Fitbit has announced the followup to its Ioniq smartwatch; this time introducing a much smaller device. The idea is that the new Fitbit Versa will have the mass appeal that it’s more premium predecessor did not. Despite this, it doesn’t seem to have compromised too much in terms of features.
The Fitbit Versa appears to draw on the design language of Pebble, which the company acquired back in 2016. Which is perhaps an interesting move, considering the amount of traction that Pebble was gaining shortly before it was bought over.
Inside, there is the usual heart rate tracking, onscreen workouts, and automatic sleep stages tracking that’s being introduced to all new products from the company. What is new is support for quick replies on Android phones, on device music, and contactless payments on the Versa special edition. It also includes the rumoured water-resistance, being able to survive being submerged to depths up to 50m.
Fitbit is also promising at least four days worth of battery life on a single charge. Which at least brings it in line with most other smartwatches.
Health tracking this time has been expanded to cater to women specifically. Introducing a calendar for menstrual cycle tracking and insights. Fitbit has also opened a specific group on its Community page for women to share information or ask questions.
As far as customisation goes, the Versa will ship with a regular swim-ready band. Optional bands come in the form of hand crafted leather bands from Horween Tannery, stainless steel bands, and “exclusive woven bands inspired by athleisure trends” on the Fitbit Versa special edition.
The Fitbit Versa is already available for pre-order in the US for a price of $199, and is set to ship in April. Curiously, the announcement states that the NFC chip on the Fitbit Versa special edition is only included in the US; with no mention about what happens in the other countries where Fitbit Pay is being deployed.
[Source: Fitbit]
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