In other ways, Fitbits are even an improvement over the Apple Watch. For example, both trackers offer a full week of battery life and a day of battery life in 12 minutes of charging, compared to barely a day with the Apple Watch Series 7.
Some Google-driven feature changes, such as turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps and Google Pay with Google Wallet, are expected to make their way to these wearables, but haven’t yet appeared at launch.
Versa 4 is more optimized for exercise, with built-in GPS and 40 different exercise modes. However, the Sense 2 now has a new body response sensor. When you measured the stress on the first Sense, you put your hand on the metal bezel of the watch. Instead of spot tests, Sense 2 now continuously monitors your electrodermal activity, along with your heart rate, heart rate variability and skin temperature, to help you identify your stress triggers . An entry button prompts you to decompress with stress management tools such as guided breathing.
Both watches are also much lighter and slimmer than previous iterations. The Versa and Sense lines feature accessories designed by black-owned fashion brand Brother Vellies. There are also infinite bandwidth options, no doubt a take on the Apple Solo Loop. As with the Inspire 3, the Daily Readiness score, sleep profiles and advanced stress management metrics are accessible with a Fitbit Premium subscription. At least Fitbit offers six months of Fitbit Premium for free with the purchase of any of its followers.
While the Apple Watch continues to dominate the smartwatch market, I still like the appeal and simplicity of Fitbit’s designs. Google’s acquisition of Fitbit Google in a better position to compete with Apple, but it wasn’t entirely clear if that meant Fitbit’s own wearables would get better and smarter. I just wanted to say that maybe, thanks to an injection of Fitbit DNA, Wear OS fitness trackers could become less obnoxious and annoying to use.
But small, meaningful improvements that combine the respective expertise of both companies, such as better battery life and thinner screens with Fitbit’s advanced health features? This is something we can achieve. Now if only something could be done about that pesky Fitbit Premium subscription.