Fitbit’s new heart monitoring algorithm reveals Google’s plan to dethrone the Apple Watch
It’s all about health, pals
Another shot fired in the smartwatch war
This news reveals one avenue Google is taking in order to make the Fitbit range a fully-blooded competitor to the Apple Watch.
It’s no secret that the Cupertino-based company’s smartwatch isthewearable to beat. I mean, it’s consistently accountedfor over 50% of global shipped unitsin this segment since its 2015 launch.
This is undoubtedly impressive, but what’s even more admirable is how Apple has continued to hold this market share, despiteoverall smartwatch sales skyrocketing.
As I discussed in this piece, the real turning point for the company came when its health features became good enoughto save people’s lives. It was no longer a fancy gadget, but a fully-fledged health tool — and I believe this is what Google is aspiring towards with its Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature.
In many ways, Fitbit is a perfect Apple Watch competitor. It has clear benefits over its rival, including a lower price and far better battery life. One thing that’s currently hindering the Google-owned gadget is, technically, it doesn’t have the range of Apple’s device.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that Google needs to include all the Watch’s bells and whistles on Fitbits, more that the key health features (specifically those that could be life-saving) should be roughly equal, especially if it wants to knock Tim Cook’s company off its smartwatch pedestal.
And the FDA’s authorization of the PPG algorithm shows how the Big G is planning on doing that: with wickedly clever software. In many ways,it’s how the company’s Pixel devices are battling iPhones.
Honestly, I hope Google and Fitbit truly challenge Apple’s wearable dominance. I’d love nothing more than an arms race between the companies, because if that happens it means we, the consumers, are the ones who end up winning.
Story byCallum Booth
Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting(show all)Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC.
Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too.
Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.
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