Just over three years ago, Google announced it was acquiring Fitbit and a blog post from the brand today previewed what’s coming next.
With the Sense 2 and Versa 4 launch, product packaging and advertising picked up a “by Google” label. The company says its mission remains to “help everyone be healthier” by “bringing you the data, inspiration, and guidance you need to be more active, sleep better and manage stress.”
Under Google, “a Fitbit that’s even more helpful” is promised with a doubling down on “deliver[ing] things that we believe will empower you to achieve your health and fitness goals.”
That means products that are easier to use, experiences that are more personalized, and features that are more motivating. It means casting Fitbit app workouts onto your Chromecast-enabled TV, where you can see your progress on the big screen.
Top comment by bull3964
Here's what I want to see from Fitbit.
1) Eliminate the 1 advanced tracker device limitation. I want to be able to use my Charge 5 and Google Watch interchangeably without having to remove and re-add.
2) Launch Fitibit on WearOS generally. Health Connect is starting to help, but I would really just rather run Fitbit directly on my GW5 for metric collection and be done with it.
Fitbit credits the Google acquisition as letting it provide greater reach with affordability being a key aim:
And because accessibility is also about affordability, one of our key focus areas is continuing to develop high-quality wearables that cost less—like Inspire 3, which we launched in August.
Another element of that is making Fitbit “available on more devices, including connected home devices, TVs, and phones.” This sounds more in-depth that just casting the Fitbit app, with Google TV integration previously rumored.
The other preview highlight today reiterates that Fitbit is “continuing to drive research around new sensors and experiences, and are using Google’s work on artificial intelligence and leading technologies to develop more advanced features that can help with serious health conditions.” Examples include Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications and the Pixel Watch’s heart rate sensor.
Lastly, Fitbit reiterated that that Google Maps and Wallet are coming soon to the Versa 4 and Sense 2.
More on Fitbit:
- With Health Connect, Google Fit shows Nest Hub Sleep Sensing next to Fitbit heart rate data
- Fitbit for iPhone is now published under Google’s App Store developer account
- Google Pixel Watch review: Expect disappointment, and you’ll never be disappointed
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments