Google is planning to launch its first branded smartwatch subsequent yr, in line with inside sources – and it might truly be a Fitbit.Business Insider, which first broke the story, claims that there are not any at present no plans for the the new watch to hold the Fitbit model, however different hints counsel in any other case. Most considerably, a supply talking to The Verge claimed that the new smartwatch (at present codenamed Rohan) would price greater than the present line of Fitbit units – an odd comparability to make if there isn’t any connection.Fitbit’s present lineup of units begin at $299.99 / £279.99 / AU$449.95, and a better price ticket would make sense for a new extra premium gadget – and that is one thing we’ve been anticipating for fairly some time.A real Fitbit smartwatchFirst, somewhat background. Google introduced that it was buying Fitbit a yr in the past, and accomplished the deal in early 2021. The two firms saved the particulars of the partnership quiet for a number of months, however at the 2021 Google IO occasion in May, they revealed a couple of attention-grabbing developments.Firstly, Google introduced that it will be bringing sure Fitbit options to Wear OS. Wear OS already has a health app, however the firm defined that Fitbit integration would add options like objective celebrations once you hit a step goal. It might permit you to sync your well being and exercise information seamlessly with the Fitbit app (very useful if you wish to swap between units)More curiously, Fitbit CEO James Park introduced that the two firms have been additionally working collectively on a ‘premium’ Fitbit smartwatch working Wear OS.At Google IO 2021, Google and Fitbit revealed a couple of hints about their plans for {hardware} and software program integration (Image credit score: Google)That would be a giant change for Fitbit. While the Sense and Versa strains are marketed as smartwatches, they are much extra restricted than the likes of an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or Ticwatch Pro. Not solely have they got much less highly effective processors and fewer inside storage, there’s solely a small number of third-party apps accessible in the Fitbit Gallery – and virtually all of these on supply are both health instruments or easy video games.In brief, whereas they’re wonderful for monitoring well being and exercises, the Versa 3 and Sense simply aren’t as versatile as a ‘true’ smartwatch. You actually cannot use them to answer to emails, or navigate utilizing Google Maps – till now.Getting a head beginThe imminent launch of a Fitbit smartwatch would additionally clarify why the firm has been pouring a lot effort and funding into its paid subscription service over current months.Fitbit Premium has undergone some large upgrades this yr, with new options together with guided meditation classes with Deepak Chopra, exercises guided by Will Smith, and a Readiness Score that tells you the way a lot vitality you may have for the day forward. Sleep Animals is one other new function coming quickly, and can supply personalised steering to assist enhance your nightly restoration based mostly on patterns and habits.We can solely hypothesize at the second, however bundling all this premium content material in with a Fitbit-branded smartwatch might make it a way more tempting proposition and provides Google’s new wearable a head begin over rivals like the Apple Watch, which requires a separate month-to-month fee for its Apple Fitness Plus service.We’ll be conserving a detailed eye out for extra information on challenge Rohan, and can carry you extra information as quickly as we have now it. Details of Fitbit units not often leak far upfront, however renders of each the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Ace 3 appeared forward of their launches, so it is attainable that further particulars could emerge earlier than any official bulletins.Today’s finest Fitbit offers
The new Google Pixel watch might be the next-gen Fitbit we’ve been waiting for
