Fitbit announced the Alta HR, a slimmer and more stylish version of its previously released heart rate monitoring wristband. The company also collaborated with sleep experts from Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, and the University of Arizona to create the new Sleep Insights feature, which analyzes sleep patterns and helps improve sleep quality. The new Sleep Stages feature uses PurePulse heart rate analysis to determine whether the user is in light sleep, deep sleep, or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, where dreams occur.
As for the appearance, the new Alta HR adopts a lighter and thinner design, which is about 2% smaller than the previously launched Fitbit Charge 25. Its fashionable appearance makes it more suitable for wear. In addition to the heart rate measurement function, it can also accurately measure daily calorie consumption. It can also support non-walking exercises such as yoga or flywheel aerobics. The bracelet itself can display the heart rate range and will also display the current exercise summary in the Fitbit app.
The Sleep Stages and Sleep Insights functions provided this time allow users to better understand their personal sleep conditions and improve their physical health by improving sleep quality, effectively preventing heart disease, diabetes and obesity, while improving neurocognitive function, mental health and other conditions.
As for the built-in battery life, it can last for approximately 7 days of continuous use when data tracking such as heart rate, steps, distance, calorie consumption, and activity time is enabled. The built-in reminder function can also remind you to stand up at certain times, avoiding problems such as diabetes, overweight, and heart disease caused by prolonged sitting. It can also sync with your phone to notify you of incoming calls or text messages.
The Alta HR Classic is available with black, slate, pink, and coral straps, along with a stylish aluminum buckle. The Alta HR Special Edition features a pale pink strap with a 22k rose gold case, and a black classic strap with a black metal case. The Alta HR Luxury collection also includes leather straps in brown, indigo, and lavender, along with a matching buckle, and a stainless steel bracelet.
As for the suggested retail price, the Alta HR series will be available for sale in April 2017, with a starting price of NT$4. The classic wristband is priced at NT$5690, the luxury leather wristband is priced at NT$1090, and the luxury stainless steel wristband is priced at NT$1990. They will also be sold by Chicony Electronics.
Sleep Stages and Sleep Insights are expected to launch this spring. Sleep Stages will be available for the Alta HR, Blaze, and Charge 2, while Sleep Insights will be available for all Fitbit devices.
