If the announcement of the Pixel Watch 3 yesterday left you longing for a follow-up to the Fitbit Sense 2 released in 2022, we have unfortunate news.
As some of you may have begun to suspect about a year ago, Google is not currently developing a Fitbit Sense 3, Versa 5, or any similar device that might compete with or undermine the Pixel Watch brand.
Of course, Fitbit was acquired by the search giant before the release of the Sense 2 and Versa 4, so for the first version of the Pixel Watch, it almost felt like Google was keeping these Fitbit-branded devices as some kind of backup plan. But now a Mountain View executive has told Engadget that “Pixel Watch is our next smartwatch for Fitbit” and that “Pixel Watch is part of our smartwatch portfolio.”
This leaves little room for interpretation or doubt. Despite the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 still being available from Google and other major retailers globally, these products might soon be discontinued. More significantly, there are no plans for direct sequels at this time. Although it seems that Google is intent on phasing out the Fitbit brand from the smartwatch market, it is premature to consider this a permanent withdrawal.
Ultimately, this is a company that tested in-house tablets in 2018, paused its efforts in the field for several years, and then made a comeback with a new name and operating system last year. Moreover, the Fitbit brand is clearly here to stay for both the short and long term, providing Google the flexibility to reconsider its strategy at virtually any time.
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Indeed, the Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium services continue to thrive, as do Fitbit devices such as the Inspire 3, Ace 3, Luxe, and Charge 6. Notably, Google has expressed particular pride in the “Inspire line,” which may suggest that an Inspire 4 wearable is forthcoming.
It remains uncertain how the kid-friendly Fitbit Ace LTE aligns with Big G’s current vision. Despite being technically classified as a smartwatch, its target demographic indicates that the manufacturer is unlikely to discontinue this device in the near future.
