The short version
- Wyze has released the Ultra BodyScan Plus, featuring a retractable handle with an integrated display for easier reading of health data.
- The device measures more than 50 body composition metrics using bioelectrical impedance analysis, significantly expanding on the previous model's capabilities.
- Unlike rival Withings, which recently introduced annual subscription fees for data access, Wyze offers all features without recurring costs.
Wyze has introduced a redesigned smart scale that repositions its digital interface to improve user accessibility while expanding the range of health data it collects. The Ultra BodyScan Plus, available immediately through the company’s online store, marks a significant departure from the original Ultra BodyScan model released nearly twelve months ago. The most visible change is the relocation of the 4.3-inch customizable color screen from the base of the scale to a retractable handle. This design adjustment places measurements closer to eye level, addressing ergonomic concerns associated with reading data while standing on the device.
The hardware upgrade supports a substantial increase in analytical depth. While the predecessor model tracked thirteen distinct body composition metrics, including weight, body mass index, bone mass, and muscle weight, the new Plus version monitors more than fifty indicators. These additional measurements include visceral fat levels, protein content, and basal metabolic rate, which represents the minimum caloric intake required for daily bodily functions. The device utilizes bioelectrical impedance analysis to provide a segmented breakdown of these metrics across the arms, legs, and torso, facilitated by additional electrodes located on the handle.
Pricing for the Ultra BodyScan Plus is set at $149, representing an approximate thirty-dollar increase over the original model’s price point of $119.98. The device is offered in black or white finishes. Despite the higher cost, Wyze emphasizes that all advanced features are accessible without any monthly or annual subscription fees. This stance contrasts sharply with recent moves by competitor Withings, which announced last week that new users must pay an annual fee of $99.50 to sync health data and access third-party application integrations.
Data synchronization options for the Wyze scale include Bluetooth connectivity via a nearby smartphone or direct cloud transmission through a home Wi-Fi network. The system is compatible with major health platforms, including Apple Health, Google Health, and Android’s Health Connect. This multi-platform approach allows users to integrate their weight and composition data into existing digital health ecosystems without being locked into a proprietary app structure that might require payment for full functionality.
The scale supports multiple user profiles, capable of recognizing and storing health metrics for up to eight registered individuals. It also permits an unlimited number of guest measurements, though these one-off readings do not contribute to long-term trend analysis for unregistered users. This capacity makes the device suitable for households with several members who wish to track their individual health progress over time.
Beyond standard body composition tracking, the Ultra BodyScan Plus includes specialized modes for weighing children, pets, and luggage. In these scenarios, the user holds the item or person while standing on the scale, allowing for accurate weight measurement without the advanced health metric breakdowns that require direct foot contact with the electrodes. This versatility adds practical utility for everyday household tasks beyond personal health monitoring.
The retractable handle docks securely onto the scale when not in use, maintaining a sleek profile similar to traditional bathroom scales. Users can still operate the device without engaging the handle, though doing so limits the data collected to standard weight measurements rather than the comprehensive body composition analysis. This flexibility ensures the hardware remains functional even if users prefer not to hold the handle during every weighing session.
The release of the Ultra BodyScan Plus highlights a growing divergence in the smart home health market regarding monetization strategies. As some manufacturers shift toward subscription-based models for data access and advanced features, Wyze is positioning its product as a one-time purchase with full functionality included. This approach may appeal to consumers wary of recurring costs associated with personal health tracking devices.
Availability is currently limited to Wyze’s online store, with no mention of third-party retail partnerships in the initial launch announcement. The company has not specified plans for international distribution or future hardware iterations beyond this model. As the device enters the market, it will face scrutiny regarding the accuracy of its expanded metric suite compared to clinical standards and user-reported reliability.
The integration of eye-level displays and comprehensive health metrics reflects broader trends in consumer electronics toward more intuitive and data-rich personal health tools. By combining ergonomic design improvements with extensive biometric tracking, Wyze aims to capture users seeking detailed insights into their physical condition without the barrier of ongoing subscription payments.
Sources behind this briefing
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- The Verge↗Wyze moved the screen on its new smart scale to the handle so it’s easier to read at eye level
