Fitbit is set to release new fitness trackers before the year is out and most of the rumors are pointing toward a Fitbit Charge 2 and a Fitbit Flex 2.
The Fitbit Flex is the cheapest wrist based device in the Fitbit family and it's not been updated since its original release in 2013, so it's about time we saw the release of a second edition.
Little is known about what the new device will change compared to the original Fitbit, but here's everything we know so far about the latest tracker from the fitness giant.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The next cheapest wrist-based fitness tracker from Fitbit
- When is it out? Probably IFA in September, expect it to be ready for sale soon after
- What will it cost? Expect it to cost US$99.95 (£79.99, AU$129.95)
Fitbit Flex 2 release date
Fitbit has announced it will be at IFA 2016 ready to show off some new wearable devices and that's when we expect Fitbit to announce the Flex 2. Fitbit will be holding a press conference on September 2 in Berlin for IFA 2016, so that seems as good a time as any.
Fitbit Flex 2 design
Not much is known about design changes on the Fitbit Flex 2. The material used for the Flex has changed over the years after complaints of it causing irritation on the skin in previous iterations.
We'd expect a similar design to the Fitbit Flex with a limited small screen and a major focus on comfort for wearing it. Most fitness trackers are designed to be worn at all times so we'd expect Fitbit to make sure it's one of the comfiest options yet.
Fitbit Flex 2 features
Don't expect a heart rate or GPS tracker in the Flex 2. Those expensive features are held back for the more sought after Fitbit devices. The Fitbit Flex 2 will likely be designed just to track your steps and sleep.
In May 2016, Fitbit bought a mobile payment company called Coin which would suggest the company is planning to bring in a contactless tech to its devices.
It won't be ready for the Fitbit Flex 2 though as Fitbit has said it won't launch this technology on any devices released in 2016. You may have to wait for a new Fitbit in 2017 to be able to pay for your shopping with it.
Fitbit Flex 2 competition
There's a lot of competition in the fitness tracker market with a number of companies joining in on where Fitbit made its name. Be sure to check out our best fitness trackers of 2016 list.
Then there's all the devices from Fitbit as well. Your choices are Fitbit Alta, Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Surge, Fitbit Flex, Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip. Then there's the potential for a Fitbit Charge 2 as well, so it can be a difficult decision to make.
- These are the best Fitbit devices you can buy right now
Fitbit Flex 2 price
The Fitbit Flex is the cheapest Fitbit tracker you can put on your wrist and we'd expect it to stay in a similar price range for the updated device. It currently costs US$99.95 (£79.99, AU$129.95) but you can find it for a little cheaper if you're prepared to shop around.
Whether the Fitbit Flex 2 will see a price jump is a different matter. We'll have to wait and see what happens at IFA 2016 to find out.
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