Google buying Fitbit in move into wearables, digital health

• November 03 2019
• http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sunday-finance/google-buying-fitbit-in-move-into-wearables-digital-health_178713

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Google agreed Friday to buy Fitbit for US$2.1 billion in a move giving the US tech giant a fresh entry in the wearable technology space and helping it ramp up its challenge to Apple.

The deal for one of the top makers of fitness trackers comes with the internet search leader seeking to expand further into hardware.

“We have built a trusted brand that supports more than 28 million active users around the globe who rely on our products to live a healthier, more active life,” Fitbit co-founder and chief executive James Park said in a statement by the two firms announcing the deal.

“Google is an ideal partner to advance our mission.”

Rick Osterloh, Google senior vice-president for devices and services, said the deal means “bringing together the best hardware, software and AI” to bring more wearables to the marketplace.

“Google aspires to create tools that help people enhance their knowledge, success, health and happiness. This goal is closely aligned with Fitbit's long-time focus on wellness and helping people live healthier, more active lives,” Osterloh said in a blog post.

The companies said the Fitbit platform would remain “platform-agnostic” and continue to serve Apple's iOS devices as well as those powered by the Google Android system.