Michael Grothaus 19/07/2017 - 12:38pm

Everything you need to know about Fitbit’s mid-range tracker, the FitBit Alta

Fitbit has become the leader in fitness wearables over the past several years, but that dominance is starting to be eroded by the likes of the Apple Watch, which is increasingly becoming a more fitness-focused device.

It’s no doubt that Apple’s smartwatch is one of the reasons Fitbit is pivoting to making its first smartwatch, which should be available later this year, according to the Financial Times:

“Fitbit’s forthcoming smartwatch will feature more precise GPS tracking, a music player and new biometric sensors, according to chief executive James Park, who insisted that the product remained ‘on track’ despite reports of delays. Over the longer term, the device could pave the way for new medical applications that would require regulatory approval, Mr. Park told the Financial Times, as the company looked to make its wearable technology a ‘must-have’ for consumers by becoming more integrated into the healthcare system. ‘The product is on track to meet our expectations and the expectations that we’ve set for investors,’ Mr. Park said. It’s going to be, in my opinion, our best product yet.’ The long-awaited smartwatch, which analysts expect to go on sale this year, is a make-or-break product for Fitbit as it faces a resurgent Apple Watch and lower-cost competition from China.”

Of course, the fact that Fitbit is coming out with a smartwatch doesn’t mean it’s getting out of the dedicated fitness tracker game. Both product lines will live side-by-side at the company. And one of its most popular trackers is the existing Fitbit Alta. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Fitbit Alta: Health Features

The Alta wristband is packed with health features. These include steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity & stationary time; Auto Sleep Tracking complete with silent alarms to wake you up; SmartTrack Auto Exercise Recognition so it's able to detect if you are walking or running; and Reminders to get up and move. The one thing it doesn’t track is heart rate. However, the company offers an advanced version of the Alta called the Alta HR if heart rate tracking is important to you.

Fitbit Alta: Other Features

Other features of this fitness tracker include a 5-day battery life; Call, Text & Calendar Alerts; a tap to wake OLED display; and a clock with customizable clock faces. The Call, Text & Calendar alerts send notifications to the Alta’s display, so you never miss messages you receive even if your phone is in your pocket on silent.

Fitbit Alta: Style

One other added benefit of the Alta, like many of Fitbit’s other devices, is that it comes in many different styles and colors, including special editions and designer collections, so you can find a look that matches your style no matter if you are wearing it on the track or in the boardroom. It also offers a number of wristband accessories, so you can easily change the look of your Alta if you want. Options come in metal, leather and classic accessory bands Standard editions of the Alta come in: stainless steel and black, and stainless steel and plum color options. There’s also a Special Edition option of black and 22k gold plated.

Fitbit Alta: Who Is It For?

The Fitbit Alta is a great fitness tracker for those who do multiple fitness activities, including jogging and interval training. It’s also a good choice for those people who don’t want to advertise they are wearing a “geeky” fitness tracker as the plentiful style options ensure you’ll find a look that matches your needs, no matter if you are on the trails or in a boardroom.

Fitbit Alta: Price

The Fitbit Alta costs £99 for the standard edition models and £129 for the special edition models. That's from Amazon, the retailer claims to have the lowest prices for FitBit products.

However, you can also buy ALL FitBit trackers – and there are FREAKIN' loads of them – direct from Fitbit.