fitbit - TediDev

Google has made official the acquisition of fitbit, a manufacturer of connected watches designed for fitness. The competition between Google and Apple in the field of connected objects is far from balanced. The success of Apple products seems to be even more visible in areas that affect health. Especially with smartwatches. To resume the flambo, one of Google's strategies would be the acquisition of the company that manufactures fitness connected watches. This is Fitbit. If this acquisition will allow the company to reduce its gap with Apple in the field of health, this action raises some fears. Google Acquisition Fears Image by StockSnap from Pixabay It's now official that Google has acquired Fitbit for $2,1 billion. Unfortunately, this acquisition is not without problems. On the one hand, data protection advocates fear Fitbit's highly personal health data will be used for commercial purposes. (it really almost happened). On the other hand, the US Department of Justice is investigating the matter: "The Antitrust Division's investigation into Google's acquisition of Fitbit continues. Although the division has not yet made a final decision on whether to take enforcement action, the division continues to investigate whether Google's acquisition of Fitbit may 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 intent on use of private data To address these fears, Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services at Google responds, “This agreement has always been about devices, not data, and we've made it clear from the start that we will protect the privacy of Fitbit users. We've worked with global regulators on an approach that protects consumer privacy expectations, including a series of binding commitments that confirm that Fitbit users' health and wellness data will not be used to Google Ads and that this data will be separated from other Google Ads data. We'll also maintain access to Android APIs that allow devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches to interact with Android smartphones, and we'll continue to let Fitbit users choose to connect to third-party services. so you can still do it. sync your favorite health and fitness apps 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 they can be assured that we are meeting these commitments." Fitbit Co-Founder and CEO James Park adds, "The trust of our users will remain paramount, and we will maintain strong privacy and data security protections, giving you control over your data and remaining transparent about it. 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 Fitbit users' health and wellness data will not be used for Google ads and that these data will be kept separate from other Google advertising data. Google also said it would continue to let Fitbit users 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.