SweetBeat App for Stress and Fitness Management Available Now!

88 Replies

We’ve talked about monitoring heart rate variability (HRV) to balance your nervous system and manage stress. Now SweetWater Health is proud to announce that you can monitor your HRV accurately, non-intrusively, and easily with our SweetBeat™ iPhone app!

Here’s our press release with more info:

Easy-To-Use Mobile Health App Launched

by SweetWater Health

SweetBeat App Based on 30 Years of Clinical Research

February 6, 2012—Los Gatos, CA—SweetBeat™, a new iPhone application, helps users to effectively manage fitness and stress using simple, easy-to use methods accessible to everyone. SweetBeat by SweetWater Health™ LLC is available now from the Apple iTunes Store for $1.99. Future versions will be compatible with Android phones.

Whether the user is a dedicated athlete, yoga enthusiast or just someone concerned about health, understanding how the body reacts to stress allows people to optimize their lives for maximum effectiveness. For fitness enthusiasts, SweetBeat is a simple application that allows users to plan workouts based on vital signs, rather than a canned workout schedule. For people with busy, stressful lives, SweetBeat is an easy way to measure and manage stress levels throughout the day.

How SweetBeat Works

Using one of several compatible and affordable heart rate monitors, SweetBeat measures the user’s heart rate variability, or HRV, which has been researched for about 30 years. HRV is the variation in the time between heartbeats. Clinical studies have shown that when a person’s stress rises, HRV falls (the interval between beats becomes more regular). The less stressed the person is, the higher the HRV level (the interval between beats becomes less regular).

With SweetBeat, users can see their HRV levels in real time, giving them the ability to take action to manage stress or vary their workouts. When a user’s stress rises above the user-determined threshold, a “Relax” screen appears with a breath pacer. Simply by breathing deeply and regularly, the user can balance his or her system, returning to a more relaxed state.

In competitive sports, improved performance is often affected by alternating periods of intensive training with periods of relative rest. Clinical studies have shown that HRV is an effective metric for detecting overtraining. SweetBeat measures HRV and provides an objective measure of your body’s response to each workout.

SweetBeat sessions can be uploaded to SweetWater Health’s secure database, enabling users to access their data at “MySweetBeat,” either through the iPhone or on the SweetWater Health website. In MySweetBeat, users sign in securely to see a calendar of their sessions, color-coded by average stress level, and session summaries. They can also chart their sessions in a variety of ways, comparing readings for different times of day or from day to day, for instance. If they want, users can share their SweetBeat results with friends via Twitter or Facebook.

SweetBeat can be used to “spot-check” for stress. However, the app can also be used to record lengthy sessions if desired, allowing users to view how readings shift during an extended period, or during exercise.

Product Features

Personalization: SweetBeat offers a number of user-friendly features to make SweetBeat both intuitive and fun. Users can provide the app with information about themselves by recording a baseline session (this isn’t mandatory, but does result in more accurate readings). Users can select among 26 “Persona” that describe their personal traits such as “Active,” “Spiritual,” or “Home Body,” and record gender and age

Users can set their current perceived stress levels at any time during a session, and they can select from 12 different states, from “Nervous” or “Happy” to “Working” or “Partying.”

Users can also personalize the Relax screen graphic. The default graphic is a fractal image that shifts from edgy red to cool blues and greens as stress levels fall, but users can select up to five of their own stress-reducing images.

Monitor Screen: The Monitor screen shows the user’s heartbeats in a familiar, EKG-like animation. Dynamic windows show the heart rate, detected stress level, and HRV level.

Breath Pacer: The Breath Pacer screen is designed to guide users through a relaxation session if SweetBeat detects high stress. The screen features a default image that changes as the user becomes relaxed—or users can select their own soothing images. There is also a visual and auditory cue that helps users to breathe deeply and rhythmically, a process known to balance the nervous system and return the body to a state of relaxation

Sensitivity Settings: Everyone has different levels of sensitivity to stress and exercise, so SweetBeat allows users to determine which level to use. People who are naturally high-strung may want to set the app at Level 1 (the least sensitive) to get a meaningful reading, while a more mellow type might use Level 5 (the highest sensitivity to stress). SweetBeat users may find they become less sensitive to stress over time; the app allows raising or lowering sensitivity settings as needed. Users can set the threshold of stress at which the Breath Pacer will appear to help them relax, and they can turn Stress Alerts on or off. Users can also set their Heart Rate Thresholds and turn Heart Rate Alerts on or off.

About SweetWater Health, LLC:

SweetWater Health™ is revolutionizing mobile health monitoring and stress management by combining proven medical research techniques with the latest mobile computing technological advances.

SweetWater Health, located in Los Gatos, CA, was founded by Ronda Collier, who researched HRV and stress for three years before beginning product development on SweetBeat. She and her partners, Donna Leever and Jo Beth Dow, are Silicon Valley veterans with deep experience in technology and the successful launch of high-tech startups.

Digital Press Kit

88 thoughts on “SweetBeat App for Stress and Fitness Management Available Now!”

    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Due to an increased amount of Android demand we will be reviewing our timeline for porting over. As a self-funded startup company, we are working with very limited resources. We appreciate your patience as we review all requests.

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Thanks for your interest in our app(s). We have added the port to Android to our future feature list. We are working on these in the order they come in and the order that funding will allow. Thanks for your patience!

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Thanks for your interest in our app! We are working as fast as we can with the resources we have; we will keep you posted.

      Reply ↓
  9. Andrew

    Hello,

    I am very excited about this product I would love to be added to an Android notification list.

    I was also curious if there was a particular Bluetooth (or ANT+) HR strap that is known to give better data.

    Thank you for your time,
    Andrew

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hey Andrew! You have been added to our mailing list. You will be alerted when the Android version is available. The Android version will only use bluetooth sensors or newer technology that we partner with. This is our sensor page – http://www.sweetwaterhrv.com/healthsensors.shtml. The top 5 are some of the best bluetooth low energy sensors available. Thanks for your interest in SweetBeat!

      Reply ↓
      1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

        Hi Franck! Thanks for your interest in our apps! The android version will work on 4.3 and newer. This is because 4.3 supports Bluetooth low energy heart rate monitors. Would you like to be added to our notification list? I just need a valid email address.

        Reply ↓
  13. Steven

    Can you please add me to your Android mailing list. Is there a set target date for the release?

    Thanks

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Steven, I will add you to the notification list for Android. We are working on Android development as we speak! It is a long process as we have no funding. We develop as we can afford it! Thanks for your interest!

      Reply ↓
      1. Steven

        BTW – I’m a software/firmware tester (Quality assurance tester). If you need any help in testing for example an alpha or beta version I would be glad to help you out and give you some feedback.

        Reply ↓
  17. charlie

    also im using on my ipod as the moment and it wont detect my bluetooth zephyr smart chest strap sensor at the moment any ideas? Other bluetooth devices are picking it up so its not the zephyr. Any ideas?

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Tom,

      Thanks for your interest in SweetBeat! I have added you to our notification list for Android users.

      Thanks,
      Rado

      Reply ↓
  20. Jamie Tomlinson

    Can you please add me to your android notification list – or is there a signup form somewhere?

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Jamie! You are on my list. I have just been adding people as they request to be informed. Thanks for your interest in our apps!

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Dawn. Thanks for your interested in our apps! The Mio products use pulse oximetry, which unfortunately isn’t accurate enough for heart rate variability, heart rate recovery or stress management. If you have the Mio link already, you can use it with our food sensitivity function. Which means it will measure your heart rate continuously to make the testing easier.

      Reply ↓
  22. niloayson

    I would like to be added to your Android Notification List. I just heard the recent podcast with Ben Greenfield and even more excited than ever! The new features sound amazing and robust(is kind of an understatement).

    Reply ↓
  23. James Lannon

    Can you please add me to the Android request list and keep me up to date with any developments? I am really anxious to use HVR and don’t want to resort to buying ithlete

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Milena! I’m not sure which product you are referring to, but our apps do work on the iPad. Depends which iPad version you have and which app you are trying to use. Please email support@sweetwaterhrv.com with that information and you will get a reply within 24 hours! Thanks for your interest in our HRV apps!

      Reply ↓
  27. Jack

    Please ado me for android. When do yof think it’ll be available. This appears to have been requested for quithe some time.

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Jack, you have been added to our Android notification list. We had a temporary hold on Android development, but we are back at it! We don’t currently have a release date. Thanks for reaching out – Rado

      Reply ↓

  28. Pingback: How I Train: an Interview with Marcey Rader

    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Thank you for your interest in our apps. I have added you to our notification list. Cheers! – Rado

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Kathy, Thank you for your interest in our apps. You have been added to the notification list. Cheers – Rado

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Karen,
      We are currently in the Alpha testing stage. I have added you to our notification list!
      Thanks,
      Rado

      Reply ↓
  36. steve peck

    Hey ronda.
    Congratulations on the success of this app and thank you for being a pioneer in the field of diy biometric analysis.
    I canNOT wait to try it out on my android, so if you need any willing volunteers for the testing on android system, please count me in!
    I’m also interested in the health patch but couldn’t find where to acquire one. Can you shed any light on that?
    Many thanks
    Steve

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Steve! Thanks for the kind words. We really appreciate all of the support we get from our users! I am in charge of the Android Alpha testing. We will be beta testing within the next month or so. If you would like to participate, please email me at rado@sweetwaterhrv.com.

      Unfortunately, Vital Connect has discontinued the HealthPatch for consumers. It is currently only available to physicians as a medical grade HealthPatch. Please see their website for details on this.

      Thanks, again! I hope to hear from you!
      Cheers,
      Rado

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Kristina,

      Thanks for your interest! I have added you to the notification list.

      Cheers,
      Rado

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Mr. Goodkat,

      Thanks for reaching out! Yes, there is currently a “lite” version released under our partner’s name, Bulletproof Stress Detective, on Google Play. This version includes a stress score, HRV, LF & HF. The complete version will be released under SweetBeat HRV on Google Play soon. It will include stress management and HRV for Training. I have added you to the Android notification list so you will be alerted when the complete version is available.

      Let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you for being a valued customer!

      Cheers,
      Rado

      Reply ↓
  42. Miri

    Hi sweetbeat team, absolutely can’t wait for the android version of sweetbeat – can you please put me on the android notification list? can you give an estimation by now on when it will be available? and how much will it cost?
    cheers,
    miri

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Miri,

      I have put you on the Android notification list! Apologies for the late response. It must have slipped past us.

      We are planning on releasing an Android version very soon. We do not have a specific date at this time.

      Cheers,
      Rado

      Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hi Erik,

      I have added you to our Android notification list. Look out for an email in the next week or so!

      Cheers,
      Rado

      Reply ↓
  44. D. Rainford

    According to a recent article in Outside an Android app exits and cost $10. But I am unable to find it. Could you please provide me with the status of the app. Thanks.

    Reply ↓
    1. sweetwaterhrv Post author

      Hello Rainford,

      Thanks for reaching out! The Android version of SweetBeat will be released in the next week or so. There is currently a “lite” version of our application under our partner’s name, Bulletproof Stress Detective, on Google Play. This does not include all of the same features as the full version that will be available very soon. I have added your name to our notification list and you will receive an email when it becomes available.

      Cheers,
      Rado

      Reply ↓

Let us know what you think!