Fitbit announces new smartwatch
Fitbit has announced its newest smartwatch called the Fitbit Ionic.
The new device includes a host of features allowing it to track health metrics such as sleep apnea, blood oxygen levels and heart rate.
For health enthusiasts, Ionic offers personalised workouts which adapt to feedback from users. On-screen guidance helps users with exercises and Ionic offers recommended workouts based on a person’s latest activity.
The device’s improved heart rate sensor continuously tracks resting heart rate, measures calories burn and tracks heart rate with greater accuracy for various exercises.
In a move similar to Apple’s partnership with Nike, Fitbit has teamed up with adidas to launch a Fitbit Ionic special edition and training programmes next year.
The smartwatch runs on Fitbit’s new operating system which includes the Fitbit App Gallery, contactless payments, smart notifications, on-board music and changeable clock faces.
About the Fitbit Ionic, James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit, said: “Ten years ago, Fitbit pioneered the wearables category with the introduction of its first health and fitness tracker. Since then, we have become the leading global wearables brand, setting the pace of innovation in the category and establishing the largest social fitness network that helps millions of people around the world be healthier. With Ionic, we will deliver what consumers have not yet seen in a smartwatch – a health and fitness first platform that combines the power of personalization and deeper insights with our most advanced technology to date, unlocking opportunities for unprecedented health tracking capabilities in the future.”
The device boasts a four-day battery life, beating Apple’s Watch Series which has an 18-hour battery life after overnight charging.
This year saw Fitbit lose its top spot on the wearables market, being beaten by Apple and Xiaomi. The company’s smartwatch has been anticipated for some time and could see Fitbit gaining back lost ground.
The company’s second quarter earnings saw Fitbit report a net loss of $58.2 million. The Fitbit Ionic is expected to boost the company’s sales and help it compete against Apple and other wearable and technology brands.
Research manager for IDC’s Wearables Team, spoke about Fitbit’s position in the wearables market saying: “Fitbit finds itself in the midst of a transformation as user tastes evolve from fitness bands to watches and other products.
“This allowed Xiaomi to throttle up on its inexpensive devices within the China market and for Apple to leverage its position as the leading smartwatch provider worldwide. Now that Xiaomi and Apple have supplanted Fitbit, the next question is whether they will be able to maintain their position.
“However, by no means should Fitbit be removed from the wearables conversation. With a user base of 50 million, a strong presence within corporate wellness, and assets that keep it top of mind for digital health, Fitbit is well positioned to move into new segments and markets.”
Fitbit Ionic will release at the start of October this year.