Fitbit Charge, Charge HR, Surge
Fitbit has revealed three new devices in its fitness tracker range, including one which did not leak prematurely. The Charge and Charge HR appear to be reworked versions of the Fitbit Force, while the Surge has a larger display and a built-in GPS, with the device set to provide more smartwatch-style functionality on top of its existing fitness-related data collection activities.
The Fitbit Charge has a slightly-altered design to the Force, reports Recode, with the device having a small OLED display capable of showing the time and information about the wearer’s activities, while also offering caller ID for a connected smartphone. The water-resistant device is able to measure steps, distances, calorie burn, and floors climbed throughout the day, along with automatic sleep detection, and its battery is able to last for up to seven days on a single charge.
The Charge HR adds a heart rate sensor to the Charge, a function the company is calling PurePulse. Capable of continually monitoring the wearer’s heart rate, the device is able to use the extra data to provide more accurate calorie burn readings, and can supply the companion app with heart rate data to uncover heart-related trends. The addition of the heart rate monitor does mean that the battery will last for just five days, rather than the standard Charge’s week-long lifespan.
