Google has made it official that it won’t be manufacturing smartwatches under the Fitbit label anymore. The tech giant plans to concentrate its efforts on the Pixel Watch series for its forthcoming smartwatch products. Sandeep Waraich, who is the Product Management Director for Google Pixel Watch and Fitbit Trackers, expressed in a discussion that consumers preferred “something unobtrusive” with a basic set of features and an extended battery lifespan.
Hence, Google will persist in advancing wearables under the Fitbit label, but these will be basic tracker gadgets rather than comprehensive smartwatches. Present Fitbit smartwatch models such as the Sense 2 and others will continue to be on sale, but it’s unclear if these gadgets will ultimately be phased out or lose backing over time. In the meantime, Google will focus its creative efforts on the smartwatches in the Pixel Watch series.
This decision may not be unexpected for some Fitbit clients who have observed a recent downturn in the quality of the user experience after Google’s acquisition of the firm in 2021.
The integration of Fitbit’s health and fitness software into Google’s wearables has prompted a rebranding initiative that prioritizes the Pixel moniker while incorporating Fitbit’s monitoring capabilities.
This development may disappoint Fitbit devotees, as the brand’s affordable and durable smartwatches have long been appreciated. Devices such as the Versa 2 and Versa 3 have gained substantial popularity due to their inherent features, long-lasting battery life, and budget-friendly pricing. However, the future of older Fitbit smartwatch models remains uncertain, raising concerns among numerous users about potential discontinuation of support for their devices.
Moreover, a number of enthusiasts are displeased with Google’s choice to restrict access to specific health information via the Fitbit Premium subscription service. As Google pivots its attention to the Pixel Watch series, the diminishing prominence of the Fitbit smartwatch brand signifies the conclusion of a period in the wearable tech industry. It remains to be seen how this shift will influence the general trajectory of the Fitbit brand under the stewardship of Google. Read More
