FAQs

frequently asked questions

Where can I buy my Spree?

Currently the products can currently be purchased online at:

Amazon

Who is Spree for?

Spree is designed for men or women who engage in physical activity and are interested in receiving real-time feeback that will help them build strength, burn calories, and/or increase endurance. The typical user is a “health-lete” – someone who takes their level of fitness and the achievement of their goals seriously. Spree is also an ideal training tool for serious athletes and competitors.

Why is it in a headband?

The head is the most accurate place to reliably measure body temperature which is why the first application of Spree is in a headband. But Spree is actually just a small module that snaps into the headband so it can also be integrated into other wearable devices. Spree can also be worn as an arm-band, or for tracking motion, can just be put in your pocket.

How is Spree different than other Fitness Tracking Monitors

Spree is unique in that it contains 3 vital sensor platforms in one single, easy to use device: motion, heart rate and body temperature. Spree is also the first fitness monitoring device that provides information on body temperature and that measures heart rate using aplethysmograph.

How is caloric burn measured?

Many devices use only step count or heart rate to measure caloric burn, however, most of these devices are very inaccurate. We use the heart rate as well as motion to understand caloric burn. Also, to be accurate, you must have age, weight, sex, height, and other metrics to more precisely measure the burn of calories. We have the nuance of also understanding your body skin temperature to help us understand more accurately the level of heat being developed by the body (muscles) which also increases accuracy.

How is heart rate measured?

We use a plethysmograph, a technology to view the change in the size of the blood vessels through the skin. This is done by shining a tiny light through the skin (in our case a non-visiblelight) and getting a reflection into a light sensor. This is done through pulsing the light and measuring differences in the corresponding light sensor.

How is body temperature measured?

The Spree uses a medical grade thermistor to measure the forehead skin temperature of the person. The forehead is the most reliable, non-invasive place on the human body to measure meaningful temperature.

Why is measuring body temperature important?

Performance: Measuring body temperature is critical for determining whether you are exercising in a zone that will ensure maximum performance while reducing the risk of injury. People are always warned to “warm up” prior to exercising and Spree provides real data as to when that happens.
Safety: Dehydration, heat related illnesses and heat strokes are serious risks for athletes or anyone performing strenuous activity especially in conditions with elevatedtemperatures. Spree will provide advance warning that a person’s body temperature is trending to a dangerous level.
Accuracy: Most caloric measurements use either heart rate, or motion and then calculate caloric burn based on a formula that may include a person’s age and weight. Spree uses heart rate, motion and body temperature to calculate accurate caloric burn.

What is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)?

Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, or Bluetooth Smart is a global open standard. It is the only open low power wireless standard globally implemented. Designed for low power operations in every aspect. It is designed for coin cell battery use. There is a certification body that tests devices to ensure compliance with the standard, but there are many manufacturers of BLE technology.

Spree uses BLE services to move data between the device and the smart phone. These services are known standards that make implementation very easy. It also affords the ability forSpree to work with other software applications and visa versa.

Could there be health risks wearing a Bluetooth device?

No. The power output of the Bluetooth radio is extremely low. So low in fact that the FCC does not require human body testing. The nature of Bluetooth means that it is a very low power consumption and very local area communications method.

How long will the battery last?

Spree’s battery is designed to last 8 hours of continuous use and takes about 2 hours to recharge. It will last about 8 days in stand-by mode.

What Smartphones will Spree work with?

Spree will work with any iPhone, Android or WindowsPhone equipped with BLE such as iPHONE4S and 5, Motorola Droid RAZR, HTC EVO 4G LTE, Nokia Lumina and many others. Check with your manufacturer for compatibility.

Do I need to carry my Smartphone to use Spree?

Yes.

What colors does the headband come in?

Currently it is available in black and light grey. Teal and pink accessory headbands will be available for separate purchase in Q1 2014.

Can Spree be integrated into a helmet?

Yes. We have years of experience integrating biosensors into football, construction, and other kinds of helmets. Because Spree is a small module, it can easily integrated into other existing products.

Can the headband be washed?

Yes. Because the electronics module can be detached, the headband can be washed with witha mild detergent.

Is Spree “sweat proof”? Can it be worn in the rain?

Yes. Spree is designed to be water resistant. The Spree Module cannot be submersed and cannot be used for swimming.

What sizes does Spree come in?

Spree comes with an adjustable headband that will fit all individuals.

How long is the warranty?

Spree is covered by a limited warranty for 1 year from date of purchase.