Technology Blog

Well, we just recently finished putting the Fitbit activity monitor through its paces, but it looks like Philips has now come out with a strikingly similar device of its own — which, like the Fitbit, promises to help you get more active (or stay active, as the case may be) by monitoring your daily activity. From the sound of it, however, it seems that Philip’s so-called DirectLife monitor might have a few more tricks up its sleeve, not the least of which is a full-fledged fitness program that comes complete with online personal coaches (at a rate of $12.50 a month, of course). The activity monitor itself also has a few seeming advantages over the Fitbit, including some basic LED lights that show your progress at a glance, and a built-in USB plug that eschews the need for a dock. Then again, it does still make use of nothing more than a basic accelerometer to monitor your activity, which isn’t always the most foolproof option. It also packs the same $99 price tag as the Fitbit, but Philips will knock that down to $79 if you order this month, and throw in a four-month membership for good measure.