Google Reveals Plan to Discontinue Google Assistant on Fitbit Devices

Google Reveals Plan to Discontinue Google Assistant on Fitbit Devices
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Google Reveals Plan to Discontinue Google Assistant on Fitbit Devices

Google Assistant Is Being Phased Out of Fitbit Watches — Here’s What You Should Know

It will be gone very shortly.

Fitbit smartwatch with Google Assistant
(Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central)

Google Assistant on Fitbit: A Feature on the Chop Block

In an unexpected announcement, Google has revealed plans to discontinue support for Google Assistant on several Fitbit smartwatches. This affects well-known models including the Fitbit Sense, Sense 2, Versa 2, Versa 3, and Versa 4. If you are a user of these devices, you might have already noticed that Google Assistant is no longer available — and if that’s not the case, it will vanish in the near future.

Essential Information

  • Google Assistant will be removed from Fitbit smartwatches in the next few weeks.
  • This change was shared in a community post and communicated through email and notifications on the devices.
  • Amazon Alexa will still be accessible as a voice assistant on certain Fitbit devices and in select regions.

Why Is Google Dropping Assistant from Fitbit?

At first glance, it may seem illogical for Google — the parent company of Fitbit — to take away its own voice assistant from these devices. Nonetheless, this choice is part of a larger strategy shift. Since the beginning of 2024, Google has been reducing Google Assistant capabilities across multiple platforms, including Android smartphones and Nest devices.

Google is slowly migrating from Google Assistant to its upcoming AI-driven assistant, Gemini. While Gemini is slated to take over for Assistant on mobile and Wear OS devices, Fitbit smartwatches operate on Fitbit OS, not Wear OS. Consequently, it remains unclear if Gemini will ever be introduced to Fitbit devices, particularly older models.

What Lies Ahead for Fitbit Users?

Users of Fitbit who depended on Google Assistant for voice commands, reminders, or smart home integration will need to make adjustments. Presently, the sole alternative voice assistant available on Fitbit smartwatches is Amazon Alexa — and this is restricted to specific regions and languages. You can verify the availability of Alexa in your area by checking Fitbit’s official support page.

Is a Substitute on the Horizon?

Currently, Google has not announced any intentions to bring Gemini or another voice assistant to Fitbit OS. This creates a functionality gap for users who value voice control on their wearable gadgets. The lack of a definitive replacement has resulted in dissatisfaction among certain Fitbit users, as reflected in online conversations.

What Actions Should You Take?

If you are a Fitbit user affected by this development, here are some steps you can consider:

  • Transition to Alexa: If available in your area, activate Amazon Alexa on your Fitbit device via the Fitbit app.
  • Stay Updated: Keep an eye on announcements from Google and Fitbit about future voice assistant support.
  • Explore Alternatives: If voice control is vital to your smartwatch experience, you might want to look into Wear OS devices or other smartwatches that continue to support Google Assistant or Gemini.

The Wider Implication

This transition signals Google’s broader shift in its digital assistant approach. As Gemini begins to replace Google Assistant on mobile and Wear OS, legacy platforms like Fitbit OS could face neglect. Whether this will be a temporary lapse or a lasting absence is yet to be determined.

For the time being, Fitbit users will have to adjust to a future lacking Google Assistant — and potentially without any Google-powered voice assistant at all.

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