14 DAY TRIAL // The almost Google-owned Fitbit keeps working on new devices, but right now, it’s not yet clear if the Mountain View-based search giant is involved in the development of a new model or not.
But the good news is that new Fitbit devices are coming, and according to a new leak from WinFuture, there are three models that are closer than we actually expected.
The leak isn’t surprising, as we’ve known for a while that Fitbit was preparing new wearables, only that most people expected the Google takeover to receive the go-ahead and only then see these devices going live. However, since the deal is yet to receive regulatory approval, Fitbit probably decided to refresh its device lineup to avoid the existing models to become outdated.
The three new Fitbit models that are projected to launch sometime soon are these:
- Fitbit Versa 3 (smartwatch)
- Fitbit Sense (smartwatch)
- Fitbit Inspire 2 (activity tracker)
Let’s start with the Versa 3. Judging from the photos published by the German site, Fitbit Versa 3 will retain the look of its predecessor, albeit it seems to feature a more rounded case for a generally more polished design.
The screen comes with a heart icon, so almost certainly the Versa 3 will feature a heart rate monitoring sensor, just like the current generation. However, I expect Fitbit to invest more aggressively in this direction, and the device could also come with ECG, a feature that’s already offered on the Apple Watch and select Samsung Galaxy watches.
At the same time, Versa 3 will come with a new band, and I believe that Fitbit has learned from its mistakes and more or less wants to go the Apple route and allow owners to replace bands much easier. This way, customers could use bands as a more unique customization option, albeit this means that Fitbit itself would have to launch new accessories too.
A dedicated GPS sensor that would require Versa 3 to work without a phone is also likely. Fitbit currently calls the existing implementation “Connected GPS,” which means that the Versa needs an active connection to the mobile phone to be able to track your location.
The Versa 3 will come with just one physical button, similar to the existing model, so a touch display will obviously be offered too.
Then, it’s the Fitbit Sense. The new watch is more likely a premium version of the Versa, as it looks like an upgraded model based on the same design.
A metallic case, possibly made from more exquisite materials, is likely to be used, but the feature lineup would mostly remain unchanged. Again, you can expect a stand-alone GPS sensor, a heart rate monitoring sensor, possibly with ECG support too, and a new band design to come on the Sense.
This model will be more expensive than the Versa 3, and there’s a chance Fitbit would consider it a successor to the Ionic.
And last but not least, it’s the Fitbit Inspire 2, which as compared to the Versa and Sense, will be mostly focused on activity tracking.
Coming with a typical band design, the new Inspire will also pack a heart rate monitoring sensor, but don’t expect features like ECG to make their way to this model. Its purpose is very likely to be providing users with a more affordable tracker, so it’ll be interesting to see if Fitbit fits it with a dedicated GPS sensor or not.
Google Assistant is also expected to be offered on the entire lineup, albeit for now, there’s a good chance this feature would only land on the Versa 3 and the Sense.
