Fitbit Launches Alexa-Powered Versa 2, Plus a Smart Scale and Subscription Service
- Paul Thurrott
- Aug 28, 2019
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Fitbit today announced the Alexa-powered Versa 2 smartwatch, a more affordable Aria Air smart scale, and Fitbit Premium, a new health and fitness subscription service.
“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,” Fitbit co-founder and CEO James Park said in a prepared statement. “That’s why we’ve designed Versa 2 to be a premium, full-featured and easy-to-use smartwatch at an accessible price point.”
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The Versa 2 looks like a major advance, with a sleek new waterproof design, new sleep features, an on-device microphone with Amazon Alexa integration, a built-in Spotify app, and Fitbit Pay. The device also offers a performance bump, new apps and clock faces, and a brighter, crisper display with an optional always-on mode, and 5+ days of battery life.
The Fitbit Versa 2 will cost $200 and will come in black with a carbon case, petal with a copper rose aluminum case, and stone with a mist grey case. It goes on sale September 15. Two exclusive editions, emerald and bordeaux, both with a copper rose case, will be made available later this fall, only on Fitbit.com and from select retailers.
As for the Fitbit Aria Air, this new low-cost version of the firm’s smart scale tracks your weight and connects to your Fitbit app via Bluetooth.
“In addition to being synonymous with health and fitness, Fitbit is known for offering affordable, engaging and user-friendly products that put better health and wellness in reach for more people around the globe,” Parks said of the Aria Air. “Whether someone is looking to manage their weight, improve their fitness level, or manage a chronic condition, we’ve had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people.”
Fitbit Aria Air will ship in October and will be available in black and white and will cost $50.
Fitbit’s final announcement today is for Fitbit Premium, a new paid subscription service that provides actionable guidance and coaching to help you achieve health and fitness goals.
“At Fitbit, we’re focused on making health accessible and more achievable,” Parks added. “With Fitbit Premium, we’re excited to deliver our most personalized experience yet. It will evolve with you and get smarter over time, delivering the support and guidance you need to help you achieve your health goals.”
Fitbit Premium will start rolling out in September and will cost $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. It will be available in English in 17 countries via the Fitbit app this fall, expanding to additional languages in 2020, including Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. There will be a free one-week trial for existing customers and Versa 2 buyers will get a 90-day trial.
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Bats
<p>I know people don't realize and know this, but Fitbit has accumulated massive amounts of private data of all wearers of their watch and users of their platform. This is not based on my opinion or assessment, but based on absolute fact. </p><p><br></p><p>So for all those who are soooooooo into their personal privacy, you will want to ditch your Fitbit watch immediately.</p>