Radio pedometers

	Model JS-210 from Shenzhen Junsd of mainland China has a step, distance, pulse and calorie counter.

Companies are minimizing step-counting errors and equipping releases with FM radios, pulse meters and alarms.

Suppliers of pedometers in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong are boosting output of midrange and high-end models to gain an edge amid cutthroat competition in the low end.

In line with this strategy, makers continue to emphasize performance by improving the counting accuracy of their designs.

Releases can be programmed with the user’s weight and height so as to minimize errors. Inertial sensors and sophisticated software are also being adopted to detect steps and reduce false positives.

Generally, companies are investing in high-tech machines for in-house QC examination and calibration. Some are sending models to third-party institutions such as SGS for further inspection.

Designs exported to the EU are RoHS-compliant and have CE certification. Models that target the US follow ASTM guidelines.

Product development efforts are also focused on expanding the capability of pedometers with value-added functions. Releases are being equipped with health features, including monitors for heart rate and number of calories burned. Some can be utilized as thermometers and personal alarms.

Many models also come with LCDs, FM tuners, and UV-detection, stopwatch and lighting functions. Some high-end versions have USB capability that allows users to load pedometer data into a computer and compare records at any time.

Companies featured in this report said these upgrades and value add-ons have allowed them to justify price increases in the past 12 months. The strategy has also maximized suppliers’ growth opportunities amid heightened overseas demand.

In addition, new models boast sleek, ergonomic housings with attractive designs and bright colors.

Among the mainland suppliers interviewed for this report, Shenzhen Detop Electronic Co. Ltd has released the DT184P model, a pedometer that measures the distance covered in miles or kilometers. The unit is programmable and comes with a calorie meter, alarm and stopwatch. The price is $2.63.

The company exports to the US, the EU, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Ninety percent of shipments carry the in-house Detop brand.

Model JS-300A from Shenzhen Junsd Industry Co. Ltd is equipped with a clock, stopwatch and FM radio. It can count up to 99,999 steps and is priced at $4. Products from the company comply with CE and RoHS guidelines.

ISO 9001:2000-certified Shenzhen Juxin Electronics Fty offers the IS-BH738 pedometer, which also functions as an FM tuner. It features a digital clock and a calorie monitor. The price is $2.10.
The company also manufactures massagers, flashlights, lanterns, table lamps, multifunction keychains and LED alarm clocks.

Shenzhen Timesun Electronics Co. Ltd offers designs with calorie and distance counters. They are exported primarily to the US and the EU.

Prices of pedometers from Dongguan Ideal Gift Co. Ltd start at $0.50. Releases are RoHS-compliant.

The Y-P2031 model from Yingzhijian Technology Mfy Ltd has a UV-detection function, calorie meter and temperature display. It is priced at $2.50.

In Taiwan, Ultmost Technology Corp. specializes in multifunction pedometers that give voice readings in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. Products conform to CE and RoHS specifications.

The ISO 9001-certified supplier also offers RF access controls and door locks, LCDs and voice-related products.

Models from Bestek Electronics Corp. utilize SMT circuits for enhanced accuracy. The company makes midrange and high-end units that target the US and the EU.

Keep Pace Electronics Corp. offers pedometers with colorful and compact ABS housings. Add-ons include timers, clocks and calorie meters.

In Hong Kong, Fresh Source International Co. Ltd has come up with pedometers that can measure body fat. These are exported mainly to the US and the EU.

Growtech Industrial Ltd’s GT-3338 model features a step, distance and calorie counter. It has a slim plastic casing with a metallic pearl finish.

Jeskey Electronics Co. Ltd offers CE-certified and RoHS-compliant pedometers. Among the company’s latest releases is a solar-powered design priced at $2.80.