Fitbit Charge 5 Launched, offers Holistic View of One’s Wellness

Google has released the new Fitbit Charge 5, the company’s most advanced health and fitness tracker yet. It’s thinner than its predecessor and comes with a new AMOLED touchscreen that is twice as bright. The device can measure fitness, stress, heart health, sleep and the wearer’s overall wellbeing. Six months of Fitbit Premium is included as standard.

This allows for deeper insights into fitness levels, actionable guidance and more than 500 workouts, mindfulness and nutrition sessions. One such feature is Daily Readiness, which lets wearers know if their bodies are ready for a workout session or if more time is needed to recover. Each morning it will provide a score for fitness fatigue, heart rate viability and recent sleep.

The Charge 5 is fitted with built-in GPS, 20 exercise modes, automatic exercise recognition and estimate of a wearer’s VO2 max. It is also the first tracker to t include an EDA sensor that measures stress levels by examining tiny changes in the sweat glands on the wearer’s fingers. This feature has helped 70% of users reduce their heart rate during a 2-minute scan.

A Stress Management Score within the Fitbit app, lets wearers know if they are mentally prepared to take on more challenges or if they need time to recharge. AFib or atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm condition that if left unchecked can result in dire consequences. Fitbit’s ECG app can detect AFib and it will be making its way to the Charge 5 soon.

Charge 5 can check a wearer’s heartbeat 24/7 and provide notifications when the figure is above or below the personal ranges. That’s not all, the tracker offers a holistic view of one’s wellness metrics via Health Metrics dashboard in the Fitbit app that includes breathing rate, skin temperature variations and SPO2.

In addition to this, users also get sleep tools like daily Sleep Score, Sleep Stages and SmartWake alarms. Premium members receive deeper analysis and guidance to improve overall sleep quality. With general usage, teh Charge 5 should offer a 7-day battery life.

Swiping a finger across the screen reveals a user’s stats, allow for contactless payments, send/receive notifications from/to a smartphone (quick replies for Android only) and choose from 20 clock faces. The Charge 5 is Fitbit’s first tracker with an always-on display and since it’s brighter than its predecessor, makes it easier to read during sunny days.

Users can swap the included band with lightweight silicone infinity bands, breathable sport bands, plush nylon hook and loop bands. The Fitbit Charge 5 retails for $179.95 (USD), which includes a six-month Premium membership (for new or returning customers). pre-order Charge 5 online at Fitbit.com