The Pixel Watch 2 and Fitbit Cost 6 are dying knells for the Sense sequence

We’ve all had our eye on Fitbit for a while now, and never in a hopeful method. The model’s newest strikes, together with these of its dad or mum firm (hey, Google), have me coming to phrases with a disappointing actuality: Fitbit’s high smartwatch line is on its method out. Now that we’ve the Pixel Watch 2 and Fitbit Cost 6, there’s arguably no house left for the Sense sequence.

The Pixel Watch line ushered in a brand new participant, and ushered one out

When Google first acquired Fitbit in 2021, I dreamed of Put on OS on my favourite Fitbit smartwatches. Particularly, I hoped for an built-in platform with one of the best of each worlds. Then the Pixel Watch arrived, and I rapidly realized the place the corporate’s loyalties lie. The Pixel Watch obtained all of the bells and whistles from Fitbit’s ecosystem, whereas Fitbit’s watch strains obtained…worse.

Key options dropped from the Versa and Sense strains, watering down Fitbit’s choices to outsized health trackers. After a short while with the Fitbit Sense 2, our reviewer all however known as the watch a bloodbath of the unique, and it was painfully clear Google hoped to steer consumers towards its new wearable as an alternative. With out third-party app assist, Wi-Fi, or music storage, the Sense 2 had little to supply in comparison with the shiny new Google smartwatch. And but, due to its superior cEDA sensor and some different options, it retained a small area of interest as Fitbit’s high choose for health-focused consumers.

That was till the Pixel Watch 2 arrived. On cabinets as of October 2023, the dome-shaped sequel packs every little thing highly effective in regards to the first era, plus every little thing the Sense 2 holds pricey. First, the Pixel Watch 2 provides the Sense line’s cEDA sensor for steady stress monitoring and Fitbit’s Physique Response characteristic. Subsequent, it provides a temperature sensor, an upgraded multi-path coronary heart price sensor, and automated exercise detection. These options spherical off the present Fitbit integration, together with the corporate’s ECG app, sleep monitoring platform, and exercise monitoring (with important new upgrades). The Pixel Watch 2 even comes with a 6-month Fitbit Premium membership.

Extra importantly, on the Pixel Watch 2, Fitbit’s high instruments mix with a sturdy Put on OS 4 platform that the Sense 2 can’t maintain a candle to concerning good options. The Pixel Watch 2 boasts extra apps, extra security options, and higher coaching instruments. If you happen to’re purchasing for one of the best Fitbit smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2 is it, or at the least that’s what Google desires to clarify. For simply $50 further, Google affords Fitbit loyalists entry to one of many high smartwatch working methods available in the market along with Fitbit’s spotlight reel.

If I weren’t satisfied by the Pixel Watch 2 alone, Fitbit’s personal Cost 6 is even additional proof that the corporate is transferring away from its premium watches. The most recent tracker provides virtually all the highest options of its square-shaped siblings, together with Google Pockets and Google Maps integration. It additionally boasts a staple lacking from the Sense 2: YouTube Music Controls. This transfer suggests Google is comfy bolstering the tracker line as a result of it doesn’t compete instantly with its new favourite youngster, and it may well fill the outlet doubtlessly left behind by the Sense lineup.

On the well being entrance, the newest Cost packs an EDA sensor, although not a temperature sensor, and affords key options like irregular coronary heart price notifications. In different phrases, it doesn’t provide each superior characteristic of the Sense 2, however for about $140 much less, it affords a heck of rather a lot. In contrast to the Pixel Watch 2 and Sense 2, the gadget may even broadcast customers’ coronary heart charges to well-liked health gear like a Peloton. With a built-in GPS, over 40 exercise modes, and incredible battery life, it’s an apparent choose for anybody on the lookout for a strong health tracker. The one characteristic lacking is an altimeter.

So, the place does the Sense line nonetheless serve a task? It’s suitable with iPhones whereas the Pixel Watch 2 just isn’t, however there are significantly better smartwatch options, together with the Apple Watch Collection 9 ($389.99 at Amazon) or the budget-friendly SE ($269.99 at Amazon) for iOS customers. The Sense 2 additionally affords Amazon Alexa if that’s a precedence, however it shouldn’t be. In comparison with the Pixel Watch 2, Fitbit’s smartwatches provide considerably higher battery specs, however even this Google makes an attempt to mitigate with a brand new fast-charging cable. Plus, the Fitbit Cost 6 additionally claims nice battery life.

In brief, solely nostalgia can hold the Sense line alive at this level. Even a decked-out Sense 3 makes little sense when the road’s value level is hardly decrease than the Pixel Watch 2.

The way forward for Fitbit’s smartwatches is the Pixel Watch line. For anybody on the lookout for a less complicated Fitbit tracker, Google affords the ever-improving Cost line.