Google grabs Fitbit for $2.1 billion
Fitbit announced Friday that it is being acquired by Google in a deal valued at $2.1 billion, signifying the future of the Apple Watch’s biggest competitor.
Fitbit
Google parent company Alphabet in talks to acquire Fitbit
According to sources, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is currently in talks to acquire the wearable company Fitbit.
Fitbit announces Charge 3 with fresh design, updated screen and longer battery life
Fitbit introduced its third-generation Charge fitness tracker. The device includes a slightly modified look and all-new display. It also includes new features like swim tracking.
Survey ranks Apple as #1 wearables maker
Market research firm Strategy Analytics has run its spreadsheets to conclude that Apple has now beaten Fitbit for the title of the world’s top seller of wearable devices.
How to mute progress updates from your friends and hide your own data in Activity sharing
Activity sharing is a tried and tested way to boost your app engagement by pitting your own fitness data against others that are willing to share theirs. Fitbit and Nike knew for a while of the extra motivation released when someone else monitors your activity, Apple knows full well since iOS 10 and watchOS 3. Agreeing to share and relay your activity on Apple Watch can hence be an inspirational thing, but it also results in a considerable increase of wrist-buzzing every day.
The following tutorial on no account is an insider’s tip, however if you have committed to sharing your activity and your patience with the daily activity updates from your friend is starting to wear thin, remember that there is an option to mute those notifications. The tutorial, or reminder (depending on your level of knowledge), also demonstrates how to hide your own activity from that friend, in case you don’t want them to know about your newest calories crushing workout just yet.
Fitbit buys Pebble’s software assets, but cancels new hardware
Fitbit, the maker of popular activity and fitness trackers, has officially acquired Pebble. The deal was finalized this morning, both companies have said.
The acquisition includes all of Pebble’s software assets, but excludes any hardware. Yup, that’s right—looks like the Pebble smartwatch is officially dead.
“Due to various factors, Pebble is no longer able to operate as an independent entity,” the company said. “We have made the tough decision to shut down the company and no longer manufacture Pebble devices.”
Fitbit said to be buying Pebble for around $40 million
Fitbit is set to acquire troubled smartwatch-maker Pebble, according to a report from The Information. The deal is said to be mainly about the company’s intellectual property and software, and will likely result in the end of Pebble hardware.
In a subsequent report, TechCrunch says a source close to the startup pegged the deal in the neighborhood of $34 to $40 million, and it will just barely cover its debts. In the past, it was rumored Pebble received offers as high as $740 million.
Future Fitbit devices to gain support for NFC-based contactless payment technology
Fitbit, which makes fitness accessories, activity trackers and other wearable devices, just acquired payments hardware firm Coin, signaling its intent to enrich its product lineup with contactless payment features. That’s right, your next Fitbit fitness tracker may let you pay for in-store purchases.
Fitbit unveils fashionable Alta activity tracker with swappable bands
Wearable maker Fitbit on Wednesday announced a brand new activity tracker with fashionable design that gives you the ability to swap bands.
Featuring five days of usage on a single charge and a selection of bands, including leather ones and a stainless steel bracelet, Fitbit hopes to appeal to the burgeoning market of stylish tech gadgets that are worn on one’s body.
The Alta has the usual assortment of movement-tracking sensors and includes a slim touchscreen OLED display that shows basic stats and notifications relayed from a smartphone.
Fitbit unveils new ‘Blaze’ fitness smartwatches
Wearable company Fitbit at CES 2016 in Las Vegas announced a brand new lineup of fitness-focused smartwatches, marketed under the Blaze moniker. Featuring a sleek design and easily interchangeable accessories, the Blaze lineup offers an enhanced fitness and workout experience with advanced coaching and other features.
All devices are outfitted with a color touchscreen, have a built-in heart rate tracker and SmartTrack exercise recognition and support interchangeable bands and frames.
Fitbit Surge gains bike-tracking, multi device support announced
Monday, fitness tracker maker Fitbit took pre-emptive steps ahead of Apple Watch launch next month, giving its fitness bands new features.
The company announced a new outdoor bike-tracking feature on its $249 Surge fitness tracker. In addition, it rolled out multi-tracker support allowing users to easily switch between multiple Fitbit models throughout the day. Multi-band support allows Fitbit fans to register up to six fitness trackers in their Fitbit account, one of each model.
The system then automatically pings the user when she or he switches trackers.
Fitbit Charge HR, Surge now available for $149/$249
Can’t wait for the Apple Watch to track your health? Fitbit announced the availability of the Charge HR and Surge on Tuesday, after unveiling the products last October.
The Charge HR, available from Fitbit’s website for $149, is a heart rate tracker on the wrist, with an OLED screen, an exercise mode, Caller ID, automatic sleep detection, and a water resistant design with 5 days of battery life. It’s available in plum, black, blue, or tangerine.
