Key Takeaways
- Most of Fitbit’s finest options can be found on the Pixel Watch 2.
- The corporate did lately element Fitbit Labs, however the service would not have a launch date but.
- 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 at this point. Since then, we have seen loads of Fitbit options trickle their solution to 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.”
Pixel Watch 2: A Fitbit in disguise?
Fitbit is not the one benefit of the Pixel Watch 2, however it’s the smartest thing about it.
When Google picked up Fitbit, some surmised that it did so, partially, to fast-track its health-tracking options and profit from Fitbit’s healthcare ties. On the time, the search large wasn’t immediately competing with Apple and Samsung in that area, so buying an organization that had been doing nicely within the area for many years made sense. However the place does that depart Fitbit now?
What’s going on with Fitbit?
Whereas Google’s touches are displaying up on Fitbit gadgets, it nearly appears like an afterthought. AI is the first Google tech that has trickled into Fitbit, which is not shocking. Introduced in October 2023, Fitbit Labs (which is able to solely be obtainable to Premium subscribers) will use AI that will help you perceive the information it gathers, giving extra in-depth well being insights and training tailor-made to your particular wants. Google initially mentioned this might launch in early 2024, however as of but, there’s been no phrase on when precisely will probably be obtainable for customers.
Whereas Google’s touches are displaying up on Fitbit gadgets, it nearly appears 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 have not been many releases from the Fitbit title, with the Fitbit Charge 6 launch in September 2023 being the newest. Whereas the Cost 6 actually has numerous wins, it’s a dear choice for a health tracker and lags behind different choices, partially due to the reliance on subscriptions.
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Fitbit has additionally been riddled with problems over the previous few years. There have been a number of main service outages within the final yr, it sundown the extremely widespread group options and Challenges, and it quietly stopped promoting gadgets in over a dozen international locations. Some customers additionally talked about {that a} firmware replace killed their health tracker’s battery life. Most lately, Google removed all third-party apps and clock faces in Europe as a result of regulatory points. In speaking to pals with Fitbits, they’ve talked about what number of points they’ve had the previous few years and the way there’s restricted assist for his or her merchandise as nicely.
Fitbit has additionally been riddled with issues over the previous few years. There have been a number of main service outages within the final yr, it sundown the extremely widespread group options and Challenges, and it quietly stopped promoting gadgets in over a dozen international locations.
All of these points are actually regarding and make us query what is going on with the corporate. It appears like Google is attempting 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?
Figuring out 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 was not Fitbit’s forte, there are nonetheless a number of nice health tracker choices.
Amazfit is a good funds model for health trackers (and extra superior smartwatches), and each Polar and Garmin make a handful of health trackers as nicely. Plus, Apple and Samsung, whereas extra smartwatch-focused, provide most of the similar 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 recommend a Fitbit. Plus, I’ve by no means been a fan of the subscription model of Fitbit. The choices above provide you with strong entry to well being and health monitoring and steerage with out paying for a subscription on high of the price to buy the wearable to start with. Whereas there are actually worthy Fitbits nonetheless available on the market, we would recommend spending your cash on a tool that’s extra prone to get long-term assist and lets you use it with none further charges.
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