Fitbit is gearing up to launch a new device on September 28, and it is most likely the Fitbit Charge 6. The company has posted a teaser video on X, showing a glimpse of the device on a person’s wrist. The design looks similar to the Fitbit Charge 5, but with some notable changes and improvements. Here is what we know so far about the Fitbit Charge 6 and what it could offer to fitness enthusiasts.
A physical side button returns
One of the most noticeable differences between the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Charge 6 is the presence of a physical side button on the latter. The Charge 5 ditched the button for a haptic sensor, which some users found hard to use and less responsive. The button on the Charge 6 will likely make it easier to navigate the device and access various features.
The button also resembles the ones found on the latest Fitbit smartwatches like the Sense 2 and the Versa 4, which suggests that the Charge 6 will have more smartwatch-like capabilities than its predecessor. For example, it could support voice assistant integration, quick replies, and music controls.
New Google Maps and YouTube Music integrations
Another exciting feature that the Fitbit Charge 6 is expected to have is the integration with Google Maps and YouTube Music. These are two of the most popular apps from Google, which acquired Fitbit in January 2021. The integration could mean that users will be able to see their location and directions on their wrist, as well as stream music from YouTube Music without their phone.
This would be a significant upgrade from the current Fitbit app, which only supports Spotify as a music service. It would also make the Charge 6 more competitive with other fitness trackers that have built-in GPS and music storage, such as the Garmin Venu Sq and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.
A similar UI and design
Apart from the button and the Google apps, the Fitbit Charge 6 is said to have a similar user interface and design to the Charge 5. The device will likely sport a 1.04-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 206 x 206 pixels, which is bright and sharp enough for outdoor visibility. The display will also support always-on mode and adaptive brightness.
The device will also have a sleek and lightweight body, with interchangeable bands and various color options. The battery life is expected to last up to seven days on a single charge, depending on the usage and settings. The device will also be water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
The same health and fitness features
The Fitbit Charge 6 will probably retain most of the health and fitness features that are available on the Charge 5. These include:
- Heart rate monitoring
- SpO2 monitoring
- ECG monitoring
- Skin temperature monitoring
- Stress management score
- Active zone minutes
- Sleep tracking
- Menstrual cycle tracking
- Over 20 exercise modes
- SmartTrack automatic exercise recognition
- Fitbit Pay
The device will also sync with the redesigned Fitbit app, which has a new Coach tab for workouts, improved tracking via phone sensors, Material You elements, and more. The app will also provide personalized insights, tips, and challenges based on the user’s data.
A possible price and availability
The Fitbit Charge 6 has not been officially announced yet, but it is expected to launch on September 28, according to the teaser video. The price of the device is unknown, but it could be similar to or slightly higher than the Charge 5, which costs $179.95 in the US. The device will likely be available in various markets soon after its launch.
The Fitbit Charge 6 could be one of the best fitness trackers of 2023, offering a mix of smartwatch-like features and health and fitness tracking. It could also be a great companion for the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 2, which is rumored to have a Fitbit revamp as well.
