We have decided to suspend development of AmpStrip as a
fitness product. We are offering full
refunds to all contributors.
Please visit www.ampstrip.com
to learn how to get your refund.
Ask the world’s best athletes "What’s the single most important biometric you monitor while training?" and they all answer the same. Heart rate. But the devices available today have some major limitations. Heart rate straps are uncomfortable, they chafe, and can’t transmit in water. Watches are notoriously inaccurate during workouts and can’t retain much, if any, data. And because all the devices are so uncomfortable, most everybody takes them OFF when they’re not working out, losing critical data about their cardiovascular fitness, exercise recovery and readiness to train.
The FitLinxx AmpStrip™ addresses these limitations and enables competitive athletes to take heart rate training to the next level.
Like you, we are competitive athletes. We understand your desire to squeeze out every last bit of performance by training right to the edge. We know the pain and agony of a season cut short by an overtraining injury.
That's why we built the AmpStrip. AmpStrip enables athletes to “Train to the Edge” while avoiding injury. AmpStrip accurately monitors heart rate, exercise load, resting heart rate, recovery heart rate and other biometrics all day, every day, helping you understand exactly how hard you are pushing your body and where you are in the training-recovery cycle.
The FitLinxx AmpStrip™ is a thin, waterproof device that tracks heart rate and activity around the clock with accuracy – all within a device as discrete and comfortable as a Band-Aid®. It can be comfortably worn all day, every day. It easily sticks to your torso and automatically tracks heart rate, activity, exercise load, skin temperature and posture. It also provides critical fitness insights like resting heart rate and heart rate recovery.
Here are some questions that have come up from contributors during the campaign. Thanks for the feedback. Be sure to see our FAQs for more.
Do you have plans to support ANT+ in a later version?
We are not able get ANT+ into this round of the product, but it is definitely something we will revisit after we ship this version. At this stage, we cannot commit to an exact time when we will support ANT+.
How will you handle international orders? Will I be charged import tax or other charges on delivery?
EU customers: Please add the required additional contribution for shipping+VAT. Your order will be shipped out of our UK office, and this additional contribution will cover all import/delivery charges.
All other international customers: Please add the required additional contribution for shipping only. Note that the buyer is responsible for all duties, taxes, or other fees which may be added on import/delivery.
* If you forgot to add the additional contribution to your order, please place a separate order with the required amount and we will link it to your original order.
What about Windows Phone?
We are not planning on Windows Phone Support for product launch. But, it is something we are strongly considering for later in 2015.
I'd love to be a Beta tester! How will the Beta program work?
Anyone who contributed to our Indiegogo campaign at the Podium level will be eligible for our Beta program – which is anticipated to kickoff in March 2015. We will hold a random drawing to determine who gets in. Unfortunately, we will not be able to support everyone in the Beta, so we will be leaning toward the folks that supported us early on.
Will the adhesive cause any skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction?
The AmpStrip uses a hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive that has been tested on large populations and therefore should not cause any issues. As with anything that touches the skin(materials, fabrics, soaps, etc.), we do anticipate that a very small percentage of the population may develop a reaction. In these cases we will honor our money-back guarantee.
Will the AmpStrip work for me if I have an irregular heart beat?
The AmpStrip is a single lead ECG that does "see" the entire QRS complex. But, to detect an AFib or other irregular heart rate event it would need to be a medical device - which it is not. A future version of the product may have those capabilities, but it would be marketed separately from this device.
Read More FAQs
“I’m a fitness junkie and track all my biometrics with a heart rate strap. But since I can’t wear it 24x7 I lose a ton of data about recovery and readiness. AmpStrip SOLVES that problem."- Jenn
"I have a power meter to measure my WATTs on the bike and a GPS watch for my pace on runs. Finally there’s something for my pool and open water training that helps me improve my performance by understanding what heart rate zones I’m operating in." - Rob
"I’m a serious, competitive age-grouper. I train hard and demand the best equipment. My AmpStrip allows me to track my heart rate not just during an event but leading up to it and during recovery. And that’s how I stay at the top of my age group and on top of the podium." - Walter
This is our first foray into consumer products that we would sell directly - and we want to get it right. We know how to manufacture. We know how to distribute. We need your help to innovate even faster and take the AmpStrip to the next level. Please help us change the way athletes train and compete.
We'll be asking some of our early contributors to be part of our beta program where you'll get a Beta version of the product to test and give us feedback. Get in early and be one of the first to get an AmpStrip.
We have completed the prototyping and Alpha stages of the device development and are starting to make the Betas. Key lessons on how to make this advanced type of wearable have been learned and incorporated; how to turn the sensor data into information and insight; how to make the durable, incredibly thin electronics over-molded device; and how to make low cost replacement adhesives that capture the heart signal and get it into the AmpStrip. Next step is to translate all of this into manufacturing at scale – something we have extensive experience doing.
MARCH, 2015. Launch beta
OCTOBER, 2015. Ship AmpStrip starter pack to Podium Package contributors
NOVEMBER, 2015. Begin shipping AmpStrip to remainder of contributors
FEBRUARY, 2016. Publicly available.
Help us spread the word about AmpStrip by email and social media. Earn a AmpStrip starter pack for every 5 friends you refer who buy AmpStrip Podium Package or better.
The fine print: Once the Indiegogo campaign is over we will apply all your earned credits for referrals to your account for use in future purchases of AmpStrips or Adhesives. Contributors cannot refer themselves. Only the contributor named by a referred person at the time of the referred person’s purchase will receive credit. To receive credit, you must first be an AmpStrip Indiegogo contributor.
If you like to know the gritty details behind technology we’re happy to share!
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Dimensions. The AmpStrip is 3.5 inches long, 1 inch wide and is less than one quarter of an inch thick including the adhesive. It weighs less than .4 ounces.
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Sensors. AmpStrip uses a single lead ECG sensor to capture heart rate with precision. We use a 3-axis MEM’s accelerometer to detect motion in all planes which is converted by our proprietary algorithms into specific activities and effort levels. We also include a skin proximity Thermistor to detect skin temperature.
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Adhesives. To begin we will offer one level of replaceable adhesive for use with AmpStrip - the Competitor grade. Competitor grade is designed to stay on under the most rigorous conditions, including pool and ocean workouts and strenuous whole body efforts for 3 or more days. The adhesives are bio-compatible to ISO 10993 and are the same formulations used by similar body adhesive products.
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Communications. We use our patented techniques in conjunction with Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) to achieve significantly reduced energy consumption and maximize data capture and battery life. The AmpStrip is FCC and CE compatible.
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Power source. The AmpStrip uses a 20 mA wireless rechargeable battery. Under constant daily use in normal conditions the battery will only need to be recharged every 7 days or so.
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Housing. The sensors, processing unit and battery are housed in a fully sealed medical grade silicone module for durability and protection. The entire module is waterproof and can operate in temperatures from 40-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Memory. Integrated memory allows for up to 24 hours of data collection between background syncing, giving users untethered freedom to train without worrying about their gear.
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Processing unit. AmpStrip uses a 32-bit ARM MO processing unit to manage the continuous heart rate, activity, body position, etc. monitoring.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is free to the US and Canada. International orders will require an additional contribution for shipping on top of the amount paid for the Perk (please see the details listed in each of the Perks).
How will you handle international orders? Will I be charged import tax or other charges on delivery?
EU customers: Please add the required additional contribution for shipping+VAT. Your order will be shipped out of our UK office, and this additional contribution will cover all import/delivery charges.
All other international customers: Please add the required additional contribution for shipping only. Note that the buyer is responsible for all duties, taxes, or other fees which may be added on import/delivery.
* If you forgot to add the additional contribution to your order, please place a separate order with the required amount and we will link it to your original order.
What is the AmpStrip's warranty?
The AmpStrip is backed by a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee and covered by a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
We are dedicated to your complete satisfaction. If you have any problems at all, simply contact our Support team at support@fitlinxx.com and we’ll make it right or issue you a full refund.
What is the AmpStrip and how does it work?
The AmpStrip is a waterproof, rechargeable, wearable device that adheres comfortably to your torso and continuously tracks your heart rate, physical activity, and other vital bio signals 24/7 – during activity, rest, recovery, and sleep.
The AmpStrip is applied to the left side of your torso, where a super-sensitive single lead ECG sensor captures a clear heart rate signal. It uses the industry standard Bluetooth LE® to continuously communicate with your mobile app of choice and display real time data and insights. It will store up to 24 hours of data when you’re away from your mobile device, and sync as soon as it is within range.
What does the AmpStrip track?
- Heart rate and heart rate zones
- Resting heart rate when worn while sleeping
- Heart rate recovery
- Respiration
- Skin temperature
- Posture
- Steps
- Calories burned
- Active time
- Sleep
- Stress
What types of activities does the AmpStrip track?
The AmpStrip is an all-day acitivty and heart rate monitor. It is designed to be worn during workouts, rest, recovery, and sleep. It tracks popular activities like walking, running, cycling, swimming, cross fit, etc..
How do I wear the AmpStrip?
The AmpStrip is worn on the left side of the torso, under the left pectoral muscle. For women, it should be positioned just below the sports bra. To wear it, you will put a new adhesive on it, then simply remove the backing from the adhesive and press it firmly to your body (Just like a Band-Aid®).
How long can I wear the AmpStrip?
The AmpStrip is designed to be worn all day and will last between three and seven days depending on the length and intensity of your activity. Our AmpInsights mobile app will notify you when it’s time to remove your AmpStrip.
How/When should I remove the AmpStrip?
You should remove the AmpStrip adhesive once the device peels away from your body enough that the data stops flowing to the App or the App tells you to change the adhesive.
How often should I replace my adhesives?
You should replace the adhesive with a new one each time you put the AmpStrip on. This will typically be every 3-7 days. It helps to rotate the areas where you put the AmpStrip each time.
How much will the replacement adhesives cost?
3-6 month supply of adhesives cost $30.
Is the battery rechargeable or does it need to be replaced?
The AmpStrip comes with a wireless recharging station. The rechargeable battery will last up to 7 days and take about 60 minutes to recharge.
Can I swim/shower/immerse the AmpStrip in water?
Yes, the AmpStrip is waterproof and the adhesives are designed to resist, absorb and release water while retaining adhesion to your body. The AmpStrip is encased in a durable, biocompatible silicone housing for worry-free use in the pool or open water, while showering or under conditions of extreme perspiration.
Is the AmpStrip FDA approved?
No. The AmpStrip is intended for consumer use only and is not a medical device.
Which devices are compatible with the AmpStrip?
The AmpStrip can be used with Bluetooth LE® mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets.
Will the AmpStrip work with my existing apps?
The AmpStrip is compatible with fitness apps that support BlueTooth LE® heart rate monitors, such as EndoMondo, MapMyRun, RunKeeper, and Strava.
Will the AmpStrip be compatible with smart watches like the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Gear?
We intend to make sure the AmpStrip will work with smart watches, but those details are not yet finalized.
Who should I contact with questions about my order?
Please contact our Support team at support@fitlinxx.com with any questions related to your order.
Fitlinxx has been around for over 20 years. Traditionally we've embedded our technology into other products and solutions, including very popular consumer fitness devices. Over 5 million devices have been shipped with FitLinxx technology. In some respects, FitLinxx is the most popular fitness technology company no one knows. We have deep expertise in fitness and health sensors. Our technology has been used in outer space, at the Olympics and on the battlefield.
Dave Monahan | Head Guy |
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Dave joined FitLinxx from Microsoft in 2006 as Executive VP of Products and Markets, becoming President and CEO in 2008. With expertise in sales, marketing, engineering and growing businesses through partnerships, Dave has helped transform FitLinxx into an industry-leading provider of fitness, activity wireless healthcare devices. Dave is an avid runner.
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Doug McClure | Head of Product |
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Doug is a digital health expert with a successful track record in developing and commercializing IP and products in the consumer health engagement space. He leads a team of talented designers and product people that are focused on making things people want. Doug is also a "Clydesdale Triathlete" - so you know any equipment he will use can withstand real punishment. |
Tom Quinlan | Head of How to Make it and then Make it |
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Tom has 25 years of diverse technical and business background in engineering, manufacturing and customer service with extensive experience in high-growth startup companies. Tom leads a team of gifted and experienced engineers in the domains of signal algorithms, embedded systems, wireless communication, and advanced manufacturing. |
Catherine Davis | Head of It Does What it Says it Does |
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Catherine joined FitLinxx in 1997. She was the first Quality Assurance person hired at FitLinxx and has spent the past 17 years ensuring that FitLinxx provides the highest quality products. It doesn't ship until Catherine says its ready to ship. |
Steven Schwartz | Head of Spreading the Word |
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Steven joined FitLinxx in 2012 as an expert in Digital Marketing. He is responsible for all product marketing, design and messaging. If you think our materials and messages look great (and we do), you can thank him. |
Eric Booth | Head of Making it Usable and Beautiful |
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Eric sketches, information architects, user researches, user experiences, visualizes, web-izes, mobile designs and photographs, to make ANY idea (big or small) get out this team's heads & onto paper where anything can and does happen. |
Jon Thomas | Head of Product Success |
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Jon joined FitLinxx in 2013 with a background in customer success and implementations. He is responsible for making FitLinxx products successful in the market and managing our partner implementations. Jon is currently running the AmpStrip Alpha and Beta programs and driving the product towards launch this Spring. |
Carrie Greeley | Head of Make it Happen |
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Carrie recently joined FitLinxx and is responsible for managing new and existing partners on the FitLinxx Wellness Platform. She assists partners in optimizing the use of FitLinxx’s product suite to define, build, and implement health and wellness programs. She makes sure things get done.
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