Fitbit, a Californian-based fitness technology company, is chasing the smartwatch market after releasing it new Fitbit Force this month.
Unlike competitors, such as the Samsung Galaxy Gear and Kickstarter-funded Pebble, that act as a hands-free smartphone, the Force specifically aims to help people change their habits and make healthier decisions.
The activity-tracking wristband can track real-time stats from distance covered and steps taken to stairs climbed and the number of active minutes you’ve walked or ran.
Users can access the data by touching a button on the left side of the screen or via an app on their iPhone, Android or computer.
The water-resistant watch is also the first-ever to include a small OLED screen, while an upcoming feature will allow users to screen and keep track of calls while on the move.
The Force, which has seven days of battery life, can be integrated with social fitness apps such as Map My Fitness, Endomondo and Run Keeper and users can earn achievement badges the more they work out.
That said, the Force comes as the market for smart watch technology grows increasingly competitive. The likes of Fuelband, Jawbone’s Up, Galaxy Gear, Pebble and Sony SmartWatch 2 are trying to stake a claim, while Google, Microsoft and Apple are reported to be working on watches of their own.
And as the market continues to develop, it may be soon that these competitors include similar if not better features offered by Fitbit Force as well as smartphone capabilities.
Costing about $129 (£80), would you buy the smartwatch?
