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Fitbit became part of Google’s product portfolio after buying the brand
Google bought Fitbit a few years back and now we see the software power some of the features and services on Pixel Watch models.
Google is going to kill the Fitbit lineup and now just focus on the Pixel Watch series with Fitbit built into the devices. Well, that’s what a recent report on Monday claimed but Google has come out strongly refuting such news and assures that it will continue to make Fitbit devices in the future without giving more details.
It seems Google is happy to keep both the brands alive, at least going by the statement that the company has shared in this report with Ars Technica this week. “We are very committed to Fitbit, and even more importantly to the customers that use and depend on those products and technology. In addition, we just launched the Fitbit Ace LTE, [a smartwatch for kids released on June 5], and you’ll continue to see new products and innovation from Fitbit,” a Google spokesperson was quoted saying here.
Sketchy Product History
The reports about Google ending the Fitbit lineup didn’t shock us to be honest. Google bought Fitbit a few years back and since then many have foreseen a future where Google decides to merge the Fitbit lineup within the Pixel Watch team and pack its software into the upcoming wearables. After all, it makes sense for the company to merge the products and services rather than run two teams for identical product lineups.
The fact that Google recently introduced the Fitbit Ace smartwatch for kids suggests the company might be staying true to its promise for now, but this is Google we are talking about, and its overall history doesn’t fill you with confidence, even if the company gives you in writing that Fitbit is here to stay.
Many Fitbit users will be keeping a close eye on these developments, and would be hoping that Google will give them enough time to digest the demise of the popular brand, if at all, and a clear route to upgrade to a Pixel Watch or any other brand.
Speaking of the Pixel series, the Watch 3 model has been announced at the Made by Google event earlier this month. The Pixel Watch 3 carries a brighter Actua display with smaller bezels this time around. The Watch 3 has launched in India for Rs 39,999 and you get it in 41mm and 45mm sizes but once again no LTE model in the country from Google.