The new Fitbit Alta HR has a heart rate sensor and more detailed sleep tracking

Note: First published on 6th March 2017, we've updated the article with local pricing and availability.

After a disappointing fourth quarter earnings report, Fitbit is picking itself up again with a new product announcement  - the new Alta HR. The Alta HR comes with a smaller heart rate sensor and provides more detailed sleep tracking than its predecessor. 

To fit into the compact form factor of the wristband activity tracker, Fitbit worked with Texas Instruments to develop a new, smaller heart rate sensor for the Alta HR. It is also able to offer all-day, continuous heart rate tracking.

Another key feature of the Alta HR is the improved sleep tracking. There are two tools, Sleep Stages and Sleep Insights which provide more information on your sleep quality and how to improve.

Sleep Stages uses the accelerometer data, heart rate variability and algorithms to estimate the different sleep stages (light, deep and REM). Sleep Insights will try to establish a connection between your sleep, exercise, diet, weight and heart rate, and provide personalized guidance based on the data collected. Both of these features wil be rolled out in Spring 2017.

The Alta HR is available for pre-order on Fitbit.com at a price of US$149.95 (~S$212). It will be available in retail stores from early April. Local availability and price are not known at the time of publication.

Locally, you can also expect to find it in retail from early April and it will be available for S$248. There's also a Special Edition Alta HR in Gun Metal or Rose Gold finish for S$298. Band options are as follows:-

• Classic fitness bands - S$49.90
• Luxe Leather bands - S$99.90
• Luxe Metal Bracelet - S$149

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Source: Fitbit via The Verge

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