Digital health and wellness specialist Fitbit debuted the Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband, which syncs with Bluetooth 4.0 to track activity and sleep wherever the user goes.
The new Flex tracks steps taken, distance traveled and calories burned, encouraging users to walk more and do more through LED indicator lights on the wristband, giving users feedback on progress to a goal throughout the day. It also tracks how long and how well a user is sleeping.
The indicator lights will illuminate as users hit 20 percent increments of reaching a goal (such as walking 10,000 steps). The wristband comes in five different colors, and users can also switch bands to match moods or help make fitness a more integrated part of the day.
Flex also syncs wirelessly and automatically to a computer, as well as to select iPhone and select Google Android-powered devices. The device is also water-resistant so users can wear it in the shower or the pool.
Mobile capability also extends beyond mere syncing ability with iPhone and Android applications and online tools that show activity charts, leaderboards and more, allowing users to set goals, view progress and earn badges.
In addition, owners of the Fitbit One, Zip and now the Flex will be able to track their progress on select Android phones. The updated Android app will be compatible with the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Note II, and the company said more devices will be available soon.
“People are becoming more aware of the significant health benefits that come from moving more throughout the day. Fitbit has proven expertise in providing a great experience that will actually get people to move more each day–this is done with our easy-to-understand graphs and charts, ability to set daily goals and compete with friends and family,” James Park, CEO and co-founder of Fitbit, said in a statement. “We’re aware that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ option in fitness, so Fitbit wants to offer the widest variety on the market. When we saw that we could bring our knowledge to a wristband format done right, we had to create the new Flex.”
Fitbit also integrates with many health and fitness apps, including Endomondo, LoseIt, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and Sparkpeople, to allow users to share data from their favorite apps.
The device follows the launches of three Fitbit products within the last year–the Fitbit Aria WiFi Smart Scale, Fitbit Zip and Fitbit One Wireless Activity + Sleep Trackers.