Background and Identification

Fitbit, Inc. (formerly known as Healthy Metrics Research, Inc.) is a San Francisco-based company that has been manufacturing smartwatches and activity trackers since 2007.

Fitbit uses various technological methods to track activity:

  • A 3-axis accelerometer tracks step counts
  • GPS data tracks distance traveled
  • An altimeter sensor detects increases in elevation to track floors climbed
  • Basal metabolic rate combined with user activity tracks calories burned

Fitbit’s first product, a clip-on device called the Fitbit Tracker, calculated steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep patterns. This device has since been discontinued.

Fitbit released their first smartwatch, the Fitbit Flex, in May 2013. Similar to the clip-on fitness trackers, this device tracked steps, distance, calories burned, and quality of sleep. It also vibrated when the user reached their daily step goal.

In March 2014, Fitbit and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall to the Fitbit Force fitness tracker due to consumer reports of allergic skin reactions to the product.

Discontinued Fitbit Products (as of March 2020):

  • Fitbit Tracker
  • Fitbit Ultra
  • Fitbit One
  • Fitbit Zip
  • Fitbit Flex
  • Fitbit Force
  • Fitbit Charge
  • Fitbit Charge HR
  • Fitbit Charge 2
  • Fitbit Surge
  • Fitbit Blaze
  • Fitbit Aria

Additional Information