Fitbit, one of the most recognizable names in fitness wearable has just launched the Fitbit Versa – the company’s latest smartwatch entry last April 19. And, I must say, it was no ordinary product launch. Upon entering Kerry Sports Manila – the country’s largest indoor lifestyle and leisure club housed in Shangri-La the Fort – I was asked if I wanted to get join a workout and if so, recommended that I get a pre-charged Versa. Since they gave us a heads-up about the possibility of an open workout, I arrived in my workout clothes. Yes, you can say that I’m a fitness fanatic.
Half of the indoor basketball court was tattered with yoga mats while the other half was where Fitbit gathered us to officially unveil the Versa. Alex Healy, Fitbit’s Head of Product Marketing for Asia Pacific and Louis Lye, Fitbit Regional Director for Southeast Asia, Hongkong and Taiwan made a compelling case on why launch a Versa given that they already have the recently launched full-fledged smartwatch in the Ionic, and the sleek and suave tracker in the Alta HR.
Is there value in the Versa?
The value proposition is indeed compelling. The aluminum- encased Versa is one of the lightest fitness watches out there that it can even rival the lightness of a popular Swiss plastic watch. Second, the Versa, given its thin 11.2mm thickness gives you its always-on heart rate monitor and accelerometer was still able to squeeze in a 4-day Li-ion battery. In addition, it’s got these features as well:
- On-screen workouts
- Call and Text Notifications
- Quick replies (for Android only)
- Auto Activity and Sleep Tracking
- Ability to tether GPS with phone
- Ability to store music (300+ songs from Deezer)
- Swimproof
And lastly, the price. Two variants of the Versa are available in the market: P13,890 for variants that come in black, gray or peach with classic sport bands. And, the Special Edition for P15,590 that come with woven bands and extra classic sport bands.
Check out the close up photos below of the Special Edition with the woven bands.
Sleek, right?
We’ll be testing the Versa in the coming weeks (especially the swimproof functionality) and tell you what we think.
The Versa is available today across leading retail stores including Digital Walker, Globe, liberty, Runnr and Lazada.
Allan Abaca is an avid gamer through and through. Virtually, he is locked-in with his PS4 almost daily and has just introduced the awesomeness of gaming to his two sons.
Next in his sights is PC gaming. The platform which he nows considering going back to after a two decade hiatus.
Oh, and let's not forget the Nintendo Switch...
His psn id is hip2b2
