Fitbit Charge ECG & Stress Tracking: New Features Announced

The Evolving Fitness Band Market

While the market share for traditional fitness bands is decreasing, largely due to the increasing prevalence of smartwatches, demand remains substantial. Approximately 13.1 million units were shipped in the first quarter of 2021, demonstrating continued consumer interest in these devices.

Fitbit recently announced the newest iteration of its Charge series, as reported on the Google Keyword blog. This latest model aims to diminish the distinctions between fitness bands and smartwatches by incorporating advanced features.

New Features and Pricing

The updated Fitbit Charge now includes a color touchscreen, as well as both ECG (electrocardiogram) and EDA (electrodermal activity) sensors. These additions represent a significant upgrade in functionality.

However, these enhanced capabilities come with a price increase of $30, bringing the cost to $180. This positions the new Charge at the same price point as the 2019 Versa 2 and $50 below the Versa 3. The boundaries between Fitbit’s product lines are becoming increasingly indistinct.

Fitbit continues to offer more affordable trackers, such as the $100 Inspire 2, but acknowledges the challenges of competing in the very low-price segment of the market.

Advanced Health Monitoring

The integration of ECG monitoring introduces a feature previously found primarily in higher-priced smartwatches. Both users and medical professionals have embraced this technology for routine monitoring of conditions like atrial fibrillation (a-fib).

Continuous heart rate monitoring is also available, powered by a battery designed to last a full week. However, utilizing the always-on display for the full-color AMOLED touchscreen will naturally reduce battery life.

Stress Management and Holistic Health

EDA monitoring, initially introduced with the Fitbit Sense, detects stress levels by analyzing sweat gland activity in the fingers. This data is combined with a “Stress Management Score” within the Fitbit app, providing users with daily insights into their mental readiness.

This information is integrated into the broader Health Metrics dashboard, which consolidates data related to sleep, fitness, and overall well-being. The Charge also supports integration with mindfulness applications like Ten Percent Happier and Calm, with the latter being a new partner offering content to Fitbit Premium subscribers.

Daily Readiness Score and Google Integration

Fitbit Premium subscribers will also gain access to a new feature called the Daily Readiness Score. Fitbit describes this feature as:

The Charge 5 represents the first major product release since Fitbit’s acquisition by Google. While substantial changes haven’t yet been observed, James Park, Fitbit’s CEO, now holds the title of “VP, GM & Co-founder.” More significant developments are anticipated with the release of Fitbit’s next smartwatch.

Here is an image of Fitbit’s new brand ambassador.