Fitbit Launches "Ionic" Smartwatch with Fitbit OS & Coach

Fitbit has finally launched its next Smartwatch–Fitbit Ionic-which as expected looks like a mix of Blaze, and Surge. I would say Surge with the metallic body, and colorful display of Blaze. What is interesting about Ionic is that starting with the company has also launched a full fledged operating system, Fitbit OS.

What is so different about Fitbit Ionic?

While most of the features are carried from the legacy devices including Sleep, and activity tracking, here is what is new with Fitbit OS.

Fitbit Coach:

I had been using FitStar along with Fitbit since three months. This program helps in getting training for workouts which includes running and walking. Looks like Fitbit has merged Fitstar with Fitbit, and is now offering that guidance on the screen. If you have used Fitbit Blaze, It did include some fixed exercises, but this is going to dynamic. The major difference is you will be able to hear the audio along with on screen guide. This will cost $7.99 per month or $39.99 per year.

Swimming Mode:

Many have asked this for a long time, and while Blaze could survive water, this is for swimmers who want to jump in the pool and keep counting the calories they have burnt.

Run Detect:

Fitbit trackers could automatically detect walking and now can also detect running with onboard GPS, and it’s all automatic.

Onboard storage & Bluetooth

Ionic wants you to keep your phone at home, and do almost everything you wanted. Well except for the music. The inbuilt storage of 2.5 Gb should be enough for storing music files and keep playing it over Bluetooth. This is a big leap. It also supports Pandora.

NFC:

This will enable payment mode with their own Fitbit Pay.

SP02 Sensor Technology:

It sports a relative Sp02 sensor which will be more accurate to measure oxygen levels. This is going to be useful to figure out sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation.

Fitbit OS

Finally, the Pebble & Vector acquisition is getting its true value. This new OS will help users to download watch faces, apps, and more. It’s like a Store for your watch, and it’s on similar lines of how AndroidWear is moving ahead. You will be able to download third party apps as well. More on this tomorrow.

That said, the Fitbit Ionic is launching in three color combination:

Silver gray tracker and clasp with a blue gray band.
Smoke gray tracker and clasp with a charcoal band,
Burnt orange tracker and clasp with a slate blue band.

The smartwatch is priced at $299 and is available for Pre-order at Fitbit. It will finally hit the stores in October 2017.