Fitbit updates software and debuts stylish new designs for Blaze and Alta
Fitbit, the leading global wearables manufacturer, has kicked off this week with a number of announcements. This includes a software update and stylish new designs for the Alta and Blaze as well as details on the upcoming Fitbit Flex 2 and Charge 2 activity trackers.
To start off, the San Francisco company released Fitbit Adventures, a new series of personal, non-competitive activity Challenges that are designed to inspire you to move more.
The feature tracks the distances you’ve walked or run and maps them against actual trails, such as Yosemite National Park in California or the New York City Marathon. The app will unlock badge-like images of trail landmarks and display fun facts as you go. Fitbit says its data demonstrates that users who participate in Challenges increase their daily distance by around one additional mile per day, on average.
“Fitbit Adventures are the perfect motivation for anyone who may not want to compete in a traditional Fitbit group challenge with friends or family,” said Tim Roberts, Executive Vice President, Interactive at Fitbit.
“These new challenges inspire you to move more through virtual explorations of some of the most captivating environments in the world – places you might not be able to visit otherwise – all powered by your daily step activity. Whether hiking a beautiful trail in one of America’s greatest natural treasures, completing the most iconic marathon in the world, or visiting one of the many exciting destinations yet to come, we believe Adventures truly brings the experience to life.”
The new feature is compatible with Fitbit’s full family of activity tracking products. In addition to Fitbit Adventures, the Blaze tracker has been singled out for some more software updates during September that will bring new notifications (from third-party applications like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), clock faces (this increases the number of clock faces from 4 to 9) and move reminders (specifically to hit a step goal of 250 per hour).
Fitbit also unveiled new designs today, including a Special Edition Gold series plus other premium textures and finishes, for the Alta and Blaze devices, and accessory options from leading fashion brands PUBLIC SCHOOL, Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl’s and Tory Burch.
“Creating Fitbit products consumers love and find indispensable is as much about advancing the innovative features and performance of the product as it is about designing how well it fits into wardrobes, lifestyles and moods,” said Tim Rosa, VP of Global Marketing.
“The latest software update to Blaze provides consumers with more motivating features, plus added personalization so they can stay connected with smart features that matter most to them. Combined with our new premium designs for both Alta and Blaze, we are continuing to build on the popularity of our products with more style choices and features that provide more usefulness than ever before so that consumers can wear them day and night.”
Special Edition Gold Series
You will soon be able to upgrade both the Alta and Blaze product lines with 22-karat gold-plated materials for an elevated, elegant look.
The Alta Special Edition Gold Series will retail for $149.95 and come with a black or pink fitness band. For a more sophisticated look, you can then add in the new Alta Luxe Metal Bangle in shiny gold-plated stainless steel for an additional $129.95 or hand-polished silver stainless steel for $99.95.
The Blaze Special Edition Gold Series includes a premium gold satin-finished stainless steel frame with a slim pink tapered fitness band. Or, you can use your existing Blaze device and just purchase the gold frame and tapered, slim black or pink accessory fitness band. Other Blaze accessories announced today include a premium camel leather band with a silver stainless steel frame, as well as a new leisure collection of nylon bands in khaki and olive.
Essential reading: Choosing the right Fitbit tracker
The Special Edition Gold Series will be available globally at major retailers in September, with Alta bangles in silver and gold available in October and November, respectively. You can, however, pre-order now.
Special designer series
Fitbit has also announced a few other customisation options for the Alta tracker resulting from its strategic partnerships with leading fashion designers and brands.
This includes the Public School for Fitbit collection which was debuted earlier this year. The designs will be available in October for pre-order with printed bands available in 2017. Accessories for Fitbit Alta include: Axis Accessory Band ($295); Type III Paracord Bracelet ($175); WNL Print Band ($39.95); and Quill Print Band ($39.95). You can find more details on all of these on Fitbit’s website.
Then there is the Simply Vera Vera Wang collection inspired by Vera Wang’s design philosophy to create classic everyday accesories balancing modern design with sophisticated elegance. Available in October exclusively at Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com, the collection includes: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Fitbit Alta Metal Bracelet ($79.99); Simply Vera Vera Wang for Fitbit Alta Double Wrap Leather Bracelet ($79.99); Simply Vera Vera Wang for Fitbit Alta Double Wrap Leather & Metal Bracelet ($79.99).
In other fashion related news, Fitbit also announced that it will continue its partnership with Tory Burch, and that we should see new unique styles from the collaboration in 2017.
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