Apple Watch Competition to Grow as Google Plans Its Own Wearables Following Fitbit Acquisition
Google today announced it plans to release its own "Made by Google" wearables following its $2.1 billion acquisition of fitness tracker maker Fitbit. The deal is expected to close in 2020 pending regulatory approvals.
Over the years, Google has made progress with partners in this space with Wear OS and Google Fit, but we see an opportunity to invest even more in Wear OS as well as introduce Made by Google wearable devices into the market. Fitbit has been a true pioneer in the industry and has created engaging products, experiences and a vibrant community of users. By working closely with Fitbit's team of experts, and bringing together the best AI, software and hardware, we can help spur innovation in wearables and build products to benefit even more people around the world.
Fitbit confirmed that it will continue to support both Android and iOS, and that Fitbit health data will not be used for Google ads.
Popular Stories
Google and Epic Games this week withdrew their joint motion to modify an injunction requiring Google to support third-party app stores in Google Play. The two companies abandoned the request after it became clear the court was unlikely to allow it.
Google is now bound by a permanent injunction issued in October 2024 requiring it to allow alternative app stores on Android devices. In a court...
Google is expanding AI Mode in Search, allowing users to connect apps to improve search results and "get more done."
Instacart, YouTube Music, and Canva can be connected, and Google explains how the integrations can be useful:
Instacart - If you're using AI Mode to help you plan a grocery list, ingredients can be added right to an Instacart shopping cart for quick ordering.
Canva -...
The European Commission today formally ordered Google to give third-party AI services the same access to Android device features that Gemini has. Europe's Digital Markets Act requires software makers like Apple and Google to grant equal interoperability to third-party apps and services, and the EC is enforcing it.
DMA interoperability rules are why Siri AI won't be available in the European...