More accurate and smarter. Second generation of Picooc smart scales

Smart scales Picooc from our supply are widely known in Russia. They measure weight and body composition, help you monitor your health and keep fit. It really works: proven by the Madrobots team and tens of thousands of Picooc users in our country.

At the beginning of 2021, the entire collection was upgraded. The first generation was replaced by the second versions of the models: more precisely, and with an additional set of metrics. What new technologies have the developers introduced and will the V1 models turn into a pumpkin?

A bit of history. Our company brought Picooc smart scales to Russia in 2017. Since then, the Madrobots team has been supporting users in our region, translates the applicationtesting devices. We also figure out how to make the scale more useful (for example, add video workouts and fitness tapes to it) – and work closely with the developers.

The second version is the logical development of the series. All these years, the Picooc developers have been actively developing the software part, improving the application. But the possibilities of iron are not limitless. At some point, a new filling was required for the new functionality.

Users of the first models do not need to worry: support for the launch line continues. You can still add V1 scales to the Picooc application and use all their functionality. Continuous improvement of the algorithm for calculating body parameters applies to all versions.

How does one bioimpedance differ from another

The second generation of Picooc differs significantly from the first in the technology for determining body composition: percent of fat, muscle, water and bone mass. The new balance uses the method of multiphase bioimpedance analysis, MFIM (Multi-Frequency Impedance Measurement).

In bioimpedansometry, the composition of an organism is determined by its electrical resistance, impedance. Through parts of the body – through the legs, in the case of Picooc – the scales pass a weak current, and from its passage, the ratio of different tissues and water is calculated. For example, most of the water is stored in the muscles; it means that the more athletic a person is, the lower his resistance is.

This method is not ideal, since it is highly dependent on the body’s water-salt balance. It is advisable to weigh yourself on an empty stomach and after all morning procedures. Accuracy suffers noticeably after alcohol intoxication.

The first Picooc models measured only one body resistance – 50 kHz microcurrent. To improve accuracy, the company has introduced technology with pulses of different frequencies: 5, 50 and 250 kHz in the second versions. The body resistance value is approximated, and then the algorithms calculate the indicators based on biometric data and the dynamics of previous measurements. This is multiphase bioimpedance.

Previously, MFIM was used only in medicine. The Picooc developers have mastered it in the consumer segment as well. Thanks to the innovation, the second generation of Picooc balances reduces the analytical error by 30% compared to other smart balances.

Bioimpedance works as a tool for tracking long-term dynamics. The composition of a person’s body often changes during the day and the difference in weight in the morning and evening can be a couple of kilograms. This is the result of the work of metabolism and physical activity, food and water intake. At the same time, the body does not change dramatically in one day, and the Picooc scales perfectly detect long-term trends.

New metrics: heart rate, balance, body tone

Picooc balances measure 15+ parameters. We will not list them all. If you are curious, we advise you to take a look at one of our previous publications. For example, in series history… The scale graphs changes in the application, keeps a journal, and gives advice on getting the shape you want.

The second generation of Picooc is easy to distinguish from the first by names: each has a mark V2: Mini V2, Mini Pro V2, S1 Pro V2, S3 Lite V2 and S3 V2. In appearance, it is no longer so easy to understand: the design of the second generation models has not changed compared to its predecessors. But the filling is different, supporting multiphase bioimpedance.

The developers of Picooc did not limit themselves to improving the accuracy of the new generation of scales. The Picooc V2 range gives the user access to several additional metrics, which you would not normally expect from a scale.

The sensors in the weighing plate now measure the pulse every time you weigh. First, the scales determine the weight, then the body composition, and after that they count pulse… This is not an obligatory part of the measurement, and to interrupt it, it is enough to get off the platform. Then all the metrics will be included in the application, except for the heart rate. The indicator will be useful for those who want to monitor all aspects of their health and not spend too much time on it. The scales do not pretend to be medical accurate, but significant fluctuations in heart rate values ​​will be a hint that you should see a doctor.

The Picooc balance has learned to evaluate the quality of the user’s vestibular apparatus. Body balance Is an important metric for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. When you have problems with a sense of balance, it is difficult to do well in sports, so balance is important to evaluate and train.

The mode for measuring the new metric is hidden in a not the most obvious place of the program, in widgets. To use it, you need to press the “Start test” button and stand on the scales on one leg with closed legs. The longer you keep your balance, the better your score. The normal range starts from 13 seconds, a good result is already 29 seconds and longer.

It may seem that there is nothing difficult in such an exercise, but an untrained person will have difficulty with the test. Metric and measurement are only available on devices with large platforms: Mini Pro V2, S1 Pro V2, S3 Lite V2 and S3 V2.

The latest new metric is body tone. The indicator was developed for the Picooc proprietary health assessment and monitoring system. It helps users to achieve their weight loss or muscle gain goals in a healthy way and not overdo it with drastic lifestyle changes. The indicator can be used to judge whether the user is able to maintain a balance between changes in diet, stress and rest.

New metrics: heart rate, tone and body balance
New metrics: heart rate, tone and body balance

The new Picooc scales have learned to weigh something other than users: they have a mode for weighing light objects. To activate it, you need to click on the platform and wait for the screen to light up. Then you can put an object on the platform and determine its mass.

For example, the Picooc scale can be used to find out how fat your pet has gotten (if you can get it to sit on the platform). The minimum measurable weight is 200 g with an accuracy of 10 g. But anything heavier than 10 kg will already be perceived by the scale as a new user.

V1 or V2, which to choose?

The changes in technology and new metrics are great, but are the differences between the two generations of Picooc visible to the end user?

Predictably, it depends on the needs of the person. In the summer of 2019, Picooc added a sports beta mode to the app to more accurately determine the percentage of muscle and body fat in people who are actively exercising. The new model worked better, but it wasn’t perfect. There is a limit to what algorithms can do.

For someone who uses weights to lose weight by summer or maintain a healthy weight range, the first generation of Picooc scales is sufficient. Bioimpedance data is good for tracking trends over time. That is, if you weigh yourself regularly, the scales will show that body fat is decreasing, muscles are growing (or vice versa). When the margin of error is constant, this is a good level of analysis.

Fans of active workouts are interested in detailed data in order to build an optimal exercise regime. “Good enough” will no longer work when you compete with the same physically developed people.

Multiphase bioimpedance is the answer to this demand. It solves an important task, retains a convenient way of taking readings when weighing. It worked: the scales became more accurate, and there was no need to mold additional wires with electrodes to the user.

Any new user or avid athlete will benefit from the second generation Picooc scale. Those who have been using the first version for a long time do not need to “change”. If you want to compare the first and second generation, nothing is easier. The models are connected in one application in parallel. Perhaps balance and heart rate measurement will be useful metrics, and you will want to turn off the old scales and donate to someone.

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  • Picooc Mini V2: platform 26 x 26 x 2 cm, suitable for feet up to size 41, connects via Bluetooth. There is a black model… Price 3,590 p. 2872 p. with a discount by promo code

  • Picooc Mini Pro V2: platform 28.7 x 28.7 x 2 cm, suitable for feet up to size 45, connects via Bluetooth. Price 4 490 p. 3,592 p. with a discount by promo code

  • Picooc S1 Pro V2: platform 34 x 26 x 2 cm, suitable for feet up to size 44, connects via Bluetooth. Price 4 490 RUR3,592 p. with a discount by promo code

  • Picooc S3 Lite V2: platform 34 x 26 x 2 cm, suitable for feet up to size 44, connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

  • Picooc S3 V2: platform 32.2 x 32.2 x 2.4 cm, suitable for feet up to size 50, connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Unlike the first generation model, they run on a built-in battery. There is a power button so as not to drain the battery when the gadget is not in use. Price 8 490 RUR6 792 p. with a discount by promo code

The future, according to Madrobots, is to start the day by measuring 15+ body metrics. For Habr readers for all new generation of Picooc scales acts 20% discount by promo code HABRV2


What else to read about Picooc gadgets

  • Picooc X1 Pro review. We add new metrics to the smartphone: pressure and heart rate

  • “Hello, new owner.” How We Taught Smart Courtesy Scales

  • Quantified self: how Madrobots brought Picooc smart scales to Russia

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