Google Just Ended Fitbit Smartwatches — Here’s What It Means

NEWS
By
19 August 2024
What's Google’s Next Move?
Google Just Ended Fitbit Smartwatches — Here’s What It Means
( Image credits: TechyMenia )

When Google introduced its first Pixel Watch in October 2022, it became clear that the landscape for Fitbit smartwatches was about to change. The launch hinted at Google’s intention to position itself as a formidable contender against the Apple Watch, leveraging Fitbit’s well-regarded technology to bolster its own offerings. Although Fitbit continued to release new models, these seemed to be the last remnants of a once-dominant brand now overshadowed by Pixel.

According to a recent report from TechRadar, Google has discreetly halted production of the Fitbit Sense and Versa series, signaling a definitive shift in its wearable strategy. Moving forward, Fitbit will focus solely on fitness trackers like the Charge and Inspire, while smartwatch innovations will be reserved exclusively for the Pixel line.

This news, though not entirely surprising, has left many longtime Fitbit users, myself included, with mixed feelings. Having been a fan of Fitbit since the original Fitbit Flex, it’s disappointing to see the brand’s smartwatch era come to a close. Yet, given the trajectory of Google’s product development, this outcome seemed inevitable. For many casual tech enthusiasts, Fitbit was the go-to choice for wearables, providing accessible and reliable technology.

Kate Kozuch, a colleague who reviewed the Fitbit Sense 2 earlier this year, praised the device for its advanced wellness features, calling it “one of the most comprehensive tools for tracking physical and mental health currently available.” However, with Google’s latest move, the question arises: What will happen to those who have invested in recent Fitbit models like the Sense 2 or Versa 4?

Google has already started transitioning users from Fitbit accounts to Google accounts, promising support until 2025. Yet, the longevity of the devices themselves remains uncertain. There’s also the concern that Google might strip away features post-purchase as they become obsolete—a possibility hinted at by the lack of Wi-Fi and local audio playback support in both the Sense 2 and Versa 4 at launch.

Earlier this year, Fitbit began phasing out community features within its app, including Challenges, Adventures, and Virtual Trophies. Simultaneously, Google’s Pixel Watch 3 was announced, offering complimentary access to premium Fitbit features like the Daily Readiness Score and Target Load. These developments underscore the gradual decline of Fitbit smartwatches as Google’s Pixel Watch gains momentum.

The future of Fitbit’s fitness trackers remains less certain. Google’s recent releases, such as the Fitbit Charge 6 and Fitbit Ace LTE for children, were launched with little fanfare. Moreover, Peloton workouts are set to be integrated into the Fitbit app soon, indicating that Google might still have plans for the Fitbit brand, possibly through a more affordable “Pixel Tracker” to complement the Pixel Watch.

Whatever direction Google chooses, it’s evident that Fitbit’s role in the wearable market is fading. The future belongs to the Pixel, and Fitbit, as we once knew it, may no longer be a central player in the years ahead.

Receive daily updates, inspiration, and exclusive deals delivered to your inbox.

Sign up to receive breaking news, reviews, opinions, top tech deals, and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and confirm you are 16 or older.

Share this page:

Copyright ©2024 TechyMenia. All Rights Reserved.

This article may include affiliate links. Please refer to our privacy policy for further details.

Related Articles

Top 10 AI Tools for Productivity in 2024
Published 11 December 2024 –
By Derek Louie
Chris Evans Marvel Return: Everything We Know So Far
Published 10 December 2024 –
By Grayson Reed
Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Tips for Sept. 15, #196
Published 18 November 2024 –
By Landon Cole

About Author

More From TechyMenia

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Steps Up the Game with Ultra-Smooth 185Hz Display
Published 1 November 2024 –
By Grayson Reed
Dropbox Jobs in the Spotlight as 20% of Workforce Faces Layoffs
Published 31 October 2024 –
By Maya Ellis
Google Prepares Gemini 2.0 Launch to Compete with OpenAI’s Orion Model
Published 28 October 2024 –
By Ryker Westin
Huawei Phones
Published 26 October 2024 –
By Derek Louie