Garmin Vivosmart 3 Wants To Give Fitbit A Headache

"Hit them when their down", some fighters would advise. And Fitbit is definitely down, or is at least going there. Its earnings report is less than encouraging and rumors are swirling about delays in its smartwatch renaissance. And while all this is happening, Garmin comes out with the vivosmart 3. The latest in its line of smart activity trackers packs almost everything and anything that you need to stay fit and healthy, but, most importantly, with a price tag that could spell trouble for Fitbit.

$140. That's how much the Garmin vivosmart 3 is going to set you back. While Fitbit does have a few models in that price range, Garmin's latest manages to combine almost all of those into just one band. Many for the price of one, so to speak.

So you have the usual tracking features for steps, floors climbed, calories burned, and even sleep. But it also adds what Garmin bills to be high-end monitoring features, like "VO2 max", a.k.a. the maximum rate of oxygen consumption, and fitness age. Throw in a heart rate monitor and you're good to go.

But wait, there's more! The vivosmart 3 also includes a Strength Training feature that keeps track of your reps, sets, and rest so you don't have to. This tracking happens in both free weight and body weight exercises and is naturally sent to Garmin's servers for later analysis and review.

There is, however, one thing that the vivosmart 3 doesn't have and it's irony at its finest. This smart tracker doesn't have a built-in GPS. Considering that's exactly what Garmin is known for, its absence is almost laughable. But, then again, the build costs do add up.

The $139.99 won't land you a fancy and classy smart band. You have, instead, the usual rubbery elastomer as most trackers that don't try to masquerade as fashion accessories. It can, at least, boast of being waterproof rather than just splash proof, which can't be said of other fitness trackers. And, yes, you also get smart notifications from calls, text, emails, and even social networks.

SOURCE: Garmin