Fitbit Charge 6 comes with Google smarts, new advanced features

Fitbit has just unveiled its latest and most advanced fitness tracker yet in the Charge 6. It’s a tracker that’s packed with advanced features like new and improved heart rate sensor accuracy as well as a new ability to connect to exercise machines which support Bluetooth.

A key component in this year’s tracker is also the new addition of Google smarts. Basically this is just smart Google technology to help you go about your day more efficiently and with more enjoyment and convenience. For example, the Charge 6 includes integration with Google Maps. You can bring up directions right from the tracker on your wrist and navigate your way to your destination. All without pulling your phone out of your pocket. Typically this is a feature reserved for smartwatches. But As Fitbit is now a Google company, the helpfulness of Maps is making the jump to non-smartwatch devices. The charge 6 being the first of those.

It’s also possible to interact with YouTube Music. Using the Charge 6 you can start playback of your songs. And when it’s time for a break you can pause them too. Or if you don’t like what you’re hearing you can skip tracks. But the Google smarts don’t stop there. Google Wallet is available now too. Enabling you to pay for things at checkout as an alternative option to Fitbit Pay.

The Charge 6 offers more accurate heart rate tracking than any other Fitbit tracker

If you ask around the community you might get mixed reviews on how accurately Fitbit’s devices track your heart rate. Well it seems like Fitbit has been listening to user feedback because the Charge 6 is stepping its game up in this area. Fitbit says the Charge 6 is its most accurate tracker yet for heart rate. Improving by 60% compared to the heart rate sensor on the Fitbit Charge 5.

Part of this Fitbit says is thanks to tech it brought over from the Pixel Watch. In addition to more accurate heart rate tracking, the Charge 6 also adds in 20 new exercise modes. This includes workout types like HIIT, Snowboarding, and strength training. As was the case with past trackers and watches, the Charge 6 comes with a 6-month trial to Fitbit Premium. Which grants you access to a range of guided workouts, additional community features and more.

And the battery will last you for up to 7 days, although this is the same amount of time Fitbit promise with its previous tracker so there’s no improvement there. Additionally, the Charge 6 clocks in at $159.95 – a $20 drop from the Charge 5’s $180 launch price. Fitbit is also offering the tracker in three color options which includes a Silver case with a Porcelain band, a Black with an Obsidian band, and a Champagne Gold case with a Coral band.

Having said that there’s also numerous alternative band options Fitbit offers. Including two new options with the Woven Ocean band and the Hazel Sport band. The Charge 6 will launch later this Fall. However you can pre-order the tracker starting today.