Fitbit boasts a global community of more than 29 million active users. Their wearable devices are the gateway to Fitbit’s immersive wellness experiences, which is about to get a lot better following Google’s acquisition of Fitbit.

The teams will work closely to create new devices and services that help users enhance their knowledge, success, health and happiness.

READ MORE: Fitbit software update unlocks new health tracking capabilities

User data safe

Google assured users that their privacy and security remain paramount and that they are committed to protecting a user’s health information while ensuring they remain in control of their data.

According to a Google statement, “this deal has always been about devices, not data.”

Fitbit has worked with global regulators on an approach which safeguards consumers’ privacy expectations, including a series of binding commitments that confirm Fitbit users’ health and wellness data won’t be used for Google ads and this data will be separated from other Google ads data.

READ MORE: Fitbit users renewed focus on health amid COVID-19, research reveals

More features and services

In a statement to its community, Fitbit CEO, President & Co-Founder, James Park explained that “becoming part of the Google family means we can do even more to inspire and motivate you on your journey to better health.

“We’ll be able to innovate faster, provide more choices, and make even better products to support your health and wellness needs.”

Google plans to maintain access to Android APIs that enable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches to interoperate with Android smartphones.

READ MORE: Fitbit reveals its most advanced health smartwatch – the Sense.

And the company will continue to allow Fitbit users to choose to connect to third-party services so you can sync your favourite health and fitness apps to your Fitbit account. These commitments will be implemented globally so that all consumers can benefit from them.

Ultimately, Google hopes to make health and wellness more accessible to more people with this acquisition.

“We’re confident the combination of Fitbit’s leading technology, product expertise and health and wellness innovation with the best of Google’s AI, software and hardware will drive more competition in wearables and make the next generation of devices better and more affordable,” comments Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President, Devices & Services at Google.

Get your Fitbit device at your nearest Dis-Chem Pharmacy or online.