Engadget reveals that Fitbit Inc. (NYSE:FIT) has added two new activity tracking wrist bands to its line of fitness tracking devices: the Flex 2 and Charge 2. These are the improvised versions of the company’s former Flex and Charge HR variants, now with some innovative new features and tweaks to improve users’ experience.
CEO James Park previously hinted at the roll out of more wearables by the end of the year. As the trend of fitness tracking devices continue to rise rapidly, Fitbit remains one of users’ top choices for such devices. However, since more options for fitness trackers started to appear in markets, the second iterations of Fitbit’s products aims to drive more sales for the company by offering some new benefits.
The company is now working to introduce fitness device with focus on fashion. Both Charge 2 and Flex 2 have been upgraded in order to appeal to both male and female audience; while also proving to be a vital asset for health-conscious individuals.
We believe that Fitbit’s urgency to roll out the upgraded devices is mainly to continue competing with rival devices such as Apple Inc.’s Apple Watch, which also focuses on integrating fashion with health. Considering that the iPhone maker took excessive measures to advertise its first-ever smart watch prior to its roll out; Fitbit’s determination to perfect its former devices was somewhat predictable.
Even though the revamped next-gen trackers do have a distinct Fitbit quality, the company has played around with some of its features to give them a more perfected touch. The Charge 2’s roll out after its successor’s initial launch in 2014 shows that the new device has a bigger screen, sub-menus, interchangeable bands, a connected GPS system, and a new “Relax” feature. Since the company was previously thrashed for some inaccurate readings of users’ heart-rate, there are increased possibilities that the upgraded model has been tweaked to eradicate any of these glitches.
The wrist-band can last users up to five days. Fitbit reveals that pre-orders for the Charge 2 have started, and shipment for the orders are expected to commence in September.
Subsequently, the Flex 2 is also an improvised version of the former Fitbit Flex, now enabling users to wear their fitness trackers to the pool, thanks to its “swimproof” capabilities. The company’s efforts to remain distinctive against its rivals are evident, as Flex 2 is Fitbit’s first ever waterproof device which automatically detects when the user slip into the pool. This works as a great marketing angle for Fitbit since Flex already offered users with a wide range of options for tracking their fitness routines throughout the day.
Like the former model, Flex 2 will also help users’ keep tabs on the number of steps taken, distance traveled, sleep hours, and calories burned in the day. The wristband alerts users every time they reach their “goal”; giving customers a great way of keeping record of their fitness without even requiring a display screen. However, the only downside is that this model has not been integrated with heart rate sensors as yet.
The Flex 2 model’s shipment is scheduled to begin in October and will be available in a range of colors including gold, silver, and 22-carat rose gold. As Fitbit continues to ramp up on its number of wearables, its decision to focus on fashion oriented fitness trackers can appeal to an even larger audience than before.
We believe that the company’s efforts are remarkable considering that it has also been working on its former Fitbit Alta and Fitbit Blaze devices. Since the company’s wearables dominate most of US’s market share, the addition of the Charge 2 and Flex 2 have potential to help it boost its sales before the end of 2016. The two new trackers have been priced the same as their former models, with the Charge 2 costing $149, the same price as the Charge HR, and the Flex 2 for $99.
