A steady complaint about wearable tech is that it's not very fashionable, but new product lines aim to change that reputation.
Fitbit is enlisting New York City-based designer Tory Burch to develop a line of fashionable fitness tracker wearables. Burch is debuting a new stylish accessory line that includes pendants and bracelets. They are part of the collection for the Fitbit Flex fitness tracker.
The announcement Wednesday illustrates a much-anticipated priority to style and personalization. Think of the Motorola Razor, the MacBook Air, the different colors of phone cases and music players in the market. Wearables will go a step further and blend the devices into a person's own style accessories.
One recent report details the four distinct pieces unvelied as part of the new Burch wearable fitness tech collection. They include a shiny brass pendant, a brass bracelet and a couple of different types of silicone bands.
Each of the designs are made to house a Fitbit Flex sensor. The sensor tracks the number of steps its user takes. It also monitors the amount of calories burned and sleep patterns. Fitbit reportedly announced the partnership in February.
Another report makes note of the items' prices. For under $40, a fitness-minded individual could purchase a silicone-printed bracelet. The colors come in either blue or pink, and versions with prints are available, too.
The pendant necklace costs around $175, according to the report. The hinged bracelets go for around $200.
The collection is available on the Fitbit and Tory Burch websites. They are also available in select Tory Burch boutiques.
Fitbit said a reason they hired Burch is because she's athletic and into staying physically fit. She is also a techie, not something you hear all of the time from apparel and accessory designers.
Burch made sure to brand the items and her signature style is apparent throughout the design schemes.
Fitbit Flex devices are sold separately at around $100 a pop. The company plans to expand its efforts at offering stylish products in the wearable tech arena.
