The predecessor Sense could measure your stress level. The new Fitbit Sense 2 should now be able to do this permanently. The American manufacturer today unveiled the new flagship smartwatch along with two other devices. The new sensor in the Sense 2 should make it possible to track bodily functions throughout the day.
Fitbit Sense 2: Track body functions with cEDA
The innovative cEDA (Continuous Electrodermal Activity) sensor should now recognize the signs of physical stress on its own and send you stress alerts when the time comes. According to Fitbit, “so you can step in and think about your emotions,” as stated on the official product page.
When the time comes, other anti-stress features will help you, some of which the 2020 predecessor Sense has already mastered. These include mindfulness exercises with EDA scanning that you can do right on the watch, mood logs and a stress management index. And the Sense 2 can also measure your sleep quality.
The predecessor Sense already had an EDA sensor that could measure stress via electrodes on the palm. However, the wearer still has to place the other hand on the dial on which the sensor is attached for a few seconds.
With the Fitbit Sense 2, the cEDA sensor is now much more conveniently placed on the bottom of the case, along with other sensors like those for SpO2. Replacing the EDA with the cEDA sensor doesn’t sound like much on paper, but it is a major step and a significant improvement.
Fitbit Sense 2: Features and Specifications
| Fitbit Sense 2 | |
|---|---|
| sensors and techniques | cEDA, SpO2 (oxygen saturation with red and infrared sensors), multi-path optical heart rate sensor, skin temperature sensor, steps, distance and calories burned, altimeter, accelerometer sensor (three-axis), automated workout detection, ambient light sensor |
| functions | All Day Body Response/Stress Tracking, Stress Alerts, Mood Logs, Stress Management Index, ECG App for Heart Rate Monitoring, Respiratory Rate Measurement, Blood Glucose Monitoring (Via App), Sleep Tracking, Sleep Profile and Sleep Index, Health Report, Cycle Tracking, |
| equipment and services | GPS, Bluetooth, Alexa integration, Google Maps and Google Wallet (not yet available as of release), Fitbit Pay, find a cell phone, always-on display mode, 6 months of Fitbit Premium included |
| battery life | up to 6 days; Fast charge mode promises 1 day of use after 6 minutes of charging |
| operating system | FitbitOS |
| Price | about 300 euros |
The Sense 2 is equipped with Fitbit’s own system Fitbit OS. After the completed acquisition of Fitbit by Google in early 2021, quite a few speculated that Fitbit smartwatches would eventually also be equipped with Google’s Wear OS smartwatch operating system. But that’s not the case with the Sense 2 and the new Fitbit Versa 4. Google apparently reserves this for the Pixel Watch that is scheduled for the fall.
According to the manufacturer, both new Fitbit smartwatches are a bit slimmer and lighter and also have a mechanical on/off button. That was missing in previous versions.
Also new: Fitbit Versa 4 and Inspire 3
The new Fitbit Versa 4 can hardly be distinguished from the Sense 2 with the naked eye. The second smartwatch from the same company is technically somewhat slimmed down, it does without the EDA sensor, for example, and costs slightly less around 230 euros.
The new Inspire 3 sports bracelet now has a color display, can also measure heart rate and oxygen saturation, create stress management profiles and perform mindfulness exercises with the wearer. It masters GPS and the battery is said to last up to 10 days. Price: about 100 euros.
Images: Fitbit