Tech Tools: Thinner Sense watch has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Fitbit Sense 2

€300

Fitbit has just announced its new Sense 2, a thinner, lighter version of its Sense watch that has a few new tricks up its sleeve.

In case you missed it, Fitbit is now owned by Google, with the deal completed at the start of last year. It hasn’t been immediately obvious though; even the latest round of wearables bear the Fitbit name and use Fitbit’s operating system.

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That Google link is set to get a bit more obvious; Google Maps with turn-by-turn directions is coming to the newly announced Fitbit Sense 2, as is Google Wallet. That will replace the Fitbit Pay option that is on the original Sense and means you won’t have to bring your phone everywhere you go.

The other big addition to the watch is the new body response sensor that uses continuous electrodermal activity heart rate to monitor your body for signs of stress and then suggests ways to help you manage it, from guided meditation to mood logging. You get the usual Fitbit sensors too that will monitor your heart rate and skin temperature, giving you an overall view of your health.

The watch will also be able to monitor irregular heart rhythms, following approval of the ECG app in Europe.

There are several strap options, including classic leather and infinity straps in a range of colours. And the watch also has a decent battery life at about six days of use, with fast charging also included.

fitbit.com