Now a Tracker That Rewards You for Staying Fit

Among those who buy wearable fitness trackers, as many as 85 percent stop using the products within the first few weeks, Martyn Molnar, the CEO of Dubai-based wearable tech firm Tupelo, claimed while launching the Mymo fitness tracker in India. To tackle this problem, Mymo has adopted a unique strategy - offering users real-world rewards for activity.

The tracker awards each user a certain number of MyMiles for activity. These can be redeemed against rewards such as free talk time or groceries, Mymo claimed in a statement on Friday. Mymo charges a minimum of Rs. 3,999 (base plan) for a 12-month device and rewards package, in which users can get rewards against MyMiles for a year.

Unlike other wearable fitness trackers that look like wristbands, Mymo is a tiny clip-on device. It tracks users' steps, distance, and calories and requires a linked iPhone or Android smartphone to function. Mymo claims that this tracker has a battery life of six months.

"The key factor lies in motivation. People need very strong incentives to incorporate activity into their daily schedule. Tupelo has decided to provide that missing incentive to get going and stay engaged," CEO Molnar said.

The company also offers a premium plan (at Rs. 9,999) with access to a personal coach to help Mymo users make better choices. Mymo also claims to offer 24x7 remote access to a doctor for users who subscribe to one of the premium plans.

As an introductory offer, Tupelo said the first 1,000 people who buy the Mymo fitness tracker will be "entered into a programme in which their daily activity can earn them a full gram of gold". Tupelo said users need to sign up their Mymo device and meet the daily steps goal for 60 consecutive days to be eligible for gold. Mymo didn't mention if all 1,000 people can win gold or if this is a limited quantity reward.