Fitbit’s new tracker for swimming
Good news for step-counting swimmers: Fitbit’s newest line of fitness trackers includes a waterproof device that recognises when you start to swim and measures your laps.
The Flex 2 is an update to Fitbit’s cheapest device, the Flex.
The device is the Fitbit thinnest yet – 30 per cent smaller than the original – and the company’s firstever to track swimming.
It’s water resistant up to 50 metres and is safe for both pool and ocean swimming.
The device also tracks steps, automatically recognises exercises like running and cycling and gives smartphone notifications through patterns in its lights.
It goes on sale in New Zealand in October and will cost $170.
It’s not the only update coming for Fitbit users.
It’s launching a new motivational feature, called Adventures, that will be available to all Fitbit users through a free app update this week.
The feature tracks the distance you’ve walked or run and maps it against actual trails, starting with three at Yosemite National Park in California. The Fitbit app will unlock badge-like images of trail landmarks as you progress.
Other rewards include ‘‘fun facts’’ and health tips along the way.
Fitbit will add other destinations, including the ability to ‘‘run’’ the course of the New York City Marathon.
The feature might help some users stick with step tracking and other fitness measures after the novelty wears off.
The company is also launching Charge 2, an updated version of the Charge HR, as well as partnerships with several fashion brands including Vera Wang, Public School and a renewed partnership with Tory Burch.
The new Charge 2 displays realtime statistics for steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes and hourly activity.
New to Fitbit are the Charge 2’s guided breathing sessions, which use heart rate to give breathing prompts for relaxation.
The Charge 2 is on sale in September in New Zealand and will cost $270. TNS/AP