Fitbit pulls plug on web dashboard: app future takes hold
Fitbit web dashboard is no more. The company has nuked the feature. Don’t try to log in, you won’t be able to.
A few months ago, we first reported on the intermittent disappearance of the Fitbit web dashboard, sparking concerns that Google might discontinue the feature. Unfortunately, those fears have come to fruition. Although the dashboard is set to be officially retired tomorrow, July 8th, you are no longer able to log in.
This is the message you are greeted with.
A centralised web interface
The Fitbit dashboard offered a centralized web interface for users to track their health and fitness data. It functioned as an alternative to the smartphone app. The online companion to your Fitbit device provided a comprehensive overview of key metrics like steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and active minutes. Beyond simply displaying stats, the Fitbit dashboard was a useful tool for health management.
An official Fitbit community post clarifies that the web dashboard’s removal aligns with a broader strategy to merge Fitbit and Google experiences. The goal is to unify the Fitbit and Google teams, leveraging Google’s data expertise to provide users with more valuable insights. Consolidating the dashboard into the Fitbit app is a step towards this mission.
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The post reassures users that no data or features will be lost in the transition. While the web dashboard will be inaccessible after July 8th, all historical data and logs for activities, nutrition, sleep, and weight will remain available in the Fitbit app.
Google’s influence and Fitbit’s slowing hardware releases
Since Google acquired Fitbit, there has been a noticeable integration of Fitbit knowhow and technology into Google’s devices, particularly the Pixel Watch series. Fitbit itself, however, has notably slowed down its own hardware releases.The Charge 6 remains the sole device released in 2023. And ACE LTE is the only hardware released so far this year.
Further adding to the uncertainty, Fitbit has been rolling out changes to its smartphone app that haven’t been universally well-received by users. The recent overhaul of the sleep tracking section, among other updates, has left some users frustrated, causing further concern about the direction Fitbit is heading. Adding fuel to the fire, the company has recently stripped back some functionality of its existing devices.
The combination of all of this raises questions about whether Fitbit’s distinct identity will be absorbed into Google’s broader ecosystem. We’ve certainly seen that happen before. It is also possible that Google is gradually transitioning Fitbit towards a closer integration with WearOS.
Many users rely on the web-based dashboard for convenient data viewing on larger screens. Its disappearance is a significant loss of functionality for those accustomed to using the feature.
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