During the launch of the HTC One M8 yesterday, the company’s President of North America, Jason Mackenzie, singled out a collaboration with health and fitness company, Fitbit, that would bring users’ activity and sleep data into BlinkFeed.
Fitbit recently updated its iOS app to take advantage of the iPhone 5s’ M7 chip, obviating the need for a physical wearable band to count steps and set goals. Now, the company is attempting to recreate that success with the HTC One M8, pre-loading its updated Android app on the device and “allowing users to track their activity with just their smartphone,” according to a press release.
Because the new HTC One has a number of low-power sensors, the phone can keep track of steps taken without negatively impacting battery — much like the iPhone 5s.
The company is also touting improved compatibility across the Android ecosystem. Fitbit now supports 44 devices, up from 26 in January (though that includes iOS), including the Moto X, LG G2 and Sony Xperia Z1.
Though Fitbit suffered a bit of a brand reputation setback recently with the recall of its Force band, due to a small number of users suffering skin irritation from the metal construction, the company is planning to replace the product as quickly as possible.
[source]Business Wire[/source]
