Google Fitbit Band Remains Hidden in Software Gallery
▼ Summary
– Google is developing a new fitness tracker for Fitbit that resembles the Whoop band.
– The device will focus on continuous health and recovery metrics rather than typical smartwatch features.
– It is designed to be worn 24/7 and will likely require a subscription service.
– The band aims to provide detailed insights into sleep, strain, and recovery for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
– This represents a strategic shift for Fitbit to compete in the specialized fitness tracker market.
Evidence continues to mount that Google is developing a new activity tracker under the Fitbit brand, with its design and functionality drawing direct inspiration from the popular Whoop band. The device remains officially unannounced, but its existence has been uncovered through code hidden within the latest version of the Google Fit app. This discovery points to a significant new direction for Fitbit’s hardware lineup, focusing on a simpler, band-style form factor.
The software code, first spotted by developers, references a device codenamed “Rhea.” This internal name is linked to a new Fitbit tracker that appears to be a direct competitor to the Whoop 4.0, a device known for its subscription-based health analytics and minimalist, strap-only design. The code suggests Google’s version will similarly lack a traditional screen, instead relying on a companion smartphone app for all data visualization and user interaction.
This strategic pivot indicates Google is targeting a specific segment of the fitness market. By emulating the Whoop model, the company is likely pursuing users who prioritize continuous, 24/7 health monitoring and detailed physiological metrics over the smartwatch features found in devices like the Fitbit Sense or Google Pixel Watch. The band would focus on core tracking, such as heart rate, sleep stages, and recovery data, without the distractions of notifications or apps.
The integration of this discovery within the Google Fit app, rather than the Fitbit app, is particularly noteworthy. It signals a deeper technological and branding convergence, hinting that this new tracker might be one of the first devices to fully embody the merged identity of Google and Fitbit. While no launch timeline is available, the presence of these software assets confirms the project is in an advanced stage of development, moving closer to a potential public reveal.
(Source: 9to5google.com)
