Last update March 21, 2022 at 10:47 am
Google has made official the acquisition of thecompany fitbit, manufacturer of connected watches designed for fitness.
The competition between Google and Apple in the field of connected objects is far from balanced. Product success Apple seems to be even more visible in areas that affect thehealth. Especially with connected watches. To resume the flambo, one of the strategies of Google would be the acquisition of the connected fitness watch manufacturing company. This is Fitbit.
If this acquisition will allow the company to reduce its difference with Apple in the field of health, this action raises some concerns.
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The fears of the acquisition by google
It is now official that Google acquired Fitbit at a cost of $ 2,1 billion. Unfortunately, this acquisition is not without its problems. On the one hand, data protection advocates fear the use of data from health very personal form of Fitbit for business purposes. (it almost really happened).
On the other hand, thehe US Department of Justice has investigated the matter:
" The Antitrust Investigation into the Fitbit Acquisition by Google continues. Although the division has yet to make a final decision on whether to take enforcement action, the division continues to investigate whether the acquisition of Fitbit by Google can harm competition and consumers in the United States. The Division remains committed to conducting this review as thoroughly, efficiently and expeditiously as possible. "
Google and Fitbit clarify their intention on the use of private data
To respond to these fears , Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services Google answer :
" This deal has always been about devices, not data, and we've been clear from the start that we'll protect the privacy of Fitbit users. We have worked with global regulators on an approach that protects consumers' privacy expectations, including a series of binding commitments that confirm that data from health and well-being of Fitbit users will not be used for thethe announcements Google and that this data will be separated from other data relating to Classified Google.
We will also maintain access to APIs Android that allow devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches to interact with Android smartphones, and we will continue to allow Fitbit users to choose to connect to third-party services so you can always do so. synchronize your applications health and fitness options with your Fitbit account. These commitments will be implemented globally so that all consumers can benefit from them. We will also continue to work with regulators around the world so that they can be assured that we are meeting these commitments."
The co-founder and CEO of Fitbit, James Park, adds:
"
The trust of our users will remain paramount and we will maintain strong protections for privacy and data security, allowing you to control your data and remain transparent about what we collect and why. Google will continue to protect the privacy of Fitbit users and has made a series of binding commitments with global regulators, confirming that data from health and well-being of Fitbit users will not be used for Classified Google and that this data will be kept separate from other Google advertising data. Google also said it will continue to allow Fitbit users to choose to connect to third-party services.
"
One thing is certain, the next android connected objects with Google watch will take another turn in the field of medicine.
Last update March 21, 2022 at 10:47 am
Conclusion
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source: techcrunch.com
