Basis Science introduced its new Peak smartwatch/activity tracker Tuesday that is able to monitor the wearer's heart rate.
The wristband serves as an improved version of the Basis Carbon Steel Edition, the device's predecessor that was originally released as the B1 Band, providing a brighter screen thanks to its high-contact LCD display, which is wider than that of the previous watch, according to PC Magazine.
Basis Peak's heart rate monitor works better during intense workouts, while the Basis Carbon Steel didn't function as well at these levels, and provided different results for different people. The new watch also has a strap that is designed to be more secure so that it stays on the user's wrist.
Additional features include support for push notifications from iPhones and Android smartphones, a touch screen and compatibility with straps from other companies. The screen is made of Gorilla Glass, and the watch is built from forged aluminum.
The unveiling of Basis Peak follows six months after Basis was bought by Intel, PCWorld reported.
Ethan Fassett, VP of Product at Basis, said the smartwatch's brighter LED makes the device "less susceptible to channel interference; interfering light has a harder time disrupting the signal."
Other improvements include a better photo receptor, which absorbs the LED light, a lighter weight than previous Basis devices, which is intended to keep the watch from breaking contact with the user's skin, and a stretchy strap that can be tight and comfortable at the same time.
Basis Peak's physiological sensors measure other factors besides heart rate. These factors include skin temperature and galvanic skin response, which comes in handy when estimating the amount of calories a user burned during a workout or telling the difference between the light, deep and REM stages of sleep, PC Magazine reported.
Connection to iOS and Android phones is provided thanks to the watch's use of the BLE network. The device is designed to be safe for swimming at depths of up to 50 meters, so users will be able to wear the watch while in a pool or at the beach.
Basis fans will have to wait until November to get their hands on the company's new watch. Peak will be available for $200 in two color combinations, which are brushed silver with a white strap and matte black with a black strap.
