Measure at home without obsessing over the numbers.
A practical guide to smart scales, home monitors and health apps: what they measure, how to read them and how to keep your data safe.
How Smart Scales Measure: Weight, and Everything Else They Estimate
A smart scale measures one thing directly and estimates several others. Knowing which is which keeps the numbers in perspective.
ConsistencyGetting Consistent Readings at Home
Most variation in home measurements comes from how and when you measure, not from the device. Consistency is the cheapest upgrade.
PairingBluetooth Pairing Basics for Health Gadgets
Scales, cuffs and trackers talk to your phone over Bluetooth. When syncing fails, the fix is usually simple once you know how the connection works.
MonitorsHome Blood Pressure Monitors and Pulse Oximeters
Medical-style devices at home can be genuinely useful, especially when a doctor has asked you to keep a record. They work best when used the way the instructions describe.
MotivationStreaks, Badges and Reward Tiers: How Health Apps Keep You Coming Back
Fitness apps borrow ideas from games to keep you engaged. Understanding the design helps you use it for your goals rather than for the app's.
PrivacyHealth Data Privacy and Getting Back Into Your Account
Smart health devices store personal data in an account. Protect that account, and know in advance how you would recover it if you lost your phone.