Fitbit launches Versa 2 with Amazon Alexa, announces new subscription service

Fitbit has announced the launch of Fitbit Versa 2.

Versa 2 delivers a new swimproof design, includes sleep features like Sleep Score and smart wake, and is packed with more advanced health, fitness and smart features.

Versa 2 debuts an on-device microphone, which enables Fitbit's first-ever Alexa smartwatch experience, along with a Spotify app that allows users to control their music and podcasts, and Fitbit Pay on all models.

Coupled with faster performance, thousands of apps and clock faces and a brighter, crisper display with an optional always-on mode, the Versa 2 is a 2/47 health and wellness companion – now with more than 5 days battery life at the same price as the Versa.

Fitbit co-founder and CEO James Park says, "Building on the success of our original best- selling Versa smartwatch, we believe the added value and innovation in Versa 2, with new features like Alexa, a Spotify app and advanced in-app and on-device sleep features, will bring more users into the smartwatch category, allowing them to unlock the benefits of better health.

Sleep is critical to maintaining overall health and wellness, and when surveyed by Fitbit nearly two- thirds (64%) of participants list sleep as a very important health and fitness priority, but one-third of American adults do not get enough sleep on a regular basis.

Fitbit pioneered wearable sleep tracking more than 10 years ago, making information previously only available from a medical professional widely accessible on the wrist.

Fitbit applied learnings from more than 10.5 billion nights of sleep tracked to innovate in this critical area of health, and the latest sleep features aim to help users understand and improve their sleep.

• Estimated Oxygen Variation Graph: Available in the Fitbit app, the graph provides an estimate of the variability of oxygen levels in your bloodstream. The data is derived from a combination of the red and infrared sensors on the back of your device. Being aware of short-term variations in the oxygen levels in your bloodstream may indicate variations in your breathing during sleep.
   
• Sleep Mode: Simultaneously disable your screen display and silence notifications for a night free of disturbances. Sleep Mode can also be used anytime you don't want to be interrupted, like during a workout or in a meeting.
   
• Smart wake: Coming soon to all Fitbit smartwatches, smart wake uses machine learning to wake you during an optimal time of your sleep cycle, while in light or REM sleep, based on a pre-selected 30-minute interval, so you wake up feeling more refreshed.
   
• Sleep Score: Receive a nightly score within the Fitbit® app for better insight into your sleep quality. Your score is based on heart rate (sleeping and resting), restlessness, time awake and Sleep Stages. For more insights and analysis behind your Sleep Score, upgrade to Fitbit Premium.

In addition to helping millions around the world better understand and improve their sleep, Fitbit continues to deliver the health and fitness features that users know and love.

On Versa 2, these include: automatic activity tracking, PurePulse 24/7 heart rate tracking, 15+ goal-based exercise modes, connected GPS and water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Enabled by Fitbit's first on-device microphone, Versa 2 is the first Fitbit smartwatch with Alexa built-in.

Alexa responds to voice commands on Versa 2 with discreet, silent on-screen text responses.

With a press of a button, speak into the microphone to use Alexa skills on Versa 2.

Alexa can also help with everyday tasks on-the-go, like setting alarms and timers, checking the local weather and news, controlling your smart home devices, and much more through the sound of your voice.

In addition to Alexa Built-in, Versa 2 comes with more features to add convenience and ease to your day, like Fitbit Pay on all models.