The new Google Pixel watch might be the next-gen Fitbit we've been waiting for

The new Google Pixel watch might exist the side by side-gen Fitbit we've been waiting for

Man lifting weights while wearing Fitbit Versa 2

(Image credit: Fitbit)

Google is planning to release its start branded smartwatch next twelvemonth, according to within sources – and information technology might actually be a Fitbit.

Business organization Insider, which showtime broke the story, claims that at that place are no currently no plans for the the new watch to behave the Fitbit brand, only other hints suggest otherwise. About significantly, a source speaking to The Verge claimed that the new smartwatch (currently codenamed Rohan) would cost more than than the current line of Fitbit devices – an odd comparison to make if there'due south no connection.

Fitbit'due south current lineup of devices commencement at $299.99 / £279.99 / AU$449.95, and a college cost tag would make sense for a new more premium device – and that's something we've been expecting for quite a while.

A true Fitbit smartwatch

First, a petty groundwork. Google announced that it was acquiring Fitbit a year ago, and completed the deal in early 2021. The two companies kept the details of the partnership quiet for several months, but at the 2021 Google IO event in May, they revealed a few interesting developments.

Firstly, Google announced that it would be bringing certain Fitbit features to Wear OS. Wear Bone already has a fitness app, but the company explained that Fitbit integration would add features like goal celebrations when you hit a step target. It could allow you to sync your wellness and workout information seamlessly with the Fitbit app (very handy if you want to switch betwixt devices)

More interestingly, Fitbit CEO James Park appear that the two companies were also working together on a 'premium' Fitbit smartwatch running Wear OS.

Presentation at Google IO 2021 — At Google IO 2021, Google and Fitbit revealed a few hints about their plans for hardware and software integration (Image credit: Google)

That would be a big change for Fitbit. While the Sense and Versa lines are advertised as smartwatches, they're much more than limited than the likes of an Apple Sentry, Samsung Galaxy Sentry, or Ticwatch Pro. Non only do they have less powerful processors and less internal storage, there's just a modest option of third-party apps available in the Fitbit Gallery – and well-nigh all of those on offering are either fitness tools or simple games.

In short, while they're excellent for tracking wellness and workouts, the Versa 3 and Sense only aren't every bit versatile as a 'true' smartwatch. You certainly tin't utilize them to reply to emails, or navigate using Google Maps – until now.

Getting a head start

The imminent launch of a Fitbit smartwatch would also explain why the company has been pouring and then much try and investment into its paid subscription service over recent months.

Fitbit Premium has undergone some big upgrades this year, with new features including guided meditation sessions with Deepak Chopra, workouts guided by Will Smith, and a Readiness Score that tells you lot how much energy you have for the twenty-four hour period ahead. Slumber Animals is some other new feature coming soon, and will offer personalized guidance to help amend your nightly recovery based on patterns and habits.

We can only hypothesize at the moment, but bundling all this premium content in with a Fitbit-branded smartwatch could get in a much more tempting proposition and give Google's new wearable a head commencement over rivals similar the Apple Watch, which requires a separate monthly payment for its Apple Fitness Plus service.

We'll be keeping a shut eye out for more news on project Rohan, and will bring you more news as shortly every bit we accept it. Details of Fitbit devices rarely leak far in advance, just renders of both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Ace 3 appeared ahead of their launches, so information technology's possible that extra details may emerge before any official announcements.

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Cat is the fitness and wellbeing editor at TechRadar. She'southward been a technology journalist for 12 years, and cut her teeth on magazines including PC Plus and PC Format earlier joining TechRadar. She'south a trained run leader, and enjoys nil more striking the pavement and helping new runners achieve their goals. If you have a story about fettle trackers, treadmills, running shoes, eastward-bikes, or any other fitness tech, drib her a line.