Key Takeaways
- Most of Fitbit’s finest options are additionally out there on the Pixel Watch 2.
- Regardless of promising Fitbit Labs early this 12 months, particulars are nonetheless slim on the brand new program.
- In current months, Fitbit gadgets have suffered from points like service outages, discontinued options, and lack of assist.
Google acquired Fitbit barely greater than three years ago. Since then, we have seen loads of Fitbit options trickle into Google’s merchandise. The Google Pixel Watch 2 is ripe with Fitbit options, a lot in order that Cam Bunton, who reviewed the Pixel Watch 2 for Pocket-lint, dubbed it a “Fitbit in disguise.”
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When Google picked up Fitbit, some surmised that it did so, partly, to fast-track its health-tracking options and profit from Fitbit’s healthcare ties. On the time, the search big wasn’t immediately competing with Apple and Samsung in that enviornment, so buying an organization that had been doing effectively within the area for many years made sense. However the place does that depart Fitbit now? In contrast to with Garmin, the reply will not be so easy.
What’s going on with Fitbit?
Google appears to be transferring on from Fitbit
Whereas Google’s touches are exhibiting up on Fitbit gadgets, it virtually seems like an afterthought. AI is the first Google tech that has trickled into Fitbit, which is not shocking. Introduced in October 2023, Fitbit Labs will use AI that will help you perceive the info it gathers, giving extra in-depth well being insights and training tailor-made to your particular wants.
Google initially stated this may launch in early 2024, however particulars on this system and what it can truly supply are nonetheless not out there. The function has rolled out to pick Fitbit Premium subscribers for additional testing, however remains to be not broadly out there regardless that we’re greater than midway by way of the 12 months.
Whereas Google’s touches are exhibiting up on Fitbit gadgets, it virtually seems like an afterthought. AI is the first Google tech that has trickled into Fitbit, which is not shocking.
Past Fitbit Labs, the main target appears to be on Google’s wearables and fewer so on Fitbit’s. There merely have not been many releases bearing the Fitbit title. Past the kid-focused Fitbit Ace LTE, the newest mainline tracker Fitbit introduced was Charge 6 again in September 2023. Whereas the Cost 6 actually has a number of wins, it’s a dear selection for a health tracker and lags behind different choices, partly due to the reliance on subscriptions.
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Extra considerably, Fitbit has been riddled with problems over the previous few years. That features a number of main service outages within the final 12 months. It additionally quietly stopped promoting gadgets in over a dozen nations and Fitbit appears to be slicing extra options and instruments than it is including. It sundown the extremely well-liked group options and Challenges and Google removed all third-party apps and clock faces in Europe as a consequence of regulatory points.
Most lately, Fitbit shut down the Fitbit internet interface, following a June announcement. Which means the app is the one place to dive into Fitbit information and insights. “Subsequent month, we’re consolidating the Fitbit.com dashboard into the Fitbit app. The net browser will now not supply entry to the Fitbit.com dashboard after July 8, 2024,” stated Fitbit in its submit on the Fitbit Group Discussion board.
Whereas many individuals possible do not use the net app, it did make sure options simpler and customers have taken to the feedback to voice their frustration. On the time of writing, there have been 1,556 replies to final month’s submit, with loads of Fitbit wearers asking the place within the app they might entry a variety of options like checking a graph of tempo versus distance, create a meal, add a missed exercise, and extra.
Extra considerably, Fitbit has been riddled with issues over the previous few years. That features a number of main service outages within the final 12 months. It additionally quietly stopped promoting gadgets in over a dozen nations and Fitbit appears to be slicing extra options and instruments than it is including.
All of these points are actually regarding and make us query what is occurring with the corporate. It seems like Google is making an attempt to push prospects to Google wearables whereas borrowing the well being tech that made Fitbit so nice for therefore lengthy.
Is Fitbit price shopping for in 2024?
There are various different choices on the market
Realizing all the problems plaguing the model, it begs the query of whether or not Fitbits are price shopping for at this level. Whereas most firms are extra centered on higher-end smartwatches, which weren’t Fitbit’s forte, there are nonetheless numerous nice health tracker choices.
Amazfit is a superb price range model for health trackers (and extra superior smartwatches), and each Polar and Garmin make a handful of health trackers as effectively. Plus, Apple and Samsung, whereas extra smartwatch-focused, supply most of the identical options as Fitbit.
With so many different choices available on the market which can be actively receiving assist and new options and never experiencing main outages, it is onerous to counsel a Fitbit. Plus, I’ve by no means been a fan of Fitbit’s subscription model. The choices above offer you strong entry to well being and health monitoring and steering with out paying for a subscription on prime of the charge to buy the wearable to start with. Whereas there are actually worthy Fitbits nonetheless available on the market, we would counsel spending your cash on a tool that’s extra prone to get long-term assist and means that you can use it with none further charges.
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