of the strap in order to achieve a tighter fit.
A magnetic clasp comes with the device, and the back of the device is magnetic. This caused problems for at least one user, who claims her Shine shot out of its carrying place and stuck to things (railings, washing machine, etc). To add my own experience here, I had similar problems when wearing the Shine clipped to my pocket while doing laundry. The Shine attached to a washing machine when I leaned against it, and stayed there after I leaned back. Only attentiveness saved me from forever walking away from it. Because of this, I would recommend wearing it as a necklace or wrist-based item, rather than clipped to your pocket or outer layer of clothing.
The Shine as a Watch
The Shine watch face and indicator lights are still successfully visible outdoors in bright daylight, a problem not always conquered by fitness trackers. However, it lacks the other watch features that would make it actually capable of replacing the timepiece of regular watch-wearers. This lack of features shouldn't be cause for concern in most smartphone-connected folks who do not otherwise feel wrist-watch dependent, as the phone itself often covers all further watch features you may need (timer, alarms, stopwatch).
Battery and Water-resistance
Most Shine users release a collective sigh of relief at not having to charge a battery every 4 to 10 days (as is the standard among fitness trackers). The device uses a standard watch battery that can last up to 4 months. This has held true in my experience. I replaced the watch battery after about 4 or 5 months.
The device is reliably waterproof, just as its specifications state. However, you *do* need to correctly put it back together after installing the battery, otherwise it won't be waterproof. According to the website, most newly broken units are due to users incorrectly putting the device back together after battery installation, and then getting it wet. For a great user experience, the Misfit would ideally have a pre-installed battery (or at the least, a painfully detailed explanation of how to ascertain without a doubt that you've correctly put the Shine back together before you go for a swim or take a shower).
Sleep Data
Misfit has expanded their sleep features since they launched, including a mode that lets the Shine automatically detect when you fall asleep and awaken. Sleep data includes when you fell asleep, how much deep sleep you accrued, total time slept vs your sleep goal for the night, and when you awoke. However, this still falls behind the data presented by the Basis Peak (REM cycles, for example) and the Jawbone UP devices.
Those looking for more sleep detail can purchase the Beddit sleep system via the Misfit site. This sleep system consists of a smart-strap that rests across your bed under the sheets, detecting several interesting bio-stats during the night and thereby providing a much more detailed picture of your sleep.
Running vs. Swimming vs. Cycling
Several users say they wish there was an easier way to switch between activities like running, swimming, and cycling -- and I have to agree. Currently, the user must tell their Shine which activity to track if it isn't running or walking via the app and a triple-tap on the device to mark the activity's start time. I've found the Misfit Shine to provide good accuracy when swimming and cycling as to the intensity of my workout.
But the device doesn't always register my three taps the first time around, leaving me standing in the pool banging repeatedly on my wrist until it indicates that it noted the start of the activity. Not only frustrating from an internal emotional standpoint, but also from and external standpoint, as it's socially awkward to be standing stock still in a pool, banging on your wrist for an extended period of time.
Misfit has since solved this problem with their newest product, the Misfit Flash (go to Misfit Flash review). The front of the Flash is one big button, and to trigger a new activity you press the button. It's simple, and it works.
Social and Competitive App Features, Integration with Weight-Loss Apps
The Shine App has added features since it first launched, and these include social/competitive features as well as integration with a number of leading fitness apps thanks to the API. They've also released an app for the Pebble Smart Watch that allows the pebble to function as a Misfit Shine.
Syncing
Wireless syncing is a boon -- I know from my experience using the wireless FitBit One versus the non-wireless Jawbone UP. One less cord in life is a clear benefit in my book. The Shine's Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless syncing originally only worked when the Shine was placed directly on your phone, but has been extended so that it now can wirelessly sync while it is still on your wrist/when it is within range of your phone.
The Shine syncs under three conditions:
- When you open the app, it will sync automatically
- Periodically in the background when the app is open, though not too frequently so as to save battery life
- When you manually initiate a sync via the app
Though you may have to physically facilitate a syncing session in some instances (as the background syncing is only occasional), it's one of the more straightforward and simple manually-initiated wireless syncing experiences I've endured. In fact, some existing Shine users say they love the sync animation that accompanies the current short-range syncing so much that they say it compels them to exercise more just to have another excuse to sync.
Style Considerations
The Shine is often compared to jewelry because of its emphasis on beauty and presentability. In line with this, the silicone sports band which comes with the device is dainty and somewhat feminine, more in line with a women's watch proportions than some other fitness tracker bands I've tried. A leather watch band can be purchased separately for about $40 USD, and a very sleek, somewhat masculine, mesh metal watch band (in black or silver) is available for about $50 USD. A necklace attachment is also available, though at a seemingly high price (~$50 USD) considering its simple appearance, while the metallic Bloom necklace goes for about $80 USD.
I also have the leather band. It comes in one size, and on the tightest setting is still just a tad loose on my wrist (wrist circumference 5 5/8 inches). However, there's plenty of room for you or a jeweler to punch new holes in the remaining portion of the strap in order to achieve a tighter fit.
A magnetic clasp comes with the device, and the back of the device is magnetic. This caused problems for at least one user, who claims her Shine shot out of its carrying place and stuck to things (railings, washing machine, etc). To add my own experience here, I had similar problems when wearing the Shine clipped to my pocket while doing laundry. The Shine attached to a washing machine when I leaned against it, and stayed there after I leaned back. Only attentiveness saved me from forever walking away from it. Because of this, I would recommend wearing it as a necklace or wrist-based item, rather than clipped to your pocket or outer layer of clothing.
The Shine as a Watch
The Shine watch face and indicator lights are still successfully visible outdoors in bright daylight, a problem not always conquered by fitness trackers. However, it lacks the other watch features that would make it actually capable of replacing the timepiece of regular watch-wearers. This lack of features shouldn't be cause for concern in most smartphone-connected folks who do not otherwise feel wrist-watch dependent, as the phone itself often covers all further watch features you may need (timer, alarms, stopwatch).
Battery and Water-resistance
Most Shine users release a collective sigh of relief at not having to charge a battery every 4 to 10 days (as is the standard among fitness trackers). The device uses a standard watch battery that can last up to 4 months. This has held true in my experience. I replaced the watch battery after about 4 or 5 months.
The device is reliably waterproof, just as its specifications state. However, you *do* need to correctly put it back together after installing the battery, otherwise it won't be waterproof. According to the website, most newly broken units are due to users incorrectly putting the device back together after battery installation, and then getting it wet. For a great user experience, the Misfit would ideally have a pre-installed battery (or at the least, a painfully detailed explanation of how to ascertain without a doubt that you've correctly put the Shine back together before you go for a swim or take a shower).
Sleep Data
Misfit has expanded their sleep features since they launched, including a mode that lets the Shine automatically detect when you fall asleep and awaken. Sleep data includes when you fell asleep, how much deep sleep you accrued, total time slept vs your sleep goal for the night, and when you awoke. However, this still falls behind the data presented by the Basis Peak (REM cycles, for example) and the Jawbone UP devices.
Those looking for more sleep detail can purchase the Beddit sleep system via the Misfit site. This sleep system consists of a smart-strap that rests across your bed under the sheets, detecting several interesting bio-stats during the night and thereby providing a much more detailed picture of your sleep.
Running vs. Swimming vs. Cycling
Several users say they wish there was an easier way to switch between activities like running, swimming, and cycling -- and I have to agree. Currently, the user must tell their Shine which activity to track if it isn't running or walking via the app and a triple-tap on the device to mark the activity's start time. I've found the Misfit Shine to provide good accuracy when swimming and cycling as to the intensity of my workout.
But the device doesn't always register my three taps the first time around, leaving me standing in the pool banging repeatedly on my wrist until it indicates that it noted the start of the activity. Not only frustrating from an internal emotional standpoint, but also from and external standpoint, as it's socially awkward to be standing stock still in a pool, banging on your wrist for an extended period of time.
Misfit has since solved this problem with their newest product, the Misfit Flash (go to Misfit Flash review). The front of the Flash is one big button, and to trigger a new activity you press the button. It's simple, and it works.
Social and Competitive App Features, Integration with Weight-Loss Apps
The Shine App has added features since it first launched, and these include social/competitive features as well as integration with a number of leading fitness apps thanks to the API. They've also released an app for the Pebble Smart Watch that allows the pebble to function as a Misfit Shine.
LET'S BREAK IT DOWN
Features & Added Benefits
The Shine's greatest distinguishing features are its beauty and durability, followed by its variety of wearing options and its ability to track not just running but also swimming and cycling. In addition to tracking your activity level during these activities, it estimates calories burned, automatically tracks sleep, and estimates distance travelled. It syncs wirelessly and can also be used to tell the time.
The Misfit Shine contains a single, 3-axis accelerometer that tracks body motion depending on where it is clipped.
The Misfit Shine contains a single, 3-axis accelerometer that tracks body motion depending on where it is clipped.
Hardware & Wearing
The Shine is carved from a solid chunk of aircraft-grade aluminum. A series of embedded LEDs around the circumference of the device indicate the time and your goal progress. The flat surfaces are matte-finished and the edges are mirror-finished. The back half of the device is magnetic for attachment to the included clasp. A notch runs down the meridian of the device between the two halves -- this is where the clasp and wristbands snap into place. Along with the Shine, you receive a silicone sports wristband that fits wrist sizes 6" to 9" (16 cm to 23 cm), a magnetic clip, and watch battery replacement tool. You can optionally buy leather or metal mesh watchbands and a two different styles of necklace/pendant attachments.
The Misfit Shine can be worn in the shower, in the rain, and while swimming, as it is water resistant up to 5 atm (50 meters, or 165 feet). Tiny holes dot the back of the device to permit wireless syncing via BLE, but they aren't large enough to compromise the Shine's water-tight seal.
The Misfit Shine can be worn in the shower, in the rain, and while swimming, as it is water resistant up to 5 atm (50 meters, or 165 feet). Tiny holes dot the back of the device to permit wireless syncing via BLE, but they aren't large enough to compromise the Shine's water-tight seal.
Battery Life & Charging
The Misfit Shine uses a standard watch battery (CR2032) for power. The battery needs to be replaced roughly every 4 months.
Data Syncing
Your data syncs to your device wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for on-the-go data that's always accurate. It syncs automatically when you open the app and periodically in the background while the app is open. You can also manually force a sync.
Device Compatibility
Misfit Shine works with iOS, Android, and Windows devices. It also supports social and competitive features and can integrate your data into a variety of other fitness apps thanks to the Misfit Shine API.
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Header photo by gregralich, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Product photos courtesy of Misfit Wearables Press Kit.
Header photo by gregralich, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Product photos courtesy of Misfit Wearables Press Kit.
