The Fitbit Charge 5 could be here soon and it's looking pretty slick

Date:
Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:15:56 +0000

Description:
Images of a new Fitbit codenamed 'Morgan' have leaked, and its appearance suggests it could be a new Charge model.

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The next Fitbit is coming soon, and it could be a new and improved Fitbit Charge 5 . 9to5Google has obtained a render that it says shows the companys next fitness tracker, codenamed Morgan.

Details are scant so far (theres no Fitbit branding on the image and 9to5Google is keeping its source close to its chest), but TechRadar has found an FCC document registered earlier this year for a new Fitbit wireless activity tracker that might just fit the bill. We've tested and ranked the best fitness trackers On a budget? Check out the best cheap fitness trackers We've also rounded up the best swimming watches

External photos and a user manual for the device are currently private, but are due to be made public on October 18, 2021. Theres no way to be certain that this device is Morgan, but the dates seem to line up. Here's the Fitbit 'Morgan,' a possible Charge 5 with color display and new design https://t.co/YJhqs4GRku by @technacity pic.twitter.com/5I34sLsnGE July 26, 2021 See more

So is this a Fitbit Charge 5? It might be or it could be something new. Weve been expecting a new Charge to land within the coming months, but based on previous release patterns we werent anticipating it to land until April 2022. The Fitbit Charge 4 arrived in April 2020, so an October 2021 launch would mean less than two years between the two devices.

The Morgan codename is interesting, but no guarantee. Fitbit has been known
to give its devices similar monikers during development; in 2017 we first heard about a new Fitbit device codenamed Higgs, which turned out to be the Fitbit Ionic. However, there were also rumors of a pair of of sports headphones codenamed Parkside complete with a leaked image , but these never materialized.

Weve contacted Fitbit for a comment, but we wont hold our breath; the company declined to comment when images of the Fitbit Luxe leaked ahead of its official launch though Fitbit did move its launch date forward a few days in response. A new look for the Charge 5

The Morgan looks quite different to previous watches in the Charge series,
but the line is certainly due for a makeover. The Charge 4 was released
before Fitbit finalized its new Biologic Industrial Design Language, which Fitbits senior vice president ofdesignJonah Becker says is "inspired by and designed for the human body". That means smooth shapes and rounded edges, as seen on the Fitbit Inspire 2, Versa 3, Sense, and Luxe. Recent Fitbit
devices, including the Fitbit Sense, have followed the same design languages, with smooth curves and no hard angles (Image credit: Orage / Ida Blix)

The leaked image shows a fitness tracker with a minimalist design, featuring
a soft silicone band that sits flush with the devices body. The body appears to be plastic (though its not possible to tell for certain), and theres a color display something conspicuously lacking from the Charge 4.

What makes us curious is the appearance of large black bezels around the edge of the Morgans display. No watches in Fitbits current line have such big bezels, which makes us wonder about the images accuracy. Well keep you
updated as and when we hear back from Fitbit, but were hedging our bets. Analysis: the Fitbit Charge 5 needs to stand out

When the Fitbit Charge 4 launched, it was one of the smallest and lightest
GPS fitness trackers around. Its held up well since its launch in April last year, but its successor will need to work harder to stand out. In recent months weve seen a bevy of cheap smartwatches including the TicWatch E3 and Amazfit Bip offering an impressive range of fitness tracking tools for a very modest price.

The Fitbit Charge 5 will need a new ace up its sleeve if its going to stand out, and itll have to be something that wont be in direct competition with
the companys other devices. The Fitbit Sense has stress monitoring sewn up, the Luxe has the style-oriented section of the market cornered, the Inspire 2 is the lightest and smallest activity band in the range, and the Versa 3 is Fitbits take on the multi-functional smartwatch. A more sport-focused Fitbit could be a competitor to entry-level running watches like the new Garmin Forerunner 55 (Image credit: Garmin)

We think its likely that the Charge 5 will be a device aimed squarely at fitness fans, with an improved raft of features designed specifically for workouts possibly even as a rival to entry-level running watches like the
new Garmin Forerunner 55.

Wed be very surprised if it loses its GPS receiver (a tool extremely useful for runners and cyclists), and it could gain new tools that integrate with Fitbit Premium, such as workout plans sent from the Fitbit app to your watch, and suggested workouts based on your fitness level and goals. Additional sports profiles would be a welcome addition, as would breathing exercises (a feature missing from the Charge 4) and post-workout recovery guidance.

There's some seriously tough competition, but if Fitbit can put together the right package, the Charge 5 could be the next device to take the top place in our guide to the best running watches . We've tested and rated the best running headphones



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/the-fitbit-charge-5-could-be-here-soon-and-its- looking-pretty-slick/


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