Google Fitbit Layoffs Continue

Google is laying off many workers, especially in its augmented reality (AR) and Fitbit divisions. Today, over 1000 Google employees lost their jobs.

For AR, Google confirmed it cut hundreds of roles on its internal hardware team developing AR glasses. Fitbit’s future is also uncertain. Multiple reports say Fitbit founders and leaders are leaving after Google bought Fitbit over 4 years ago. Some experts warned back then that Google might not handle Fitbit well.

Under Google, Fitbit has stopped supporting popular products, had service outages, and pulled products from some countries. It all seemed a bit of a mess and led some to think Fitbit may not last.

Google says Fitbit will continue, but the departures of its original leaders make that unclear. Google is focusing resources on other priorities like the Pixel Watch and its partnership with Samsumg (Galaxy/Wear OS) instead of Fitbit bands.

We remain very committed to serving our Fitbit users well, innovating in the health space with personal AI, and building on the momentum with Pixel Watch, the redesigned Fitbit app, Fitbit Premium service, and the Fitbit tracker line. This work will continue to be a key part of our new org model,” [Courtenay Mencini Google via The Verge.]

Thoughts

Even though I think Google/Fitbit/Samsung will eventually have a big share of the smartwatch market, this move by Google goes in the wrong direction. It seems to contradict Google’s work over the past few years to improve Wear OS for smartwatches.

For a couple of years now, I and other experts have warned that Fitbit’s future was uncertain under Google’s ownership. That said, I still expect the Fitbit brand to coexist with the Pixel brand, both under the Google umbrella.