Japanese tech company Sony has unveiled the Smartband 2, the second generation version of its line of fitness trackers. The device boasts of better functionality than its predecessor, and shares the same form as the first generation Smartband. The new fitness tracker is equipped with select smart watch features which let users check emails and notifications on the go.

According to a Telegraph U.K. report, the Smartband 2 has a heart-rate sensor and an accelerometer, features it shares with the first generation device. The fitness tracking wearable monitors health as they work together, taking note of pulse rate and automatically tracking locomotive activities such as running, walking and other workouts. The device also gives sleep insights.

It has an alarm clock feature which wakes the user up by vibrating. The alarm goes off based on the user's sleep cycle, monitoring what will be the best time. Other features include being able to check emails and notifications from the device, which vibrates and lights up when notifications come in. Control of music tracks in tablets and smartphones can also be done with the Smartband 2. Battery life lasts up to two days.

The device has a waterproof silicone band with a metal fastening clip. It will be available in four colours, namely, black, white, pink and indigo. The last two colours will be made available soon after the launch. The Smartband 2 will be introduced in Sept., and it will be made available to sixty countries all over the world. The second-generation fitness tracker is reported to retail  at approximately $134.

The demand for wearable devices has risen, and last month, analysts announced that about 46 million smartwatches have been shipped all over the world during the first two quarters of the year. Apple is reported to be the leading name in the wearables business. Recently, it has introduced new options for bigger sized customers with band kits and L/XL sizes for the Apple Watch.