Fitbit is once again making a splash in the wearable tech industry, announcing that two new fitness wristbands — the Fitbit Charge 2 and Fibit Flex 2 — were available for purchase.
With the success of the first-edition versions of the two bands, Fitbit wanted to create a more sleek, engaging and personalized fitness tracker, according to the company.
“Flex quickly became the best-selling tracker on the market as one of the first wearables to successfully merge fitness and fashion; we’ve revolutionized Flex 2 by making it swim-proof and adding more features in a design than is 30% smaller than the original,” James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit, said in a statement. “We broke new ground with Charge HR by making wrist-based heart rate accessible to millions of users around the world, and we’ve done it again with Charge 2, giving users a snapshot of their cardio fitness based on estimated VO2 Max.”
The Charge 2 is designed to bring an enhanced exercise experience in comparison to the first edition. That includes new health and fitness tools, revamped notification alerts, a larger display and interchangeable bands, making the choice of fitness or fashion just a second away.
The Flex 2 brings swim-proof resistance, the first in the Fitbit line. Along with that, the Flex also has the ability to have its appearance altered thanks to band’s removable tracker that can be paired with bangles, or whatever style the moment calls for.
Of course, there are other notable features that the Charge 2 includes; a VO2 Max reading, step-by-step breathing sessions, multi-sport modes, GPS connectivity and SmartTrack, the band’s revamped, all-day tracking platform. The list goes on, but one thing is certain, Fitbit’s Charge 2 has been majorly remodeled.
“I not only have continuous visibility into my heart rate which gives me real insight into my overall health including workouts — but Fitbit built on that even further with access to my cardio fitness level,” former professional volleyball player and Fitbit ambassador Gabby Reece said in a statement.
Fitbit Flex also has some tricks up its sleeves. With the ability for complete customization and three upcoming designer collections (Public School, Simply Vera and Tory Burch), the Flex gives users the ability to make the band feel personal and unique.
“Whether I’m working out, taking a class, rehearsing or running errands, I want a device that is small, yet stylish, that I can match to whatever I’m wearing,” said Julianne Hough, a Dancing with the Stars champion and Fitbit ambassador. “Fitbit Flex 2 helps keep me motivated to hit my health and fitness goals, and it’s even swim-proof, so I can truly get credit for everything I do in my day.”
Fitbit’s stock has tumbled over the past year, and the new devices could give the company a boost if it can overcome questions about the accuracy of some of their devices.
Fitbit has had three class action lawsuits filed against them in the past few months which claimed the trackers were, “highly inaccurate”.
As researchers at Cal Poly Pomona reported on Fitbit’s heart rate monitor, “PurePulse Trackers do not accurately measure a user’s heart rate, particularly during moderate to high intensity exercise, and cannot be used to provide a meaningful estimate of a user’s heart rate.”
Fitbit in response issued a statement criticizing the study.