David Bridges
Is Fitbit in bother?
9to5Google noticed that Fitbit.com, the official web site for the favored model of wearable health trackers, will not be lengthy for this world. On the high of the web page is a brand new message stating that the location’s capabilities will transfer to the Google Retailer on Oct. 1.
This got here solely about six months after Google up to date the location’s branding to learn “Google Fitbit” as a substitute of “Fitbit by Google.”
We’re already seeing value drops on choose Fitbit fashions forward of October Prime Day
Is FitBit at risk?
Again in July, Google shut down the favored net interface for Fitbit well being metrics, forcing customers to make use of a cellular app that, not less than on the time, did not have as many options as the online interface.
Mashable Gentle Velocity
In mid-August, Engadget claimed that Google is demoting the Fitbit model to concentrate on minimalist, health trackers with lengthy battery life as a substitute of high-end smartwatches which are stuffed with wide-ranging options. A number of days later, TechRadar claimed that Google “quietly confirmed” that it’s going to cease producing FitBit Versa and Sense fashions.
Nonetheless, in an announcement to Ars Technica, Google claimed that TechRadar’s reporting was “inaccurate,” including the next:
“We’re very dedicated to Fitbit, and much more importantly to the purchasers that use and rely on these merchandise and expertise. It is also value noting that most of the well being and health options we launched in Pixel Watch 3 had been due to Fitbit’s innovation and ground-breaking health developments. As well as, we simply launched Fitbit Ace LTE, and also you’ll proceed to see new merchandise and innovation from Fitbit.”
Primarily based on these experiences, it seems that Google is prioritizing the Pixel Watch collection whereas regularly shifting away from the Fitbit “smartwatches,” focusing as a substitute on less complicated Fitbit health trackers. As such, FitBit.com is probably going getting shutdown as a result of it would be redundant; Google can merely promote Fitbit wearables through the Google Retailer.
Google purchased Fitbit for $2.1 billion in 2019 and hasn’t manufactured any new Fitbit watches since 2022. In the event you go to the Fitbit product web page within the Google retailer, the Pixel Watch 3 (which is made to work with the Fitbit Premium subscription service) takes priority over precise Fitbit fashions.
That is hypothesis, however it seems to be just like the transfer right here is to encourage Fitbit customers to purchase Pixel Watches as a substitute. That is Google’s prerogative, however longtime Fitbit customers even have the correct to be sad about it.
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Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
