In May this year Nokia sold its digital health
division back to the co-founder of Withings. Now Withings has released its first
product since buying itself back from Nokia - the sports-focused Steel HR Sport
hybrid smartwatch.
Likely developed while still under Nokia ownership,
the Steel HR Sport comes in 1 size only - 40mm and 13mm thick, with a stainless
steel case and an engraved bezel. Matte metallic hands with a color accent sit
on either a white or black watch face, protected by mineral glass. With its
sports focus, a soft 20mm silicone wristband with ventilation holes completes
the look.
For those times when you're not breaking a sweat,
you can swap out the silicon strap for an optional leather one. Being a hybrid smartwatch, in
addition to the analog hours and minutes hands, a subdial displays your
percentage progress towards hitting your daily activity goal. Sitting atop the
watch face is an OLED screen that displays phone notifications, heart rate,
steps, distance, calories, activities and alarm settings.
The Steel HR Sport allows you to select from 30+
sports while also featuring automatic exercise recognition. In addition to the metrics
tracked by its previous smartwatch - the Steel HR, the Steel HR Sport also
comes with Connected GPS and a Fitness Level assessment.
Connected GPS relies on you bringing along your
smartphone to map your session and track distance, elevation, and pace. The Fitness Level assessment is
based on the estimated maximum oxygen consumption. Known as VO2 Max, it’s
fitting that Withings, known for its health focus, has included this feature.
Its sport credentials are rounded off by being water
resistant up to 50 meters for watersports or a long shower. Fret not if you’re currently
wearing the Steel HR, as Withings support site states that it will be bringing
out the multi-sport feature and connected GPS to all Steel HR watches.
While it takes approximately 2 hours to charge to
100%, the Steel HR Sport can be topped off to 80% in 1 hour. The Withings Steel HR Sport is
available to order now and is priced at € 199.95/£ 189.95/US$ 199.95 with the
optional leather straps bring an additional € 49.95/£ 44.95/US$ 49.95.
