Jawbone UP3: Everything you need to know about the next-gen fitness tracker

Spec, price and release date details for Jawbone's latest fitness tracker
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Just days after wearable rival Fitbit unleashed its new product line-up, Jawbone went live with a duo of new activity trackers of its own, and the flagship Jawbone UP3 is the pick of the bunch.

The verdict is in: Jawbone UP3 review

However, after a host of initial delays to the UP3, US buyers are now confirmed to receive their bands on 20 April. However, that doesn't mean that anyone buying today will immediately receive their band and what's more, Jawbone has had to renege on some of its early promises.

Read on for all the essential details of Jawbone's latest and greatest fitness tracker.

Jawbone UP3: Sensors

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The Jawbone UP3 is built on an “advanced multi-sensor platform" that includes a newly designed tri-axis accelerometer, bioimpedance sensors, as well as skin and ambient temperature sensors.

Jawbone states that it can use this sensor setup to provide wearers a resting heart rate, which is a crucial indicator of your overall heart health and the company is touting its new device as "the most advanced activity tracker known to man".

Unlike the Fitbit Charge HR – which comes in at £30 less than Jawbone's latest top-end top-end tracker – there's no optical heart rate sensor (the Charge HR, like the new Microsoft Band, offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring using a dedicated LED-based sensor).

Instead, it packs a raft of biomimpedance sensors that are capable of recording a wealth of data, including perspiration, body mass index, hydration and your breathing - so Jawbone potentially has unprecedented personal body data on its, or rather your, hands.

The UP3's sensors will also measure the resistance of tissue and blood flow from your wrist to gauge your resting heart rate, with the tracker automatically taking a reading just after you wake up.

Jawbone UP3: Activity algorithms

The usual fitness band recording metrics are on offer with the Jawbone UP3, thanks to the precision motion sensor, and the automatic activity detection features sound like being more advanced than any competitors on the market.

Essential reading: Fitbit Surge specs, release date, price

Jawbone claims that after you've completed a specific workout the Jawbone UP app will be able to recognise and log a wide range of sports; including running, cross-training, tennis, hiking and even dance and Zumba.

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If the sport is harder to detect (think cycling, weights or yoga), Jawbone claims that the app will learn you habits and interests over time, extending the auto detection options.

Jawbone also claims that an over-the-air firmware update will arrive soon after launch for UP3 users that will enable further health data to be captured.

Jawbone UP3: Sleep analysis and app

The sleep monitoring aspect of the Jawbone UP3 also sounds as if it's well ahead of the competition. Not only can it tell the difference between REM, light and deep sleep, the app also provides information and analysis on your kip to help you improve it. However, unlike some activity band rivals, you do need to manually enter sleep mode on the UP3.

A smart alarm is also on offer, with the UP3 analysing your sleep cycle and waking you at the most ideal time within a 10 to 30 minute window.

Must read: Sleep monitors explained - rest longer and feel better

The Jawbone UP3 works in tandem with the existing Jawbone UP app, which is available for both iOS and Android.

The new UP app ties in the new Smart Coach system – a real-time information system that analyses the data that the UP3 band records about you to offer personal advice on your goals and objectives. The more you use your UP3, the better the Smart Coach will understand you, we're reliably informed.

Jawbone UP3: Design, display and battery

Once again Yves Béhar is on board for the design of the latest UP band and, once again, it looks as if Jawbone is going for a sleek form factor with the slim durable anodized aluminium framework surrounding by a textured rubber finish.

It only comes in one size but there's an adjustable clasp so it should fit any wrist size. The dimensions are 220 x 12.2 x 9.3mm and it weighs 29g.

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It will available in two designs – black diamond and silver cross – for launch, although multiple colours and patterns are expected as per the image above. There's no Fitbit Charge OLED display here but there is a trio of lights to indicate sleep, activity and notifications. Blue lights are used in sleep mode, orange is for activity, and white lights tell you about notifications.

Wareable verdict: Misfit Flash review

The Jawbone UP3's sensors are prominent on the inside of the band, you'll have to wait until we publish our full review to see if this affects comfort.

The battery life from the 38mAh power pack is stated as up to seven days, and the charge time from the magnetic cable is around 100 minutes.

Jawbone UP3: Waterproofing

Until recently we thought the UP3 would be water resistant but it turns out the final version is now only 'splash-proof' which will annoy those who hoped the band would work in the pool.

Jawbone blamed this aspect for the manufacturing delays.

On the Jawbone blog it says that anyone who wants to cancel their UP3 order based on this change in spec can do so with no charge.

Jawbone UP3: Release date and price

The Jawbone UP3 has been beset by delays, but is finally now on sale globally.

The Jawbone UP3 will cost .

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Wareable Media Group co-CEO Paul launched Wareable with James Stables in 2014, after working for a variety of the UK's biggest and best consumer tech publications including Pocket-lint, Forbes, Electric Pig, Tech Digest, What Laptop, T3 and has been a judge for the TechRadar Awards. 

Prior to founding Wareable, and subsequently The Ambient, he was the senior editor of MSN Tech and has written for a range of publications.


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