Fitbit launches smartwatch Fitbit Ionic, plus Flyer earphones and Aria 2 scale

Fitbit introduces its first smartwatch, the Fitbit Ionic.

Fitbit Malaysia officially rolls out its first smartwatch, the Fitbit Ionic, in Malaysia, along with Bluetooth headphones Flyer and an updated smart scale Aria 2.

Introduced last August, the smartwatch is available at major local retailers, including Harvey Norman, All IT Hypermart, Best Denki, Timekeeper and Thunder Match Technology. 

It's the company's first device to run on the Fitbit OS which provides access to calls, text and calendar alerts, plus the Fitbit App Gallery; all on a square 1.42in screen. 

Like their existing health trackers, the Ionic boasts a five-day battery life, sleep insights, multi-sports and step tracking, heart-rate monitor and water resistance. 

Though the device was designed to play music and make payments via an NFC chip, Fitbit APAC director of product marketing Alexander Healy said the Deezer music streaming service and bank partnerships were still underway. 

He added that Fitbitpay has passed regulatory hurdles – in part due to the security measures like pin-code passwords and SMS alerts – and the company is in talks with Malaysian banks and the pay service is already available in Singapore. 

Healy said the Ionic was equipped with an SpO2 monitor – used to measure oxygen saturation levels – which would be able to accurately read exertion levels during exercise and provide insights on sleep, including for people with sleep apnoea.

"It is built in but not activated yet. We are still researching the accuracy of the data and how to subsequently bring it to market. This will determine on whether it's providing a recommendation or diagnosis," said Healy, during the launch today in Kuala Lumpur.

To go with the smartwatch's music playing capabilities, Fitbit will be introducing the Flyer, bluetooth sports earphones that connects seamlessly with the Ionic. 

The earphones are sweat resistant, with a IP67 rating, equipped with dual microphones, able to connect to two devices with its Bluetooth 4.2 protocol and able to run up to six hours after fully charging within 15 minutes. 

During the launch, Fitbit SEA, Hong Kong, Taiwan country manager Louis Lye also introduced the updated Aria 2.

Like its predecessor, the Aria 2 will measure weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and lean mass for up to eight users, syncing the stats to the users' Fitbit app.

The Aria 2 has a higher maximum weight tolerance of 400 pounds (181kg) up from 350 pounds (159kg), is able to sync using Bluetooth as well as WiFi, and runs on two AA instead of four.

The Ionic is priced at RM1,399, the Flyer at RM590 and the Aria 2 at RM620. 

Get the Fitbit Ionic right now at Lazada.