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

<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/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 float_right click-to-enlarge"><div class="image"><a title_source="Lisa Eadicicco" title_caption="The Jawbone UP3" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/553674ff6da811a1217beefd-960/jawboneup3-4.png"><span class="sprites click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/553674ff6da811a1217beefd-852-639/jawboneup3-4.png?maxX=800" border="0" alt="JawboneUP3" width="800" /></a><p class="source"><span>Lisa Eadicicco</span></p><p class="caption">The Jawbone UP3</p></div><p></p></div>Jawbone announced its latest fitness tracker, the Up 3, back in November, but the product didn't start shipping until this month.</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The company missed the crucial holiday season, while rivals like Fitbit had their new gadgets ready to go before the end of 2014.</span></p><p>The reason behind Jawbone's delay, according to a new report from <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/Inside-Jawbone-s-Up3-Misstep?token=42de0db7380509a34a51b27281757c83">The Information's Reed Albergotti,</a> was the company's obsession with keeping the device water-proof.</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The company was insistent on making sure the device would be ideal for swimmers, The Information reports. It even internally nicknamed the device "Thorpe" after swimmer Ian Thorpe. But, t</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">he current version of the UP3 is water-resistant, which means it can be splashed, but you can't really go swimming with it.</span></p><p>Rahman believed the company could make the device waterproof without increasing its size. And, while early tests showed that the device was in fact water-proof, later tests that took place in August showed that some "parts coming off the assembly line would likely leak water," the report says. Even so, the company decided to push forward with the same design.</p><p>And then in October, just a month before the product was announced, the UP 3 was still performing inconsistently. Some units were water resistant up to 10 meters, but others weren't.</p><p>Rahman took a trip to Jawbone's factory in mainland China to check on how the device was being manufactured, and here's how he described it to The Information:</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">"I said very directly that when I saw the way they were hacking the glue process, it reminded me of my six year old's arts and craft projects at school and that we ought to up our game."</p><p>The Up 3 is Jawbone's most important product yet, mainly because the industry seems to care about wearable tech now more than ever. It's also Jawbone's flagship product at the moment - the last time it released a new fitness band, other than its entry-level Move, was in 2013 when the UP24 launched. </p><p>It's coming at a time when players like Google and Apple are betting heavily on wrist-worn devices that track your health. And, on paper, Jawbone's new wristband is much more advanced that competitors: it comes with more sensors than Fitbit's band or the Apple Watch, including those that can measure your skin temperature and respiration. </p><p>Jawbone also prides itself on making the smallest, sleekest fitness band on the market, which is why it's not necessarily surprising to hear that the company didn't want to compromise the band's design. And, it's also not surprising to hear that Rahman wanted to up the quality of the manufacturing before the final band shipped. Jawbone's fitness band <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/jawbone-offers-no-questions-asked-refund-for-troubled-up-band/">had been criticized</a> for breaking easily <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/27/3694856/jawbone-up-review-fitness-band-2012">or failing to hold a charge </a>in the past.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-power-user-hacks-apple-tricks-2015-3">5 hard-to-find iPhone tricks only power users know about</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="dzb3ZxczpW1JgYelTy6QXfo_lrpK_Xyi" 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', 'dzb3ZxczpW1JgYelTy6QXfo_lrpK_Xyi',{ 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>

Jawbone's most important product had a serious problem that delayed its launch for months: 'It reminded me of my 6 year-old's arts and crafts project'

<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>

REVIEW: The new Apple Watch is finally showing some signs of improvement

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5638a4bf9dd7cc70408bb99b-1608-1206/rtx1ubp4.jpg" alt="swimming in ice water" data-mce-source="Reuters/China Daily China Daily Information Corp - CDIC" data-mce-caption="A winter swimmer swims in icy water after breaking part of the frozen surface of the Amur river, in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, China." data-link="https://pictures.reuters.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0BF1OHXV0UK#/SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0BF1OHXV0UK&amp;VBID=2C0BX4MI1W2X&amp;POPUPPN=4&amp;POPUPIID=2C0BF1OH246CX" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://pictures.reuters.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0BF1OHXV0UK#/SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0BF1OHXV0UK&amp;VBID=2C0BX4MI1W2X&amp;POPUPPN=4&amp;POPUPIID=2C0BF1OH246CX">Reuters/China Daily China Daily Information Corp - CDIC</a></span></p><p class="caption">A winter swimmer swims in icy water after breaking part of the frozen surface of the Amur river, in Heihe, Heilongjiang province, China.</p></div><p></p></div></div>This is what traders are talking about.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com.au/here-comes-the-rba-rate-decision-2015-11">The Reserve Bank of Australia kept policy on hold</a>.</strong> The Reserve Bank of Australia held its benchmark interest rate at 2.00%, as expected. The RBA noted, "...t<span>he prospects for an improvement in economic conditions had firmed a little over recent months...," but also made note that "<span>the outlook for inflation may afford scope for further easing of policy." Other topics discussed included the slowdown of the price gains in housing and an improvement in both the labor market and business confidence. The Australian dollar is stronger by 0.4% at .7171.</span><br /></span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.markiteconomics.com/Survey/PressRelease.mvc/feee97fde4e340dda4b3919af97ae291">UK Construction PMI slipped</a>. </strong>Britain's construction sector slowed in October for the first time since July, slipping from 59.9 to 58.8. A fall to 58.9 was expected. The sector recorded its strongest growth in six months during the month of September. The British pound is weaker by 0.2% at 1.5387.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/activision-blizzard-is-buying-candy-crush-maker-king-for-59-billion-2015-11">Activision Blizzard is buying King Digital</a>. </strong>Video game giant Activision Blizzard is buying King Digital, the maker of Candy Crush, for $5.9 billion in cash. "The combined revenues and profits solidify our position as the largest, most profitable standalone company in interactive entertainment," Activision CEO Bobby Kotick said in a statement. The deal allows Activision to establish a foundation in the mobile gaming business as just 5% of its revenue is currently generated from the space.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/official-global-systemically-important-banks-list-tbtf-2015-11">The list of 'too big to fail' banks is out</a>. </strong>The Financial Stability board, a group designed by the G20 to identify <span>"global systemically important banks," has released its updated list. The list was broken down into five buckets, but not one bank ended up in the 5th bucket, which would have required it to hold the most capital. HSBC and JP Morgan Chase were the only banks in the 4th bucket, making them the most GSIBs. The only change this year was the addition of China Construction Bank, which replaced Spanish lender BBVA in the first bucket. </span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fitbit-q3-earnings-2015-11">AIG had an awful quarter</a>. </strong>The insurer announced a loss of $0.18 per share. and $500 million in restructuring charges. "<span>This quarter's restructuring actions mark the latest significant, visible steps in our transformation toward becoming more efficient, less complex, and able to respond to our clients' needs with greater agility," <span>Peter D. Hancock, AIG President and Chief Executive Officer, said in the earnings release.</span></span> Last week, activist investor <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/carl-icahn-letter-to-aig-ceo-2015-10">Carl Icahn announced a big stake in the company</a>, and said it should be split into three as it was "too big to succeed."</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fitbit-q3-earnings-2015-11">FitBit is selling more stock</a>. </strong>The fitness tracker maker announced diluted earnings of $0.19 per share, which topped the Bloomberg consensus estimate of $0.10. Revenue surged 168% to $409.3 million, easily topping the $359 million that was expected. However, the stock came under pressure after the company announced it would sell 7 million shares in addition to certain shareholders looking to unload 14 million shares. FitBit was down as much as 8% in after-hours action.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-cuba-signs-deal-with-sprint-says-it-is-open-for-more-business-2015-11">Cuba is open for business</a>. </strong>Cuba's first annual trade fair had 600 companies from 70 countries around the world in attendance. According to Reuters, Sprint locked up a roaming agreement after landing <span>an interconnection agreement with state-run Etecsa back in September. Pepsi was another one of the 30 or so US companies in attendence.</span></p><p><strong>Stock markets around the world are mixed. </strong>Hong Kong's Hang Seng (+0.9%) outperformed in Asia and Germany's DAX (-0.3%) paces the decline in Europe. S&amp;P 500 futures are down 3.50 points at 2092.00. </p><p><strong>US economic data is light. </strong>Factory orders are due out at 10 a.m. ET and auto and truck sales will be announced throughout the day. The US 10-year yield is at a six-week high, up 1 basis point at 2.18%.</p><p><strong>Earnings reporting is heavy. </strong>Archer Daniels Midland, Emerson, Hyatt Hotels, Kellogg, Office Depot and Sprint are among the names set to report ahead of the opening bell. Activision Blizzard, Cablevision, CBS, Devon Energy, Herbalife, Papa John's, Tesla Motors and US Steel highlight the companies scheduled to release their quarterly results when markets close.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/russias-military-more-advanced-than-people-thought-2015-10">Russia's military is more advanced than people thought</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="tpOHA3eDqptnNGLAX3VBir8g-0kNXHbv" 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', 'tpOHA3eDqptnNGLAX3VBir8g-0kNXHbv',{ 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>

You Searched For "swimmer fitness tracker" and got 7 results

Best waterproof fitness bands for swimmers in India

Shadab Rabbani

The best fitness trackers

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Fitbit just gave 2 of its most popular products a makeover

Melia Robinson

Jawbone's most important product had a serious problem that delayed its launch for months: 'It reminded me of my 6 year-old's arts and crafts project'

LISA EADICICCO

REVIEW: The new Apple Watch is finally showing some signs of improvement

Steve Kovach

10 things you need to know before the opening bell

Jonathan Garber

Inside the Coast Guard's 8-week boot camp where recruits go through extreme physical tests and brutal 'smoke sessions'

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