Fitbit Announces New $200 Smart Wearable 'Blaze' With Touchscreen Display

During CES this year, wearable manufacturer Fitbit is showing off the newest addition to its lineup of fitness-focused devices with the $199.95 "Fitbit Blaze". The new product is the first Fitbit with a full color LCD display that includes a touchscreen for users to interact with various activity tracking features and notifications.

Similar to the Apple Watch, the Blaze lets users pop out the case and alternate between different bands and styles for a more customized experience. But, in line with the company's other products, the Blaze has an activity and exercise focus with no other third-party apps available on the device.

The wearable will be able to track daily sleep, exercises, steps, and calories burnt, and also includes FitStar workouts that guide users through regimens with step-by-step instructions. All collected data from the Blaze will be able to be shared onto an iOS, Android and Windows Phone device, as the company's previous products have allowed.

The activity tracker will automatically begin detecting when its wearer is beginning activities like running or playing sports thanks to Fitbit's "SmartTrack" feature, taking some of the hassle out of gathering exercise data for Fitbit customers. The Blaze doesn't have GPS (although it can pull data from a connected smartphone), but includes a heart rate sensor and music controls.

Fitbit says the device will give its users access to the traditional notification settings seen in most smart wearables nowadays, including calls, texts, and calendar alerts on the brand new touchsreen display. The company also promises five days of battery life in total for the Blaze. The new wearable is available in small, large, and extra-large sizing options and, like the Apple Watch, can't be used when swimming.

Those interested can pre-order the Fitbit Blaze for $199.95 in Black, Blue, and Plum. A handful of accessories are also up for pre-order for anyone wishing to add variety to the Blaze, including a $129.95 Metal Links + Frame stainless steel band, $99.95 Leather Band + Frame, and the $29.95 traditional Classic Band in the three previously mentioned colors.