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.
Last Updated on 23 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
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- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
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- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
This is due to Google merging all three of it’s smart device arms into one. Pixel (Watch, Tablet and Mobile), Nest (Wifi and Security Cameras) and Fitbit (more watches).
Nest has already been mostly integrated into Google Home, not sure how Pixel (watch) and Fitbit would integrate into that, but obviously the Pixel mobile device is the main controlling device. Maybe they will create a new format of Google Away!