TechCrunch50 Runner-up FitBit Tracks Activities with ...

http://www.beet.tv/2008/09/techcrunch50-ru.html

TechCrunch awarded five jury selection prizes at the TechCrunch50 conference yesterday in addition to the top prize, which was awarded to Yammer. FitBit's discreet activity-tracking gadget, to go on sale this December exclusively on the company's Web site, earned the company one of the runner-up spots.

The device, which can be carried in a pocket or clipped to clothing, tracks calories burned and sleep cycles to help its users be healthier. Its main improvement over the Nike + Ipod sensor is its wireless capacity that automatically uploads data to the FitBit Web site. The Web site's detailed data includes a food budget, calories burned, steps taken, and daily trends, CEO James Park told me after he presented on Tuesday.

The device will cost $99 and earn the company its revenues, Park says. The Web site services will be free, but premium services will be introduced in the future to provide additional proceeds.

Here's our post about TechCrunch 50 winner Yammer.

--Kelsey Blodget, Associate Prdoucer

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• fitbit
• james
• nike+ipod
• park
• runner-up
• techcrunch50

[hugooc]

I want Fitibit built into my ICD.

[Kuba77]

yeah I don't like the subscription either...hmm :(

[rodotubu]

What a gimmick. The only people this is good for are people that have real severe sleeping or food disorders. I guess its good for a gobbler nation!

[SubJuiced]

@rajb23 no...they are not.

[cbollenbeck]

A current FitBit user, and tend to believe people won't spend $100+ if they don't intend on using it to be a more educated person for getting physically fit or already are and just want to monitor their progress...

[angryher0]

I really don't like when he said eventually we will start charging subscription plans (even if it is preimum). I think that is a good idea, but will devalue the company. Instead they should focus on building their product line, getting a mass following, and possibly charge a small fee for "battery replacements" ever yr or two. I dunno... But that subscription fee is getting me to rethink

[InvisiMan2006]

True. I think if the Fitbit shocked the shit out of your when it detects that you are slacking off, it would be far more effective as a motivational tool ;)

[rajb23]

Problem is people are too lazy to eat well and work out.

[rajb23]

Excellent problem. One problem...people are inherently lazy and wont change their bad eating and lack of exercise habits.