Google to Sunset Fitbit in Connected Health Push

Fitbit will be able to be used with a Google account sometime next year, following the tech giant’s acquisition of the consumer electronics and fitness company, a Fitbit help page notes.

The page says Google accounts on Fitbit will come with several benefits such as a single login for Fitbit and other Google services, more security and privacy controls for Fitbit user data, and access to other Google features through Fitbit.

“Support of Fitbit accounts will continue until at least early 2025,” Fitbit writes. “After support of Fitbit accounts ends, a Google account will be required to use Fitbit. We’ll be transparent with our customers about the timeline for ending Fitbit accounts through notices within the Fitbit app, by email, and in help articles.”

The merging of accounts will see Google getting users’ health data. The company says users will have to consent to transfer their Fitbit user data to Google, per other reports. Google also says it won’t use Fitbit health and wellness data for Google ads.

In March, PYMNTS wrote that Google Health held its second annual Check Up online event that focused on healthcare, which contained the revelation that the company was debuting a new scheduling feature showing providers’ availability to simplify booking appointments.

Read more: Google Health Showcases Appointment, AI Ultrasound Features

“It can be a lot of friction when you’re making a doctor’s appointment. In the U.S. the average wait time for a primary care appointment can be 20 days or more,” said Hema Budaraju, senior director of product, health and search social impact. “It shouldn’t be this hard to get access to care.”

That came after Google previewed some new health search features in a blog focused on helping users find providers who accept their insurance. It will also help providers make sure their details are right and lets them claim and update their Google Business Profiles.

Another post said Google was adding features to boost health-related searches and videos for Brazil, India and Japan.

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