Listen to Wired Magazine's senior editor Michael Calore and senior writer Lauren Goode as they trace the steps Fitbit took to become a pioneer in the wearable world. They discuss Fitbit's launch, competition, legal disputes, the rise and fall of Pebble, the future of Fitbit and wearables, and more.
Fitbit emerged as a pioneer in wearable technology, providing affordable devices that monitor wellness markers and offer easily digestible health information.
Despite facing tough competition from the Apple Watch, Fitbit maintained its position as a popular fitness wearable with a dedicated user base.
Deep dives
Fitbit's Early Innovations in Health Tracking
Fitbit emerged as a pioneer in wearable technology, developing health monitors and smartwatches. Its timing was perfect as people were becoming more comfortable with running apps on their phones and using Bluetooth to connect devices. Fitbit's affordable device for monitoring wellness markers, such as steps, sleep, and weight, provided users with easily digestible health information that was previously only available through expensive sensors or nutritionists.
Fitbit's Rise as a Fitness Tracker
Fitbit transitioned from a clip-on device to a wristband form, becoming a mainstream fitness tracker. The company gained recognition for its fashionable and non-obtrusive design. Fitbit also introduced social interactions within its app, allowing users to compete with friends and share their activities on other fitness platforms. While competitors like Jawbone and Nike struggled due to product defects and software limitations, Fitbit continued to hold its own in the wearables market.
The Arrival of Apple Watch
With the introduction of the Apple Watch, Fitbit faced tough competition. The innovative features of the Apple Watch, such as touch screen interactions and seamless integration with smartphones, captivated consumers. While Fitbit appealed to those primarily interested in fitness tracking, the Apple Watch offered a comprehensive smartwatch experience. However, Fitbit maintained its position as a popular fitness wearable with a dedicated user base.
Fitbit's Future with Google
In 2019, Fitbit was acquired by Google, raising concerns about data privacy and potential monopolization. After lengthy regulatory scrutiny, Google finalized the acquisition, promising to keep Fitbit's data separate from Google Ads and maintain integration with third-party apps. With Google's support, Fitbit is expected to make a comeback with more affordable devices that cater to Android users' fitness tracking needs.
Before Apple and Samsung took over our wrists, there was Fitbit. The fitness tracker was just about the coolest thing in Silicon Valley, and everyone in tech was wearing one — including Wired Magazine senior editor Michael Calore and senior writer Lauren Goode!
Long before the pair started hosting the Wired Gadget Lab podcast, they were crushing their steps goal while reporting on the buzziest wearable on the market. Michael and Lauren join David to help trace the steps that Fitbit took to become one of the most enduring pioneers of the wearable world, walking 10,000 steps so that the Apple Watch could run...and answer calls...and text.
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