Credit: Fitbit

Fitbit Sense can determine sudden shifts in body temperature.

Earlier today, Fitbit, producers of the eponymous fitness-oriented smartwatch, debuted two new models: the Sense and the Versa 3. While both watches are superficially similar, the Sense has some interesting new capabilities hidden within.


The Sense’s specialty is health-detection features. Similarly to current model Apple and Android smartwatches, the Sense can provide extremely accurate heart readings on its wearer, thanks to a built-in EKG sensor that scans for atrial fibrillation, though this feature is currently pending FDA approval. What the Sense has that other fitness smartwatches don’t, however, is a new stress-detection feature.

Credit: Fitbit

By holding your palm over the device’s monitor and breathing, the Sense takes a reading of your heart rate and skin temperature. The Sense then provides you with a stress score to let you know if something is elevating your heart rate and/or raising your body temperature. The more frequently you do this, the more relevant the data becomes, to the point that Sense could begin to identify patterns in your daily stress levels and detect whenever your skin suddenly becomes sweaty or clammy. This could prove to be beneficial for those who suffer from chronic stress-related problems like high blood pressure or depression.

Aside from the stress sensor, the Sense features most mainstays of modern smartwatches. It features an on-board GPS tracking system, OLED touchscreen, and a magnetic charging system. It’s also waterproof up to a depth of 50 meters. The Sense is compatible with Android phones, and can receive calls, display messages, and make payments with Fitbit Pay.

Pre-orders for the Sense are already open on Fitbit’s website. The device will cost $329.95, and is slated for release in late September.