See how Google kills Fitbit smartwatches

Google recently announced that it would end software support for the Fitbit smartwatches, specifically the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3, by 2025. This decision marks the end of Google's integration of Fitbit's wearable technology, which it acquired in 2021. Fitbit users will continue to receive updates and support until the 2025 cutoff, but after that, the devices will no longer receive new features or updates, potentially rendering them obsolete.

The company has decided that the Fitbit brand will no longer produce new smartwatches, focusing instead on fitness bands that emphasize long battery life and core health tracking features. This decision comes as Google positions the Pixel Watch series as its primary smartwatch offering. It surprises many users of Fitbit.

Google's strategy appears to be shifting towards integrating Fitbit's health and fitness tracking capabilities into its Pixel Watch lineup. By focusing on Pixel Watch, Google aims to unify its wearable technology offerings under one brand, while still leveraging Fitbit's strengths in health monitoring.

This move has disappointed many Fitbit users, who see it as the end of a brand they trusted for years. However, Google has indicated that it will continue to support and develop health and fitness tracking features, albeit under the Pixel Watch umbrella.

Google has discreetly confirmed that it has stopped producing the Fitbit Sense and Versa smartwatches, marking a significant shift in the company's approach to wearable technology. Moving forward, Fitbit will focus solely on producing fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit Charge and Fitbit Inspire, known for their long battery life and dedicated health-tracking capabilities.

This move means that any new smartwatch technology, watch faces, or wellness features that Google develops will now be exclusive to the Pixel Watch series. The Pixel Watch has effectively taken over as Google's primary smartwatch platform, integrating more advanced features while Fitbit devices will concentrate on core fitness and health tracking.

By doing so, Google aims to cater to different market segments: those looking for a full-featured smartwatch experience and those who prefer a simpler, longer-lasting fitness tracker.

The decision reflects a broader trend where tech giants streamline their product lines to reduce redundancies and focus on flagship products.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, Editor-in-Chief-VARINDIA