Google Acquires Smart Watch Maker Fitbit For $2.1 Billion

According to a recent announcement by Google’s Parent Company – Alphabet. It was gathered that the world’s fifth-largest technology company has officially finalized the terms of purchase towards the biggest independent wearables company – Fitbit for $2.1 billion. Even though this development has been speculative for quite a while now, it was however confirmed today following a press release by both companies.

In a statement released on Google’s Blog by Rick Osterloh – Senior Vice President Devices & Services, who disclosed that the company is proud of the partnership agreement. Osterloh also pointed out that collaborating with Fitbit would integrate the best of Google’s smartwatch platforms and health applications together. Similarly, the CEO of Fitbit – James Park highlights the advantages to be garnered from both ends. In his words, Park asserts that;

“With Google’s resources and global platform, Fitbit will be able to accelerate innovation in the wearables category, scale faster and make health even more accessible.”

This expansion nonetheless comes with regards to the deteriorating sales witnessed by Fitbit in late happenings. Which had created an opportunity for other competitors in the wearable technology market to take full advantages of such as Apple and Xiaomi. Hence in a bid to alleviate the completion and take back its stand Fitbit has decided to sell off its patent rights to the proprietors of Google. Therefore, the once most foremost wearable brand would be incorporated as one of Google’s hardware subsidiaries.

Evidently, this merger would leverage on Fitbit’s long term goal of providing its Consumers with a more healthier and active life. This could be further achieved through Google’s WearOS and Google Fit outlets which are already well acquainted with the fitness and health merchandise. And agreeing to a press release by Sameer Samat – Vice President, Product Management, Android, Google Play & Wear OS, this association would combine Fitbit’s established wearable hardware together with Google’s advanced software to furnish a more flexible platform.

In addition, Osterloh added that;

“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.“

Despite being a subsidiary of Alphabet,  Google divulged that it would only collect Fitbit health and wellness data for other promotional and development purposes other than ads. On the other hand, Fitbit yet reveals that it would not only work with Google’s WearOS as it would also be working extensively with iOS and Android in the future.