Thanks for the feedback--that's interesting. I'd assumed these were all LED based. If it is electrical contact related, could you not use a gel like another com

Thanks for the feedback--that's interesting. I'd assumed these were all LED based. If it is electrical contact related, could you not use a gel like another commenter mentioned using with a chest strap? It seems like a gimmick, but I've had good results with one of the iPhone apps where you place your finger over the camera and it's illuminated by the flash. You have to keep the finger in a constant position, but it works reliably if you do. So I have hope for new technology. Completely different area, but there's this technology: http://people.csail.mit.edu/mrub/vidmag/ http://people.csail.mit.edu/mrub/vidmag/ which seems surprisingly robust. If you can get heart rate from standard video, I wouldn't be surprised to find it's possible to get a reliable signal with a LED and light sensor placed directly against the skin–especially if it's done in addition to an electrical signal. Either way, we'll find out soon enough. The Apple watch claims to give heart rate too, and they're going to get absolutely slammed in the media if they don't live up to it. Will be interesting to see!