Fitbit launches Charge 2 with bigger screen, Flex 2 with swim tracking

Elsewhere, the Charge 2 can track specific workouts such as running, yoga and weightlifting, monitor sleep and remind users to move if you’ve been sitting idle for too long. The new Flex has a more streamlined design that’s 30% smaller than the original Flex. Those out running or cycling, meanwhile, can connect the Charge 2 to their phone’s Global Positioning System and get a summary map, pacing, and distance results afterwards.

It features a removable tracker and interchangeable rubber fitness bands in seven colours, and is water resistant up to a depth of 50 metres, so you can wear it in the shower, the pool or the sea. The bands are interchangeable too and Fitbit provides a vast range of sporty and fashionable options. Both devices bring exciting new features that may help recapture customers who have switched to the trending Pebble and Jawbone products.

So, the app will rate you out of 100, but also tell you how you compare to other people of the same age and gender. It comes with “connected GPS”, which means if your phone is connected, it can do location tracking, accurately measure distances, and later, map your exercises in the Fitbit mobile app.

Improving on the original Fitbit Charge HR, the new OLED display is 4-times larger, “so you can see more activity stats and keep your fitness goals on track with just a glance”.

Fitbit Adventures, a new feature on the San Francisco company’s mobile app, allows users to virtually experience such “challenges” as hiking trails at Yosemite National Park or tracing the route of the New York City Marathon with each step they log on their Fitbit device. This means that if you have your phone in tow while you’re doing some sort of activity that involves location tracking, like running or cycling, the Charge 2 can add Global Positioning System tracking to your workout for more accurate distances.

Fitbit has also refreshed its Flex wearable.

In addition to the standard range of different colored bands – the Flex 2 comes in black, navy, lavender and magenta color variations – the company is selling optional bangle and pendant accessories that disguise the tracker as jewelry. These gold-plated accessories will set you back another $99.95, while the stainless steel bangle and pendant will cost $89.95 and $79.95 respectively.

The Charge 2 can also track multiple kinds of workouts.

Meanwhile, the Flex 2 will be the first Fitbit with sufficient water resistance for use during swimming; Fitbit rivals like Garmin already offer that on some devices.

Indeed, the whole tracker itself has been redesigned, and there’s an extra, color LED atop the row of white progress lights. Fitbit reveals that pre-orders for the Charge 2 have started, and shipment for the orders are expected to commence in September. Public School, will make watch accessories and Vera Wang is designing a collection of accessories for Kohl’s.