It seems just like the Pixel Watch 2 might not be the one wearable that Google launches this fall. A new FCC filing for what seems to be a Fitbit tracker additionally surfaced at the moment. The query is which one, and what does that say about the place Fitbit stands?
Within the FCC submitting, the product is listed as a “Google LLC Wi-fi System G3MP5” however doesn’t seem to have something however Bluetooth connectivity. And whereas there are not any photos, 9to5Google points out that the gadget’s e-label might be situated in an app through “Settings > System > Information > Regulatory Information.” That traces up with Fitbit’s earlier trackers.
Whereas there have been a ton of Pixel Watch 2 leaks and rumors lately, it’s been quiet on the Fitbit entrance, so it’s unclear as to which Fitbit tracker that is. Nonetheless, as a result of it solely options Bluetooth, it guidelines out higher-end lineups just like the Cost, Versa, and Sense. That leaves Fitbit’s entry-level Encourage, the fancier Luxe, and the Ace — Fitbit’s tracker for kids.
Of those, the Ace appears more than likely. The Inspire 3 launched simply final yr, whereas the Luxe is a little bit of an oddball in Fitbit’s lineup. The Luxe was meant to be an upscale, jewelry-like tracker however had a baffling worth for its characteristic set. Though it had an OLED show, customers complained it lacked NFC capabilities, had fewer total options in comparison with the equally priced Charge 5, and nonetheless value $150 for the fundamental mannequin and $200 for a particular version. In the meantime, the Ace 3 was final up to date in 2021 and doesn’t want something past fundamental monitoring.
It’s additionally potential that this isn’t a real Fitbit in any respect.
It’s additionally value noting how confused its lineup was final yr when it launched the Fitbit Versa 4, Fitbit Sense 2, and Pixel Watch. The Fitbit units had been closely nerfed, missing options they as soon as had, like Google Assistant and third-party apps. In the meantime, the Pixel Watch had some baffling well being monitoring omissions regardless of being powered by Fitbit’s platform. For instance, it was lacking nightly SpO2 percentages and Sleep Profiles. (Google later added a number of those features to Pixel Watch after launch.) It was evident that Google was attempting to distinguish three related merchandise however ended up complicated and angering customers within the course of. On condition that, the following pure step could be to simplify its choices to a higher-end Pixel Watch and a easy Fitbit (or Pixel?) tracker.
In fact, that is all hypothesis based mostly on what we all know to this point. We gained’t formally know till Google makes its fall product lineup official. Final yr, the Fitbit Versa 4, Encourage 3, and Sense 2 launched separately forward of the unique Pixel Watch. If Google intends for this to be a standalone Fitbit gadget, it’s potential it will observe the identical format. But when this launches alongside the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel 8? Maybe that’s all anybody might want to find out about the way forward for Fitbit units.