Fitbit yesterday released a new smartwatch called Versa, which it calls “a smartwatch for everyone”. A number of features Versa and design make comparison with Apple Watch inevitable. In addition, Fitbit also announced the Fitbit ace – a smart band for kids – and a new version of its operating system.
Fitbit Versa
Fitbit says the Versa is “the lightest metal smartwatch” available in the US. They feature an ultra-thin anodized aluminum body that is slightly rounded to look good even on small wrists. The touchscreen supports brightness up to 1000 nits, allowing users to see content even in bright sunlight. The battery should last for 4 days of battery life.
Fitbit Versa has most of the features common to other models from this manufacturer: continuous heart rate tracking, automatic transition to training mode, built-in storage for music, automatic sleep tracking and contactless payments via NFC (available only in Fitbit Versa Special Edition). Fitbit has also announced a variety of accessories, from classic bracelets to designer leather or metal straps.
James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit, noted:
As wearables become more ubiquitous, the Fitbit Versa is responding to critical market demands by providing beautiful, easy-to-use, full-featured smart cards at a competitive price. Versa offers consumers cutting edge health and fitness features. The novelty is compatible with modern mobile platforms and works for 4 days to constantly provide the user with information about his health.
The Fitbit Versa is now open for pre-orders and will launch in April. The standard version costs $ 199.95 and is available in three colors: black with a black case, gray with a silver case, and peach with a rose gold case. Fitbit Versa Special Edition with NFC – contactless payment chip costs a little more: $ 229.95.
Fitbit OS 2.0
Versa will be released with a new version of Fitbit OS 2.0. A new personalized panel has been added to it for a more visual presentation of data about the health and activity of the user. Users will be able to see daily and weekly statistics, activity data, heart rate, exercise summary, motivational messages, tips and a plan for the day – all right on the wrist.
Fitbit promises that over time, this panel will become even more personalized: remind you of events and appointments, add notes, provide sleep reports – all with prompts for further actions based on the collected data. All of this will be available in Fitbit OS 2.0 later this year.
Note that today, more than 550 apps are available in the Fitbit App Gallery, many of which will be optimized for Versa in the near future.
Fitbit Ace
The kids-focused Fitbit Ace will offer basic Fitbit features in a simpler device. Users (the device is aimed at children 8+) will see that the bracelet automatically tracks steps, physical activity and sleep. With a Fitbit family account, parents can control who their kids talk to in the Fitbit app.
The bracelet will remind children to move. If the child listens to the advice, he will be rewarded with collectible virtual pins. Fitbit will also launch daily and weekly challenges soon so family and friends can compete against each other to take care of their health. Along with this, the Family Faceoff mode will appear, in which family members will try to score as many points as possible in five days, doing exercises, walking certain distances, etc.
Pre-orders for Fitbit Ace are already open, the cost of the bracelet was $ 99.95. There are two colors available: blue and purple. It will go on sale in the second quarter of this year (April-June).