Fitbit Alta release date: Fashion-oriented fitness tracker starts rolling out

Fitbit website

While the global release of the Fitbit's new tracker won't happen until next month, the new Fitbit Alta has now started rolling out to select markets, particularly in the United States.

According to Wareable, the new Fitbit Alta's unveiling signals the start of the new tracker's release. It is now available in the U.S., while other regions will begin getting the new fitness tracker by April. This release affirms Fitbit's previous confirmation of their new trackers releasing in early 2016.

Fitbit released the Blaze in January.

Speaking at the launch, Gareth Jones, vice president and general manager of EMEA division, was quoted as saying: "It was our plan to get these devices out early in the year. With the Blaze, it was about that time of the year when people are thinking, 'new year, new you'. We used the communication of the Alta four weeks after the announcement of Blaze by using the fashion shows."

Meanwhile, first impressions among those who have already checked out the Fitbit Alta are favorable. According to PCMag, Fitbit delivered on its promise of the Alta being more fashionable, as the new wearable supposedly looks like a fashion statement rather than a cut-and-dried fitness tracker. The industry observer added that other than the design, the Alta shares similar specs and sensors with the budget-friendly Fitbit Charge, so those looking for their first fitness tracker may check out both and go for the Alta if design is a factor.

Being fashionable is the cornerstone of the Alta, and Fitbit hopes that there will be a number of designer collaborations in the future. Jones added at the launch, "There's going to be complementary partnerships to bring that style to something people want to wear every day and vice versa. Personally, I would love to have a Paul Smith one, a Gucci one, a whole variety of trendy brands."