Wait for Upgraded Blaze / Blaze 2 in fall 2017 or buy now ?

[hd57]

Hello,

 I am a loyal Fitbit user and have been using Charge HR since 2014. Contemplated buying Apple watch but dropped the idea as it fails to deliver in the fitness tracking area. I am seriously considering upgrading to the Blaze but have been reading up on some rumors about a new Blaze version with built in GPS, NFC, and Fitbit developing its own Apps towards 3rd quarter to compete with Apple watch. Since Fitbit bought out Pebble and its smart watch software , I do see some reasoning for the rumors. I do not run outside so GPS is not important nor do I swim. Should I wait 6 months in order to be future proof or just buy it now ? Thank you all .

[SilviaFitbit]

It's great to have you here @hd57! It's nice to hear that you've been a user since 2014, I can imagine how many goals you've achieved with your Fitbit tracker. Currently, I don't have any news about any new Fitbit trackers that are going to be released. As soon as there are new trackers coming out, you'll see a banner in your Dashboard or even here in the Community. 

Personally, I have the Fitbit Blaze and I enjoy each feature that it has because it's pretty complete and has features from every Fitbit tracker. 

Hope this helps. 

[hd57]

Hi,
I was curious to know if any new model/ version is being released this year ? Looking to have the NFC payment option. Is this a software upgrade or a altogether a new hardware which needs to be incorporated in the Blaze design ? I don't want to rush and buy the Blaze now if you think there is a possibility of such a upgrade.

[bbarrera]

@hd57 in these forums Fitbit will not publicly comment on future products. Fitbit is a public company, so you will need to get your information from management....

This year the Fitbit CEO and management team have provided some details and hints, see this thread for a few details and links:

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Blaze/Blaze-2/m-p/1937497/highlight/true#M54746

and here is an interesting article with collection of quotes from Fitbit CEO, insiders from companies acquired by Fitbit, and analysts

https://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-smartwatch-details-2017

Re: fitness tracking of AW, I've found that it outperforms Fitbit in my critical list of features:

- supports tracking weight lifting, including sets/reps/weight. It isn't even possible to manually enter and track this in Fitbit world.

- integrates cycling workouts recorded using bike computer and power/speed sensors. I can ride without Watch and still get credit toward 3-ring goal tracking on Watch. Fitbit does provide sync with Strava, but in Fitbit world I can't record or review power and cadence data so like weight lifting you must use a non-Fitbit way to record.

- vendor warranty coverage includes buying used 

- supports importing workouts with HR and GPS data (ok, technically that is on my phone but the fitness summary data is then integrated into Watch via HealthKit)

- "multi-tracker" step counting with AW and iPhone provides more accurate step counts than I get with my (former) Surge or Blaze

- pay for things *quickly* with or without wallet or credit card

- Watch apps that tightly integrate with best-in-class phone apps

- displays info important to me, like current wind conditions (see screenshot)

AccuWeather data

I do my training rides after work, and love being able to quickly see the current wind conditions so I can give my wife an estimate of when I'll be home. Or like on last Friday night get a text from my brother-in-law and ride to the new microbrewery on my way home and pay for beer with my Watch. Or replying to a Skype from my boss on the east coast when I'm making breakfast in the kitchen.

These are some of the features I'd like to see in a Fitbit smartwatch. And it needs to be swim proof, among other things. 

[bbarrera]

@hd57 if you are interested in payments then I suggest waiting. The Fitbit CEO has publicly commented on entering the smartwatch market in 2017, so its more than rumors:

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Blaze/Blaze-2/m-p/1937497/highlight/true#M54746

p.s. I'm a loyal Fitbit user since 2013, however I've found the Apple Watch a more capable fitness tracker for weight lifting, and a better step counter as it integrates steps with iPhone step tracker. Versus my bike computer, neither Fitbit or AW are very useful, however AW integrates better with Strava and I can pay for things with just my AW on long rides (plus answer texts/Skype, take calls). Based on my experiences with AW, I have a list of things I'd love to see in a Fitbit smartwatch. Will be interesting to see what Fitbit launches.

[WalkibgChelle]

I'm hoping that the rumors are true that there will be an upgraded Blaze later this year.  I am also a loyal FitBit user with many trackers!  I bought the Samsung Gear 2 and returned it because I couldn't live without the Blaze!  I think the upgrade with probably add some great features - but I also love it the way it is too so if you don't need any of the new talked about features - I think you will like it!

[Gaylep43]

I've had the Fitbit Blaze and I love it. But due to my son buying me the Spple series 3 I we'll be selling it and moving on to Apple. Since everything I own is Apple.

[Rich_Laue]

Well it looks like it is a two way street, i know more that got fed up with apple and now use a fitbit, then i know, ....  oh wait, i don't  know of anybody  that went from Fitbit to Apple.

[MikeF]

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@Gaylep43 wrote:

Since everything I own is Apple.

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I suspect this is unlikely to be true. 🙂