Ever since Google incorporated several Fitbit features into the first Pixel Watch, there have been questions about the future of Fitbit’s hardware. Well, it now seems like Fitbit is done with smartwatches and will focus on trackers instead, and a vague statement from Google doesn’t say otherwise.
This all started with an Engadget interview in the wake of Google’s August 13th Pixel event. In the interview, Sandeep Waraich, the senior director of product management for Pixel Watch and Fitbit trackers, confirmed that Fitbit wasn’t making smartwatches and would instead focus on trackers.
Further, a Google spokesperson confirmed to Engadget that current Fitbit smartwatches, the Sense 2 and Versa 4, would continue to be available but that “Pixel Watches are our next iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit.”
But that wasn’t all Google said about Fitbit. In a separate statement to Android Authority, the company said:
“We are very committed to Fitbit, and even more importantly to the customers that use and depend on those products and technology. It’s also worth noting that many of the health and fitness features we launched in Pixel Watch 3 were because of Fitbit’s innovation and ground-breaking fitness advancements. In addition, we just launched Fitbit Ace LTE, and you’ll continue to see new products and innovation from Fitbit.”
Unfortunately, that statement doesn’t really address the future of Fitbit smartwatches. It does indicate Google is committed to Fitbit, but based on other information the company has shared, it seems like it’s committed to Fitbit trackers and nothing more.
While the news will likely be disappointing for some, it does kind of make sense. When the first Pixel Watch came out, there was a lot of overlap between it and the Sense 2. And subsequent Pixel Watch iterations have pushed further, fleshing out new features and deeper Fitbit integration. There’s very little the Fitbit Sense 2 can do that the Pixel Watch can’t now. With that in mind, it makes sense that Google would want to move away from Fitbit smartwatches and keep the focus on the Pixel Watch, while continuing to offer Fitbit trackers as a lower-cost alternative.
Source: Engadget, Android Authority
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