Fitbit Working to Add Google Assistant Support, Versa 2 May Get It First: Report

The code of the latest version of the Fitbit app seems to suggest that Google Assistant support for the Fitbit Versa 2 is in the works.

By Tasneem Akolawala | Updated: 12 June 2020 18:44 IST

Fitbit Working to Add Google Assistant Support, Versa 2 May Get It First: Report

Google’s Fitbit acquisition is pending regulatory approval

Highlights

Google Assistant integration was spotted in Fitbit Android app
Several strings of Google Assistant code were spotted
Versa 2 is likely the first Fitbit smartwatch to get the support

Fitbit is reportedly working on bringing Google Assistant support to its wearable lineup. This new development comes during the ongoing confusion surrounding the Google's Fitbit deal. If true, Fitbit will be the first third-party wearable company to integrate Google Assistant into its devices. While Google Assistant has been integrated into various devices – from Chromebooks to smart speakers – it still hasn't been integrated into a third-party smartwatch. Code inside the latest version of the Fitbit app seems to suggest that Google Assistant support for the Fitbit Versa 2 is in the works.

9to5Google has decompiled the latest version of the Fitbit Android app on Google Play store, and the code suggests that the company is preparing to integrate Google Assistant support. The code inside the app has strings to activate Assistant in a similar manner as that of Alexa. Fitbit's Versa 2 already supports Amazon's Alexa integration, and is equipped with a microphone as well for registering voice commands. The code also reveals a trio of XML files that clearly reference at how Google Assistant will be introduced, including its boarding on to the device and its teaser.

The report further adds that app strings detail on how ‘you can only have one active assistant at a time and you can always switch to another provider.' This means that Google Assistant will be added without removing Alexa. The report says that Fitbit is likely to introduce Google Assistant first on the Versa 2 smartwatch. The wearable doesn't have a speaker that means that while voice commands will be accepted, answers can only be read through the smartwatch interface. There is also no hotword support that means a physical button will need to be pressed to activate Google Assistant.

Google announced to buy Fitbit for $2.1 billion in November last year. However, the deal has been pending regulatory approval ever since, and an official announcement hasn't been made yet.

Is OnePlus 8 Pro the perfect premium phone for India? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.

Fitbit Versa 2

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design and comfort
Tracking accuracy
Software and ecosystem
Battery life

Good
Crisp display
Excellent app
Looks
Swim-proof

Bad
Proprietary charger
Lacks in-built GPS
Overpriced
Weak app ecosystem
Poor battery life with always-on display enabled

Read detailed Fitbit Versa 2 review

Strap Colour Black, Stone, Emerald, Petal, Bordeaux

Compatible OS Android, iOS

Dial Shape Square

Display Type AMOLED

Ideal For Unisex

More Fitbit Smartwatches

Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.