Key Takeaways
- Most of Fitbit’s finest options can be found on the Pixel Watch 2.
- The corporate did not too long ago element Fitbit Labs, however the service does 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 technique 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.”
Are Garmin devices still worth buying in 2024?
With so many smartwatches and fitness-focused gadgets in the marketplace, does it nonetheless make sense to buy a Garmin watch?
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 properly within the area for many years made sense. However the place does that depart Fitbit now? In contrast to with Garmin, the reply isn’t so easy.
What’s going on with Fitbit?
Whereas Google’s touches are exhibiting 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 can assist you perceive the information it gathers, giving extra in-depth well being insights and training tailor-made to your particular wants. Google initially stated this might launch in early 2024, however as of but, there’s been no phrase on when precisely it is going to be obtainable for customers.
Whereas Google’s touches are exhibiting 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 bearing the Fitbit identify. Exterior of 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 choice for a health tracker and lags behind different choices, partly due to the reliance on subscriptions.
Fitbit Labs is Google’s new AI-powered health tool and it’s coming soon
Google simply launched new details about Fitbit Labs. This is what we all know thus far.
Fitbit has additionally been riddled with problems over the previous few years. There have been a number of main service outages within the final 12 months, it sundown the extremely in style neighborhood options and Challenges, and it quietly stopped promoting gadgets in over a dozen nations. Some customers additionally talked about {that a} firmware replace killed their health tracker’s battery life. Most not too long ago, Google removed all third-party apps and clock faces in Europe attributable to regulatory points. In speaking to mates with Fitbits, they’ve talked about what number of points they’ve had the previous few years and the way there may be restricted assist for his or her merchandise as properly.
Fitbit has additionally been riddled with issues over the previous few years. There have been a number of main service outages within the final 12 months, it sundown the extremely in style neighborhood options and Challenges, and it quietly stopped promoting gadgets in over a dozen nations.
All of these points are actually regarding and make us query what is occurring with the corporate. It appears like Google is attempting to push clients to Google wearables whereas borrowing the well being tech that made Fitbit so nice for therefore lengthy.
Is Fitbit price shopping for in 2024?
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 was not Fitbit’s forte, there are nonetheless a lot of 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 properly. Plus, Apple and Samsung, whereas extra smartwatch-focused, provide most of the identical options as Fitbit.
With so many different choices in the marketplace which are actively receiving assist and new options and never experiencing main outages, it is laborious 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 steering with out paying for a subscription on prime of the payment to buy the wearable to start with. Whereas there are actually worthy Fitbits nonetheless in the marketplace, we would recommend 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.
Trending Merchandise
