Wrist Tracking and More with Fitbit Flex
We are so thrilled to be announcing Fitbit Flex to everyone. For many years, we managed to keep our research team very busy developing the technology to make Flex, our first wristband product, work the way we want it to work. We wanted to make sure we captured actual steps taken without capturing “steps” from everyday hand motions, like typing, gesturing, or even eating.
One big challenge we faced was that while we managed to not calculate steps from these sitting activities (eating), and avoid steps from driving, we wanted to capture steps when you’re walking but your hands are held still. When would this happen? Well, walking with a stroller of course! It’s actually a common complaint among wrist tracker users. To determine the right algorithms to sense and capture these steps required lots of development and testing. If you have been near our office in San Francisco, you would have seen many researchers running up and down the street with strollers, wired with all these gadgets to see how we can capture those movements.
Additionally, we waited until now to launch a wristband because we wanted to be able to offer wireless syncing with Android phones as well as iPhones, iPads, and iPods with Bluetooth 4.0. We’re very excited to announce that our products will start syncing with the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Note 2 in late January/early February, and more devices will follow soon! Viva la mobile!
To keep up with all of our new developments and let us know what you think of Flex, make sure to “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
Any plans for a Windows Phone 8 app?
This seems like a great way for me and my wife to track how active we are.
Thanks
I’m very excited to use the wristband in my day to day activities.
Please keep all up to date.
Regards
Guenny
Galaxy SIII? awesome!
Dang I really want the Flex! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for after buying, being unhappy with, and returning the Nike Fuelband and Larklife. Please tell me it will be available really soon. Like by the end of January! If not, can you provide at least a hint as to when we can expect it?
Yay! I have a Fitbit One, but am really excited for the wristband. I was wondering, though, how small is the small? Because my wrists are teeny tiny.
I just pre-ordered, I can’t wait!
I can not wait for the Flex. I am totally addicted to my fitbit. Great job listening to your customers wishes!
Please consider the Android flagships first (Google’s Nexus Line e.g. Nexus 7 tablet, Nexus phone…) since they are pure unadulterated Android software.
I dont expect to see my bionic supported soon, but if I can see your gadget on my Nexus tablet, I’m buying!
I am very excited that fitbit will be able to sync with Android devices. I have been waiting to buy this product because I am an Android user. I can’t wait!
Can you please let me know when Fitbit Flex is scheduled to be available in Australia? Even to purchase online for delivery in/to Australia?
Many thanks.
I love that it will track walking while pushing a cart or stroller, my current watch pedometer doesn’t.
Two questions: Will it track stairs like your other Fitbits? Will this synch with Windows Phones too?
Ooooh… please hurry on the Bluetooth syncing via Android thing! I’ve only had my Fitbit for three weeks, but I love it (have lost 8.5 pounds already). I just got rid of my iPhone 5 in favor of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and literally my ONLY issue is that I can’t use it to sync my Fitbit. Soooo glad this is going to be rectified soon. Hurry, guys, hurry!!!
Hello!
This is great – I was wondering when it will be released in the UK? I am in the market for one, but will now wait for this I think, instead of the fitbit one – the wristband seems like a much better form factor.
Sid
Release the Kraken! Just kidding. But seriously, hurry up! My wife will love this. Win-win for me!
I have the same question about stairs. I’m trying to decide which would work better for me. I live in SF, and climbing stairs is a constant activity, so I’m trying to decide whether to get The One, or wait until the Flex is out. Any thoughts you might have would help. Thanks.
I have a windows phone 8. But I think for Fitbit to sync it needs Bluetooth 4.0 which is not available on windows phone as yet.
Looking forward to Android expansion. Hoping you’ll support many of the bluetooth 4.0 models, especially the RAZR series. Enjoying my FB One experience so far.
The flex is just what I am looking for. I see it is water resistant. Will I be able to shower and swim with it on?
It’s been really exciting to watch the development and growth of the company the last few years. I feel thrilled to have been a loyal user since receiving my first fitbit back in December 2009. Now I’ve preordered the flex and am anxiously awaiting its arrival just like I did for my original bit. Just hope it’s not 9 months again. Haha. Would love to be a beat tester if any are needed. Best wishes for another successful launch.
When is “Spring”
I am very excited for the arrival of the band.
When in “Spring” is the Flex coming out. It seems like forever since I pre-ordered. I love my One – but managed to lose the charging cable and it is on back order, so my One is dead and I’m going through FitBit withdrawal!
I’m not sure how much longer I can wait! I’m ready to trade my One in for the Flex!!
I was wondering how the flex wristband would capture steps while walking on a treadmill and holding the side or top front rails (vs swinging arms freely). Will it be handled the same as pushing a stroller? Because I am considering the Flex for exercise & sleep tracking, not calorie counting – use Wt Watchers points for diet… Thx. Eager to see what comes out.
OMG my fitbug is broken and I want the Flex now!!! Please and Thank you
I gave the Fitbit One to my husband and sister for christmas and am now buying the flex for my mother! I love it especially because I can see how many steps she is taking a day to make sure she’s staying active. The scale is great and so easy to use what a wonderful addition!! Are there any future plans to have bar code scanning for food tracking? It seems to be the only thing missing!!