Qsgear Blog New Jawbone UP24 now syncs wireless and brings a new app

Jawbone was a pioneer in the market of wristband activity trackers, had to recall their first version of the UP due to imperfections and took a long time to return with an improved version that did work. However, at that time the market had become much more crowded and the competition had added all sorts of new features. Like embracing the Bluetooth 4 or Low Energy (LE) standard that allows continuous communication without seriously draining your battery.In the meanwhile, Jawbone focussed on getting new investments and buying Body Media. And apparently they have been working on a new version of the UP, the UP24 and a new version of the app. The most important (or maybe only) big improvement in the hardware is the addition of the continuous synchronisation through Bluetooth LE. However, the competition adopted the wristband as form factor but added things like a display creating a new fight for the wrist between activity trackers and smart watches. Too bad that Jawbone did not join this development. They did improve their app, but claim that the main screen for activity tracking is your smartphone hence the feedback via a display on your wrist is not necessary. As a first impression it feels that Jawbone did not succeed (again) to keep up with the competition. That is too bad and a bit surprising since they do have the money and the people. Looking at this Jawbone I would not be surprised it the UP will be discontinued any time soon. The new Jawbone UP24 will be availble for USD 149,99 (against USD 129,99 for the previous version).