Google has recently confirmed the completion of its acquisition of fitness band and smartwatch brand Fitbit. The deal, which was announced last November 2019, is valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President for Devices & Services, confirmed it through the Google blog. He clarifies that the acquisition will make Google work closely to create new devices and services that will help consumers “enhance their knowledge, success, health, and happiness.” Google also ensures consumers that it will protect Fitbit’s privacy, including its health information and data.
Google also shared that it has been working with global regulators to safeguard consumers’ privacy and confirm that Fitbit users’ health and wellness data won’t be used for Google ads. The data will also be separated from other Google ads data. The tech company will also maintain access to Android APIs that enable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches to interoperate with Android smartphones and continue the option of Fitbit users in choosing access of third-party services to their respective Fitbit accounts.
According to Google, these commitments will be implemented globally.
Source: Google Blog
