Fitbit upgrades Alta with heart-rate monitor

Almost a year after launch, Fitbit's Alta tracker is getting update with a continuous heart-rate monitoring. Dubbed Alta HR, the new slimline tracker has an almost identical design to last year's model, but with a tiny heart-rate monitor on the bracelet's underside.

In addition to heart-rate monitoring, the Alta HR still tracks all the basics: steps, calories, distance, active minutes, hourly activity, stationary time, and sleep. Other key features include reminders to move, and support for some smartphone notifications.

Fitbit says the Alta HR's battery life will last for up to seven days.

The Alta HR is available to pre-order now ahead of a local launch in early April. You can nab it in black, blue grey, fuschia, or coral for $249.95. If you're after something fancier, a black and gunmetal stainless steel version and soft pink and rose gold plated model will both set you back $289.95.

Once again, Fitbit is offering interchangeable bands for the Alta HR. Elastomer bands start at $49.95, leather at $99.95, and metal bracelets at $169.95. Alta HR bands will also work with the original Alta, and vice-versa.

For the time being, it looks like Fitbit will continue to sell the original Alta (without the heart-rate monitor) starting at $199.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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