Fitbit Versa 2 brings Amazon Alexa into the smartwatch

After getting leaked, the Fitbit Versa 2 is now official. It still looks similar to its predecessor, but it comes with some new useful features. This smartwatch/fitness tracker gets an on-device microphone for the first time, allowing you to use Amazon's Alexa voice-activated assistant. Alexa on the Versa 2 will respond to your voice commands via text-based messages, which you'll see on the display. If you were worried about it talking back loudly to you, it wouldn't happen since this device has no speakers. You can ask Alexa to do things like set alarms and timers, check local weather, news, and control smart home devices. On Android, it can even transcribe voice responses to messages. But it can't control music, or control fitness tracker options until later this year.

The Versa 2 finally gets Spotify Premium onboard, but it's basically a controller for the Spotify phone app. You can't download music into the watch via this service. You can still side-load MP3s or use Deezer and Pandora's premium service.

The Versa 2 promises better performance thanks to its new processor. It also features a brighter, larger AMOLED display that comes with a new always-on mode for a couple of days. Battery life is extended to five days). And it features a "precision-crafted swim-proof design" but with the same 50-meter water resistance as previous models. It also still works with the same Versa chargers and watch bands. Fitbit Pay is available for all Versa 2 models, but there's still no onboard GPS or any other FDA-cleared health features. The one feature Fitbit improved on is its sleep tracking capabilities.

The standard Versa 2 costs $249.95, which is the same price as the original. There is a Versa 2 Special Edition model available with a fabric strap that costs $279.95.

Fitbit also introduced a new health and fitness subscription service called Fitbit Premium. It costs $13.49 per month or $106.99 a year. The new platform aims to leverage your unique health data to offer personalized tips for achieving your health and fitness goals. It promises to provide advanced sleep features, hundreds of extra workouts, additional challenges, and different health reports. Fitbit Premium is expected to launch next month, but we don't know yet if it'll be available here out of the gate. All Fitbit Versa 2 Special Edition owners will get a free 90-day trial of the platform, while other Fitbit devices get a seven-day trial.

Source: CNET + MobileSyrup