Goodbye Fitbit smartwatches for good, the future is Pixel Watch
Google Focuses on Pixel Watch
Over time, Google has filled in the gaps in the Fitbit experience that were missing on the original Pixel Watch, with the third generation continuing to take things to the next level with new advanced operating features and more. In light of this, Google says it's finished producing new Fitbit smartwatches.
Speaking to Engadget , Sandeep Waraikh, Google’s director of product management for Pixel wearables , said that “Pixel Watch is a smartwatch part of the product lineup” when asked about any future Fitbit-branded smartwatches, adding that the Pixel Watch is “our next evolution of a smartwatch for Fitbit.” Instead, Fitbit-branded products will focus on trackers that are “more simple” with long battery life.
Closing the door on Fitbit smartwatches
This clearly closes the door on Fitbit smartwatches, although a return can't be completely ruled out given that Google has changed its mind before.
But today, in a statement to ArsTechnica , Google added another statement saying that it remains “committed” to Fitbit with new products and a reference to the recently launched Fitbit Ace LTE. However, this statement in no way contradicts previous statements made by Google about the company no longer planning to produce new Fitbit-branded smartwatches.
Google's commitment to Fitbit
We are deeply committed to Fitbit, and more importantly to the customers who use and rely on these products and technology. It’s also worth noting that many of the health and fitness features we launched in Pixel Watch 3 were due to Fitbit’s innovation and groundbreaking advancements in fitness. Additionally, we just launched Fitbit Ace LTE, [a kids’ smartwatch that launched on June 5], and you’ll continue to see new products and innovation from Fitbit. It’s very clear that Google has shifted Fitbit’s focus away from flagship smartwatches.
The future of current Fitbit smartwatches
As for the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2, both are still available options on the market, and are even sold on the Google Store, and Google continues to provide software updates, and even new features, for both devices, but in light of the Pixel Watch 2's lower price to $249, the same as the Sense 2, it remains to be seen how long it will make sense to have both products side by side. Of course, between sales and third-party sellers, both the Versa and Sense are great entry points into the Fitbit ecosystem without as many compromises as the Charge and Inspire trackers.
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