Great concept and execution
I’m drinking more water because of the bottle. Tried tracking my water intake previously manually but let’s be honest, that gets boring quick. The connected bottle makes it easy!
One request though, I’d love to be able to do manual adds using Siri. Waterminder is an iOS app that allows this very well, any chance you could ‘borrow’ some of their ideas and integrate into the app?
One request though, I’d love to be able to do manual adds using Siri. Waterminder is an iOS app that allows this very well, any chance you could ‘borrow’ some of their ideas and integrate into the app?
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Be ready to be sold in-app purchases for basic functionality
The idea for tracking water intake is interesting, though the app leaves much to be desired in terms of usability. Menu items are often named in an unclear manner, leaving users guessing as to what they actually mean. Performing simple functions, like changing the color of the lights on the base, are a huge hassle; just this function alone takes multiple seconds to actually register. As a computer engineer myself, I have no idea why it the app needs to (seemingly) synchronize with the device itself before registering (and returning responsiveness back to the UI).
Additionally, the biggest and most egregious problem, is that hidrate thinks that they’re building a platform from which to syphon money from its paying users: they offer in app purchases for “options” that a user would consider standard: changing the color of the base of the device. Want to assign a simple color change that’s not part of the basic six color options? That’ll be $5. This is a simple LED controller; I have no idea why the business side of this startup would believe that they should nickel and dime users who have already paid a significant sum for simple cosmetic features. This isn’t a multiplayer game—these are simple functions that shouldn’t be held back for a stupid $5 sum.
As a result, I cannot recommend this device, or the app, to any other potential users. Beware and choose wisely with your dollar.
Additionally, the biggest and most egregious problem, is that hidrate thinks that they’re building a platform from which to syphon money from its paying users: they offer in app purchases for “options” that a user would consider standard: changing the color of the base of the device. Want to assign a simple color change that’s not part of the basic six color options? That’ll be $5. This is a simple LED controller; I have no idea why the business side of this startup would believe that they should nickel and dime users who have already paid a significant sum for simple cosmetic features. This isn’t a multiplayer game—these are simple functions that shouldn’t be held back for a stupid $5 sum.
As a result, I cannot recommend this device, or the app, to any other potential users. Beware and choose wisely with your dollar.
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Response from developer
Thank you for your review. We're always working to improve, so we really appreciate the feedback. We are very sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the new app feature Glow Studio. - Hidrate Team
Spark steel love
I just received this as a gift and have only been using it for a few days I really like the concept of being reminded to drink and love the steel option. I would never have bought a plastic one. My kids think it’s cool when it lights up and want one of their own too. I will say the app is ok but the trophies aren’t properly working. I changed my goal to be significantly above where it recommended I drink because I think the predictor of how much I should drink based on activity/pregnant/breastfeeding is way too low, not a big deal since the option to set your own goal is there. I will say however that the trophies are not being awarded in accordance on me actually meeting my goal. Example: I’ve had the bottle for a week. I’ve logged in every day but haven’t earned the 3peat trophy for logging in 3 days consecutively. I have however earned the 3day streak goal for meeting my goal three days in a row, but in actuality I’ve only met my goal consecutively 2 days in a row. So I think there are some bugs in the app. Otherwise a great product and I would absolutely recommend this to others!
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Response from developer
Thank you for your review! We're always working to improve so we really appreciate the feedback. If you're still experiencing any problems with the app, feel free to contact us via email or directly from within your app in Settings - Help - touch the Message bubble icon (Upper right). Our support team will get back to you quickly! Thank you! - Hidrate Team
Extra Feature Cost
Very deceiving that you have to pay an extra 5 bucks to customize colors. I already paid 60 bucks for the bottle then they want 4.99 tor just to pick some colors. My smart home light bulb has millions of color combinations and it’s all included with the cost of the product so it’s disappointing that Hidrate is charging extra. Same thing with my ember Mug, I can use a color wheel to choose any color: When it’s time to replace the bottle things like this is why people shop around. There’s no reason why the company needs to nickel and dime customers through the app for buying their product. It makes me think of what else they will try to charge for on the future and if I want to be a repeat customer. Still debating if I want to ship around and return the 2 bottles I just received today. It’s these little features that make the difference and to have to pay for them is frustrating.
Also, even with the pay feature you can only buy 1 color, it’s not even that they let you unlock all the features. Whoever came up with this idea needs to know it’s cheap and terrible, and will only lose customers over time. Unlock the features like your competitors otherwise you’ll start losing customers.
Also, even with the pay feature you can only buy 1 color, it’s not even that they let you unlock all the features. Whoever came up with this idea needs to know it’s cheap and terrible, and will only lose customers over time. Unlock the features like your competitors otherwise you’ll start losing customers.
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Easy to use.
I was manually logging my water intake. It was a pain when I would add more water to my regular water bottle and forget how much of it I had already drank. Especially at night time when I would be consuming water but not logging it. The app along with my Hidrate Steel water bottle is worth every penny. I did purchase the additional glow studio so I can customize my colors. Was it necessary, no, but it helps make drinking water fun. I totally recommend and would definitely buy again. The app is pretty simple to pair with the water bottle and to use. The water bottle itself feels pretty solid, fits into my standard size cup holder in my car, and so far it hasn’t leaked laying it down. The lid flips open and can be locked, and the lid won’t hit you in the face when you tip it to get those last drops.
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Concept Appreciation
I really love my HidrateSpark and the app helps with accountability. I’m someone who needs routine in life generally, so this has been a great product. I only give three stars because I understand the concept is still new and kinks need to be worked out plus it’s the first and really only interactive water bottle, with Bluetooth feature of its kind and in its own market. I would love to see this concept take on more while it has the opportunity to do so. With pursuit for ethical, fair trade and sustainable and/or recycled materials, more affordability of their product to target a wider market that would benefit more greatly, partnerships with grassroots nonprofits that combat against systemic issues and the climate crises. Water is life after all. As far as the app and product alone, I find that the battery dies too quickly, a self charge option would be cool to see. And the app still has some bugs. I’ve completed a couple “achievements” that have not unlocked or synced.
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Best bottle/app combo
I’m not normally motivated to write an app review, but one of the notifications that just came through may or may not have been a Father Ted reference and if it was, it deserves kudos.
Besides that, though, I love the bottle and the app. If I were to offer constructive criticism, I’d recommend the developers take a look at WaterMinder and the way water and other liquids are logged on it for non HidrateSpark swigs - particularly on the watch app.
That’s minor though, the app and bottle are both equally great. Might look at getting one for the missus too.
Besides that, though, I love the bottle and the app. If I were to offer constructive criticism, I’d recommend the developers take a look at WaterMinder and the way water and other liquids are logged on it for non HidrateSpark swigs - particularly on the watch app.
That’s minor though, the app and bottle are both equally great. Might look at getting one for the missus too.
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Finally steel & cold water
Loving the hidrate steel bottle , now my water stays cold so able to drink the amounts I should be drinking, love the lock feature on the chug lid too also like the bigger size up from spark 3. App has worked fine for me does need some refining as some days it adds the amounts later. One other thing, in the app it doesnt show option of tracking the bottle so lets hope hidrate fix that. Last thing hurry & make it easier to get in Aus.
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App
Edit: Everything is working fine now.
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My 3 worked fine with my watch, but I am not getting notifications on my watch now. When I got into notifications for my watch hidrate Spark is not there as an option. The app is installed in my watch and I’m able to see how much water I drink, but I don’t get reminders. On my phone, if I subtract water which I had to because the app wasn’t working write, it’s shows adjusted in the history but the adjustment isn’t reflected in the total. Please fix these issues. The watch reminders were awesome when they worked on my 3. I’m not getting any notifications now even though I have it set to receive them on my phone. Again..in the Apple Watch there is no option for notifications now that I’m using my steel.
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My 3 worked fine with my watch, but I am not getting notifications on my watch now. When I got into notifications for my watch hidrate Spark is not there as an option. The app is installed in my watch and I’m able to see how much water I drink, but I don’t get reminders. On my phone, if I subtract water which I had to because the app wasn’t working write, it’s shows adjusted in the history but the adjustment isn’t reflected in the total. Please fix these issues. The watch reminders were awesome when they worked on my 3. I’m not getting any notifications now even though I have it set to receive them on my phone. Again..in the Apple Watch there is no option for notifications now that I’m using my steel.
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ALMOST PERFECT
i was and still am very excited about my new hidrate steel. to be honest I had avoided their previous models because i couldn’t stand the aesthetic, but the new steel bottles are minimal, easy to use, and great to look at.
the app works pretty well. setup is easy and setting and meeting goals is very intuitive. unfortunately the data doesn’t always sync with apple health. i would understand if the apps weren’t compatible, but since they are it doesn’t make sense that apple health only sometimes gets the data from the app. I can’t figure it out.
all things considered i’d highly recommend this bottle and app. the smart bottle industry is a relatively new one and everything can’t be perfect. but compared to what i had before (drinkup) and my research of other companies, hidrate looks like it’s the best company out there. can’t wait to see how they grow and improve!
the app works pretty well. setup is easy and setting and meeting goals is very intuitive. unfortunately the data doesn’t always sync with apple health. i would understand if the apps weren’t compatible, but since they are it doesn’t make sense that apple health only sometimes gets the data from the app. I can’t figure it out.
all things considered i’d highly recommend this bottle and app. the smart bottle industry is a relatively new one and everything can’t be perfect. but compared to what i had before (drinkup) and my research of other companies, hidrate looks like it’s the best company out there. can’t wait to see how they grow and improve!
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