Fitbit releases 2 new wearable devices, more motivational tools for current users
Fitbit’s lineup of wearable devices has finally expanded. At the same time, the company has announced new motivational tools for existing users. The dual announcements were made at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge officially launch in North America today, Jan. 6. Global availability will follow “shortly after.” The new wearable devices were first introduced in October, alongside the Fitbit Charge, which launched at that time.
Fitbit Charge, Fitbit Charge HR
The $129.95 Fitbit Charge and $149.95 Fitbit Charge HR are replacements for the Fitbit Force, which was pulled from the market in 2014.
Along with tracking steps taken, distance traveled, and more, the OLED screen displays the time and up-to-date stats. The wearable devices are identical, except that the latter features Fitbit’s proprietary PurePulse optical heart rate technology, which delivers continuous, automatic wrist-based heart rate tracking all day.
Priced at $249.95, the Fitbit Surge has been described as a “fitness superwatch.” Along with GPS functionality and heart rate tracking, it offers a number of smart watch functionalities like the Apple Watch.
Fitbit Surge
The Fitbit Surge includes all the features of the Fitbit Charge HR, plus:
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Built-in GPS delivers stats like pace, distance, elevation and split times. Fitbit Surge seamlessly syncs with mobile devices to show route history and workout summaries, leading to smarter training
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Multiple Sport Mode, to classify workouts and view detailed summaries of exercises completed—including heart rate and calories burned
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Smartest combination of desirable smartwatch features including customizable watch faces, Caller ID, text alerts and mobile music control
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Advanced eight-sensor technology – GPS, 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyroscope, digital compass, optical heart rate monitor, altimeter, ambient light sensor and a touchscreen
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Backlit LCD touchscreen display for easy viewing and navigation through real-time stats, workout apps and alarms
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Battery life up to 7 days, to track everything from the work week to a full marathon on one charge
Do you currently own a Fitbit device? New features are coming your way too:
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Multiple trackers, one account: Coming soon, link up to five Fitbit devices to a single account, so you’ll never miss a step. Whether doing a grueling triathlon with Fitbit Surge or running errands with Fitbit Flex, Fitbit has you covered
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Expanded features for Fitbit Charge HR: Adding to the advanced technology within Fitbit Charge HR, on-display exercise summaries will be coming soon
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Faster food logging for every bite: Fitbit is further enhancing food logging to make it simpler – regardless of platform or global location
The Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge are available through the Fitbit website. Both will be available in major North American retailers, including Best Buy, Brookstone, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s, REI, The Sports Authority, and Target, by the end of January. Major global retailers will be announced later this month.
The Fitbit Charge HR is available in black, plum, blue, and tangerine. The Fitbit Surge is available in black, blue, and tangerine.
