wearable device

Fitbit Flex 2 and Fitbit Charge 2 are the ‘Next Big Step’ in Wearable Fitness Trackers

The Fitbit Charge 2 will be available for purchase in September 2016.

The Fitbit Charge 2 will be available for purchase in September 2016.

The Fitbit Charge 2 has interchangeable bands to fit your style at the gym and a night out on the town. 

Fitbit, the leader in wearable fitness trackers, has been rolling out new products in the past year, and just this week announced upgrades to two of its most popular products, Flex and Charge/Charge HR.

The upgrades, naturally named Flex 2 and Charge 2, are currently available for pre-order on Fitbit’s website and other major online retailers. They will be in stores this Fall.

Here’s a brief overview:

Fitbit Charge 2
The updated version of the Charge/Charge HR has PurePulse® heart rate tracking, and now features an enhanced exercise experience, new health and fitness tools, the smart notifications (such as text message and call notifications right on your wrist). The new design with it’s larger display, is reminiscent of the sleek Fitbit Alta, but a bit heftier and dare I say, more "manlier." Like Alta, Charge 2 has the ability to interchange bands that easily let you go from a workout to a night out.

Pricing
SRP $149.95; packaged with one of these classic fitness band colors; black, blue, plum or teal

Additional bands for purchase include:

  • Classic fitness accessory bands in four colors, sold separately ($29.95)
  • Luxe premium leather accessory bands in blush pink, brown and indigo ($69.95)
  • Special edition series in gunmetal and rose gold coming soon ($179.95)

Fitbit Flex 2
Flex was my first daily wear fitness tracker and it’s great to see an updated version of what I would call Fitbit’s “base model.” The first version was essentially a fancy pedometer, with an unreliable clasp that I always worried would fall off. In fact, I’ve known more than a few people who lost theirs.

Flex 2 is completely redesigned and reengineered - including a much more secure clasp. It’s an ultra-slim, first-ever swim-proof fitness wristband featuring a removable tracker that transforms with classic bands, elegant bangles or pendants, allowing you to effortlessly track all-day activity, exercise and sleep in a style that’s all your own.

The fashion accessories are really where Flex 2 outshines every other fitness wearable, even within Fitbit’s own product line. Users can choose from a range of luxe, premium mirror-finish bangles in silver stainless steel, and 22k-plated gold or rose gold stainless steel, or elegant lariat-style necklaces in silver stainless steel or 22k-plated gold stainless steel for an elevated look that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Tracking 10,000 steps has never looks so stylish.

Pricing
SRP: $99.95 packaged with one of these classic fitness band colors; black, lavender, magenta or navy

Additional accessories for purchase include:

  • Classic fitness accessory bands in seven on-trend shades of black, blush pink, gray, lavender, magenta, navy and yellow, coming soon and sold separately ($14.95)
  • Classic 3-pack fitness accessory band hues in Pink (blush pink, lavender and magenta) and Sport (gray, navy and yellow) coming soon ($29.95)
  • Bangle accessory in gold, rose gold ($99.95) and silver stainless steel ($89.95)
  • Pendant accessory in gold ($99.95) and silver stainless steel ($79.95)

Fitbit Alta Product Launch - Trump Hotel Soho New York City

Celebrity fitness trainer Harley Pasternak was on hand to lead a workout where all the participants were using the new Fitbit Alta.

Celebrity fitness trainer Harley Pasternak was on hand to lead a workout where all the participants were using the new Fitbit Alta.

Fitbit Alta is designed with a satin finish, stainless steel body and features a line of interchangeable bands in multiple popular colors and premium materials. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for FitBit)

Fitbit Alta is designed with a satin finish, stainless steel body and features a line of interchangeable bands in multiple popular colors and premium materials. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for FitBit)

Fitbit released a new wearable fitness device on February 2, 2016 and it is called Fitbit Alta. I was on hand for its unveiling to journalists that cover the tech, fitness and fashion industries.

The launch event took place in New York City at the Trump Hotel in Soho. My role was to DJ two 30-minute workout sessions, because why else would you unveil a fitness tracker to a group of gadget writers and not have them use it right away.

Celebrity fitness trainer Harley Pasternak and stylist to the stars Anita Patrickson were on hand to help introduce the new device, a slim, sleek fitness wristband that can be personalized to fit your style. It is designed with a satin finish, stainless steel body and features a line of interchangeable bands in multiple colors and premium materials.

San Diego DJ, Justin Kanoya, plays a hip-hop music set for the Fitbit Alta product launch and workout led by Harley Pasternak. 

After getting styled by Anita in a new workout outfit, the guests were brought into the SoHi room, a space high above the city that has an amazing views of Manhattan and New Jersey. Harley then ran them through an intense workout that included, squat jumps, shadow boxing, core work and some weight training. 

You can find the full workout to do at home on Fitbit's blog.

As per Harley's request, I put together a set of current, mainstream hip hop with a New York/East Coast flavor. I even made sure to put in some old school Big Daddy Kane, but am now regretting that I didn’t play any Beastie Boys. Oh well, I’ll save it for the next time I’m back in the city.

Here’s the short and sweet setlist:

  • Chris Brown f./Tyga - Ayo (Promo Only Quick Edit)
  • Rihanna - B***h Better Have My Money
  • Drake - Hotline Bling (Promo Only Verified Intro Edit)
  • Jay Z ft. Kanye West - N***** In Paris
  • Rae Sremmurd f./Nicki Minaj & Young Thug - Throw Sum Mo
  • Fetty Wap - Trap Queen (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • iHeartMemphis - Hit The Quan
  • Wiz Khalifa f./Iggy Azalea - Go Hard Or Go Home (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • Fabolous f./Nicki Minaj & Trey Songz - Doin' It Well (Promo Only Quick Edit)
  • T.I. f./Iggy Azalea - No Mediocre (Promo Only Quick Edit)
  • Jay Z and Kanye West - Otis (Kingz Klub Ready Redrum)
  • Big Daddy Kane - Ain't No Half Steppin' (Select Mix Remix)
  • Missy Elliott - Get Ur Freak On (Mayeda Remix)
  • Nicki Minaj ft Drake - Truffle Butter (Jester Remix)
  • Mase - Feel So Good

All photos courtesy of Getty Images for Fitbit.

Lastly, here are some initial articles on the device, a few of which are written by the guests that were in attendance. 

Women's Running: Fitbit's New Tracker is Seriously Gorgeous
Forbes: Fitbit's New Tracker Adds A Splash Of Style
CNET: Fitbit's newest band, Alta, is totally aimed at fashion
Wired: The Alta is a Fitbit for People Who Think Fitbits are Uggo