How will the relationship between Fitbit and Google evolve with the Pixel Watch?

As we have seen, during the I / O 2022 Google anticipated the long-awaited Pixel Watch. The company has confirmed a widely predictable detail: the influence of Fitbit, acquired in the now distant 2019, will be decidedly tangible. At the same time, however, there is a clarification: for the moment, at least, Google Fit and Fitbit will continue to coexist as separate fitness experiences. And the same concept will recur at the hardware level.

This was said by Fitbit co-founder James Park, now head of Google’s Wearable division, during an exclusive interview with CNET. You can read the full interview by following the SOURCE link at the bottom of the article – and also listen to it via the integrated player below, but for those in a hurry we have a summary by points with all the salient details without getting too lost in frills:

• Pixel and Fitbit. At the hardware level they will deal with different market segments: Pixel Watch will be the “super premium” product, while Fitbit will cover the cheaper ranges.
• Probably not all Fitbit functionality will be available immediately on the Pixel Watch. Constant tracking of heartbeat and sleep immediately confirmed.
• Uncertainty about Versa and Sense. Park has not specifically confirmed that the two lines of smartwatches will continue to exist, he said that “some of the advantages” will continue to exist – for example, high battery life and affordable prices.
• Google Fit and Fitbit App. For now they will continue to exist side by side – even to coexist on the same Pixel Watch. Both apps have quite a large following, and the integration could take some time if there ever will be. For sure, over time, “there will be Google experiences on Fitbit devices and of course the Fitbit experience available on Pixel Watch.”
• Multidevice and integration. Park confirms that one of the most important changes in the merger with Google for Fitbit has been to look “beyond your device,” figuring out how to be more useful by collaborating and interacting with other devices and technologies. One area that Fitbit has a lot of interest in is virtual reality and “fitness playing”, so to speak.
• Fitbit premium. For now it will continue to exist, and it remains at the heart of the company’s development plans.
• Pixel Watch sensors. No specific details, but the intention is over time to bring the most advanced health-related sensors to the market.
• Fitbit and iOS. App support on Apple devices and platforms will continue on a regular basis.
• Fitbit smartwatch with Wear OS? It is not impossible. For now there is nothing concrete but the company is evaluating the opportunity. It is worth remembering that Fitbit had already tried this route in the past.
• Music and Fitbit. Google owns one of the largest music streaming platforms in the world (YouTube Music), and Park is confident that Fitbit will be able to offer its users an experience that combines the two worlds.
• Video and Fitbit. More or less the same as above. Indeed, perhaps it is even amplified, calculating how big YouTube is.