Looking to improve your lifestyle? UK MNers needed to try The Orb from Fitbug - worth £50 NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

We have been asked by the team at //fitbug.com to find 50 UK MNers to try The Orb fitness tracker. We're looking for Mumsnetters who are keen to track their fitness levels everyday, those who are embarking on a new fitness plan (maybe trying to lose post baby weight), and those who just want to try out this product.

Fitbug says: "The system sets you personal targets each week for steps and food, helping you improve your lifestyle at a rate you can gradually adjust to, so it’s not a hardcore exercise regime or a diet that you do for a short time, but a way of improving your habits for the long term."

See here for a brief overview.

The Orb is iOS and Android compatible - but check the list of compatible Android handsets here: //www.fitbug.com/connect

If selected, you'll be sent The Orb to try for a few weeks and so long as you add feedback as required you will be able to keep the product. There are no ongoing costs to worry about. You will also be able to download the Fitbug app and get more info on the Fitliving site: www.fitbug.com/uk/fitliving

In addition, all MNers who are selected will be given access to one-to-one support at Fitbug for their new gadget, should they need it.

If selected, you will be sent the Orb at the middle of August, and asked to try it for around a month. We're looking for feedback on a thread on Mumsnet twice: once on first impressions, on opening/ first use - on set up/ why you wanted to take part, etc. and then at the end of the month on your overall experiences with it, what you liked about it etc. The second feedback will be early - mid September. Please only apply if you're able to take part and add feedback at these times.
Please also note that Fitbug may use your feedback comments on their website and social media channels, as well as elsewhere.

If you'd like to take part, please add your details here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/JJS297S
We will be in touch with selected MNers ASAP. If you're not selected, please keep an eye out for the feedback thread, as there will be an extra chance to win Fitbug products.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

[msFITs]

I've been picked (have nc as I want to be able to be open about getting this but don't want to out myself, IYSWIM) don't want rl friends/family to see all my previous posting

Problems already though, I have a Nexus 7 and when i go to download app on Google Play, it says 'Your device isn't compatible'?

Apparently you can get a dongle for pc but do I have to buy that?

[NannyPeach]

I would also like the dongle for the PC. Will have to find out about that.

[YeGodsAndLittleFishes]

Mine's arrived and it is black. Took ages to set up and register. (Needed to weigh myself on wi fit which needed charging, then had to go and find a tape measure for waist, then a coin, etc. Then it wouldn't paur and wouldn't recognise my nickname as my username (use email as username).

I think I may naad to adjust the height/step length I have as my 3.3 km run is showing up as less than 2.8km and so I probable need to add a cm to my height to put that right. No idea how to, or if I can.

Also, how to add food eaten/nutrition?

[YeGodsAndLittleFishes]

Yes I want to use it to monitor a health concern unrelated to my heart rate/cholesterol etc so gave up and went for fitness as goal.

[heymammy]

Brilliant...it's here! 'Tis shocking pink though, won't be wearing it on my wrist that's for sure. Right, about to go and do the app stuff. It's very small isn't it. Doesn't have a 'screen' as such so I'm guessing everything is done through the app.

Can't wait to get started

[MimsyBorogroves]

Mine arrived this morning - I got a white one. Its on my wrist. Think I need to adjust the stride as apparently I've only done 20 steps. I've only wandered around the house but I've definitely done more than 20...

[bumpiesonamission]

Set mine up and been for s walk but as it's on my wrist and I pushed the buggy I don't think its accurate. I've tested the contact me page though!!!

Mines white but I wanted a pink one

[NellVarnish]

Hurrah! It's here! Thank you MN and Fitbug, I need all the help I can get.

Will go and see if I can figure out how to use it - putting off measuring tape and scales.

[HappyHippyChick]

Has anyone else had trouble with the website using a phone? I can't get it to add any food, the page just goes black and freezes. It would be much better if you could add food using the app.

[MimsyBorogroves]

It's the sleeping bit I'm excited about. My sleep is shite, so I'm intrigued as to what it will say about it.

Having a proper day out tomorrow so hopefully I'll have a better idea of whether or not the steps are accurate. Mine was stuck at 20 for hours, then suddenly leapt to 876.

[bumpiesonamission]

Yep, same problem here with the food diary! So stupid! Off to link with the mfp.

[YeGodsAndLittleFishes]

Yes, I've had to fire up the laptop to add food. As far as that goes, it is much like other nutrition apps, but very annoying not to even have basic food options to add (like portions of fruit; glass of water/juice/tea/coffee; toast/cereal; popular meals, etc.)

[NellVarnish]

I can't even get mine going, grrr. Did all the scales/measuring shriek etc, and inputted that, but app won't recognise my steps or anything. I'm worried it's the bluetooth on my phone and I might have to return it.

Am getting cross now so leaving it until a teenager comes in till tomorrow.

[YeGodsAndLittleFishes]

Nell mine was like that too until I joined/synced the orb (registration) with the phone. It does need bluetooth on for that, can you turn that on?

[affafantoosh]

msFITs had exactly the same problem with my Nexus 7. I've emailed MN and Fitbug. The set up to get to the stage of finding out it won't let me download the app was horrific though, dire website, full of bugs, tablet-unfriendly and huge chunks missing from webpages. It took me about 8 attempts to register as it kept sending me in circles and making me fill in forms again. I'm really disappointed and I haven't even used it yet :( thought this would convenience to healthy living but so far it's been a glitchy PITA.

[NellVarnish]

Yep YeGods, I've downloaded the app, uninstalled, reinstalled, bluetooth on, bluetooth off, updated iPhone 4S software but nada. Grrr.

It says set up in SEVEN minutes on the blurb. Maybe I'm just thick.