Still, I was impressed when I wore it at just how useful that functionality could be. The Garmin Vivosmart, on the other hand, supports all kind of push notifications, although only for iOS. Time will tell, but for now, I hardly see caller ID as a selling point.
Caller ID just doesn't seem truly useful, although theoretically, a firmware update could turn on other features at a later date. The Charge doesn't do any other notifications at all, not text messages or alerts-nada. It's the first time Fitbit has dipped its toe into smartwatch functionality, and a truly hesitant step indeed. Some trackers are moving toward capacitive touch screens, the Garmin Vivosmart being one example, but I would much rather have a button because it works even when I'm wearing gloves.įeatures and the Fitbit App One of the most notable features of the Fitbit Charge is that is supports caller ID for incoming calls on a connected mobile phone.
The Flex, on the other hand, doesn't even have a full display, just a row of lights that you activate by tapping it.
A single button on the side lets you cycle through your data. It comes with a USB charger that locks into a connection point on the underside of the display.Īnd speaking of displays, the Charge has the same sharp OLED screen as the Force, and it's a beautiful yet simple piece of work. The Charge, meanwhile, is one piece only. That's great if you want to change the band, but bad because the tiny device is easy to lose. The Flex is a tracker inside a wristband, and it pops out for charging.
Owners of the simpler and less expensive Fitbit Flex ($62.99 at Amazon) would notice that the Charge has a few design differences that make it appreciably more useful. The Charge also syncs with iOS and Android devices, but the effortless and continuous syncing with that USB stick is a godsend. One aspect of Fitbit devices I have long adored is that most of them come with a tiny USB syncing device that automatically puts your Fitbit data into your online account whenever you're near a Mac or Windows computer. (Swimmers can look at this list of waterproof activity trackers.) It's water-resistant, but not fully waterproof, so you shouldn't swim while wearing it. The Charge is available in black, blue, burgundy, and slate, and it comes in three sizes: S, L, and XL, with the XL only available through the website (not in store). Fitbit has two more expensive trackers due out in early 2015, the Charge HR and Surge, and if you love the Fitbit line, you may want to wait for those. The Charge does have caller ID, but doesn't show you incoming text messages or other notifications from your phone. Second, we're seeing more activity monitors roll in smartwatch functionality.
First, optical heart rate monitors that take readings through your skin are becoming more common, and the Charge doesn't have one. The Fitbit Charge isn't as advanced as several other top-of-the-line models, such as the $199 Basis Peak, our Editors' Choice.
If you loved the Force, the Charge is an obvious replacement.unless you're ready to upgrade to a more sophisticated model, and there are plenty. The new Charge is everything the Force was-a wrist-worn tracker that measures steps, distance, stairs, sleep, calories burned, and activities-minus the skin irritation, and with a few improvements, notably caller ID for incoming calls on a connected phone. The company's newest product, the Fitbit Charge ($129.95) is an excellent device that's exceedingly similar to the Fitbit Force, a wonderful product that fell from lofty heights when some users reported a skin reaction, likely the result of a metal allergy, and the device was recalled. Fitbit has long been a champion of modern-day pedometers, with its original Fitbit Ultra largely kicking off the new wave of fitness trackers that have become all the rage since 2011.
The best activity trackers sell a promise of motivation to exercise, or at the very least, to walk more.