Fitbit Flex 2 is now the first-ever swim-proof, swim-tracking wearable device from Fitbit.
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I’ve been alternately wearing the Charge 2 and Flex 2 for the past couple of days, and one of my favorite new features is the Reminders to Move.
Additionally, the Charge 2 is created to evaluate your overall fitness level by estimating your VO2 max, a metric typically used by professional athletes that measures how much oxygen you can use during cardio activity.
You can also use the Charge 2 to track specific workouts, like bike rides, weights, yoga, and runs (it can connect to the Global Positioning System feature on your phone to give you feedback on pace and time).
Finally, there’s a breathing feature on the wristband, called Relax, that guides you through a short 2- or 5-minute breathing exercise.
The Fitbit Flex deserves its name because while it can be worn in a plain rubber wristband, you can also dress it up. I tested it against a medical grade heart rate tracker placed on my finger, and the Charge 2 provided nearly the same number, off by only 1 to 2 points.Just like its predecessor, the Charge 2 is able to automatically recognize the type of exercise you engaged in, such as walking, running, outdoor biking, elliptical and more.
The Apple Watch 2 could be announced as soon as next week at Apple’s expected iPhone 7 event, and today Fitbit is getting a head start by unpacking its latest updates to its fitness tracking lineup.
The tracker is also much more customizable than previous versions – you can easily swap out the bands (it comes in black, teal, blue and purple variations) and customize the watch face. Plus, there’s another Tory Burch collab on tap for the Alta in 2017. Meanwhile, there’s a new app with Fitbit Adventures pitting your exercise regime against a trek through Yosemite, while designer collaborations aim to make the health gadgets as close to high-couture as possible.
The online, virtual adventures will work with any of the company’s trackers and include hikes in Yosemite National Park and the NY marathon course to start. Every morning, you’re challenged to reach a new destination on the trail (which are the same distance as they are IRL).
Come mid-September, Fitbit will be sponsoring the New York Road Runners Association’s marathon in NYC, and app users all over will be able to virtually compete too through a custom in-app experience.
Although the new hardware is Fitbit’s big news today, there’s also movement in the app. Interested in an upgrade? Both are available for pre-order on Monday and will hit stores this fall. Here’s what you can expect if you order some ~fancy~ new fitness arm candy. With the Charge 2, Fitbit is offering something smaller and less expensive than those two, with connected Global Positioning System; the bracelet-style Alta costs slightly less and is arguably more stylish, but doesn’t have that Global Positioning System option. Fitbit will also sell additional leather bands (in brown, indigo and pink) for $69.95.
This sleek new offering is 30 percent smaller than other Flex models.
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This new Blaze design also has various band options-it’s only fitting that you can style it however you like, considering the model’s trendy new gold look. Two special editions, black/gun metal and lavender / rose gold, will be offered for $179.95.
