Amber Neely
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.
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16 Comments
"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," -- that's why we charge $30 more than an AW S3 and charge you $10 a month for our full suite of features! Can't wait to through my money at Fitbit!
I see how hard they worked to make their watch design to distinguish from Apple Watch. lol.
If they, or Apple, can actually get the oxygen level feature to work reliably and accurately it would be a breakthrough in the early detection of Sleep Apnea. My money and trust is still on Apple when it comes to putting health sensors and software out there that can withstand the scrutiny of professional health and regulatory agencies. This isn’t a game meant to be played by amateurs. They’d better have their act together.
The fact that Versa 2 can last for five days on single charge shows that Apple Watch can offer that. I like to sleep with watch on as it monitors my sleep. And I have to rechrage it during shower which sometimes I forget.
Expect these to look closer and closer to the real thing (Apple Watch).
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.