The upcoming closure of the Fitbit web site on October tenth marks one more step in Google’s systematic dismantling of the once-beloved health monitoring model. Customers will quickly discover themselves redirected to the Google Retailer, a transfer that strips away one of many final remaining vestiges of Fitbit’s impartial id.
This improvement aligns with my observations from the IFA tech convention in Berlin. For the primary time in years, Fitbit lacked its common outstanding presence on the occasion. As an alternative, Fitbit gadgets have been displayed inside the Google stand, bereft of the distinctive Fitbit branding that has been a mainstay of earlier reveals.
All these adjustments additionally lend credence to rumours suggesting that we have now seen the final of Fitbit-branded smartwatches. Whereas Google has publicly reaffirmed its dedication to Fitbit and its consumer base, the corporate’s assertion leaves room for interpretation concerning the way forward for particular product strains.
Google’s historical past of acquisitions provides a context for these adjustments. The tech large has a observe file of buying firms and subsequently discontinuing or integrating their merchandise into its personal ecosystem. This sample has led many to view Google’s current statements about Fitbit with a level of skepticism.
Is the Fitbit model going away?
The gradual removing of options from present Fitbit smartwatches, together with third-party app assist and social options, has added to the uncertainty surrounding the model’s future. The current discontinuation of the Fitbit net dashboard additional underscores this development of streamlining and consolidation.
Important studying: High health trackers and well being devices
This newest change takes into impact in a few weeks time. Earlier this yr assist.fitbit.com articles have been transferred over to assist.google.com. And the fitbit on-line store was resigned to historical past within the Spring, in favour of the Google Retailer.
Should you open fitbit.com you’ll discover alongside the highest a banner informing of the transfer.
Click on on it and you can be taken to the Google Retailer. An additional transfer resigning the model Fitbit to the previous.
“You made it! Google Store is your new home for all things Fitbit. Shop below or get help with your Fitbit account here.” the welcoming message seems.
As Fitbit’s on-line presence merges with Google’s, customers are left to marvel concerning the long-term implications for his or her favourite health gadgets. The transition from Fitbit.com to the Google Retailer represents greater than only a change of net handle. One can’t assist however really feel it is a gradual calculated erasure of an organization that when revolutionised private health monitoring.
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