Fitbit Won't Abandon Fitness Trackers for Smartwatches, VP Says
*By Christian Smith*
Fitbit doesn't plan to exit the fitness-tracker space for smartwatches anytime soon, said VP of product marketing Melanie Chase.
"A lot of the buzz and conversation has been about the growth in the smartwatch industry, and it's easy to get distracted from the fact the tracker market is still huge," Chase said Tuesday in an interview on Cheddar.
Fitbit on Monday unveiled the Charge 3, what it calls its most technologically advanced fitness tracker to date. The device features a swim-proof design and improved health and sleep trackers.
The Charge family of products is the company's most successful line of trackers. According to company data, Fitbit has sold 35 million in the line so far. Fitbit made its first venture into the smartwatch market earlier this year when it launched the Versa.
While the wearable market has had its ups and downs, research firm IDC predicts that consumers will buy 43 million smartwatches and 46 million fitness trackers this year ー and Fitbit wants in on the action.
"As the leader in the tracker category it's important for us to continue to invest in people who love trackers while also growing in the smartwatch space with introductions like Versa," Chase said.
The Fitbit Charge 3 retails for $149.95. It's already available for pre-order on Fitbit's [website](https://www.fitbit.com/home) and will be sold in stores this October.
For full interview [click here] (https://cheddar.com/videos/fitbit-gives-first-look-at-most-technologically-advanced-fitness-tracker-yet).
Make sure your love don't cost a thing this Valentine's Day to any scammers. Note: we're not talking about your partner that didn't do the dishes after saying they would.
Landing founder and CEO Bill Smith shares how the company’s new Nomad pass and partnership with Frontier Airlines allows subscribers unlimited airfare and accommodations.
The pandemic yielded government financial support and (eventually) a surprisingly strong job market — but racial wealth disparities grew. Why is it so difficult to close the wealth gap?
Plenty of retailers and suppliers are reducing the variety of their offerings to focus instead on what they think will sell best. Many businesses have decided less is better, justifying their limited selection by asserting shoppers don’t want so much choice.
Joe Pompliano, author of the Huddle Up newsletter, breaks down the biggest moments from Super Bowl LVIII, from potentially record-breaking viewership to Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated appearance.
David Wright, President and owner of Wright Financial Group, shares his thoughts on why the Federal Reserve seems hesitant to cut rates, and why regional bank stocks could help move the needle.
Disney and Fortnite-maker Epic Games will collab on making new video games with Disney characters. Hopefully it will be more than Mickey Mouse hitting the Griddy.
Hershey is cautioning on its 2024 profit growth as the company contends with rising cocoa costs, leading to increased prices for chocolate. The company anticipates its full-year earnings per share being relatively flat, partly due to higher cocoa and sugar costs.
