NEW YORK, Nov 5 — Following in the footsteps of Fitbit, Jawbone plans to skirt Apple’s path and release two wearables that will appeal to those who want to avoid spending hundreds on fitness tracking devices.
A report from tech industry news site The Information says the first such concept is called the Up MOVE and clips to clothing just like the Misfit Shine.
The source predicts it will cost US$50 (RM163), a far cry from the Apple Watch, which will cost US$349 by the time it becomes available in 2015.
The other wearable in the works from Jawbone is a bit pricier at US$180 and, according to The Information, it will boast of new sensors.
Called the UP3, it will be the most expensive wearable from Jawbone, although The Information says there is reason to doubt that all the features being discussed will make it into the final version.
The plan seems to draw a parallel with Fitbit’s most related products, the Charge at US$129.95 and the Charge HR at US$149.95.
Both wearable fitness trackers record steps taken and allow for calorie logging and sleep tracking, but the Charge HR teeters the lines of a rudimentary smartphone with connectivity functions like caller ID and heart rate monitoring.
It’s clear, however, that the double announcement is likely where the similarities end. At US$50, Jawbone’s clip-on wearable is more likely to compete with the Misfit Flash. — AFP/Relaxnews
