Fitbit, now part of a leading tech company, is gearing up to unveil the much-anticipated Pixel Watch this fall, alongside several other new Fitbit releases as shared by Fitbit’s head in a recent interview with CNET. The upcoming lineup includes the Fitbit Sense 2, serving as a successor to the sensor-rich Sense watch launched two years prior, the GPS-equipped Versa 4, and the budget-friendly $99 color-screened Inspire 3.

What sets the Sense 2 apart from the anticipated Pixel Watch is its incorporation of a broader array of sensors while maintaining compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices. For instance, the original Sense introduced features like skin temperature sensing, now common in wearables like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, and an electrodermal activity sensor aimed at stress level monitoring, a technology also present in the more affordable Fitbit Charge 5.

The latest $300 Sense 2 integrates a new sensor technology termed cEDA, which stands for “continuous electrodermal activity.” Unlike its predecessor that relied on periodic EDA spot checks, the Sense 2 continuously monitors stress levels using a rear electrical sensor in conjunction with an optical heart-rate sensor, alerting users to potential stress triggers throughout the day.

These stress-inducing moments are flagged by the watch’s interface through pop-up notifications that can be set for immediate viewing or summarized for later review. While the precise interpretation of these stress signals in daily life is not explicitly detailed, Fitbit underscores the importance of heightening awareness during such moments.

Notably, the Sense 2 introduces the third stress measurement metric to Fitbit’s lineup, alongside spot checks with the EDA sensor and the daily Stress Management Score computation, which operates independently of the EDA sensor.

To address concerns about battery life, Fitbit assures that the Sense 2 will maintain a six-day battery capacity akin to the Versa 4, even with continuous stress monitoring activated. Furthermore, the device boasts a sleeker and lighter design compared to its predecessor while remaining compatible with previous Sense straps.

In addition to hardware improvements, the Sense 2 incorporates new Google features such as Google Wallet and turn-by-turn Google Maps integration, with promises of future updates. With a price tag of $300, the Sense 2 positions itself as a premium offering compared to the Inspire 3 and Versa 4 models, catering to users across iOS and Android platforms.

Despite the extensive functionalities of these Fitbit devices, advanced fitness features remain tied to the Premium subscription service. While the devices can function independently, accessing comprehensive insights on aspects like stress management may necessitate a Premium subscription for a holistic user experience.