Last week, Samsung (News - Alert) announced the launch of the Gear Fit2, their latest foray into the world of wearable technology for the purpose of fitness tracking. The Gear Fit2, much like many of the other models currently on the market, is a wristband with a touchscreen face. It also contains many of the same features as its competitors. Including a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and GPS tracking. The watch can be synced with any smartphone running Android software, but will not be compatible with Apple’s (News - Alert) iOS.
However, there is one major difference between the Gear Fit2 and its competitors. This wristband features three different tracking modes for running, bicycling, and using the elliptical. This is important for those who want accurate readings from their devices, as the movements of the wearers can differ across these three different modes of exercising. This leads to inaccuracies in the readings of many other fitness wearables, something that Samsung is looking to eliminate.
At $175, the Gear Fit2 is moderately priced for a fitness tracker. It seems that their hope is that customers will place a high premium on the accuracy of their fitness tech, and thus will be willing to pay a little more for a product with better accuracy. The band is also fairly sleek, though it is not quite as slim as products from Fitbit and Jawbone, two of the larger competitors in the industry.
One thing that is interesting about the release of this product is the timing. Studies have shown that, like gym memberships, the sales of wearable fitness trackers rise in the beginning of the year as they are purchased by New Year’s resolutions-makers who are determined to work out more. It seems more logical, then, to launch new products around this time, rather than in June. It will be interesting to see if Samsung’s Gear Fit2 is able to make a significant disruption in the industry, despite having something of a late start.