A new report from 9To5Google suggests that Fitbit is now preparing to add Google Assistant to its wearables.
This is based on evidence that was found within the Fitbit app. Strings of code mention the ability to activate Google Assistant on a Fitbit device. What the strings don’t mention is what device that would be.
Current speculation is that it could be the Versa 2. Since it already has voice assistant support with Alexa. Amazon’s Alexa software is built into the watch and activating it is controlled by holding down the hardware button.
The watch does not have support for voice activation. So if the Versa 2 does receive Google Assistant support it would likely be activated the same way.
Fitbit could add Google Assistant to a brand-new device
There’s nothing that’s exceedingly telling about the code in terms of a specific wearable. So there’s always the chance that it could be a new tracker or smartwatch that gets support for Google Assistant.
One that has voice control capabilities. Seeing as how Google has always intended for Assistant to be a primarily hands-free tool.
Making it available on a brand-new wearable from Fitbit instead of one that’s already more than a year old could also be a smart move. It would easily help signify the joining of the two companies. And could help usher in the age of Fitbit as a Google brand.
Google Assistant and Alexa will live on the same device
Whatever tracker or watch Google Assistant is being added to, it’ll be living in harmony with Alexa.
The code in the Fitbit app mentions that you can only use one Assistant at a time on the device. Meaning you can activate one only, and if you want to use the other you’d have to swap back to it. But you won’t be able to use both simultaneously.
You will be able to swap back to it though. And that’s an important distinction to be aware of. Because you may end up getting (or already have) devices which are only compatible with Alexa. Being able to move back and forth gives things a convenience factor.
Having said that, deactivating one Assistant before you can re-activate the other seems like a cumbersome process. And one that people may not want to initiate too often. Either way, if you’re team Google Assistant but you prefer Fitbit’s trackers, you may be able to have both in the near future.