Fitbit takes on Apple with smartwatch

You make a dedicated fitness watch, one with smart notifications, but without all of the third-party app complications that come with a full-featured smartwatch. But if you have to carry your phone to track your workout route, and if your phone includes fitness features – both iPhones and Androids are compatible with a variety of workout apps – then why wear the Blaze at all? As with other Fitbits, your activity data can be shared wirelessly to iOS, Android, and Windows Phone smartphones, as well as desktops.

But the Blaze is a fitness band, not a smartwatch.

Connected GPS helps users train smarter by delivering real-time exercise stats such as distance, pace and minute-mile split times when connected to a smartphone’s GPS. Fitbit Blaze also shows smartphone notifications and can accept and reject calls.

It also includes a substantial battery life, up to five days and nights, according to Fitbit Chief Business Officer Woody Scal. The new wearable is available in small, large, and extra-large sizing options and, like the Apple Watch, can’t be used when swimming.

Fitbit Blaze is available for pre-order starting now with shipping scheduled for March this year.

Directly from your wrist, you can access helpful resources, workouts and guides for your personal fitness goals.

With all of the smartwatch and fitness tracker launches in 2015, one company was noticeably silent after releasing three activity-focused devices: Fitbit.

Park said the Fitbit Charge, which was introduced past year, is the number one selling activity tracking device in North America, and the Fitbit Surge is the number one selling Global Positioning System tracking watch.

Amongst these are a £89.99 metal link band, a £59.99 leather strap and a cheaper £19.99 sport-focused elastomer band.

Users will also be able to customize the clockface to their liking with the color touchscreen display. On top of that, you also have a high PPI display.

Based on the slimmed down functionality of this device, the target audience may be less tech savvy than users of other smartwatches. It’s definitely thinner and lighter than the Surge.

Fitbit is the go-to brand for fitness trackers, but most of their devices are plain and boring looking.

But Fitbit shares plunged 18 per cent on apparent disappointment the company fell short in its strategy of countering Apple and other rivals.