Fitbit has released updates for its Charge HR and Surge fitness trackers, which now automatically detect exercises such as walking, running, aerobics including dance and Zumba, elliptical bikes, outdoor biking, and sports, just in time for Black Friday and the 2015 holiday shopping season. The wrist wearables now record the type of physical activity, duration, heart rate, and calories burned.
In addition, the Fitbit wearables use SmartTrack to detect types of sports played, such as tennis, soccer, and basketball. Fitness tracker owners can also log certain types of movements.
PurePulse heart rate monitors for the two models also received an upgrade. Surge's sport modes and Charge HR's Exercise Mode produce an improved experience during and following high-intensity exercises such as Zumba, according to Engadget.
When Fitbit users activate the Exercise Mode, the heart rate tracker will turn on automatically, according to TechNewsWorld. A chest strap will not be needed.
In addition, Fitbit's entire product line and Fitbit apps are getting a feature for weekly exercise goals. It will make workouts more uniform and help to pass long-term fitness milestones.
The PurePulse and SmartTrack updates are available now. In addition, the exercise goals feature can be used on the iOS and Windows Fitbit app (Android version is coming soon).
Finally, new color options are available for both the Surge ($250) and Charge HR ($150). Blue and tangerine versions of the fitness trackers are now on sale.
Fitbit and other wearable health trackers will likely have robust sales figures this holiday season. A recent Consumer Technology Association survey reported that global sales of health, fitness, and sports trackers will double between 2013 ($1.9 billion) and 2019.
Here is a Fitbit Charge HR waterproof test: