Like all athletes, swimmers also need to monitor and keep track of their fitness and performance. <keyword id="1612756" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fitness-tracker">Fitness tracker</keyword>s for swimmers must be waterproof and of good quality that can help them achieve their goals. Even if you go for occasional swims and want to keep a check on your underwater performance, a fitness tracker is a must. To help you buy a fitness tracker, here are the best options available on Amazon.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07TWFVDWT" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07TWFVDWT_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Editor’s Choice" msid="85017392" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07TWFVDWT</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07TWFVDWT_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07TWFVDWT_7032304891278944"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Fitbit FB507BKBK Versa 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Fitbit Versa 2 has a large display that can be kept on an always-on mode for ease of usage. It is a water-resistant smartwatch, making it suitable for your swims. It should track your swims as well as other sports activities such as workouts and runs. It comes with a heart-rate monitor and sleep tracker, that is said to help improve your sleep quality by tracking it on a daily basis.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07TWFVDWT_2116317036107593"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Fitbit Versa 2 features built-in Amazon Alexa that can be used to set alarms, get information and control your smart home devices.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B084CQ41M2" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B084CQ41M2_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Recommended" msid="85017353" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B084CQ41M2</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B084CQ41M2_body"><bulletContentRow name="B084CQ41M2_6040185699267425"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Fitbit Charge 4</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Fitbit Charge 4 comes with built-in GPS which you can use for outdoor activities including hikes, cycling and runs. It is waterproof and comes with a swim tracker that should help you track your swimming performance. You should see your workout intensity map after outdoor activity to keep track of the change in heart rate during the movement.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B084CQ41M2_6141118928972615"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">You should be able to get calls, texts and other app notifications on the Fitbit Charge 4.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B085QTKM3D" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B085QTKM3D_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Dedicated Swimming Watch" msid="85017447" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B085QTKM3D</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B085QTKM3D_body"><bulletContentRow name="B085QTKM3D_7210094296308553"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Garmin Swim 2</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Garmin Swim 2 fitness tracker is considered to be one of the good options for swimmers. It comes with a Pool swim mode that is said to record distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type and efficiency. You can use the built-in GPS while swimming in open waters such as rivers, lakes or oceans. The watch is made of stainless steel.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B085QTKM3D_5128389360895382"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Garmin Swim 2 watch is a dedicated watch for swimmers as it is said to track your heart rate underwater and log your swimming data.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B072LG89PQ" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B072LG89PQ_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Premium Design" msid="85017479" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B072LG89PQ</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B072LG89PQ_body"><bulletContentRow name="B072LG89PQ_9583537463107965"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Withings Nokia Tracking Watch</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Withings tracking watch comes with a heart rate monitor that is said to help optimize your workouts and improve your health over time. It comes with an activity-tracking feature that should be able to track your runs, walks and swim. It is said to be water-resistant up to 50m, making it suitable for the pool.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B072LG89PQ_0895251357660700"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Withings tracking watch is said to have long battery life and sports an elegant design.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B082LQLWGX" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B082LQLWGX_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Affordable Option" msid="85017510" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B082LQLWGX</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B082LQLWGX_body"><bulletContentRow name="B082LQLWGX_5461121864552935"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Yamay Fitness tracker</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Yamay fitness tracker comes with an IP68 rating for water resistance. You can wear it for your swims. It comes with a sleep tracker that should help analyze your sleep quality and improve it. The watch is said to be compatible with most Android and iOS devices. The tracker claims to calculate steps, calories and heart rate accurately.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B082LQLWGX_2491976197572438"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Yamay fitness tracker is said to be lightweight and comfortable to wear.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08DDKHB6L" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08DDKHB6L_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Lightweight Option" msid="85017608" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08DDKHB6L</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08DDKHB6L_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08DDKHB6L_0862124946506888"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">COROS VERTIX Watch</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Coros Vertix watch is said to be designed for adventures and features a GPS for ease of navigation. It comes with a long-lasting battery that is said to last for up to 45 days and up to 60 hours with GPS mode on. It features modes to track your activities that include swimming, water sports and other workouts.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08DDKHB6L_8415958501680441"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Coros Vertix watch is said to be built with grade 5 titanium alloy bezel and touchscreen-enabled diamond-like coating sapphire glass.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br />

Best waterproof fitness bands for swimmers in India

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5ad9f89819ee864a008b45c9-1171/michael phelps.jpg" border="0" alt="michael phelps" data-mce-source="Lee Jin-man/AP" /><p class="source"><span>Lee Jin-man/AP</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>Two companies are exploring ways to use <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/stanford-therapy-chatbot-app-depression-anxiety-woebot-2018-1">data from our smartphones</a> and fitness bands to help detect depression.</strong></li><li><strong>One of them, called Medibio, has backing from Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and presented a version of its product to the FDA this week.</strong></li><li><strong>The other, a startup called Mindstrong Health, is led by Tom Insel, the former director of the National Institutes of Mental Health.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p><br />Away from the Olympic pool and its exhilarating sounds of splashing, clapping, and whistle-blowing, swimmer Michael Phelps was living a separate life.</p><p>Despite racking up 28 Olympic medals - an unparalleled achievement that made him the most recognized Olympian in US history - Phelps was fighting powerful episodes of depression that led him to contemplate taking his own life.</p><p>"I straight wanted to die," Phelps told CNN's David Axelrod on a <a href="https://art19.com/shows/axe-files/episodes/02336761-70a6-4cdc-bf76-8f61840ecdd7">recent episode of The Axe Files podcast</a>.</p><p>Phelps' personal struggle with depression and suicidal thinking spurred him to join the board of a <a href="https://medibio.com.au/">23-year-old company called Medibio</a>. The group has a bold goal: to create a tool that can detect mental illness objectively, without relying on mercurial measures like questionnaires.</p><p>"The problem with mental health today is that there's no objective diagnosis," Jack Cosentino, Medibio's CEO, told Business Insider. "People go home with a pamphlet, a recommendation, and usually a drug."</p><p>In contrast to that approach, Medibio uses your wearable and smartphone to collect data on measurable health factors like your heart rate and sleep. The data is fed into an app, which gives you a numerical score that indicates whether you're likely to be entering into a period of high-stress or mental vulnerability.</p><p>A version of Medibio's technology is already available to consumers, but the company is also working on a more advanced version of the app to detect depression, which is currently the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/stanford-therapy-chatbot-app-depression-anxiety-woebot-2018-1">leading cause of disability worldwide</a> and a significant contributing factor to suicide. Medibio presented the new version to the Food and Drug Administration this week.</p><p>Other companies are also looking for objective ways to diagnose mental illnesses and intervene early. <a href="https://mindstronghealth.com/">Mindstrong Health</a>, a startup led by former National Institutes of Mental Health director Tom Insel, is working on pinpointing mental illness by collecting data on how you type, tap, and scroll on your smartphone. </p><p>"We don't have objective, precise measures of mental health like we do for diabetes or hypertension," Insel told Business Insider. "So the impetus for the company was, can we create this platform for what we call measure-based care?"</p><p>Both Medibio and Mindstrong believe the answer is yes.</p><h2>An alternative to a 'grey cloud' diagnosis</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a2ed5378a4986b0008b5252-971/screen shot 2017-12-11 at 105611 am.png" border="0" alt="man silhouette alone sunrise sunset" data-mce-source="Daiana Lorenz/Youtube" /><p class="source"><span>Daiana Lorenz/Youtube</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Psychiatric diseases come with burdens that distinguish them from other ailments. They're invisible, so getting diagnosed is tough. Seeing a therapist is pricey and time-consuming. Many mental illnesses also tend to be episodic, meaning they can emerge powerfully and suddenly, then fade away.</p><p>Mindstrong and Medibio both operate on an understanding that our current healthcare system is incapable of addressing the high demand for mental-health services.</p><p>"It's been a totally reactive, crisis-driven system without measurement-based care. We want to solve that in the next four to five years," Insel said.</p><p>The companies are trying to tackle all of those issues at once with tools that double as tethers between you and your therapist. <span>Medibio's approach relies on biometric data from wearable devices, while Mindstrong's uses behavioral data from your phone.</span></p><p>Both aim to address the subjective nature of diagnoses, which currently involve time-consuming, highly variable questionnaires that most people only encounter once they've already found a therapist.</p><p>"Can you see depression, touch depression? No, you see a doctor and they make a diagnosis based on a bunch of questions. You come away from that in a kind of grey cloud where you're left thinking, 'What does this mean?'" Archie Defillo, Medibio's chief medical officer, told Business Insider.</p><p>Both companies' tools, on the other hand, are based on hard data and can be accessed via a smartphone app.</p><h2>'Getting a product into patients' hands'</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5b356b6dea02cb2c008b4701-1084/medibio.jpg" border="0" alt="medibio" data-mce-source="Courtesy of Medibio" /><p class="source"><span>Courtesy of Medibio</span></p></div><p></p></div></div><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"></span></p><p>Medibio's current app, <span>called Inform, </span>gives users "a snapshot" of their mental health, as Cosentino describes it. That comes in the form of a score from 1-100 based on recorded heart rate and sleep data from your Apple Watch, Fitbit, or Garmin fitness band. A faster-than-normal heart rate might indicate higher stress levels, for example, as could disturbed or excessive sleep.<span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><br /></span></p><p>Cosentino highlighted the example of Michael Phelps, who would sleep for more than 24 hours at a time when he was entering a depressive episode.</p><p>"Michael told me, 'I'll go into my bedroom and spend 30 hours sleeping, but nobody knows,'" Cosentino said. "It blows my mind that we're still asking people, 'How are you sleeping?' when we have all these devices."</p><p>The Inform app is available to general consumers as a subscription service for $9.99 per month or $99 per year. Employers can provide it for $5 per employee.</p><p>The next app Medibio plans to release, called Index, would be tailored specifically to patients with depression, anxiety, or PTSD who want to keep an eye on their symptoms when they're not in therapy. The company hopes to make the tool available to people who want an additional source of support outside the therapist's office. But that hinges on FDA approval. </p><p>Using Index, people could choose to take the additional step of sharing their biometric data with others, including their therapist, family members, or friends. The Index app would thus connect someone to their community - which could help some people avoid the feelings of isolation that often accompany depression. To ensure user privacy, customers will be free to completely erase their profile and historical data at any point, Cosentino said.</p><p>Cosentino said he was particularly inspired to bring Index to consumers after hearing about the recent rise in suicide rates. Between 2000 and 2016, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-suicide-rate-increased-since-2000-2018-6">suicide rate rose 30%</a>, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</p><p>"This is not an academic exercise by any means; this is about getting a product into the patients' hands," Consentino said, adding, "y<span style="font-weight: 400;">ou've got to be there when people need it.</span>" </p><h2>'D<span>igital phenotyping</span>'</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54f77790ecad043902e22a1a-1012/people-texting-3.jpg" border="0" alt="People Texting" data-mce-source="Flickr / Adam Fagen" data-link="https://www.flickr.com/photos/afagen/8637598848/in/photolist-eagXd5-5uSGbs-77GMTo-mnVeU6-4gN5pE-dfm8GA-5Q5fr6-67Huwx-6yCkVK-6gqgXv-e6Ng39-6xbBwt-5Q5g4D-9EGRvd-pFd9Fd-9RAKeE-aKPi8T-bHdqir-eaNEDk-bJYiHH-ecLpCP-gDZGHm-ozEyWP-4y5e45-4PpL7E-ak7piB-ancBco-e6Ng2Y-7CuzyH-dU8SEB-dcZxMs-hjKS3B-fxAqAt-8F1GRt-7beUaL-8mYp4p-8zxTLb-6LzRUk-bS6CLn-68rFgK-9wHwAQ-edebYm-6xnj6Z-bh7gq8-7yjCYS-egCxns-6QwkKt-bR52LB-dZoRnB-e6rn8f" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/afagen/8637598848/in/photolist-eagXd5-5uSGbs-77GMTo-mnVeU6-4gN5pE-dfm8GA-5Q5fr6-67Huwx-6yCkVK-6gqgXv-e6Ng39-6xbBwt-5Q5g4D-9EGRvd-pFd9Fd-9RAKeE-aKPi8T-bHdqir-eaNEDk-bJYiHH-ecLpCP-gDZGHm-ozEyWP-4y5e45-4PpL7E-ak7piB-ancBco-e6Ng2Y-7CuzyH-dU8SEB-dcZxMs-hjKS3B-fxAqAt-8F1GRt-7beUaL-8mYp4p-8zxTLb-6LzRUk-bS6CLn-68rFgK-9wHwAQ-edebYm-6xnj6Z-bh7gq8-7yjCYS-egCxns-6QwkKt-bR52LB-dZoRnB-e6rn8f">Flickr / Adam Fagen</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Two-year old Silicon Valley startup Mindstrong Health hasn't made a finalized version of its app available to consumers yet.</p><p>But it's designed to run in the background of your smartphone and pick up on how long you take to find something from a list like your contacts, which way you scroll, and how quickly you type. The company calls this "digital phenotyping."</p><p><span>"We have a passive, objective way of measuring how you're thinking that takes advantage of a technology that all of us are using all the time," Insel said.</span></p><p><span>Mindstrong hasn't yet revealed how the ways you use your phone could indicate a particular condition, and the startup is still exploring the direction it might take its product. But Insel said they may first make the app available to an internal group of psychiatrists and social workers in the company who will work with several hundred patients to see how the platform works in real-time.</span></p><p>Insel sees Mindstrong as a healthcare company.</p><p>"Part of [addressing mental illness] is better detection, but that's not the whole play here. We really need to think about how we intervene - how we preempt these risks," Insel said, adding, "we build products, but we don't call ourselves a tech company. We are focused on transforming healthcare."</p><p>Health insurance and pharmaceutical companies seem to be buying into that vision - Mindstrong is partnering with Optum and several other yet-to-be-named insurance providers, as well as pharma companies Takeda and BlackThorn Therapeutics. Those two are interested in the app's potential to help assess the performance of drugs more quickly and at less cost than current methods.</p><p>"It's not surprising that pharma companies are excited about this; it would be a great way for them to measure outcomes in a way that they haven't before that's far less expensive," Insel said.</p><h2>Balancing research with a growing demand</h2><p>Mindstrong and Medibio both have strong scientific leadership and are leaning heavily on research to verify their products before releasing them to the public.</p><p>Insel led the National Institute of Mental Health for 13 years, and Mindstrong is conducting at least nine clinical trials designed to hone its diagnostic tools. Some of those are accessible via the government's <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/">public clinical trials database</a>.</p><p>Medibio's board of advisors includes people like <a href="https://mayoclinic.pure.elsevier.com/en/persons/franklyn-g-prendergast">Franklyn Prendergast</a>, a professor of pharmacology at the Mayo Clinic and former member of the Mayo Clinic's executive committee. The company is also doing <a href="https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/medbio-s-depression-diagnostic-ready-for-fda-confirmatory-study-/">promising research</a> to evaluate its forthcoming Index app. Although none of its papers have yet been made public, the company has announced research partnerships with several leading universities including <a href="https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/medbio-s-depression-diagnostic-ready-for-fda-confirmatory-study-/">Johns Hopkins</a>, Emory, and Ottawa University.</p><p>Insel and Cosentino both plan to use this kind of research to make fast progress.</p><p>"After 30 years in government, it's exciting to be in a place where you can design it, build it, and that can all happen very quickly," Insel said.</p><p>Michael Phelps, who has used Medibio's Inform app, said he believes the company's timing couldn't be better.</p><p>"For many," Phelps <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/olympics/bal-michael-phelps-joins-board-of-australian-mental-health-company-medibio-20170605-story.html">said in a press release</a>, "mental health has not been a topic of focus, and the data analysis aspect of it has been missing up until now."</p><p class="tagline">Get the latest Fitbit stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/FIT-Quote"> here.</a></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-depression-own-oprah-2015-11">Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson opens up about his personal experience with depression</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/a6YPdR8t-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Companies are working to track signs of depression using data from your phone or smartwatch - and Olympian Michael Phelps is on board

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>There is no shortage of fitness trackers to choose from, but after our testing and research, the <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/574602?zebratwo=CJ&amp;cjevent=de83a27a0c8411ea833500ca0a24060d&amp;utm_source=CJ&amp;utm_medium=Text" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garmin Vivosport</a> came out on top.</strong></li><li><strong>Its accurate tracking, sleek design, and advanced features like waterproofing and built-in GPS make it a well-rounded tool for keeping tabs on your workouts and activities.</strong></li><li><strong>Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching, and many products in this guide will likely be on sale. You can check out our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-friday-deals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Friday</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cyber-monday-deals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cyber Monday</a> deal coverage on Insider Picks here.</strong></li></ul><p>The line between fitness trackers and smartwatches is blurring as smartwatches offer more fitness tools. While devices like the <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch?afid=p239%7C196318&amp;cid=aos-us-aff-ir" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Watch Series 5</a> and the <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biipgf122217bestfitbits/https://www.fitbit.com/shop/versa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fitbit Versa</a> are strong choices for tracking your daily activity, we decided to stay in the fitness tracker realm for this guide.</p><p>Those looking for a device dedicated to tracking daily activity, workouts, and sleep have a vast number of choices even without including members of the smartwatch family. To help you decide on the best fitness tracker for your needs, there are a few things you'll want to take into consideration:</p><ul><li><strong>Comfort and design: </strong>Since you'll be wearing your tracker on a daily basis (even to bed if you want to track sleep) comfort is definitely a priority. If it's not comfortable, you won't want to wear it often, which defeats the whole purpose of a fitness tracker. The same goes for design. If you have a small wrist, you may want a tracker with a sleeker, more understated look. Or maybe the display is most important to you, and you like the idea of being able to read the time and date as well as your fitness stats. Fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll be able to find one that suits your style.</li><li><strong style="color: #222222;">Features: </strong>Not all fitness trackers are created equal when it comes to this arena. If you're looking for a no-frills fitness tracker, then one that tracks steps and your sleep might suffice. However, if you work out often or want more insights into how your activity impacts your overall fitness level, a more advanced tracker with a heart rate monitor or a built-in GPS may be the one for you. You should also consider the types of workouts you like to do. For example, if you're a swimmer, waterproofing is a must. Just starting out on your fitness journey? A device that coaches you and gives you goals to work towards may provide the extra motivation you need to stay on track.</li><li><strong style="color: #222222;">App experience: </strong>Most fitness trackers are designed to work in tandem with your smartphone, syncing the data collected with a downloaded application. This allows you to gain even more insight into your health and save the information collected to track your progress over time. Unfortunately, not all apps are created equal, and you may find there are some app experiences you prefer over others. It's important to choose a fitness tracker that gives you a good app experience. Easy navigation and compatibility with your phone's operating system are a must.</li></ul><p>There are many factors to consider, but we also tested multiple devices and analyzed the reviews to find the best fitness trackers you can buy. Whether you're interested in advanced workout stats, or simply want a general overview of your activity for the day, our list features fitness trackers with a wide range of capabilities so you can find the one best suited to your lifestyle.</p><h2>Here are the best fitness trackers you can buy:</h2><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Best fitness tracker overall: <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/574602?zebratwo=CJ&amp;cjevent=de83a27a0c8411ea833500ca0a24060d&amp;utm_source=CJ&amp;utm_medium=Text" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garmin Vivosport</a> </strong></li><li><strong>Best no-frills fitness tracker: <a href="https://www.misfit.com/products/misfit-ray-rose-tone-with-black-sport-band/S500BM0RZ.html?CAWELAID=120327840000000122&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAiNnuBRD3ARIsAM8KmlsMrkDn2CCGwuH6tA08qPQJXyK_o611rFnNMDkqK99Uaikjx0qhBMwaAsNREALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;utm_source=CJ&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Business+Insider&amp;CID=af-CJ-Business+Insider&amp;cjevent=5ba0e3210c8911ea81eb00e10a240612" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Misfit Ray</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best fitness tracker for workouts: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FTN21JL/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B07FTN21JL&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biip_090319_best-black-friday-tech-deals-20&amp;linkId=c700206fe74a532360a2cd68a3552d24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fitbit Charge 3</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best stylish fitness tracker: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W58QKH6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_121217_best-fitness-trackers-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06W58QKH6&amp;linkId=20d91a61655d1f63ecdd0340310ab875" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fitbit Alta HR</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best affordable fitness tracker: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074PFG5V3/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_121217_best-fitness-trackers-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B074PFG5V3&amp;linkId=97fa3fa5a0d791574d48ea6f6e8aafc1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Huawei Band 2 Pro</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best fitness tracker for motivation: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CX26IEO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_121217_best-fitness-trackers-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B01CX26IEO&amp;linkId=c1d1f2bbbb339bcf7db8023bfd932eb6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moov Now</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best fitness tracker for kids: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075G5RJYL/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_121217_best-fitness-trackers-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B075G5RJYL&amp;linkId=d2724688085be9e05f5b1854747e80cc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garmin Vivofit Junior 2</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best fitness tracker that looks like a watch: <a href="https://www.misfit.com/products/misfit-path-36mm-rose-tone-with-rose-tone-stainless-steel-bracelet/MIS5029.html?utm_source=CJ&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Business+Insider&amp;CID=af-CJ-Business+Insider&amp;cjevent=82089b480c9211ea82d800f10a240611" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Misfit Path</a></strong></li><li><strong>Best fitness tracking smart ring: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MV5LZZW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B07MV5LZZW&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipgf_121217_best-fitness-trackers-20&amp;linkId=c5a0fd88b0941702088e1340b1e3bbf1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Motiv Ring</a></strong></li></ul><p><em>Updated on 11/21/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added the Fitbit Charge 3 as the best fitness tracker for workouts. Added related guides. </em></p><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

The best fitness trackers

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57d1a4fe09d2931f008b6b8e-1200/watch-lifestyle-swimming_pr-print.png" alt="apple watch series 2" data-mce-source="Apple" /><p class="source"><span>Apple</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Apple unveiled the new Apple Watch Series 2 on Wednesday, which boasts useful new features like GPS and water-resistance.</p><p>Both are great features to have. GPS will let you track your speed and distance of a workout without tethering the Series 2 to your iPhone, and water-resistance gives you peace of mind that you won't ruin your expensive new smartwatch at the mere sight of water, which is great for swimmers who want to track their swim. </p><p>It's clear that Apple wants you to think the Series 2 is a veritable fitness device, but it's missing a key feature: No data connectivity to a cellular network.</p><p>The lack of data connectivity leaves a gaping hole in the Apple Watch Series 2's feature list, especially when you compare it to Samsung's new Gear S3 Frontier smartwatch, which has LTE connectivity.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57d1a3fdb996eb03258b6926-1600/gear-s3-spotify-stream.png" alt="gear s3 spotify stream" data-mce-source="Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider" /><p class="source"><span>Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">Here's the Samsung Gear S3 streaming music on LTE.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>No music streaming</h2><p>It's anecdotal, but I very rarely see runners in Central Park without headphones on, and it's pretty safe to say that music and fitness go hand-in-hand.</p><p>Without data connectivity on a smartwatch, you can't stream music from services like Spotify, which means you'll still need to bring your relatively bulky iPhone on your workout for music-playing duties.</p><p>In fact, you could say the omission of data connectivity in the Series 2 nullifies pretty much any reason for GPS to feature in Apple's new smartwatches, because fitness folk will still need to tether the Series 2 to their iPhones if they want to listen to music on their workouts. At that point, the Apple Watch Series 2 might as well use your iPhone's GPS.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57d1a595b996eb1d008b6b28-1289/screen shot 2016-09-08 at 1.52.39 pm.png" alt="apple watch series 2" data-mce-source="Apple" /><p class="source"><span>Apple</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Since you'll probably be tethering the Series 2 to your iPhone anyway, Apple may as well have kept the Series 2's GPS duties on your iPhone, which would probably give the Series 2 a well-needed boost in battery life considering it has the same poor battery life of the original Apple Watch.</p><p>Apple didn't mention it specifically, but I'm assuming you'll be able to load music from iTunes onto the Series 2's storage like you could with the original Apple Watch. Still, there are <em>a lot</em> of people who have fully converted to streaming music over downloading physical music files from iTunes.</p><h2>Mobile payments</h2><p>Apple Pay also needs a cellular data connection, and the the Series 2 can't be used for Apple Pay unless you bring your phone.</p><p>Apple also doesn't offer a way to use Apple Pay without a data connection like Samsung does with the non-LTE model of the Gear S3, called the Classic. Samsung lets you make up to five payments with Samsung Pay (which works with more payment terminals than Apple Pay, by the way) on the Gear S3 Classic without an LTE connection. Those payments will sync once you tether the Gear S3 Classic back to your smartphones.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57d1a6d5b996eb74008b6ac5-2400/screen shot 2016-09-08 at 1.57.50 pm (2).png" alt="apple watch apple pay" data-mce-source="Apple/YouTube" /><p class="source"><span>Apple/YouTube</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Samsung's solution means you can leave your wallet behind for your workout, too, as you can buy a drink or anything else you need with any Gear S3 model.</p><p>(<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205547">Apple</a> doesn't list Apple Pay as a feature you can use with the Apple Watch when your iPhone is not nearby, although some users have confirmed that it is possible. We've reached out to Apple for clarification and will update as soon as we hear back).</p><h2>Apps</h2><p>Apps aren't that big a deal, as a smartwatch's tiny screen isn't really conducive to using apps. But an LTE connection could let you use certain features from an app or service from a smartwatch.</p><p>One of the biggest examples of app usage on smartwatches is calling an Uber car to your location with a press of a button, which can be useful, but it's not a deal-maker.</p><p>Essentially, the Apple Watch Series 2 still requires you to bring your smartphone and your wallet on your workout while the Samsung Gear S3 doesn't. And Samsung is boasting that the Gear S3 smartwatches will support iOS devices, but it's still unclear when.</p><p>At the same time, data connectivity on a smartwatch will require you open a new line with your wireless carrier, which can add an extra $10 per month to your phone depending on your carrier.</p><p>Unfortunately, without data connectivity the Apple Watch Series 2 is just a pretty thing you wear on your wrist to get notifications rather than a true smartwatch that lets you actually <em>do things</em> without your smartphone. </p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-7-samsung-galaxy-s7-specs-comparison-2016-9">Here's how the iPhone 7 compares to the Samsung Galaxy S7</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="5keHFyNTE6SqBngTPWssX0hJ0WhONuNJ" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', '5keHFyNTE6SqBngTPWssX0hJ0WhONuNJ',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Apple's latest watches still lack a huge feature Samsung already has

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57c0a1c109d293d50f8b4be0-2400/fitbit flex 2_yoga_cmyk.jpg" alt="Fitbit Flex 2_yoga_CMYK" data-mce-source="Fitbit" /><p class="source"><span>Fitbit</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>The <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/4/11593860/fitbit-exciting-new-products-holidays-2016-first-quarter-earnings">long-awaited</a> successors to two popular Fitbit wristbands have finally arrived, and it looks like the company is remaking its best-selling device to be more like a smartwatch.</p><p>On August 29, the health and fitness wearables company announced the <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/charge2">Charge 2</a> and its kid-sister device, the <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/flex2">Flex 2</a>. Both devices bring exciting new features that may help recapture customers who have <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/why-i-left-my-fitbit-for-a-pebble-and-im-never-going-back-2016-6">switched to the trending Pebble</a> and Jawbone products.</p><p>The Fitbit Charge 2 harmonizes form and function like few fitness trackers before it. Fitbit made the display four times larger, making it easier to read and allowing for more in-depth notifications, like text messages and calendar reminders. A thinner, stylish band is now interchangeable, so users can accessorize for work, workouts, and nights out.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57c0c9ff09d2931a008b4d04-1943/fitbit charge 2_businessstreet_0271_cmyk.jpg" alt="Fitbit Charge 2_businessstreet_0271_CMYK" data-mce-source="Fitbit" /><p class="source"><span>Fitbit</span></p><p class="caption">Fitbit Charge 2 features a full-bleed display that's four times as large as its predecessor.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The company is most definitely doubling down on its play for the smartwatch market with the Charge 2. While that's good news for its rivalry with Pebble - whose Pebble 2 and Pebble Time 2 not only display notifications, but <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/pebble-2-time-2-vs-fitbit-blaze-2016-5">have a built-in microphone</a> so users can respond - it makes some products in the Fitbit line-up <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/4/11593860/fitbit-exciting-new-products-holidays-2016-first-quarter-earnings">more redundant</a>.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/shop/surge">Fitbit Surge</a> tracks steps, activity, GPS, sleep, and heart rate throughout the day, plus lets a user play music from their phone. The <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/shop/blaze?color=plum">Fitbit Blaze</a> does most of those things, but in color.</p><p>Fortunately, two new fitness features help set the Charge 2 apart. A meditation app called Relax guides users through a two- to five-minute guided breathing exercise. Animations on the display and vibrations cue the user when to inhale and exhale.</p><p>The other new feature answers a question that almost everyone wants to know but is too scared to ask: "Am I in shape?" The Cardio Fitness Level app calculates a personalized score based on user profile, resting heart rate, and exercise data, and offers guidance on how to improve.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57c0cc4c09d29327008b4d68-2400/fitbit flex 2 family_bangle_pendant.jpg" alt="Fitbit Flex 2 Family_Bangle_Pendant" data-mce-source="Fitbit" /><p class="source"><span>Fitbit</span></p><p class="caption">The Flex 2 comes in all flavors.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Fitbit also hit the reset button on the Flex, its ultra-slim, minimalist design tracker. The Fitbit Flex 2 is 30% smaller and features a removable tracker that users can pop into other bands, available in sweat-resistant plastics, stainless steel, and 22 karat-plated gold or rose gold.</p><p>Swimmers can now wear the Flex 2 into the pool, and land-dwellers don't have to remove the device before showering. It will track swims, including laps, duration, and calories burned.</p><p>Not much else has changed. The Flex 2 blinks color-coded lights that mean different things. Blue means you have a text message. Green shows progress toward your fitness goal, and so on.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57c0a29109d2931f008b4c4a-1952/fitbit_flex 2 family 3_cmyk_300dpi.jpg" alt="Fitbit_Flex 2 Family 3_CMYK_300dpi" data-mce-source="Fitbit" /><p class="source"><span>Fitbit</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>I've been alternately wearing the Charge 2 and Flex 2 for the past couple of days, and one of my favorite new features is the Reminders to Move. In settings, I programmed the device to buzz if it's 10 minutes before the hour and I haven't walked 250 steps yet. The little nudges give me an excuse to get up and fill my water cup or take a lap around the office every hour.</p><p>The Charge 2 and Flex 2 are stunning devices. Anyone waffling between a Fitbit and Pebble device will likely enjoy taking home the former.</p><p>But they show that Fitbit is only catching up to what's out there, rather than edging innovation in wearables forward.</p><p>The Charge 2 will cost $149, while the Flex 2 will set consumers back $99. Both are available for preorder on Monday and will hit stores this fall.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/daily-exercise-offsets-unhealthy-consequences-regular-sitting-fitness-aerobic-2016-7">Researchers studied the health of one million people and discovered something surprising about exercise</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="gybWMxNTE6i4iqyjEyU67zAqKHee2Vd7" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'gybWMxNTE6i4iqyjEyU67zAqKHee2Vd7',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Fitbit just gave 2 of its most popular products a makeover

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57e168b1077dcc7e128b6e56-2250/apple watch-6.jpg" alt="Apple Watch 6" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>The original Apple Watch was full of promises.</p><p>The promise to untether you from your iPhone. The promise to create a popular new computing platform. The promise to potentially create the next Instagram, Snapchat, or Uber as developers dreamed up new experiences for the Watch.</p><p>It's been a year and a half since the Apple Watch went on sale, and none of that has happened.</p><p>In fact, we've seen the opposite. After essentially testing the product in public for so long, Apple has learned people use the Watch in a much more limited capacity than the company originally thought. Users don't see the Apple Watch as a computer for the wrist. They see it as a fitness tracker and a way to quickly get information at a glance.</p><p>That's the focus of the sequel to the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 2, which is on sale now starting at $369. The Series 2 looks nearly identical to the original Apple Watch, but is now "swim proof" up to 50 meters, has GPS for accurately tracking runs and walks, a faster processor called the S2, and a brighter screen for improved visibility in direct sunlight. It also comes with watchOS 3, the new version of the Apple Watch operating system that has a slew of thoughtful improvements.</p><p>The biggest problem with the original Apple Watch was that it did too much. Now Apple is paring down many features and focusing on what matters. The Apple Watch still isn't a perfect product, but the Series 2 does a much better job at showing the potential for smartwatches than the original Apple Watch ever did.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57e168b1077dcc0f208b5e34-2250/apple watch-2.jpg" alt="Apple Watch 2" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>Focus on fitness</h2><p>If you were paying attention to the Apple Watch Series 2 unveiling the other week, you would've thought Apple was launching a new Fitbit competitor, not a smartwatch. The bulk of the presentation focused on the new fitness-tracking capabilities of the Watch, and (with the major exception of the upcoming "Pokémon GO" Watch app) barely mentioned third-party apps.</p><p>It's a smart move. There are only a handful of Apple Watch apps that I find truly useful, and I think the Watch is at its best when it's working passively in the background by constantly monitoring how you move and exercise.</p><p>There are two major fitness improvements with the Apple Watch. The first is GPS, which turns on when you start a run, walk, or swim workout in the Watch's exercise app. If you're a serious runner, you know how important this feature is. In fact, GPS is one of the key reasons why Garmin's fitness trackers are some of the most popular wearables in the industry.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57e168b2077dcca2018b6fb7-2250/apple watch-8.jpg" alt="Apple Watch 8" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson</span></p><p class="caption">The Apple Watch Series 2 is "swim proof" so you can take it in the water.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The GPS is also a major drain on the battery, so it only activates during your workouts. I did notice the battery drain a lot faster while the GPS is on, but the Series 2 also has a larger battery to help compensate. In fact, on the days I didn't use the GPS, I noticed vastly improved battery life on the Apple Watch. I could usually get a little over a day out of the original Apple Watch, but that easily stretched past two days with the Series 2 if I didn't use GPS.</p><p>The second big fitness feature is water resistance. Apple calls the Series 2 "swim proof," meaning it can survive under several meters of water during daily swim workouts. This was an essential feature missing from the original Apple Watch, which was simply "splash proof" and protected against the rain and water from the sink when you washed your hands. There are also new swim workouts for the Series 2 that can automatically track how many laps you've done along with your swim style.</p><p>The water resistance comes with its own tradeoff though. When you're finished with a swim, you have to eject the water from the Apple Watch through its speaker. It's a clever process: The Apple Watch plays a tone and the water kind of sputters out of the speaker. That may not be as seamless as a watch that's completely sealed, but it is necessary since most other fitness trackers don't have a speaker at all.</p><p>On the software side, the exercise app has been updated with more kinds of workouts, and a better status screen so you can easily check how long you've been working out and how many calories you've burned. The companion Activity app on iPhone also lets you share your progress with friends, so you can get updates when they complete a workout, or taunt them with emojis when you burn more calories.</p><p>All of that makes the Apple Watch Series 2 a great fitness tracker, but not necessarily a unique one. Fitbit recently introduced <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fitbit-releases-fitbit-charge-2-and-fitbit-flex-2-2016-8">its own water-resistant fitness tracker</a> a few weeks ago, and there are several devices that can track your runs via GPS for a lot cheaper than $369. Still, the Apple Watch has more capabilities overall than the competition (more on that in a bit), which may help you justify spending the premium.</p><h2>WatchOS 3 and apps</h2><p>But the bigger story here isn't the hardware improvements made to the Series 2. It's watchOS 3, which is also available now as <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-watch-watchos-3-software-update-is-here-2016-9">a free update</a> for the original Apple Watch.</p><p>watchOS 3 is the key to simplifying the Apple Watch's features so you can focus on the stuff you care about the most.</p><p>The big one: watchOS 3 speeds up apps a lot. Clicking the fat button on the side now brings up the new "dock" of your 10 favorite apps. These apps are stored in the Watch's memory, so they load instantly. (Before, apps would have to load data from your iPhone over Bluetooth, which was a painfully slow and frustrating process.)</p><p>While 10 apps may not seem like a lot, I think it hits the sweet spot. After all, there are only a handful of useful Apple Watch apps. I even had trouble finding enough to fill up my dock. My advice: only pick apps that allow you to quickly glance at information, like sports scores on ESPN or rain alerts on Dark Sky. Unfortunately, if you do use more apps than the 10 stored in your dock, you'll notice they still run about as slowly as they did before. The Apple Watch still has a long way to go before it can be truly independent from the iPhone.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57e168b2077dcc1c008b70a9-2250/apple watch-7.jpg" alt="Apple Watch 7" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>In fact, the dock all but replaces the need to visit the "bubble" screen that contains the icons for all your apps. I wouldn't be surprised if that goes away altogether in future versions of watchOS. I never thought third-party apps made sense on the Watch in the first place. Most were mini versions of iPhone apps, which were a pain to use on a such a tiny screen. Ironically, the best Apple Watch apps did something simple without much friction, like calling an Uber. I imagine future Watch "apps" won't really be apps at all now that Apple has learned more about how people use the Watch.</p><p>There are some other thoughtful improvements in watchOS 3, like the ability to change watch faces by swiping left or right on the watch screen and a handy control panel for toggling settings like Airplane Mode or the mute switch. And confusing modes like the "friend wheel" and glances have been hidden or eliminated.</p><p>Overall, watchOS 3 is a smart do-over for the Apple Watch, and I expect things to get even simpler in future versions.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>It would've been better if Apple had started small and then added more capabilities to the Watch as the product matured. Instead, it threw all its eggs in one basket on day one and created something that was too complicated.</p><p>The Apple Watch Series 2 and watchOS 3 do a great job at unwinding a lot of that mess, and provides a better hint at the future of the Apple Watch. This isn't a mini iPhone your wear on your wrist. It's a piece of jewelry with some extra smarts built in to help you out when you need it. It's what the Apple Watch should've been from the beginning.</p><p>Still, I don't see the Apple Watch Series 2 as a must-own product. It's nice to have, but not essential like a smartphone. Fitness buffs, especially swimmers and runners, will love it.</p><p>However, Apple is keeping the original Apple Watch around starting at $269. It also has the same upgraded S2 processor, making it an enticing option if you don't care much about the GPS or using it while swimming. If you just want to give the Apple Watch a try, go with the Series 1. You won't be missing too much.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-7-comparison-samsung-galaxy-s7-2016-9">The iPhone 7 or Samsung Galaxy S7: Which one should you buy?</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="9qMzR2NTE6mdFqTU2CbfniBxs8ZjT9FF" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', '9qMzR2NTE6mdFqTU2CbfniBxs8ZjT9FF',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

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