Fitbit devices still setting the pace

The Versa 2, the latest version of the popular fitness tracker, makes it easier than ever to monitor your exercise routines.

The Fitbit Versa 2 has sleep tracking features so wearers can learn more about what goes on when they slumber.

If you go for a morning walk and you didn’t count your steps, did it really happen? If your watch only tells the time, is it really worth wearing? The craze around tracking our busy lives, comparing it to the previous day, ensuring we hit our goals and feeling better for it, shows no signs of slowing down.

The second screen we now wear on our wrists has expectations higher than ever.

When it comes to smart watches, the Apple Watch is always front of mind, yet when you think of fitness tracking, the Fitbit reigns supreme. So as Fitbit releases its latest, do we finally have a true Apple Watch alternative?

The Fitbit Versa 2 comes in a variety of styles with an easy method for changing watch bands to suit your occasion. The 40mm square face can display a range of watch faces, mostly focused around fitness.

The interface is extremely easy to use with one swipe to begin recording an exercise. You can also let the watch record exercise automatically. Tracking a run, swim or ride is accurate and easy. You can use the onboard coach to guide you through workouts you can do anywhere.

This model runs the Amazon Alexa voice assistant for those burning questions such as “How many calories in an avocado?”.

Fitbit Versa 2 fitness tracker smart watch.

You can also use Alexa in the watch to control your smart home, however, Alexa on the Versa 2 doesn’t work in the same way as it does in your home. You will need to press the button on the watch to let Versa 2 listen, ask your question using voice and then a text response is displayed.

Alexa doesn’t integrate with the Fitbit itself so asking Alexa to start a workout or add a meal to your food diary won’t work yet.

The five-day battery life is good, with 24/7 heart rate monitoring including sleep tracking. The smartphone app lets you understand your movements and activities throughout the day.

Apple has not adopted to sleep tracking yet so Fitbit enjoys a jump start. It is advancing it further in this model. The ability to learn about your sleeping patterns, understand the differences between REM, deep sleep and light sleep could prove handy in discussions with your GP.

The watch has plenty of battery power for wearing to bed and it has a silent alarm that will gently vibrate you out of sleep.

The Versa 2 can show notifications transmitted from your phone. But there’s not much more integration than that.

Fitbit Versa 2 fitness tracker smart watch.

The ability to use the Fitbit Versa 2 with an Apple or Android device is handy but I wish I could respond to more notifications directly through the watch and also initiate actions through greater app support. The Versa 2 can be used independently for exercise and payments, however, it really does end there. With no eSim featured, you will need your phone nearby to truly manage your day.

Fitbit has expanded its accessories for the Versa 2 allowing you to swap out the silicone band for suede, leather, stainless steel and bands with a wide variety of colours. New bands start from $49.95 and are easy to change to suit the office or gym.

The Versa 2 starts at $329.95, so you will be able to forgive it for being less intelligent than its fiercest rival, Apple for $649.

With the ability to connect with Android and Apple devices, plus fitness tracking on par with the more expensive option, it could be hard to say “no” to the Versa 2.

Geoff Quattromani is a tech commentator across radio, print, online and television. Check out his weekly podcast “Technology Uncorked” for new information.