Boston-based patient network PatientsLikeMe announced two pieces of pharma news this week: a five-year research collaboration deal with AstraZeneca and the results of a multiple sclerosis wearable study conducted in collaboration with Biogen.
The PatientsLikeMe-AstraZeneca deal is similar to one the company struck with Genentech last Spring. AstraZeneca will have full access to PatientsLikeMe's...
Activity tracking apps on smartphones are more accurate than fitness tracking wearables when it comes to step counts, according to a small study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. Interestingly, the study found that clip-on pedometers were the most accurate.
“Since step counts are such an important part of how these devices and apps measure physical activity, including...
The updated Fitbit app tracks frequency of exercise on a calendar.
Fitbit has announced a major update to its iOS app, which will be accessible to users of the Fitbit Flex, Fitbit One, and Fitbit Zip devices. The app update adds two new feature sets to Fitbit's app: MobileRun, which will add a number of capabilities for runners, and enhanced food logging tools, including one that integrates...
Pasadena, California-based Stir, maker of the Stir Kinetic Desk, has announced integration with Fitbit's devices that have display screens -- the Fitbit Flex, Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip. Stir retails for $3,890.
The desk moves up and down as it learns from the user's behavior. Users can command the desk to move by tapping on a touchscreen sensor in the corner of the desk. Throughout the day, Stir...
According to a recent report from the NPD Group, San Francisco-based Fitbit shipped 67 percent of all activity tracking devices in 2013. The company's devices also accounted for 77 percent of the "full body activity trackers" shipped during the five weeks leading up to Christmas. That's up from about 60 percent for 2012's holiday season, according to Fitbit. NPD also estimated that the digital...
Fitbit is getting ready to release yet another fitness device, the Fitbit Force, according to a report from The Verge. This new device builds on the Fitbit Flex and will be the more expensive option when launched. The rumored device has a built in altimeter to measure altitude, which would improve its stair climber metric. The device also has watch functionality.
This was the second big...
Virgin HealthMiles has added Fitbit integration to its online employee health offering. The Framingham-based Richard Branson company recently announced that it would offer its program to family members of subscribed employees for free. Now those employees and family members who use Fitbit activity trackers and weight scales will be able to connect those devices to their Virgin HealthMiles...
San Francisco-based Fitbit has commercially launched its first wristworn activity and sleep tracking device, Fitbit Flex, which it first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Fitbit Flex is now on sale for $99.95 at Fitbit.com and at other major retailers, including: Apple Stores, Best Buy, Target, Verizon, and AT&T stores.
While the Flex is the company's first wristorn...
At the end of March, London-based Fitbug filed a lawsuit against San Francisco-based Fitbit that alleges trademark infringement and unfair business practices, which Fitbug claims has caused it irreparable harm and damage. While the company has stated that it sent Fitbit a cease-and-desist letter last year, the official lawsuit was filed on March 29, 2013 -- just a few weeks after reports surfaced...
San Francisco-based Fitbit, which offers activity monitors and a connected weight scale, has raised an additional $30 million in its fourth round of funding at a valuation of $300 million or more, according to a report over at TechCrunch. While the investors announced for its $12 million third round of funding in January 2012 included Foundry Group, True Ventures, SoftTech VC and Felicis Ventures...
