Preview: Fitbit Flex
- 25 January, 2013 15:25
- Comments 1
Fitbit sells a range of wireless activity trackers but its latest device, the Flex, is something a little different.
The Fitbit Flex is an activity and sleep tracking wristband whereas traditional Fitbit devices clip to your clothing. The Flex, is a slim, rubber wristband which you'll most likely never remove.
The Fitbit Flex offers two significant advantages over the company's previous tracking products. It's water resistant and it tracks your sleep without the need for a separate wrist sleeve.
Fitbit says the Flex isn't rated for metres yet, so it's been designed for everyday water situations rather than a lengthy swimming session. In addition to the sleep tracking feature, the product also includes a silent wake alarm that vibrates to wake you at a desired time.
The Fitbit Flex is the first activity tracker the company has produced without a screen. Instead, the wristband has five built-in LEDs that light up gradually as you get closer to your daily goal, for example 10,000 steps in a day. The lights are lit in 20 per cent increments.
The lack of a display means the Fitbit Flex won't show information that its traditional activity tracking products do, such as distance, calories burnt and time. The Fitbit Flex also lacks an altitude sensor, so it can't track stairs or escalators climbed like the Fitbit One and Fitbit Ultra products can.
The Fitbit Flex will wirelessly sync data to selected Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod devices and selected Android phones with Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities using the free Fitbit app on iOS and Android. The Samsung Galaxy S III and the Samsung Galaxy Note II are the first two Android devices to be compatible with wireless sync, though Fitbit says more devices will follow.
For users without a compatible phone, the Flex will come with a USB dongle to wirelessly sync with a computer.
The Fitbit Flex will be available in five colours including black, slate, teal, tangerine and navy. The tracker itself can be removed from the rubber wristband, so users will be able to purchase multiple coloured bands to mix and match if they wish.
The Fitbit Flex will be available in Australia from Harvey Norman and Apple Stores nationwide for $119.95. It will be available from June.
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Comments
Steve
1
It really bothers me when companies do not provide hard release dates. Spring 2013 does not provide me with enough information. I am thinking I will go out and purchase a Jawbone Up instead of waiting until "Spring 2013".