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CEO James Park told CNBC, in his first public statement on the new tracker, that his company's revenues were increasingly tied to commercial customers. It now has 6.8 million patients, employees and members of health plans enrolled in wellness programs incorporating Fitbit devices.
Fitbit has developed software to help companies provide employees with tools to monitor their health status and encourage behavioral change. The Inspire, which has basic features like heart rate, pace tracking and calories burned, adds hardware to its line of business-to-business products. The Inspire is available as a bracelet or clip, which can easily be hidden under a garment and could prove attractive to professional users.
"We've designed it as a program for digital health interventions," said Park this week during an interview at Fitbit's headquarters.
Fitbit has recently focused on selling to seniors through private health insurance plans. Park said the company was now working with UnitedHealth to sell to its members in 27 states through 42 of its projects.
Apple has also evolved into a full-service digital health company, with support and other incentives for behavior change. The company is in talks with private Medicare plans to subsidize its device.
Apple recently unveiled a new app for Apple Watch and iOS, called Attain, which is uniquely designed for use by Aetna members. The app encourages healthy behaviors, like sleeping more or eating better, and offers users the opportunity to "win" their Apple Watch over a two-year period.
Fitbit and Apple tell employers and insurers that they can help reduce health care costs by improving overall well-being. The devices are generally offered as part of workplace wellness programs and are subsidized, acquired through healthy behavior or available for free.
WATCH: Fitbit CEO ON Smartwatches and Benefits
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