While we're on the subject of workouts, Fitbit is also introducing a new service called Coach. It's basically
a rebranding of the existing Fitstar tool, which provides workout instructions on the watch, but Coach lets
you watch short animations onscreen that demonstrate the movements you need to perform. Before,
this was represented by stick figures, but on the Ionic's display, you'll get to see videos of actual humans
doing the actions. Only a small selection of workouts will be available for free via Coach -- you'll have to
pay a fee for more, as well as for programs tailored to your behavior and ability. For the full experience,
you'll have to pay $7.99/£7.99 a month or $40 a year when the Coach app for Android, iOS and
Windows launches in the fall.
In general, the watch's aesthetic is pretty typical of Fitbit's devices, which is a deliberate choice: The
company said it wants to keep its design recognizable. The Ionic's strap is wider than I'd like, but at least
it's easy to swap out with a simple button release. Fitbit is releasing a modest variety of straps alongside
the Ionic, including sport ($40) and perforated leather ($80) options in a couple of colors each. Speaking
of, these bands use the same buckle closure that you'll find in most conventional wristwatches, but
instead of using a loop to secure the tail end, Fitbit opted for a peg-and-hole system. This keeps the strap
completely flush against your wrist instead of flapping around at the end.