< Blogs
Terra API

Terra API

April 22, 2022

Barometer: list of wearables that contain barometers

What is a barometer?

A barometer is a device that measures atmospheric pressure. Because this pressure changes with distance above or below sea level, it can also be used to measure altitude.

The barometric altimeter in wearables is typically used to determine changes in elevation as well as changes to the pressure caused by weather patterns. There are a few factors that influence the barometric altimeter readings including rapid changes in weather, extended periods of time in a fixed location, moving to and from climate controlled or pressurised environments, debris blocking the sensor, clothing covering the sensor.

What type of barometers are used in wearables?

The latest wearable technology has built in microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based barometers unlocking a wide range of tracking capabilities beyond just pressure and altitude measurement. A MEMS pressure sensor consists of a thin plate of silicon mounted as the lid of a chamber containing gas at a reference pressure (or a vacuum). The plate's top surface is exposed to atmospheric pressure via an opening or port in the sensor package. The difference in pressure will flex the plate, and create a mechanical strain that generates an electrical signal - this gives information about the pressure and ultimately, altitude.

As mentioned earlier, rapid changes in weather including an ill-timed gust of wind can cause a temporary drop in air pressure at the sensor just as it takes a measurement. This ‘noise' can cause what looks like an abrupt change, however such a change can be validated with the accelerometer reading. If there is no corresponding acceleration, then the altitude ‘jump' will be easily disregarded.

Why do wearables have barometers?

While accelerometers inside wearables feature a key motion sensor to determine the speed and acceleration of the user, they are limited in their ability to provide an accurate estimate of the vertical motion, which is essential for accurately determining certain parameters such as calories burned whilst climbing a high. The addition of a precise atmospheric pressure sensor can greatly improve accuracy in measuring this vertical movement and also helps in the validation of information from other sensors.

For example, whilst accelerometers can, in the majority of cases, capture your steps taken, distance travelled and calories expended, the measurement of vertical motion is a challenge for such sensors. Walking up stairs is sufficiently different to be picked up by the accelerometer through your acceleration profile, however walking along an incline is very difficult to distinguish from walking on level ground based only on acceleration. However, the effort exerted is substantially different.

Hence, the barometer captures this altitude shift calculated from how the atmospheric pressure changes as you walk uphill. In fact, some of the early generation wearables can be up to 30% off in their estimates of calories burned due to this omission of altitude. By integrating recordings from the barometer sensor into their algorithms, wearables can be far more precise.

Barometer data for precise locations in buildings...

Barometer data is able to help where our destination is on a specific floor of a building. For example, if you were in a large shopping mall a barometer would be able to let you know which floor you were on and give you precise instructions on how to get to your favourite store. Integrating our barometer with our maps would be able to give us this precise information. As we continue to see new developments in wearable technology, more opportunities are emerging for apps to be built using the data tracked.

Through the Terra API, we provide connections to a range of different devices that have built-in barometers.

Below is a list of the wearables that contain barometers today:

  • Garmin Fenix series, Venu series (excluding sq, sq music), Approach series, Vivoactive, Forerunner series (excluding 45, 45 plus, 55, 245, 245 plus), Instinct series, Enduro, Descent series, Mk2 series, Epix, Tactix series, D2 series, Vivomove series, Approach series, Marq series, Quatix series
  • Fitbit Versa series, Charge series, Inspire 2, Sense, Luxe, Ace 3,
  • Apple Watch all series from Apple Watch series 3
  • Polar Grit X Pro, Grit X, Vantage series (excluding Vantage M & M2),
  • Withings ScanWatch series,
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Watch Active 2
  • Suunto 9 range, 7 range, Ambit3, Core range, Traverse
  • Wahoo Elemnt Rival Multisport GPS watch
  • Coros Vertix 2, Vertix, Apex, Pace 2

More Topics

All Blogs
Team Spotlight
Startup Spotlight
How To
Blog
Podcast
Product Updates
Wearables
See All >
CEO and Co-Founder of Bioniq - Vadim Fedotov

CEO and Co-Founder of Bioniq - Vadim Fedotov

In this podcast with Kyriakos the CEO of Terra, Vadim Fedotov a former professional athlete turned entrepreneur, shares his journey in founding Bioniq.

Terra APITerra API
December 10, 2024
5 Lessons for Standing Out at HLTH

5 Lessons for Standing Out at HLTH

5 lessons from team Terra API for making a lasting impact at HLTH: from engaging senses to building real touch points, here’s what we learned from the HLTH event.

VanessaVanessa
December 5, 2024
November '24 Updates by Terra

November '24 Updates by Terra

Terra’s Latest Updates: Zepp Metrics, Support Revamp, and Teams API Enhancements 🚀✨

Alex VenetidisAlex Venetidis
December 1, 2024
Strava Pulls the Plug on their API: What This Means for Developers

Strava Pulls the Plug on their API: What This Means for Developers

Strava discontinued their API service, changing the ecosystem of third-party apps that have relied on their platform. How can developers react to this?

Terra APITerra API
November 21, 2024
Alternatives to the latest changes in the Strava API

Alternatives to the latest changes in the Strava API

Strava just introduced big changes to their API program. These changes will basically kill off a lot of apps. Use Terra API instead to avoid this

Kyriakos EleftheriouKyriakos Eleftheriou
November 19, 2024
next ventures
pioneer fund
samsung next
y combinator
general catalyst

Cookie Preferences

Essential CookiesAlways On
Advertisement Cookies
Analytics Cookies

Crunch Time: Embrace the Cookie Monster Within!

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse our traffic. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to our use of cookies according to our Cookie Policy. You can change your mind any time by visiting out cookie policy.