Fitbit Ionic Specs News: Partnership With Dexcom Brings Glucose Monitoring Feature to Next Wearable
One of the leading fitness tracker manufacturers in the world, Fitbit, has recently confirmed closing a partnership deal with Dexcom that would bring a glucose monitoring feature to their upcoming device called the Fitbit Ionic.
Dexcom is one of the companies known for its focus on innovating products like its continuous glucose monitoring systems for people suffering from diabetes.
In a press release, Fitbit specifically mentioned that their upcoming wearable device, the Ionic, would benefit from their newly-established collaboration with Dexcom. Added to that, Fitbit has also referred to Ionic as a "health and fitness first platform."
"With Ionic, we are focused on driving positive health outcomes and more health focused tools, and this collaboration is a wonderful example of how we plan to bring that vision to our users," Fitbit CEO James Park said in the statement.
Other than the CGM systems, one of the newest and most health-related feature to be embedded into the Fitbit Ionic is "a relative" SpO2 sensor, which normally comes in cable form with a device on one end to be clipped on the user's finger. The SpO2 refers to the peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. To simply put it, SpO2 sensors are responsible for reading or estimating the level of oxygen found in a person's blood.
Meanwhile, the Fitbit Ionic will also sport the typical features and specifications found on a fitness tracker and a smartwatch such as a built-in "industry-leading" GPS that is most useful for wearable devices to independently track the user's exercise activities.
The Ionic wearable is also expected to sport "on-device dynamic workouts" to keep track of other forms of exercise other than running. To complement its health-related features, it will also have its heart rate monitoring system. Like most high-end wearable devices today, the Fitbit Ionic is also promised to be water-resistant for up to a 50-meter level of water.
The Fitbit Ionic is also going to support smartwatch-based features such as "contactless payments, on-board music, smart notifications, and a variety of popular apps and clock faces available in the Fitbit App Gallery."
Fitbit promised that the Ionic tracker would have a battery life that lasts for more than four days as well as automatic activity and sleep tracking features.
Fitbit and Dexcom are looking to release the Fitbit Ionic next year.