F5.5G Leap-forward Development of Broadband in Africa The Africa Broadband Forum 2024 (BBAF 2024) was successfully held in Cape Town, South Africa recently, under…
Fitbit and the migration to Google, the clock starts ticking
The clock is ticking and Google has begun edging Fitbit users to log in using their Google accounts.
News of the migration came earlier this year, which means current Fitbit account holders will be required to use a Google account only when they upgrade to the latest model.
The shift is expected to intensify later this year when Google accelerates to start asking new Fitbit account holders for their Google login details.
No need for panic
Current Fitbit device holders don’t need to panic. Google has indicated a gradual shift towards merging Google and Fitbit accounts in order to solidify Fitbit services into its portfolio.
This means current users will start receiving prompts when opening their Fitbit App. This will not necessarily change much but forms part of updated branding to reflect that Fitbit is a Google company.
Why the shift?
It all started in January 2021 when Fitbit joined Google’s fleet of companies.
The partnership seeks to make health and wellness more accessible to more people including the next generation of devices.
Before the announcement, Fitbit device holders needed to have a Fitbit app and account.
Users provided generic information such as email address, name and a password.
Now users will gain access to Google services such as Gmail, Drive, Maps including YouTube and users can log in to all Google services with the same account.
Come 2025, Fitbit wearable users will only be able to access their profiles via a Google account.
It was September last year when Google sparked and enforced a policy shift, where new Fitbit devices needed to be linked to a Google account.
Google’s plan
“If you’re an existing Fitbit user, you will have the option to move your Fitbit experience to a Google Account. You aren’t required to move to a Google Account immediately, but will need to move by 2025. If you’re a new Fitbit user, you’ll be required to register with a Google Account this summer,” Google said in there blog.
“Once you complete the move, you’ll use your Google Account to log into Fitbit with a single password. Making it easier for you to manage all your connected apps and paired devices, plus all your information is in one place.”
The move is to allow Google to build a great foundation for Fitbit’s future, the tech company said.
Also read: Apple patents new Airpod case with display, but we’ve seen this before
