Fitbit: Versa 4 and Sense 2 connected watches arrive to monitor heart and stress

We already knew their design from the recent leak of official visuals, but the new watches and the Fitbit activity bracelet had not yet revealed all their secrets. It is now done, since the American manufacturer – now in the bosom of Google – has just officially communicated on these novelties. No revolution in design therefore, but a strong emphasis on health, in particular with monitoring of signs of atrial fibrillation (Afib) and continuous stress detection for the more opulent of the two watches.

Thinner and lighter

Behind a similar design, retaining the appearance of a square with rounded edges, the two Versa 4 and Sense 2 watches benefit from a mass and thickness reduced by 15% and 10% respectively. Fitbit also announces a lowering of the center of gravity of their case, so that it is less felt on the wrist. The left side button is also back – it was found on the Versa 2 – and goes up a little to be more accessible, especially during a sports session.

No Wear OS, but six days of battery life

On the technical level, there is no upheaval, since the Versa 4 and Sense 2 still benefit from an Amoled screen that is a priori unchanged and that their autonomy remains announced at six days. A 12-minute quick charge would give them a day of battery life, according to Fitbit. The manufacturer also insists on this respectable endurance, since its watches must be able to monitor our health parameters throughout the day, without running out of energy. We understand better why Fitbit keeps its own operating system and does not migrate to Wear OS despite its acquisition by Google, the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 watches using the latter’s system not exceeding two days of autonomy (except for the Pro version).

Constant monitoring

Health monitoring is therefore still the mantra of Fitbit, which offers with its Versa 4 and Sense 2 continuous activity and heart rate monitoring, as well as automatic detection of walking and walking. race. Rather dedicated to fans of sports activities and especially fitness, the Fitbit Versa 4 integrates new modes such as weightlifting, Hiit, Crossfit and dance, bringing the total of recognized activities to more than 40. The integrated GPS allows also to go and practice an outdoor activity (running, cycling, etc.) without having to take your smartphone with you.

Sleep monitoring is still in the game, now including the famous profiles announced last June. However, these are reserved for Fitbit Premium subscribers (six months free for the purchase of these watches), like many advanced features such as the daily fitness score or even training and mindfulness sessions.

Fitbit also promises improved stress monitoring on its Sense 2, thanks to its Body Response sensor capable of monitoring electrodermal activity continuously (cEDA). Combined with heart rate, heart rate variability and skin temperature measurements, this cEDA tracking allows the Sense 2 to better detect potential signs of stress. The watch then displays bodily response notifications to ask us about the source of the stress, in order to then offer us suitable solutions (guided breathing, meditation, walking, etc.) allowing us to regain serenity.

Watching for signs of atrial fibrillation

Last but not least, the detection of atrial fibrillation (Afib) is part of the Sense 2. Already offered on the Sense and used by 2 million people, according to Fitbit, the Afib arrives in Europe at the favor of a CE marking. A useful prevention feature, with Fitbit stating that heart rate irregularities affect 33.5 million people worldwide and only one in four people who have had a heart attack were aware they had Afib before the incident.

First integrated Google services

Consequence of the takeover of Fitbit by Google, the arrival of certain services of the latter on Fitbit watches should be done soon. It is thus a question of navigation with Google Maps and contactless payment (NFC) with Google Wallet.

Targeting a younger yet health-conscious audience, the Fitbit Inspire 3 activity tracker focuses on the essentials. With its slender format and color screen, it also offers continuous monitoring of physical activity, heart rate, sleep and stress, but does not require a GPS chip. Certified waterproof 5 ATM, it would have a range of up to 10 days, according to Fitbit. Currently on pre-order, the Inspire 3 will be available in September for €99.95.

The Versa 4 and Sense 2 will be available from this fall, at respective prices of €229.95 and €299.95. Pre-orders are also open for these two watches.