FitBit may currently the largest wearables manufacturer but it knows that its competition is working hard to dethrone it from the top spot. The company is well aware that it will continue to have develop innovative wearables to stay where it currently is. CEO James Park recently told Time that the company is looking to do so with more advanced sensors in future Fitbit devices as well as making them more personal.
Fitbit is working on new devices with sensors capable of collecting not only additional data but also more accurate data. Without providing specifics, Park suggested that we could see sensors to measure blood pressure or stress as well as more statistics around performance.
Fitbit is not alone in looking at improving its wearables. The Microsoft Band 2 already offers less common sensors like a UV monitor while Apple is looking to build additional sensors into the next Apple Watch (which could be unveiled as early as next March).
Fitbit also wants to make its devices more personal. Partnering with fashion brands like it has already done with Tory Burch is one such avenue. The other is to make better use of the data collected. “Up to this point it’s been about gathering as much data as we can and the presentation and the visualization of that data,” says Park. “Now I think a lot of that effort is going to go into making that data actionable, whether it’s through coaching, insights, or guidance.”
Fitbit is also looking to add third party support to upcoming devices. Park would only promise that they are looking at ways to do this in the future.
It all makes for an exciting roadmap for future Fitbit devices. Whether it is enough to keep it ahead of its competitors remains to be seen.
Source : Time