'Shine' seeks share of promising Phl personal tracker market

MANILA, Philippines - A new brand in the personal activity tracking devices is hoping to get a sizable market share of the Philippines as Filipinos become more health-conscious.

Power Mac Center on Wednesday launched "Misfit Shine", which claims to be the "most elegant and sophisticated fitness tracker in the market."

"Awareness of products like these (wearables) is still very small, but we're confident that it will gain ground because health consciousness is building and many are joining the runs, practising yoga, and pilates," said Johann Tiu, Sales Manager of Waido Marketing & Distribution Inc.

Misfit is a US-based company, while the Shine product is made in Korea.

Joey Alvarez, Marketing Director of Power Mac Center, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, said Shine is "a sophisticated addition to the array of high-quality third party products that we proudly carry in our retail locations nationwide."

Tiu said the gadget, which began selling in the Philippines in June this year, is retailed at P6,850. So far, sales have been "better than expected." He did not elaborate.

Globally, Fit Bit is the personal activity tracker that has the best name recall.

"As of now the market for personal activity tracker is small. These products such as heart rate monitors, and fitness trackers, they picked up globally a year or two ago. In the Philippines, all these products are still new. It is difficult to say when the market is going to pick up, but we hope it will be in the near future," Tiu said.

Misfit Shine is iOS compatible. Patrons can sync their Shine with iPhone, iPad, iPad mini or iPod touch, through a free  app to be downloaded from the App Store.

Shine is waterproof until 250 meters and can be worn on any clothing using the magnetic clasp or as a bracelet using the rubberized plastic wristband. Shine is available in jet, grey topaz, and champagne colors.