Building on its success in the wearable health tracking space, Fitbit has announced two new fitness bands – the Fitbit Charge 2 and the Fitbit Flex 2 – which update current models in its lineup.
Both gain new features, styles and versatility and are available globally today for presale, with retail availability for the Charge 2 from today (30 August) and the Flex 2 coming in October.
Charge 2
Starting with the Fitbit Charge 2, which is an update to the popular Fitbit Charge HR, this brings a more engaging and motivating experience to help you reach your fitness goals. Its key features include PurePulse heart rate tracking, which essentially tracks your heart rate continuously and provides a better view of your calorie burn as well as your fitness level (VO2 Max).
There’s also a new ‘Relax’ mode, which provides guided breathing sessions to help calm mind and body, and even lower blood pressure. There are 2 and 5 minute breathing sessions, and the Charge 2 adjusts your breathing rate in real time based on your heart rate. There are also heart rate visualisations and vibrational cues about when to breathe.
The new Multi-sport mode is for tracking workouts like runs, bike rides, weights, yoga and more, and you can check post-exercise summaries and a detailed report of your activity in the Fitbit app.
The Connected GPS feature links your fitness band with the GPS in your smartphone to provide even more precise and actionable real-time stats, like pace and distance when you’re running, while recording a map of your route in the app.
The Interval workout mode guides you in alternating periods of high-intensity exercise and recovery to maximise workouts like circuit training so you can stay focused on your workout.
The Charge 2 also sees a design update and has a 4-times-larger display than the old version. Apart from being easier to read, the modular design makes it a snap to change bands and clock faces as well.
Flex 2
The Flex 2 is Fitbit’s first ever swim-proof fitness band and is now 30 percent slimmer than the previous model.
Designed to be worn all day but with more of a fashion focus, the Flex 2 features a removable tracker that transforms with classic bands, elegant bangles or pendants. You can even choose between luxe premium finishes including silver stainless steel, 22k-plated gold or rose gold stainless steel.
As Fitbit’s first swim-proof wristband, the Flex 2 is water resistant up to 50 metres and it tracks your pool swims including laps, duration and calories burned in the Fitbit App.
The Flex 2’s SmartTrack system can automatically recognise different workout types included walks, runs, rides, elliptical, sports, aerobic workouts, and swims.
And to keep you moving, there are friendly reminders to reach your hourly step goals and reduce time just sitting around.
A simple LED display now uses colour-coded lights to show progress toward your daily goal, and keeps you connected with call and text notifications.
In store
You can pick up a Fitbit Charge 2 now in major Australia retailers including Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and Rebel Sport.
The Flex 2 is available for presale today on the Fitbit website and will be available in October at local retailers.
Fitbit Charge 2:
| Tracker with a classic fitness band in black, blue, plum or tea | $249.95 |
| Classic fitness accessory bands in four colours, sold separately | $49.95 |
| Luxe premium leather accessory bands in blush pink, brown, and indigo | $119.95 |
| Special edition series in gunmetal and rose gold coming soon | $289.95 |
Fitbit Flex 2:
| Tracker with a classic fitness band in black, lavender, magenta or navy | $149.95 |
| Classic 3-pack fitness accessory band hues in Pink (blush pink, lavender and magenta) and Sport (gray, navy and yellow) coming soon | $49.95 |
| Bangle accessory in gold, rose gold | $169.95 |
| Bangle accessory in silver stainless steel | $149.95 |
| Pendant accessory in gold | $169.95 |
| Pendant accessory in silver stainless steel | $129.95 |
