To someone "Pedometer" will seem like a useless toy, but this is what has always been missing. I remember how, with a tenacity worthy of a better use, I tried to count the number of steps from the railway stop to the house, but invariably got lost somewhere at the end of the second thousand.

There. For objectivity, I decided to measure the same distance with two pedometers: from point A to point B, and back - from B to A.

Free version application "Pedometer", in addition to the number of steps tracks time, distance, speed, average speed and calories burned. In addition, on the screen you can see how one of the five charts changes over time: km / h, min / km, step / min, beats / min, kcal / min. Thanks to the "Pedometer" I learned a lot of useless numbers, for example, that from the corner of the "Avenue" business center to the Lopukhinsky Garden there are 460 steps and 330 meters, at the exit from the garden they turn into 1010 steps and 723 meters (as well as 35 kcal).

In addition, it turned out that with a normal fast step, I develop a speed of 5.1 km / h, and with fast-fast - 5.7 km / h. So if you strain for an hour, puff and sweat, then you will be able to win some miserable 600 meters. A slight doubt about the reliability of the data crept in only because even if I tried to go fast, fast, fast, the number on the screen remained the same - 5.7. Only later, on a speed chart that looked like a saw, I saw that at times the teeth of the saw reached the mark of 6.2 km / h.

Apparently, one of the two of them was lying, especially when stopping at a crossroads, only after 5-10-15 seconds of immobile waiting, the digital speed reluctantly began to decline from 4.6 km / h. Deciding to believe the "algebra of geometry", I counted 50 steps to myself and looked at the screen: the gadget counted 51 during this time. Normal. By the way, constantly looking at the screen should be recognized as useful: perhaps this is akin to the effect that an individual who wants to lose weight achieves, who gets on the scales 10 times a day. After that, no piece will go into your mouth. So here you involuntarily increase the speed. As a result, the path that I usually do in 40-50 minutes, thanks to the pedometer, was overcome in 35 kopecks. The average speed was 5 km / h, the distance was 2994 meters, and the number of kilocalories was 143. One boiled egg contains 150 kcal, and in a Russian big-mac (the calorie content of a sandwich varies greatly depending on the country) and does 495 kcal. It turns out that in order to spend just one Big Mac, you need to walk almost 10 km!

Back. But all these results should be recognized as preliminary, which were to be compared with the readings of the English-language Passometer.

Surprises began immediately after the start. No matter how much I increased my step speed, the iPhone's speedometer still showed a measly 2.31 km / h.

Deciding to test the application in a tested manual way, I counted 50 steps, Passometer noticed only 21 of them. By the way, when the screen turned off, the application immediately stopped counting steps! What the heck!? Worthless thing!? The Russian-speaking "Pedometer" seemed to win in all respects. It was possible to stop the experiment at the very beginning.

At that moment, I suggested: what will happen if I put the iPhone, which I had always held in my hand, in my pocket? The speed began to grow and at times reached 6.02 (here the calculation is carried out to hundredths!) km / h, and 50 of my "oral" steps were counted by the application as 53. It is worth noting that the instructions for the application do not indicate anywhere that the iPhone the measurement time should be kept in some special way so that the results are not distorted.

As a result, despite the incomprehensibility with the calculations at the beginning of the distance, at the finish line it turned out to be 3238 meters, 3925 steps and 164.39 kcal. This means that the length of my step increased by 10 cm, the number of calories burned - by 50 ml of kefir, and only the average speed remained unchanged. 0.01 km/h difference does not count.

PS Measurement of the distance with the help of the "Yandex" ruler showed that it has a minimum of 3.4 km. Someone is still lying...

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Some of you may remember the yellow pedometer that was released a few years ago and was all the rage. Yes, we are talking about the official Pikachu pedometer. Although it was far from being anything like Pokémon GO, it managed to get many children and youth to get off the couch and start teaching their Pokémon through their own exercises. But nowadays, these gadgets are outdated and now we can download similar tools to your phone, including more serious versions from official stores. Pacer for iPhone is one of the options that we can download from the iTunes App Store.

Get more active, lose weight, lower your blood pressure and start a healthier life.

How it works?

The first thing to do is create a profile. And you better not lie. You will have to enter your age, weight, height and gender, as well as the main goal: lose weight, lose excess fat, become leaner, eat healthier, etc. Well, that's it. Provided that you carry your iPhone or Apple Watch with you, the device will count your steps, while the app will also show you how much more it will take to reach your goal and how far you have walked during the day.

But that's not all. You can choose for download videos of various workouts and perform those exercises, or track your walks, runs, or bike rides with GPS.

A complete and accurate system for measuring physical activity (counting steps, calories and the amount of time you are active).

The tool includes a digital coach feature that will send you messages, a history and a calendar of events to keep track of your progress and set goals. In addition, he includes its own social network, where you can meet other fitness fans, share thoughts and photos of your protein shakes. Application Pacer: Pedometer & Walking does not compose exercises for you, but encourages you to do them in order to be healthy. To access the best options (eg magic spells, weight loss 2.5 times faster), you will need to pay for a subscription.

The development of software and hardware that allows monitoring the state of the user's body and is one of the priorities for many modern consumer electronics manufacturing companies. AND .

In today's material, we will talk about pedometers - applications that somehow track distance, speed, geography, topography, and the duration of the user's movement. The first such proposals appeared on the market after smartphones began to be equipped with gyroscopes, accelerometers, compasses, GPS modules and other sensors. With the advent of Apple, it announced a new stage in the development of hardware responsible for tracking motion - we are talking about, which can collect data and transmit it to third-party applications. Do not forget also about the imminent appearance of a full version, as well as the expected release. Below is a graph comparing the scores of 6 pedometer apps for iPhone 4s and iPhone 5s, as well as the results of the actual count of steps while walking.

M7-Steps

The most narrowly functional application from this list. The author of the study (Amber Bouman, techhive.com) noted its ability to accurately count steps and save smartphone battery power (the application runs in the background only once a day to synchronize the received data). But that's the advantage M7-Steps are running out. You can view the results as cards, but they are not interactive - clicking on them does not display additional information. The application also knows how to build simple graphs of monthly activity. Wherein, M7-Steps works exclusively on devices equipped with the M7 coprocessor - iPhone 5s, iPad Air and iPad mini 2 Retina. You can download this pedometer for free from the link below.

Download M7 - Steps for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (App Store) .

Stepz

This application is also only supported on the latest Apple devices equipped with a motion coprocessor. Unlike M-7 Steps, here the data is displayed more informatively, in the form of an interactive color bar chart, in which green highlights the days with the maximum "mileage", orange - mediocre, and red - the worst results. When you click on the graph, it switches to showing steps or distance (in miles). Steps are calculated quite accurately when compared to other applications and the actual results of the author. Under the total number of steps for the selected period, you can also see the average distance for the last week, the graph is displayed by months, weeks, days. Application stepz, as well as the previous one, you can download for free.

Download Stepz for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (App Store) .

Walker M7

This pedometer differs from the previous ones in even wider functionality and interactivity. In addition to directly counting steps, it can distinguish walking from running, track the user's route, blood pressure, count calories burned, monitor weight, etc. Of course, the data are purely evaluative in nature, but they allow us to evaluate the overall picture and the effectiveness of training. At the top of the application interface there is a circle that displays the total number of steps taken per day, to the right is a run / walk switch for more accurate data collection. Below you can see statistics on distance, time and calories burned. At the very bottom there are buttons for "sharing" the result in social networks or Evernote. Besides, in Walker M7 there are a number of additional options that allow you to display various statistical data. Like the previous two pedometers, Walker M7 is distributed free of charge and works exclusively on devices with iPhone 5s, iPad Air and iPad mini 2 Retina.

Download Walker M7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (App Store) .

Pacer

The first app on this list that works on both iPhone 5s and iPhone 4s. Functionality Pacer quite wide - in addition to the steps taken, the application displays a lot of data, including calories burned, speed, distance, activity level, etc. True, there is no route building function. However, there are more useful options, for example, choosing one of two ready-made fitness plans for training or compiling your own. The application also contains algorithms for increasing user activity, which are advisory in nature. As for comparing the iPhone 4s and iPhone 5s, the flagship device showed a result close to other pedometers, while the iPhone 4s showed a record deviation from the overall graph, fixing too low a number of steps.
Download Pacer for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (App Store) .

Breeze

The functionality of this application leaves much to be desired, but this is the first example of an extraordinary approach to creating a pedometer tracker in terms of design. Nice and concise interface Breeze clearly demonstrates to the user his current number of steps and displays the difference between the actual and the intended result as a percentage. Here you can also see all the results for the current week, visually demonstrating the user's progress in achieving the goal. It is worth noting that the application showed only the fifth result in terms of the accuracy of counting steps. Download Breeze free for devices equipped with the M7 coprocessor.

Download Breeze for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch (App Store) .

moves

Since the spring of this year, the development moves owned by Facebook and it is worth recognizing that this acquisition of Mark Zuckerberg and the company deserves attention. The application can safely be called the winner of this rating of pedometers for a number of reasons. For example, only he can distinguish between cycling and jogging in automatic mode, build a route on a physical map indicating the places where the user made stops, display graphics with different types of activity in a single stream, highlighting them with different colors, etc. At the same time, the application demonstrated a fairly high accuracy of counting the steps taken, both on the iPhone 5s and on the iPhone 4s. Wherein, moves can be downloaded for free.

PedometerFitbit

People who are fond of sports have probably heard, and some use Fitbit bracelets. The company took a huge leap forward when it brought its technology into a smartphone. And now you do not need to buy a bracelet or keychain from Fitbit - the program is already in your smartphone. The main advantage of this pedometer is that the company has long specialized in the production of fitness trackers. Because the data received through the Fitbit app is one of the most accurate. In addition, Fitbit keeps track of how many calories you burn and how much you consume. That is, the application easily counts the amount of food eaten and water drunk.

Nike+move

Pedometer app by Nike. It has a very cool design. And also with its individual step and calorie counting system. You will not see step and calorie data in numbers in this program. Nike combined all the data into one number - the number of coolness. Do you need such a pedometer - decide for yourself.

Breeze by RunKeeper

A common app and a veteran among pedometers. Measures your movements in walking and running mode. It has a very original design. And he also compares you with some animal, for example, with a dolphin. The application is the best fit for runners.

Withings

Withings is an ecosystem of gadgets. This application measures anything. Regarding health, of course. This includes scales, a heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, and recently added a pedometer.

It seems like the days when your phone couldn't replace dozens of handheld devices are long gone. Now they have been supplanted by smartphones, which include a huge number of functions, from a compass to a voice recorder. We rely on them in many ways, including during our daily walks. So let's take a look at the best pedometers designed for iPhone.

How accurate is the M7 coprocessor for counting steps? To get to the bottom of this issue, 6 pedometers were examined that worked on the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5s for several weeks. After that, the results of one of the walks were compared, the steps of which were literally counted by hand.

And here is a chart of the received data, and as you can see, the data diverges:

M7-Steps

Pedometer M7 - Steps immediately attracts with its minimalist and clear interface. The application displays in one of the tabs the number of steps taken per day, week or month. But that's all.

You can scroll right or left to view previous days' results. But by clicking on this data, you will not get any other additional information.

You can also view your activity for the month in the form of a graph or a list with different dates. The app runs in the background once a day to transfer information about the steps taken, so there is almost no battery damage.

Since the application is tied to the M7, it was not possible to test it on the iPhone 4S, of course. Thanks to M7 - Steps, the data obtained is very accurate and matches with other applications using the M7 coprocessor.

After a day of use, its pleasant interface seemed boring, and the lack of additional features began to disappoint. The application is very useful for those who, apart from the actual counting of steps, do not need anything else.

Stepz

Like the previous app, Stepz relies on data from the M7, so it doesn't work on the iPhone 4S. The difference lies in the striking design and additional features provided by Stepz.

In the application, you will find a color scale that displays the number of steps taken per day, the distance traveled (in miles), as well as the averages for the week. Above, on a bright green line, you will find the maximum number of steps you have taken.

The maximum amount will be colored green on the scale, the average amount will be orange, and the minimum amount will be red. Thus, the scale is a very clear and visual guide.

Clicking on statistics will change the bar graph from steps to miles travelled. Plus, if you wish, you can get acquainted with the number of steps taken per day, week or month.

Stepz is just as accurate as the M7 apps - Steps, Breeze and Pacer. It differs in design, but remains the same understandable and accessible for a beginner.

Walker M7

The next free app is the Walker M7, which, you guessed it, relies on data from the M7 co-processor.

While the app displays accurate data, it also provides more functionality than the previous two pedometers.

Walker M7 displays the number of steps in a circle on the app's main screen. On the right, you can specify whether you're going to walk or run, which helps the app track your steps more accurately. In addition, the screen displays the distance traveled, calories burned, the time you devoted to the walk, and your speed.

The menu button in the top right corner opens up an additional list of options which include graphs, statistics, map and ratings. Graphs allow you to switch between steps, distance and calories. swiping to the right will display information about your weight, body fat, and blood pressure.

In statistics, your activity is displayed as colored segments of the chart. If you swipe to the right here, you'll get run data, and if you swipe to the left, you'll get walk data.

Walker M7 displays accurate information and has advanced functionality. In addition, the ability to independently enter data about your weight or pressure will help people with poor health keep track of indicators that are important to them.

Pacer

Pacer is one of two apps that also worked on the iPhone 4S. Like the Walker M7, you can track some health metrics here, as well as view recommendations to help you be more active.

The main screen of the app shows the steps taken during the day, activity time and calories burned. It also shows your activity level and progress during the day. Swipe to the right and you'll see a daily activity graph, another swipe will give you access to the button to press when you go for a run or a long walk.

Pacer has three fitness plans built into it: Couch To 10K Steps, Walk 4 Weight Loss, and Build Your Own Plan. To follow such a plan, the application lacks only notifications or some kind of motivation to move towards the intended goal.

In the application, you can also compete in the achieved results with your friends. The only thing Pacer wouldn't get in the way of is a perfect route map.

The data received from iPhone 5s and iPhone 4S was different, iPhone 5s was of course more accurate thanks to the built-in M7. For example, when walking several blocks, the iPhone 4S showed 286 steps (which is impossible at such a distance), and the iPhone 5s showed 1440 steps.

Breeze

Breeze is somewhat reminiscent of RunKeeper. The application shows your main goal and the way to achieve it.

On the main screen, the received data is displayed in a circle, located on a very pleasant background. A group of seven other small circles (your progress for the week) fills in depending on how close you are to a given goal. By clicking on one of them, you will get detailed information about the past day.

Unfortunately, very often Breeze cannot display the geolocation and the route traveled, but only a bubble with counted steps. At the same time, Breeze informs you about your progress and even sends motivational messages too often.

The application is pleasing both visually and functionally. But I would like it to work more correctly, at least in relation to maps. Maybe in version 2.0?

moves

The last app on our list is Moves, which works on both iPhone 5s and iPhone 4S. It displays steps, motion graphs, starting point and final destination.

Moves is incredibly well designed, whatever you press works great. Colored circles display the number of steps taken while running or walking, as well as the time spent on them. Scrolling down you will see a graph that you can swipe left and right to see the statistics of previous days.

If the application can determine your stopping places, it can, for example, write "San Francisco Public Library" (San Francisco Public Library) or designate it as unknown territory. In turn, you can designate it yourself, for example, as a house, gym or work, and Moves will immediately remember them.

You can click on any stop or line of travel from one place to another and view them on the map. All your routes will be marked with multi-colored lines: green - walks, blue - bicycle, gray - car or bus. You can correct each of them if the application made a mistake.

As always, the iPhone 4S readings were very different from the iPhone 5s. For example, when the iPhone 4S showed 41 steps, the iPhone 5s counted 99 steps. True, it's worth noting that Moves was the only app that could really tell the difference between walking and cycling.

In April, Moves acquired Facebook, which means that the network now has access to all your data. How she uses them, no one knows, but many users immediately deleted their accounts in indignation and brought down the application in the App Store rating. Whether this information has any meaning for you is not known, but you should definitely know about it.

Each of the listed applications has its advantages and disadvantages, and in this case, everyone chooses the most suitable program for themselves in terms of design and functionality. One thing is for sure, with the M7 co-processor, there is a significant difference in step counting, which certainly gives the iPhone 5s an undeniable advantage.