Subj : The next official Fitbit smartwatch is the Google Pixel Watch 3 (
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Wed Aug 14 2024 17:15:06

The next official Fitbit smartwatch is the Google Pixel Watch 3 (were not 
kidding)

Date:
Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:02:45 +0000

Description:
Google says the Pixel Watch 3 is the next iteration of Fitbit smartwatches.

FULL STORY
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The last Fitbit smartwatches we got were the Fitbit Sene 2 and Versa 4, and 
since their launch in late 2022 we haven't heard a whisper about next-gen 
models. Well, it turns out the next Fitbit smartwatch did just launch  but 
without the name. Were talking, of course, about the Google Pixel Watch 3 . 

This isnt just us saying that the new watch is more like a Fitbit than ever 
thanks to an impressive suite of fitness functions  even if Garmin did beat 
the Pixel Watch to the punch by a country mile . This is Google itself 
admitting that the future of Fitbit watches are as Pixel devices; a comment 
which follows Googles acquisition of Fitbit which was finalized in January 
2021. 

In an interview with Engadget Sandeep Waraich (Googles senior director of 
product management for Pixel Wearables) was asked directly if well see a 
Fitbit-branded smartwatch soon. In response, Waraich said "Pixel Watch is our 
smartwatch part of the portfolio" adding that Pixel Watches are our next 
iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit." 

You dont get a clearer confirmation than that. In effect, Fitbit smartwatches 
will now be Pixel Smartwatches starting with the Google Pixel Watch 3. So 
long Fitbit? 

Fortunately, that doesnt mean Fitbit fitness trackers are going the way of 
the dinosaurs, too. 

Wariach instead confirmed that these more discreet, simpler, longer-lasting 
fitness bands will be the focus of Fitbit going forward. The aim here being 
that Fitbit trackers will serve people who are health conscious but not keen 
on a full-on smartwatch, with Pixel devices filling in for people who are 
after that more complex smartwatch upgrade. Fitbit Charge 4 (Image credit: 
Framesira / Shutterstock) 

Its also worth noting that Wariachs comments arent saying well never see a 
Fitbit smartwatch ever again, just that isnt the brands focus right now. So 
we may eventually get a Versa 5 or Sense 3 or something entirely new, but the 
chances do look very slim  so dont hold your breath. 

Its always a little disappointing when tech changes, but its not like the 
writing wasnt on the wall. Both our Fitbit Versa 4 review and Fitbit Sense 2 
review awarded the devices three-stars a piece  a fine but far from stellar 
score  whereas our Google Pixel Watch 2 review gave it four stars, and our 
other picks for the best smartwatches all sit in that four to five star 
bracket (as youd expect). 

So it makes some sense to simply kill off those lesser models, roll their 
best tech into the Pixel Watch line, and focus on what Fitbit is best known 
for (read synonymous with): simple activity trackers. 

Its not yet clear how this strategy will play out. That said, things do seem 
to be off to a good start. In our hands-on Google Watch 3 review the new 
smartwatch is shaping up to be a strong competitor to its rival smartwatches, 
though well need to spend a little longer with it to know for sure. You might 
also like... The Google Pixel Watch 3's Loss of Pulse Detection is a first 
for smartwatches Google Pixel Watch 3s new running tools look terrific  but 
Ive been using them on Garmin for years Which of the new Google Pixel 9 and 
Pixel 9 Pro phones is best for you?



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-next-official-fitbit
-smartwatch-is-the-google-pixel-watch-3-were-not-kidding


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