Fitbit introduces ‘fitness smartwatch’ with octagonal design

Manufacturer Fitbit has presented a ‘fitness smartwatch’ at CES electronics fair. The Blaze is the first Fitbit device with a color screen and has an octagonal design. Unlike Fitbit’s Surge, the Blaze has no GPS.

The Blaze is supposed to be a cross between a smartwatch and a fitness accessory. For example, it has fitness functions such as measuring the heart rate every second during a workout. In addition, Fitbit makes different straps for the watch, just like smartwatch makers do. The Blaze runs on Fitbit’s own software and therefore does not have a smartwatch platform such as Android Wear on board.

The octagonal housing allows users to remove the strap if they want the device to sit elsewhere on the body during a workout. The Blaze will be released in March and will cost $199 in the United States, currently around $186.