US-based fitness gadgets maker Fitbit said fitness trackers are still on the growth path despite the emergence of the smartwatch as a strong competitor.
This is the reason why the company has launched in the Philippines the new Charge 3, which is some sort of a hybrid between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch, according to Fitbit regional manager Louis Lye.
Lye said the swim-proof Charge 3 has some of the features of a smartwatch like call and text notifications. At the same time, however, it still takes the form of a comfortable band that is more affordable than a smartwatch.
“Smartwatches are growing faster right now than fitness trackers. Also, our revenues from smartwatches are greater than those from fitness trackers and that’s because smartwatches are priced higher than smartwatches,” said Lye, pointing out that Fitbit also sells smartwatches.
“However, there is that part of the market who still prefers fitness trackers but also wants some features of the smartwatch. We’re addressing that demand through the Charge 3,” he said.
Fitbit, said Lye, is still the world’s biggest seller of wearables with about 84 million devices sold globally. The new Charge 3, he added, is expected to further extend that lead.
The Fibit regional executive said the Charge 3 is the company’s most smartest tracker yet — powered by a battery that can last up to seven days.
The new device is crafted from lightweight materials, including an aerospace grade aluminum case and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display for a slimmer, modern silhouette, increased durability, and more comfortable fit.
It features a crisp, touchscreen display that is larger and brighter than its predecessor, offering a more intuitive experience with access to the most important information.
“We’ve seen amazing consumer reception and strong pre-orders for Charge 3, which are even better than Versa in its first six weeks, underscoring why the Charge family has been our most popular product line for the past few years,” James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit, said in a statement
“With Charge 3, we’re offering consumers a purpose-built sleek, premium device for those who prefer trackers and want advanced health and fitness features along with the smart features they need to stay connected. Charge 3 is our most innovative tracker yet, featuring our most advanced sensor technology, bringing the relative SpO2 sensor to the tracker form factor for the first time”
Fitbit Charge 3 is available at retail partner stores nationwide, including Digital Walker, Beyond the Box, select Toby’s stores, iBOOK, iCENTER, Mobile1, Globe, Gadgets in Style, Hivemind, Lazada, Zalora, Timeline, The Inbox Store, iLiberty and Rnnr stores.
The device is available for sale at major online retailers like Lazada and Zalora for P9,990 in black with a graphite aluminum case or blue gray with a rose gold aluminum case; accessories range from P1,690 to P2,990. Fitbit Charge 3 Special Edition is available for P10,990.
