Google’s Fitbit acquisition deal dates back to 2019. While the company was busy building its Pixel smartwatch lineup, it appears that similar Fitbit offerings took a backseat as the tech giant is now signalling their end. According to Engadget, Google confirmed it will not make smartwatches in the Fitbit lineup and instead focus on activity trackers in the fitness space.
When the news outlet questioned Sandeep Waraich (senior director of product management for Pixel Wearables) about a possible Fitbit smartwatch in future, he responded: “Pixel Watch is our smartwatch part of the portfolio.” Waraich confirmed that Fitbit will focus on more minimalistic and long-lasting trackers in future. However, the existing Sense 2 and Versa 4 will continue to exist in the market.
A Google spokesperson told the news outlet that the “Pixel Watches are our next iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit.” Further, Waraich highlighted the Google and Fitbit team’s collaboration to make the Pixel smartwatches and merge Google’s AI prowess and Fitbit’s health data insights on the Pixel counterpart.
For context, Fitbit’s fitness trackers range includes the Inspire, Luxe and Charge. Google introduced the Pixel Watch in 2022. The features that were once a part of the Fitbit smartwatch line slowly crept into the Pixel lineup. The wellness features include the Daily Readiness Score and Target Load which is available on the Pixel Watch 3 for free.
Moreover, Fitbit Premium users can check out custom AI-generated workouts based on their recovery and activity on the Pixel Watch 3. From this step, it appears that the Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium are here to stay in the absence of a futuristic Fitbit smartwatch. Meanwhile, Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 3 in two screen sizes (41mm and 45mm) at its Made By Google 2024 event. You can read more about the device here.