Fitbit seems to be working on an updated version of the Fitbit Alta launched in early 2016, complete with a heart rate monitor. The product is currently referred to as the Fitbit Alta HR (Heart-Rate) and according to Wareable, the fitness band in question recently popped up on some of Fitbit’s official websites along with the leaked picture above.
The original Fitbit Alta was announced in February 2016 after the company introduced the Fitbit Blaze at CES 2016. More recently, Fitbit CEO James Park stated that his company is looking forward to developing “upgraded versions of existing products” all the while releasing new products in new market segments. Although the CEO didn’t specify what existing products we can expect to be upgraded in the future, it now looks like the Fitbit Alta could be one of these contenders that seem to have made the list. Judging by the leaked image above, the so-called Fitbit Alta HR features a slightly different design compared to last year’s model, coupled with a new strap and a Fitbit logo at the bottom of the display. Although the heart rate sensor is not visible in the image, the BPM counter on the screen confirms that the product does have a heart recognition sensor onboard. The source also adds that while the original Fitbit Alta stored up to 5 days of minute-to-minute data, the upcoming Fitbit Alta HR will extend this functionality to 6 days of minute-to-minute memory.
At the moment there’s no official word regarding the Fitbit Alta HR’s release date and launch price, but it’s worth noting that last year’s model was launched for the price of $129.99, and was accompanied by optional rubber, leather, and stainless steel straps with prices ranging from $30 to $60 and $100 respectively. Seeing how the Fitbit Alta was released roughly one year ago, this would be the right time for the company to announce a sequel, especially with MWC 2017 opening its doors to the public tomorrow, February 27. We’ll keep you up to speed with future developments, and hopefully, Fitbit will soon shed more light on its plans to release upgraded versions of existing products, whether it’s the so-called Fitbit Alta HR or updated versions of other ongoing wearables complete with heart rate monitors.