![\"NikeFuelBandSE\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-life.dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/10053117\/NikeFuelBandSE_2.jpg\")
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When the first Nike+ FuelBand hit wrists in early 2012, the response was mixed \u2014 Nike lovers embraced the new universal metric for activity, while haters had a field day racking up \u201cFuel\u201d by drinking beers<\/a> with their friends. The question: Was this the most sophisticated Nike\u2019s wearable tech could get? The limitations were valid, from the inability to factor many lower body movements to overall exercise intensity, some of which I detailed here<\/a>. But the new Nike+ FuelBand SE<\/a>, which hit shelves last week, offers a few new tricks up your sleeve.<\/p>\n Like the first Nike+ FuelBand, the SE (second edition), uses a three-axis accelerometer to track movement across a variety of activities, whether you\u2019re Lebron<\/a> driving to the hoop or the \u201cgood job, good effort\u201d kid<\/a> cheering from the stands. Each user sets a daily goal (3,000 being the recommended target for an active individual, 5,000 for a fitness superhero like Serena<\/a>), and the algorithm, which factors gender, height, weight and of course movement, does its thing. Sound like the same old equation? Flashy new color ways aside, here are the latest updates to the $149 FuelBand SE \u2014 hits and misses included.<\/p>\n Sessions.\u00a0<\/b>In addition to the usual steps, calories and Fuel that the band logs daily, the FuelBand SE allows users to track individual \u201csessions,\u201d or workouts, and see those stats separately, in real time. To start a session, hold the main button and watch the display count down from \u201c3.\u201d Mid-run, spin or pick-up game, users can check their Fuel, as well as Fuel Per Minute (FPM), the band\u2019s best guess at intensity. The much-improved Nike+ FuelBand app<\/a>, which syncs wirelessly through Bluetooth 4.0, also allows users to analyze data anytime, anyplace, as well as save their session, add a location, tag workout buddies, and share it with friends. Pro tip: While wearing the SE on your wrist still won\u2019t make a spin session count, the device does<\/i> seem to work when placed in a secure pocket or under your waistband. (Some wearers of the previous model suggested clipping it onto your shoelaces since the first generation FuelBand wasn\u2019t as sensitive.)<\/p>\n Hours Won.\u00a0<\/b>Some say sitting is the new smoking<\/a>, and the \u201cWin the Hour\u201d feature is Nike\u2019s attempt to help us steer clear of a sedentary lifestyle. Whether you\u2019re sitting in front of the TV or staring at your computer screen, every hour you\u2019ll see a friendly reminder to move in the form of \u201cGO [YOUR NAME] GO!\u201d scrolling across the band. To \u201cwin\u201d the hour, (and you can preset which hours you\u2019re generally awake), complete five consecutive minutes of activity \u2014 no small feat while holding down a nine to five job. Winning hours won\u2019t earn you bonus points, but seeing your numbers improve over time probably<\/i> means you\u2019re winning at life.<\/p>\n Intensity.\u00a0<\/b>Because intensity is now estimated via the \u201cFuel Per Minute\u201d equation, hill sprints earn more points than late night strolls to the fridge. But the technology still isn\u2019t perfect. In a series of (admittedly unscientific) tests, I walked, jogged and sprinted 200 and 400-meters on a flat track to compare Fuel stats. And while jogging did earn more Fuel than walking, sprinting and walking came out just about even. So what gives? It\u2019s possible a longer running stride \u2014 and thus fewer foot strikes \u2014 skewed the math. Or maybe<\/i>, I was just so fast the device couldn\u2019t keep up?<\/p>\n While the FuelBand SE does far more than its first generation counterpart, it\u2019s still by no means a one-stop shop for self-tracking. (And at this point in time, no single device is.) If the following areas are top priority, this device might not be the band for you.<\/p>\n Calorie Count.\u00a0<\/b>The FuelBand and FuelBand SE don\u2019t measure heart rate, making the estimated calories burned a less-than-scientific feature. If getting an accurate burn notice is your thing, consider the Nike+ SportWatch<\/a> or other heart rate-based training devices, which will provide reliable run stats, too.<\/p>\n Sleep Cycle.\u00a0<\/b>The company that never sleeps is leaving zzz\u2019s to those who do it best<\/a>. And while the FuelBand SE wasn\u2019t intended to track sleep, a count of zero Fuel earned throughout the night could<\/i> be interpreted as a solid sleep session with no tossing and turning.<\/p>\n Pushing weight.\u00a0<\/b>Expect your device to know how heavy that dumbbell is? Don\u2019t hold your breath. While it\u2019s possible the technology could someday get that advanced (in fact, the PUSH<\/a> device is seeking to do just that<\/a>), apps like Fitocracy<\/a> are a great go-between to rack up points for feats of strength.<\/p>\n On the fence about fueling up? Consider how much feedback \u2014\u00a0and what kinds<\/i> of stats \u2014 you really want from your wristband. Also note that the app is only available for iOS (though the Nike+ desktop\u00a0experience has all the same bells and whistles). And while tech geeks will undoubtedly gain insights from their Fuel patterns across days, weeks and months, the most valuable feature of the FuelBand SE won\u2019t likely appear on a chart or graph. You\u2019ll be too busy heading out the door to \u201cwin the hour,\u201d reach your Fuel goal and make the day count.<\/p>\nFuel for Thought<\/h3>\n
![\"Nike](\"https:\/\/cdn-life.dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/10053111\/FuelBandSEScreens.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nDown for the Count<\/h3>\n
All in the Wrist<\/h3>\n