Fitbit debuts Versa 2 lifestyle smartwatch to fight Apple Watch
Fitbit announced the launch of the Fitbit Versa 2, the second generation of their popular Fitbit Versa, set to release on September 15.
The Fitbit Versa line is designed to be an affordable alternative to other smart watches, such as the Apple Watch. The newest iteration of the Versa, the Versa 2, has received several upgrades, such as water resistance up to 50 meters and a larger screen, to make it an attractive alternative to higher end smartwatches.
"At Fitbit, we believe that health belongs to everyone and that people should not be priced out of having access to devices and features that can help them improve their health," said James Park, Fitbit's CEO. "That's why we've designed Versa 2 to be a premium, full-featured and easy-to-use smartwatch at an accessible price point."
The most prominent change is the upgraded sleep tracker. The Versa 2 features Sleep Score, Smart Wake, Sleep Mode and will soon roll out the ability to estimate a wearers oxygen levels in their bloodstream while sleeping.
The Versa 2 includes Fitbit's first on-device microphone, giving users access to the built in version of Alexa. The Versa 2 Alexa features a discreet text-only response, and allows users to look up locations and information via voice commands.
Taking a page out of Apple's Watch-based Apple Pay, the Versa 2 has Fitbit Pay. Fitbit Pay allows users to pay by tapping their Versa 2 on any card reader that accepts wireless tap-to-pay methods, as well as access seven worldwide transit systems like New York's MTA OMNY and Vancouver's TransLink.
Fitbit has also brought Spotify to the Versa 2, giving users the ability to control their Spotify App from their wrist. Additionally, the Versa can store and play 300+ songs from a wearers library, download Pandora stations, and add Deezer playlists.
According to the press release, the Versa 2 is powered by a faster processor and has a larger AMOLED display. An optional always-on display mode features a two-day battery life.
The Versa 2 retails for $199.95 for the base model while the Special Edition retails for $299.95. The Versa 2 comes with three free months of Fitbit Premium, and is currently available to pre-order here, with the official release slated for September 15.
The Fitbit Versa line is designed to be an affordable alternative to other smart watches, such as the Apple Watch. The newest iteration of the Versa, the Versa 2, has received several upgrades, such as water resistance up to 50 meters and a larger screen, to make it an attractive alternative to higher end smartwatches.
"At Fitbit, we believe that health belongs to everyone and that people should not be priced out of having access to devices and features that can help them improve their health," said James Park, Fitbit's CEO. "That's why we've designed Versa 2 to be a premium, full-featured and easy-to-use smartwatch at an accessible price point."
The most prominent change is the upgraded sleep tracker. The Versa 2 features Sleep Score, Smart Wake, Sleep Mode and will soon roll out the ability to estimate a wearers oxygen levels in their bloodstream while sleeping.
The Versa 2 includes Fitbit's first on-device microphone, giving users access to the built in version of Alexa. The Versa 2 Alexa features a discreet text-only response, and allows users to look up locations and information via voice commands.
Taking a page out of Apple's Watch-based Apple Pay, the Versa 2 has Fitbit Pay. Fitbit Pay allows users to pay by tapping their Versa 2 on any card reader that accepts wireless tap-to-pay methods, as well as access seven worldwide transit systems like New York's MTA OMNY and Vancouver's TransLink.
Fitbit has also brought Spotify to the Versa 2, giving users the ability to control their Spotify App from their wrist. Additionally, the Versa can store and play 300+ songs from a wearers library, download Pandora stations, and add Deezer playlists.
According to the press release, the Versa 2 is powered by a faster processor and has a larger AMOLED display. An optional always-on display mode features a two-day battery life.
The Versa 2 retails for $199.95 for the base model while the Special Edition retails for $299.95. The Versa 2 comes with three free months of Fitbit Premium, and is currently available to pre-order here, with the official release slated for September 15.
Comments
Really?! Anyone who spends that much on an Apple Watch ripoff deserves to be ripped off. I say the same for the idiots that buy iPhone-priced knockoffs from Sammy and others who think they're comparable.
Um, no. Apple Watch offers more so naturally the battery will drain faster.
Really, this is the last market for these and they'll still sell a bit more until people upgrade to Apple Watch.
But I also read somewhere that Fitbits sales were tanking so they announced they'd be giving away fitness trackers for free to fuel their future services. (Free to whom I don't remember.) They're really trying to be the Apple knockoff in this space.
Apple Watch doesn't have to drain faster if the features are not active hence my point. The biggest power consumption is the display and if FitBit can have display on for two days straight or last for five days with "normal use", then there's no reason why Apple Watch cannot be more efficient as well.
Speaking of which, I laugh at the articles that praise the Fitbit watch for having a sleep monitoring feature. Well, if you still have $4.99 left over after you buy your Apple Watch (!), you can get the premium version of Pillow, and I'm sure there are other similar apps out there. (No, I have no financial interest in this app).
True, it can't really compare to the full blown Apple Watch -- but for many people the 80/20 rules applies and they'll be happy getting that core 80%