Quick Summary
Google has confirmed that it will no longer make Fitbit smartwatches, with the Pixel Watch line taking over.
It will, however, continue to release new Fitbit fitness trackers.
Fitbit fans might be dismayed to learn that we've seen the last smartwatch made by the company – there will be no more. The Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2 watches released in late 2022 are its last.
Google, which acquired the company in 2021, has confirmed that it is repositioning the Fitbit brand – it'll continue to release fitness trackers, but not full smartwatches. That sector will be covered by the Pixel Watch 3, 3 XL and future models.
Speaking to Engadget, a Google spokesperson revealed the company's plans: "Pixel Watches are our next iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit," they said.
The Pixel Watch 3 and Watch 3 XL devices include Fitbit-branded features and even come with six-months of Fitbit Premium for advanced fitness tracking and data collection. However, if you want an actual Fitbit on your wrist in future, you'll have to forego some of the smarter capabilities.
"Trackers is where users clearly tell us they want something discreet," explained the company's senior director for wearables, Sandeep Waraich, to the site.
"They want longer battery life, they want a simple experience and we are very proud of our Inspire line."
That suggests there should at least be a replacement for the Fitbit Inspire 3 in the nearish future. The Fitbit Charge 6 could also be updated at some point.
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Fitbit's future
Still, it's another sign that the brand once synonymous with fitness tracking is being assimilated into the overall Google picture. We've also seen features scrapped, such as wireless payments, in favour of Google equivalents, and even the web dashboard at Fitbit.com was shuttered in July.
We're yet to review the Pixel Watch 3, but from what we've seen so far initial signs are good. Whether it'll be enough to convince the Fitbit community to upgrade though is yet to be seen – especially considering a hefty price difference.
Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.
Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.
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