Pedometer is a fitness application.
What can a pedometer do?
The functionality of the Pedometer is fully disclosed in the name of this application. Its main purpose is to measure the number of steps taken by the user. The program also allows you to view data on the number of calories burned, distance traveled, time and average speed.
To start the "countdown", tap on the "Start" button. The application will work correctly no matter where you carry your Android device. You can hold the device in your hand, put it in your pocket or throw it in your bag. The pedometer displays statistics for the day, week and month, but at any time you can view the statistics for certain days by selecting them on the activity graph.
Before use
Before you start active walking, measure your stride length and enter this data into the program. This will help you get the most accurate speed and distance data. Otherwise, standard parameters will be used, which may not match yours. Gender, weight, and age must also be entered to correctly display calorie information.
What is the app for?
The Pedometer application will become a faithful assistant for those who decide to stick to a healthy lifestyle and, without wasting words, immediately get down to business. It will be difficult for an unprepared person to immediately start active sports training if he has not paid attention to them before.
It is better to start by increasing the number and duration of walks, and then move on to more difficult ones. At the first stage, the Pedometer will come in handy for you! It will calculate the required number of steps per day, allowing you to maintain the rhythm of activity.
Key Features
- counts steps and calories burned while walking;
- displays the collected statistics in the form of graphs;
- measures steps, even if it is in your pocket or backpack;
- requires you to measure your weight and step length;
- has a simple and understandable interface in Russian;
- Works on all modern versions of the Android operating system.
Nowadays, thanks to the accelerometers built into phones, mobile applications can work as a pedometer.
As the name suggests, this app will count the number of steps you take while walking, running or doing step aerobics.
In this blog, I'll walk you through how it all works, as well as give you a brief overview of a few apps for both Android and iPhone phones.
Benefits of a pedometer or apps with one
Using a pedometer helps you keep track of the number of steps you take during aerobics, running, walking, or activities where step count is important. When you start any fitness activity, you usually set a goal, and you probably would like to follow the progress towards it.
Let's say you're training for a marathon that's 2 months away. You make a schedule for your morning runs, and you complete it every day, following the same route or changing it. Sometimes you feel too tired and reduce the distance, sometimes, on the contrary, you exceed the norm.
But, you have no idea if your stamina has increased, or if other indicators have improved. However, if you use a pedometer during your activity, you will receive new data such as the duration of the activity, the number of steps taken and the distance traveled.
An excellent pedometer may come in handy, take a look:
This way you can evaluate your results days or weeks later, thus being able to assess if there is progress.
How accurate is the count
The number will fairly accurately reflect the true number of steps - provided you turn the count on and off in time. So, if you start the application right before a run and turn it off right after, the error will be small.
But if, after launching the application, you talk on the phone or decide to play games on it, the indicator is likely to be too high. Of course, this begs the question: can such an application record all the steps a person takes in a day?
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Where should you keep your phone
It doesn't matter where exactly the device will be, and the only advice on how to hold it is so that you can move comfortably.
The phone can be in your pocket, in your jacket, in your hand or in your bag. The main thing is that it is connected with the body during movement. Also, the position of the phone does not matter: vertically, upside down, etc.
Does the pedometer use GPS
Since these apps work well with navigation turned off, GPS is not needed for step counting. However, if the application has other functions (for example, to show the route of your run), a navigation system is indispensable.
Battery consumption
Applications with a pedometer function consume quite a lot of energy, as they constantly use the phone's sensors. Newer versions of apps use less battery.
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According to Google, devices with Android version 4.4 use the accelerometer in a much more battery-friendly mode.
How it works
These applications work on phones with a built-in accelerometer. In the course of its work, the application monitors changes in the readings of this sensor and, based on this, determines whether a step has been taken. The sensor can provide information about the direction and speed of movement, the force of gravity, and at what angle you hold the device.
The accelerometer reports the values of these parameters each time they change, as well as the time of the change. The application saves these values to a database and looks for patterns.
The accelerometer gives three values: along the axes x, y and z. While you are taking the first step, the value along the axis x will increase, depending on the force with which you started the movement. Axis value y first increases as well - as the device rises with you - and then decreases as you lower towards the ground at the end of the step.
Video review of the Fitbug Orb pedometer (video)
Guided by similar patterns in changes in quantities, you can register the perfect step. A similar principle is used in some phones that allow you to answer a call by literally "picking up the phone".
Recognition and counting steps on the systemAndroid Kit Kat 4.4(information for developers)
Android developers have included this feature in the platform itself, while making it less energy-intensive. Application developers can use it to avoid writing their own codes and algorithms for step recognition.
In addition, it is possible to count steps after the sensor receives a command to track such events.
Overview of applications with a pedometer function
- Runtastic Pedometer
This is perhaps the best application available today. It records the number of steps quite accurately, has an excellent interface, and also gives you a short report on your adventures.
- Noom Walk Pedometer
The only advantage of this application turned out to be much more modest battery consumption compared to other programs.
Alas, it cannot boast of wide functionality such as measuring the distance traveled, speed or duration, as well as a report to track your progress. According to the developer of the application, it can work all day, having spent only 2% of the charge. I haven't used the app for a whole day, but this feature might really come in handy for someone. And finally, this application is inferior in accuracy to the previous one.
- Pedometer 2.0
As in the first case, this application has a great interface. In addition to the main function, it measures distance and time. However, the sensitivity is so high that the step count increases with the slightest movement of the phone, even after the activity is over. It also requires manually specifying the type of activity (for example, walking or running), which was not necessary when working with Runtastic Pedometer.
How to Test the Sensitivity and Accuracy of Pedometer Apps
An easy way to evaluate an app is to launch it, turn on the recording, and start lightly tapping the phone with your finger. You will see that the distance and number of steps will begin to increase rapidly. The app that shows fewer tapping steps is less sensitive.
Xiaomi Mi Band pedometer review (video)
I ran the same test on all three of the apps above and the winner was Runtastic Pedometer. It was followed by Noom Walk Pedometer and Pedometer 2.0.
If you do not want to carry your phone with you as a pedometer
If you're not comfortable carrying your phone with you because of its weight, size, or because it's not comfortable in your pocket, you should consider getting a pedometer as a standalone device that's easy to find on the market. Such devices are small and light, very accurate and easy to use. Some of them are made in the form of stylish bracelets.
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Best fitness tracker 2019: get in shape…
Applications that count steps, or pedometers for Android devices, are currently very popular. In this article, we will introduce readers to their features, talk about the best and most accurate of them.
What are the differences and how to determine which is better
The developers offer a wide range of standalone fitness devices, including tracking the distance traveled and counting the number of steps. On the market, this segment is represented by both inexpensive fitness trackers priced from $10 to $50, and multifunctional professional smart devices costing over $500. The attitude towards such gadgets can be very diverse, but a fair question arises: “Why do we need another one, if a smartphone that we practically never part with can cope with the task?”. In the Android Market, you can find a huge number of applications for counting steps and the distance traveled. According to the principle of action, they can be divided into two groups:
- Using the GPS module of the smartphone;
- Working on the basis of accelerometer data.
The GPS module is designed to determine the coordinates based on the data received from the satellite. It is obvious that the data received through it will not give sufficiently accurate information about the movement and, moreover, about the number of steps taken. A GPS-based app, for example, won't track your vertical position, won't count the number of steps you've taken on a treadmill, and the accuracy you get with them leaves a lot to be desired. For these reasons, modern smartphones mainly use programs for counting the number of steps and the distance traveled, based on accelerometer data. But there are quite high-quality applications that work based on GPS data. An example is Runtastic.
Different developers use different algorithms to calculate steps taken and distance traveled. Therefore, their accuracy is different. It also depends on the position of the smartphone while walking and what steps you take. Below we will look at the most popular and accurate fitness programs for gadgets running Android OS.
Top Pedometers for Android
The rating of the best applications is compiled taking into account user reviews and the personal opinion of the author, therefore it is subjective. Our task is not limited to determining the best and worst programs. We want to introduce the reader to the most popular of them and help in choosing among a huge number of different applications.
moves
The first place in our list is occupied by the development of the Finnish company ProtoGeo called Moves, which means “Movement” in translation. More than 5 million users have downloaded it on the Play Market. More than 60,000 people participated in the evaluation of the application. The average score is 3.9 points.
On the first launch, we will be warned about activity tracking and prompted to accept the "Terms and Privacy Policy": 
Then you can simply start using the application or create an account. When creating it, it is proposed to use a Facebook account. This is due to the fact that Facebook Inc bought ProtoGeo, the developers of this program, in 2104. 
The functionality of the program is no frills, the interface is simple and clear: 
When you enter the Settings menu, the following options are available: 
When you turn on the "Calories" button, you will be asked to fill in the following personal data:
After enabling and confirming the action with the “Finish” button, the main application window will look like this:
When you click on the "Walking" icon, data on the distance traveled in km will be displayed, on the next click - the time of movement, and so on, in a circle: 
User reviews about the application: 
Pedometer
The next application, to which we will draw the attention of readers, has received a simple and capacious name "Pedometer". This application was developed by the Danish company ITO Technologies, Inc. More than 10 million users use it in the world, according to the download data in the Play Market.
After installing and running the program, the user will see the main window, which has three tabs that display statistics for the day, week and month: 
Consider the program settings: 
energy saving
- Power saving mode. Allows you to select Standard or Energy Saving.
- In sleep mode, the first steps may not be counted. You can turn on the extrapolation feature, which automatically adds the estimated number of steps taken in sleep mode. Sleep interval is set. The larger it is, the larger the error will be. Sleep mode saves battery power, but at the same time, measurement accuracy is lost. This mode is relevant for smartphones with low battery capacity.
- Auto start and stop. In this item of the settings menu, you can set the time for the automatic start of the application and its stop.
Adjusting the number of steps
- Sensitivity affects the correctness of the count. By changing it, you can achieve greater accuracy.
- Priority. If this item is not checked, then other programs may stop counting steps. For example, programs that use the accelerometer or force close background applications to save battery power.
Screen. This section of the menu is responsible for the appearance of the program. In it, you can change the theme, select the first day of the week and distance units.
The Personal information section allows the application to take into account the user's personal data, such as age, gender, weight, and stride width.
User Reviews: 
Accupedo
The next worthy member of the Accupedo family of pedometers was developed by the Texas company Corusen LLC. This application is used by more than 5 million Android smartphone owners
The program has a nice and intuitive interface. The graphics tab provides daily, weekly, monthly and yearly statistics: 
Next to the Graphs is the History button. The “+” icon allows you to create a fitness plan: 
The "Settings" tab allows you to fine-tune the program for a more accurate calculation of the distance traveled and the steps taken: 
Pedometer is an easy-to-use tool for counting steps taken, measuring distance and time spent on it. The application can even measure the number of calories burned. You just need to press "Start".
A tool of this kind can be useful to any person, it is not at all necessary to be an athlete. However, is there a need to buy this device? Absolutely not, if you have a regular smartphone. You can put it in your pocket or bag and it will accurately calculate all the indicators entrusted to it. But first, of course, download Pedometer and install, only then your device will be really useful to you. Now you will not only get the necessary calculations, but also be able to follow the indicators in visual charts and graphs.
As you know, a daily walk, even a very small one (you need to start somewhere) will bring you great benefits. While walking, the human body receives its portion of oxygen, blood flow improves, the spine works, and internal organs are involved. Ideally, this should be 10 thousand steps a day. Exactly Pedometer for Android will help to determine the correct amount. Start small, set a goal (for example, losing weight) and you will definitely achieve results. And the application will help you control the process and other important parameters.
This article will tell you about what pedometers are designed for.
Navigation
This article will tell you about what a pedometer is, how to use it, and also for what purposes it is intended.
For sure there are people, who engage in sports such as active walking, or people, which are on a diet and need to count every calorie, as well as those who cuts miles every day just to get to work.
It was for such groups of people that many developers of various programs had an idea, which was to create a simple counter of steps taken, and as you understand, it came true.
Therefore, today we will consider pedometer programs, which are the most popular, convenient, and also having a completely understandable and intuitive interface with the ability to select the Russian language.
What is hidden under the name "pedometer"?
Many probably think that this is a program that measures steps. Of course they are right, but only partly. After all, as is known from the functionality and capabilities of such programs, they are engaged in counting how many steps a person has taken, as well as how far he has traveled.
How to use the pedometer program?
Almost all pedometer programs have, as we said at the beginning of this article, a fairly clear, convenient and intuitive interface, since the very specification of these programs does not make them illegible and incomprehensible.
To use the pedometer you just need to press the button "Start" or "To begin", and the program will automatically begin to perform its tasks by calculating the steps you take.
What pedometer programs for smartphones on the Android platform exist?
There are a lot of programs such as pedometers in the magnificent Play Market, and they all differ from each other only in the design of the program, or in small capabilities, but nothing more.
Let's still consider which programs are the most popular in Play market, which have the name "pedometer".
noom
The developer of this program is Noom Inc.
A fairly simple and easy-to-learn application that does not require special knowledge, even an 80-year-old grandmother can run it. But perhaps there are some nuances here, because if your smartphone no G-sensor, and if in detail, the device that is responsible for the position of the smartphone in space, in short the same gyroscope, then on your device Can't use pedometer, and all attempts to turn it on will only end with the fact that the program will not function.
But also one minus of this program is perhaps that it does not show total mileage, which is summed up from each day, and this is perhaps very bad.
Besides, it is worth noting that the program originally does not support GPS navigation system, in connection with which it performs work only in offline mode.
This program can easily calculate your calorie count, your average walking pace, and your heart rate.
But the program noom due to the fact that it does not use the GPS system, there is a big plus, which lies in the fact that it consumes very little energy from your battery, and for a day of active work of the program, it will consume only 2-3% of the charge.
Therefore, if you want the program to support GPS and calculate the total mileage, then you should install more advanced models of these programs, which, in addition, have more features.
Be carefull! Noom measures steps in their number, while displaying the total distance of movement. Therefore, if you move slowly, and generally prefer walking at a leisurely pace, then the program may simply incorrectly calculate the steps you have taken, since it is designed for medium or fast steps, as well as for running.
Accupedo
The developer of this program is Corusen LLC.
This pedometer application has a very convenient workflow, as it can be folded into a small widget. A huge plus such a widget is that you can put it on the desktop of your smartphone and periodically see how many steps you have clocked in an hour or a day.
But in this application, and more specifically the principle of its operation is to use a G-sensor and an accelerometer.
Accupedo app can work even when your smartphone is in your hand, bag, backpack or pocket.
Undoubtedly, the main thing is that the smartphone is always with you, and not lying on the computer table.
This application is excellent, what consumes a small battery, even at work, lasting a week.
moves
The developer of this program is ProtoGeo.
Perhaps this is a representative of the latest line of a series of pedometers. If you do not want to buy expensive and narrowly focused gadgets for active sports, then the Moves application will help solve this problem.
When this pedometer was just released, it was sold for 100 rubles, and then only for users of smartphones running iOS, but after a while, the developers decided to promote it for users of smartphones running Android, but for free.
But this program has one caveat, which is that in order to work with the program, you first need to register and go through the authorization system through their service, since without an account you simply will not open this application
To start using this program, to you you need to put your smartphone in your pocket, briefcase, bag, or somewhere else convenient for you.
Take a walk in the evening with a girlfriend, mom or just a friend somewhere, and later look into the program. There you will see the location of the results in this order:
- Number of steps taken
- Total kilometers traveled
- Places where you have stayed
Pedometer from tayutau
The developer of this program is tayutau.
Great program to calculate the steps you have taken, moreover, it is completely in Russian.
To take advantage this program, you need to click on the "Start" button, a then put your smartphone in your pocket or bag.
The advantage of this program is that the number of steps for a certain period, you can see on the chart.
Pedometer for weight loss
The developer of this program is Pacer Health.
Great pedometer, which is characterized by its compactness and ease of use. With it, you can easily find out how many steps you took today and how many yesterday.
minus of this program is that for its operation it is necessary that your device has Android operating system version 4.0 and above.
Pedometer by 4Free Studio
A very interesting and easy to use pedometer that allows you to set goals that you need to achieve in the future.
For example, you can set a goal for yourself for today, namely to take 10,000 steps per day, and then purposefully follow it.
This application also allows you to see the history of the steps taken, up to an hour, which is definitely cool.
you also can keep statistics of steps, a then find out how much has passed in a week, month and even a year.
Well, let's sum up the end of our article, because today we have analyzed a lot of useful and popular pedometer programs, the use of which for its intended purpose will give a healthy figure not only to you, but also to your family.
Video: How do pedometer programs work?