It was interesting to see, with the new Apple iPhone launch, that the new phones will include devices to measure the number of steps that you take. That is going to compete directly with companies like Jawbone and their product Up, which I use. On the other hand, it’s much easier to have a band around your wrist, then it is to carry your phone everywhere with you, and the wristband can also measure your sleep.

I think it’s incredibly motivating, and the cost is worth it for individuals who like statistics, and finding motivating. For example, Up can tell me that last week I moved an average of 8164 steps per day with my most steps, and that’s usually quite consistent, being on Sunday. One tends to be able to exercise and walk around for more on weekends and during the day and it can also tell you for example, for how long one remains idle – that’s generally when I’m sitting at my desk and sometimes it’s for as long as two hours 30 minutes before I move again. Knowing all of that would be totally irrelevant to some people, but to those who are trying to exercise and be in shape, it’s a little bit of extra motivation to try and add a few more steps whenever they can and get their bodies moving more.