In case you didn't know, this is the result of Fitbit's talent acquisition of Pebble. I'm still pissed we lost a <$100 programmable smart watch.
I work for Fitbit. I don't speak for Fitbit, but this page does: https://www.fitbit.com/shop/ionic#features
I got a Garmin. I really lije it.
If Fitbit had continued Pebble I think there is a fair chance I'd gotten one.
https://investor.fitbit.com/press/press-releases/press-relea...
The financial situation of Pebble remains unknown to the public.
With a $269 price tag, I'm not sure what the benefit of a Fitbit is over an Apple or Android watch, other than battery life.
And yes, the Vaunt glasses run JS.
Over the long term the compounding positive effect can be a bigger deal in most people's lives than whatever effect is created by a flashy, "fun" gadget that enmeshes you further in the electronic haze. As a result, though, Fitbit's market positioning has become pretty solidly middle-American.
Only, now it can do some of the flashy too.
To think about where this all may be going, I had a "wow" moment after really thinking about what things like continuous glucose monitoring for the healthy masses might mean someday: http://www.businessinsider.com/blood-sugar-tracking-device-d...
Now the Fitbit Ionic isn't the same bands as those, but it's not exactly reassuring that they've made another proprietary one instead of accepting standard watch bands like the Pebble Time did. At least the band is independently replaceable instead of molded to the device.
I don't want a giant bulky thingy and sadly now that they're gone I don't really see a replacement on the horizon.
Such a shame :(.
Because that's what it looks like, as a consumer.