Zing wearable is affordable alternative to Apple Watch

As we well know, wearable technology is going nowhere. It’s estimated that 10% of 16-24 year olds own a smartwatch, and smartwatches were all over IFA this year.

But in spite of their omnipresence, which is fast driving down prices, they continue to be prohibitively expensive for many people. The Apple Watch, the most costly, retains premium price tags of £479.00 to £949.00.

Now Cambridge-based company MvBii (pronounced Moo-Bee) has entered the foray with a very affordable alternative. Priced at just £64.99, Zing is one of the cheapest out there and aims to combine the best features of a smartwatch with the functionality of a fitness tracker.

According to the firm, one of Zing’s most popular features is the visualisation of physical activity over time, allowing users to check on their progress throughout the day.

When connected with the free app, it also contains a mood monitor with built-in sensors, and can be used as a remote for a smartphone, making it possible to take those all-important group selfies or to change whatever song is playing simply by flicking your wrist. 

‘Our company has all the right attributes to be a modern, hi-tech design and manufacturing business – speed, strong product design skill, a good network of global suppliers and lots of ideas,’ says Justin Pisani, founder of Zing.

‘With wellbeing, we are particularly interested in helping communities, both young and old, to deal with the challenges of living with health or lifestyle issues.’

One of the difficulties of wearable tech is aesthetics, but Zing looks quite attractive. It can be worn in a variety of ways, too, be that on your wrist, as a pendant, or in your pocket as a pebble.

While it has limited functionality compared to its more snazzy (and pricey) rivals, recent surveys have found that the most popular uses of even the Apple Watch are notifications and health and fitness monitoring – which Zing has got covered. So perhaps we’ll be seeing them flying off the shelves.

The Zing is available on Amazon from September 23, RRP £64.99. For further product information and details on where to buy, please visit www.mvbii.com.