Though the Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT) smartwatch was initially supposed to be launched in spring, it will now be unveiled in fall due to production hiccups. Some of the production mishaps were technical, with the product design being an issue in some cases.
“In one of the more final prototypes, the GPS wasn’t working because the antennae wasn’t in the right place. They had to go back to the drawing board to redesign the product…” sources who spoke to Yahoo Finance said.
Waterproof feature
Ensuring that the smartwatch is fully waterproof has also been a struggle and sources indicate that it is not guaranteed that the Fitbit device will be launched with the feature. If so, the smartwatch will come across as highly inferior since other smartwatches including Apple’s already have this as a feature.
With regards to the screen, sources say the Fitbit smartwatch will be released with a color display similar to that of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Watch Series 2. The Fitbit smartwatch is expected to have a battery that will last four days. Other features include touchless payments functionality, compatibility to Pandora music and GPS. The Fitbit smartwatch will also offer heart-rate monitoring. Housed in an aluminum body, the smartwatch is expected to retail at about $300.
Bluetooth headphones
Sources further indicate that Fitbit plans on launching the smartphone together with Bluetooth headphones which look similar to Apple’s. This would seem to confirm what Fitbit’s rival, Jawbone, had alleged two years ago that Fitbit was poaching talent to develop a new line of audio products. The headphones which will be available in two colors are understood to be designed to hang on the area around the neck.
Fitbit’s delay in launching the smartwatch is likely to hurt the sales of the device. This is because a spring launch will mean foregoing a significant segment of the market consisting of exercise junkies who take their activities a notch higher in spring and summer. A fall release will also be coming at a time when Apple is expected to be launching its Series 3 smartwatch and this will mean divided attention for Fitbit’s product.
On Tuesday shares of Fitbit Inc fell by 3.29% to close the day at $5.58.
