Intel (which for many years has insisted loudly and long that it is not in the consumer products business) bought Basis a few months ago. along with its well-regarded B1 fitness band. The company is now unveiling a follow-on product, the Basis Peak, which make several upgrades in interface and power.
The Peak, which will be available in November for $200, features an improved optical heart-rate monitor as well as perspiration and skin temperature sensors, and a full touchscreen rather than touchpoints on its face. It will also eventually act as a notification device for your iOS or Android smartphone, although that capability will not be ready at launch.
Basis says that the Peak will be able to differentiate between running, walking, and cycling, and will monitor and report on your sleep patterns. The new sensors and software will report heart rate in real time, and will therefore replace chest-strap monitors.
The Peak’s aluminum casing is water resistant. It’ll be available in black with a black and red strap and brushed silver with a white and grey strap. The Peak will be sold at the Basis site, Amazon, Best Buy, and REI.