Fitbit is building on the success of its Charge HR and Fitbit Flex as it is launching new wearables, the Fitbit Charge 2 and Flex 2.
Both devices mark substantial upgrades over the models they're replacing and each of them sports impressive prowess.
"Charge 2 and Flex 2 effortlessly track your most important health and fitness stats, with new sleek looks and an experience that is even more engaging, motivating and personal to help you reach your goals," Fitbit says in its press release.
Fitbit Charge 2
The Fitbit Charge 2, just like the top-selling Charge HR, can track the wearer's heart rate. The screen of the Charge 2, however, is four times larger than that of the Charge HR, thus enabling users to see significantly more data at a glance and get better notifications from their paired handset. Users can get notifications for incoming calls and texts, as well as calendar appointments if the gadget is in Bluetooth range of the paired smartphone.
Moreover, the Charge 2 allows users to set alarms and turn them on or off on the gadget itself, choose new clock faces, rearrange the menu items, and more. The gadget also features what Fitbit calls "multisport tracking," enabling users to rely on the device to track nearly any type of exercise, be it yoga or something more intensive.
The Charge 2 can also automatically detect common activities such as running or cycling, which means that users don't have to specifically set the Charge 2 into workout mode to benefit from its assistance.
The device tracks the wearer's heart rate all the time and can even deliver a Cardio Fitness Score via the updated Fitbit app. It doesn't have GPS, but it taps "connected GPS" that banks on the paired smartphone's GPS connection to track exercise routes in the Fitbit app, showing details such as pace and distance in real time on the wearer's wrist.
The Charge 2 comes with interchangeable straps secured with a metal buckle, aiming to provide a comfortable and balanced combination of fitness and style.
The Charge 2 with a rubber band in black, plum, blue or teal will sell for $149.95. A special edition priced at $179.95, meanwhile, will see the gadget in gunmetal or rose gold versions. Fitbit will also sell leather straps separately at $69.95, with color options such as brown, blush pink or indigo.
Fitbit Flex 2
The Flex 2, similarly to the original Flex, doesn't have a display. The gadget has five tiny LEDs instead, and this time they're colored as opposed to the original Flex, which had all LEDs white. The Flex 2 is also 30 percent smaller than its predecessor, but it's feistier.
The gadget is ready for a swim anytime, as it comes as Fitbit's very first fully waterproof wearable. Those who use the Fitbit Flex 2 while swimming will be able to keep track of their laps and strokes easily. The gadget is safe to use both in swimming pools and in the ocean.
When it comes to pricing, the Fitbit Flex 2 has a $99.95 MSRP and comes in various color options such as black, lavender, navy and magenta. Fitbit will also sell straps separately at $14.95 each, or $29.95 for a three-pack, in gray, yellow or blush pink color options.
For an extra touch of style, Fitbit offers a bangle accessory in gold or rose gold at $99.95 and silver stainless steel at $89.95, or a pendant accessory in gold at $99.95 or in silver stainless steel at $79.95.
Both the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Fitbit Flex 2 are now available for preorder on the company's website and will go on sale this fall, but Fitbit has yet to offer a specific date.
