Fitbit is coming after Apple with its impressive new smartwatch

August 30, 2019

By Kim Komando

Fitbit has been on Apple’s heels for years in the race to dominate the smartwatch market. With its latest device, Fitbit is making the race even closer.Fitbit is set to release a new version of its Versa model, Versa 2, that comes equipped with all the features we loved from previous Fitbits, plus some great new ones. Better yet, the Versa 2 is much more affordable than an Apple Watch.Read on to learn more about the Versa 2. We’ll also tell you about some new features that are being praised as surpassing the Apple Watch.

Fitbit Versa 2 new features outmatch Apple

Screen displayThe Versa 2, which will be released on Sept. 15, still bears a strong resemblance to the Apple Watch, especially if you only give its screen a superficial glance. But Versa 2’s new screen is a significant upgrade.It’s AMOLED display is bright and easy to read. Its colors are also very rich. Best of all, you can leave the screen in display mode all day so you can use it as a regular watch without having to waggle your arm to get the screen back up like you have to do with the Apple Watch.Battery lifeVersa 2 also claims to have a five-day battery life. Apple Watch’s battery usually runs for about a day and a half. However, it’s still unclear how quickly Versa 2’s battery will drain if you constantly keep the screen in display mode.Sleep scoreAnother new feature that has Apple beat is Versa 2’s  Sleep Score. An upgrade from Fitbits long-time sleep tracker, the Sleep Score rates the quality of your sleep based on your heart rate, how long you slept and how much time you spent in light, deep and REM sleep.You can get something similar to the Sleep Score on the Apple Watch. But you have to download a third-party app. Related: How to use the Apple Watch to monitor your health 

Say hi to Alexa

Another major change in Fitbit’s favor is that the Versa 2 is Alexa enabled. To activate Alexa, you just have to press and hold the single button on the Versa 2.This is a good move on Fitbit’s part. First, it’s not like you can jog and text at the same time. Just tell Alexa to do it.Second, Versa 2 snagged Queen Alexa as its prom date. Poor Siri and Google Assistant remain the wallflowers.All these new features are great, but Fitbit didn’t toss out the good stuff it already has. The Versa 2 uses the Fitbit app, which is much better than the Apple Watch at collecting and relaying your fitness data.

Coming soon to Versa 2

Fitbit also added an Estimated Oxygen Variation Graph, which will be launched on Versa 2 later. The feature is set to measure the oxygen levels in your bloodstream and note any differences that might need medical attention.You also have Fitbit Premium to look forward too. The company plans to launch a pilot program for the new fitness service later this year.For $10 a month, subscribers will get in-depth data from your workouts and sleep. Fitbit said the service will also include health reports that you can print and give to your doctor.Versa 2 is certainly bringing a lot to the table and it comes in around $230. If you’re status-conscious you’ll stick to the Apple Watch. But if you’re looking for a good deal, make sure the Versa 2 is in the mix as you shop.

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