Fitbit has introduced three new devices to its growing line-up of fitness trackers and smartwatches, all of which incorporate Google “smarts:” the Inspire 3, Versa 4, and Sense 2.
All three devices are designed to be thinner and more comfortable to wear. Still sporting battery lives that last as long as a full week – longer in some cases – they incorporate features that users have come to expect in premium trackers like oxygen saturation (Sp02), sleep trends, and body responses to stressors.
Fitbit Inspire 3
The new line-up begins with the Fitbit Inspire 3, a fun and easy-to-use tracker for those looking for something simple and affordable. You can track 24/7 activity, heart rate, sleep, stress, and more. Available with a colour touchscreen and up to 10-day battery life, it tracks Active Zone Minutes, calories burned, distance, and basic steps. You’ll receive gentle reminders to move throughout the day and along with 24.7 heart rate, you can see your heart rate as you exercise to determine when you’re in fat burn, cardio, and peak zones.
Like other Fitbit tracker, you’ll get access to Sleep Stages and Sleep Score, can set a bedtime reminder and Smart Wake alarm, and do guided breathing sessions, right from your wrist. You can also access mindfulness exercises in the Fitbit app, meditations, and see a Stress Management Score. Access the Health Metrics Dashboard to see how your activity, sleep, and stress impacts your body. This includes how your breathing rate, heart rate variability, skin
temperature, oxygen saturation (SpO2) and resting heart rate respond to different situations, like alcohol, altitude, caffeine, or even a cold.
There are introductory fitness and wellness sessions in the app along with guidance and challenges. Additionally, you can use the app to log your blood glucose, hydration, menstrual cycle, and nutrition by manually entering the data.
The Inspire 3 comes with a six-month free trial to Fitbit Premium, which includes additional insights like a Daily Readiness Score, Sleep Score, and Sleep Profile, Stress Management Score, more than 1,000 workouts and mindfulness sessions, and a complete wellness report when desired.
The lightweight pebble of Inspire 3 is thin, water resistant up to 50 meters, and comes in a range of fun colours. Change up your look with accessories like translucent and stainless steel mesh bands and a clip, sold separately.
The bright display lets you quickly see your stats, pick a colourful clock face, and enjoy the always-on display function (this reduces battery life to 3+ days).
The Fitbit Inspire 3 is available for $129.95 in Canada and can be pre-ordered now on the Fitbit website with worldwide availability in September.
Fitbit Versa 4
Level up to a smartwatch design with the Fitbit Versa 4 ($299.95), which is powered by the new Fitbit OS and features the return of the physical button, which was removed for the Versa 3, but now in a new location that Fitbit says makes it easier to access during a workout.
You can track everything noted with the Inspire 3 and you’ll get up to six days battery life per charge with the option to fast charge for an extra day in just 12 minutes. The new Premium Sleep Profile feature (this watch comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium trial as well) uses 10 sleep metrics to show you what type of sleeper you are, detect key patterns, and help you improve.
You’ll get extended app and text notifications, glanceable alarms, smart replies with a compatible Android only, and soon, you’ll be able to access Google Maps and Google Wallet right from your wrist.
The Versa 4 comes with more than 40 exercise modes, more than double Fitbit has ever featured in any smartwatch or fitness tracker, including new options like HIIT, weightlifting, CrossFit, and dance. With built-in GPS, you can track outdoor runs, bike rides, walks, and hikes, or choose from more than 1,000 workouts and mindfulness sessions in the app (with the Premium subscription; a limited number is available without.) You’ll naturally get 24/7 heart rate tracking and zones as well as Active Zone Minutes calculated. With Premium, you have access to Daily Readiness Score to help you know when to push hard or take a
rest day. Each score is coupled with recommended actions, from an Active Zone Minutes goal and tips for recovery and associated content.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 has all the same features as the Versa 4, including access to Google Maps and Wallet coming soon, along with more stress tracking tools. Anew Body Response sensor, for example, can be used to track continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) for all-day stress management right from your wrist.
Along with cEDA, it uses metrics like heart rate, heart rate variability, and skin temperature to help you beer understand when your body experiences potential signs of stress. Sene 2 also recommends different ways to manage stress in the moment, like logging your mood, guided breathing, mindfulness sessions, and more.
In addition to the Body Response sensor, the smartwatch is equipped with Fitbit’s other sensors to deliver a holistic view of your overall health. Fitbit is using a technique that turns metal into vapour, allowing the company to integrate the metal electrodes of these sensors directly into the display glass of the device. This creates a simplified, streamlined look, says Fitbit, without sacrificing technology.
The Fitbit Sense will sell for $399 in Canada and also comes with a six-month Premium membership for both new and returning customers. It will also be available in the Fall.
There is a variety of new band options for Versa 4 and Sense 2 as well, including new designs by Brother Vellies, infinity bands in new colours like blue mist, pink sand, and waterfall blue, sports bands in new colours, vegan leather bands in finishes like flax and indigo, and a Horween leather band in garnet.