Google to acquire Fitbit for $2.1 Billion

BMox81

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Helping more people with wearables: Google to acquire Fitbit                                                                                                        Working closely with Fitbit, and bringing together the best AI, software and hardware, we can build helpful wearables for even more people.                                                                                                                                                                                                        blog.google                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Fitbit to Be Acquired by Google                                                                                                        Fitbit, Inc. (NYSE: FIT) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Google LLC for $7.35 per share in cash, valuing the company at a fully diluted equity value of approximately $2.1 billion. “More than 12 years ago, we set an audacious company vision – to...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                investor.fitbit.com                                                                               
Should see some better efforts from Google now.

Flashy

I have long wanted an Apple Watch but couldn't justify the price. In a bid to be less unhealthy, I got the most basic Fitbit tracker at the start of the year. It's only really used for step counting and silent reminders for things like work meetings, but I do plan to start running again at some point.

And now I'm seriously considering ditching it. I'm not normally so reactionary or precious about my data but I'd feel more comfortable getting deeper into Apple's ecosystem than becoming part of Google's. Sure it's a good move for Google and Fitbit, but it might be the push needed for me to treat myself to an Apple Watch.

BMox81

For me, as I mull a move back to Android, if WearOS could get the best Fitbit features and Google make a Pixel watch(?), this could be the clincher. If only because I love my Apple Watch as much as I do.

aVdub

Very much into my Fitbits with a Blaze and an Ionic and welcome this news. Hopefully it will see new and better models rolled out and a few minor niggles ironed out.

Flashy

It's things like this that just don't sit well with me: Google accesses huge trove of US patient data

aVdub

We live in a world where everyone is watching every move and every sound you make, it doesn't bother me and never has and if it did I would probably live in a cave someone in the Tibetan hills, although that will be swept by a satellite every 4 hours

Tempest

I would love for Google to make a smart watch to rival what Apple have done.
Not to copy Apple, but something of equal quality and function.
Unfortunately as much as I hate to say this, I can't see it happening.
Look at 'almost' all other hardware Google makes
Google would need hardware to be at the heart of their company, as it is with Apple for them to get it right I'm sure, as opposed to a vehicle to show off it's ability with very clever software.
I would love to be wrong, but very sadly nothing in recent years has cause me to think otherwise, with few possible exceptions.