Move over smartwatches and smart rings because Polar – the Nordic grandmaster of wearable tech – has just redefined what it means to be "scalable."
From a hardware perspective, the Polar 360 is a similar concept to the Whoop 4.0 or the Myzone MZ-3: a screenless, minimalist band designed to keep track of your vital stats.
However, it’s not for you, the individual, but for businesses that apparently want to keep a close (but totally privacy-compliant!) eye on their teams.
You might be thinking, "What’s so revolutionary about another sensor-packed strap?" Well, dear reader, this isn’t just a wearable; it’s a business-savvy chameleon.
Polar 360 can track your heart rate, alertness, and – for the data nerds with access to its SDK – even skin temperature. But here’s the kicker: it's designed to be worn not just on your wrist but wherever suits the business model.
Upper arm? Sure. Ankle? Why not. Daring to dream of forehead placement for maximum sci-fi vibes? We’re not judging.
Businesses can integrate Polar’s years of sports science and sensor smarts into their apps via a robust API. Translation? Companies can turn all that juicy data into wellness gold – or at least a mildly happier and healthier workforce.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Polar has clearly set its sights on becoming more than just the OG wearables brand. This shift toward "wearables as a service" marks a significant pivot away from being purely a hardware company.
And while the Polar 360 might not end up in your local fitness class (unless your gym doubles as a corporate wellness experiment), it’s a clever move for a company that’s spent decades perfecting fitness data.
In a world where every second startup seems to be slapping sensors on wrists, Polar is stepping into uncharted territory, not by out-gadgeting the competition but by opening up its tech for businesses to scale their own solutions.
It’s bold, it’s niche, and – let’s face it – it’s probably the start of a future where your boss knows you’re stressed before you do.
Read more about the tech at Polar.
Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.
-
You only need these five stretches to unlock tight hips, according to a stretchologist
Reverse the damage of prolonged sitting with these simple stretches
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Pashley brings Shakespeare’s hometown to the e-cycling world with the Roadfinder E
From Stratford-upon-Avon to the open road
By Matt Kollat Published