The End of an Era for Fitbit as Google Discontinues Smartwatch Production

Written by Kathrine Frich

Sep.30 - 2024 3:04 PM CET

Technology
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
Google has announced that it will shut down the official website Fitbit.com by the end of this month.

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Fitbit has been a trailblazer in the wearable technology market since its inception in 2007. Originally launched with a simple pedometer, the company quickly expanded its product line to include a range of innovative devices designed to monitor health and fitness.

Competition Prompts Changes

Some of its most popular models, like the Fitbit Charge series and the Versa smartwatches, have garnered widespread acclaim for their user-friendly interfaces and robust tracking features, allowing users to monitor everything from daily steps to sleep patterns, according to Ziare.

Over the years, Fitbit built a loyal customer base, thanks in part to its community-driven approach and the introduction of features like personalized coaching and challenges. However, as the wearable technology landscape evolved, competition increased, prompting significant changes within the company.

Google has announced that it will shut down the official website Fitbit.com by the end of this month.

Future Appears Uncertain

This change will see all Fitbit-related operations migrate to the Google Store. The announcement follows a confirmation made in August 2024 during the Made by Google event, where the tech giant revealed the end of smartwatch production under the Fitbit brand.

During the launch of the Pixel Watch 3, Google indicated that popular smartwatch models such as the Sense and Versa series will no longer be manufactured. Instead, the company plans to focus on its fitness trackers, including the Luxe, Inspire, and Charge models.

These devices have garnered positive reviews and remain favored choices for users interested in activity monitoring.

While the cessation of smartwatch production wasn’t entirely surprising, the closure of Fitbit.com holds symbolic weight for the brand's loyal users. Visitors to the site are greeted with a message announcing the transition:

“On October 1, the store is moving. Shop Fitbit products from Google Store.” Once redirected to the Google Store, users encounter the message: “You’ve arrived! Google Store is the new home for everything Fitbit.”

Google has reiterated its commitment to current Fitbit users, promising new innovations and products under the brand.

Although models like the Sense 2 and Versa 4 are still available for purchase, the future of Fitbit smartwatches appears uncertain, with Google shifting its attention toward integrating Fitbit features into the Pixel Watch series.