- Google is formulating a plan to take on the Apple Watch.
- It has plans for another Pixel Watch for 2023 and a new Fitbit fitness tracker.
- But sources say Fitbit’s portfolio of devices may shrink in the long term.
Fitbit cofounder James Park took to the stage last week to formally introduce the Pixel Watch, marking the first major product born from Google’s acquisition of his company. It was also a strong signal that Google was taking wearables seriously again.
Internally, Google is working on a second iteration of the Pixel Watch to launch in 2023, and many of the resources inside Google’s wearables group are being directed to the second-generation device, according to three employees familiar with the roadmap. The company also plans to launch a new Fitbit fitness tracker next year, but no new Fitbit smartwatches, those people said.
Meanwhile, the company is exploring ways to integrate Fitbit’s software platform across Google’s range of hardware devices, which could provide more long-term subscription revenue. But there are doubts among employees that Google will keep the full Fitbit portfolio of devices that currently exists in the long term, as Google looks to streamline its product offerings and focus the company.
