To say the smartwatch market is amid something of a boom would be a great understatement. But while Apple Watch and Google’s Android Wear are both looking to take a considerable chunk of this new wearable category, it’s worth considering the strong fitness-related features that vendors are packing into these gadgets. Fitbit is a company that has been churning out fitness-tracking apps for a while now, but with the big companies likely to crowd the smaller names out, is in something of a battle to remain relevant. As such, Fitbit has introduced two new devices today; one fitness tracker, and further device resembling a smartwatch.
Fitbit Surge
This smartwatch packs a neat, modern look that features a black-and-white OLED display. Certainly more Pebble than Moto 360, it’s Fitbit’s first smartwatch in the truest sense of the word, and includes a bunch of sensors to supplement the fitness experience.
You’ve got a heart-rate monitor, GPS and compass – three features of particular use to those partial to going out for runs – and with a seven-day battery life, there’s little chance of your Fitbit Surge running out of energy before you do.
Given that it’s made specifically for the fitness-conscious, we’d expect a very smooth, accurate experience, although where it may better other smartwatches for fitness and such, you’re not going to be enjoying some of the many perks you might find on Android Wear.
Still, if you’re prepared to wait until next year and stump up $249.95, then the Fitbit Surge may well be for you.
Check out the video demo below:
Fitbit Charge
This device is essentially a tweaked version of the old Fitbit Force, with step-tracking, calorie-counting, a seven-day battery life, and a diminutive backlit OLED display.
This device will be released next month at the cost of $129.99, while next year, the Fitbit Charge HR and will throw in a heart-rate monitor and cost an extra $20 at $149.95.
The design of these two new devices is very much in line with tradition as far as the company is concerned, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s a very good thing, and as I’m sure many of you will agree, the Fitbit Surge is an aesthetically pleasing wearable.
Check out the video demo below:
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