Fitbit's Next Smartwatch will Launch with an App platform & SDK

Looks like Fitbit is all set to utilize its Pebble acquisition with the launch of its next Smartwatch, whenever that’s planned. In its current state, the high-end smart watches–Blaze & Surge–already have brilliant notification support for Calls, Messages, Calendar, and Apps. It also has Music control which lets you change the music on the go.

In a conversation with The Verge, Fitbit chief executive officer James Park shared that the company will be rolling out an app platform, and app gallery with its next Smartwatch Launch. The next tracker is expected to be a mix of Blaze and Surge, but only better. Fitbit will also roll out a software development kit (SDK) along with a select number of apps from specific partners; and will soon be open to all. The company claims that the SDK will it possible for developers to build apps on both iOS and Android.

I expect that Fitbit will extend the features on Blaze as well with a software upgrade, but we will have to wait for it. When The Verge asked if they are working on anything around Music, then Park said, that there are technical issues for offline playback for services like it, and this is something that needs attention. As of now, Blaze offers basic music control for navigating, back and forth.

Fitbit has mostly concentrated on developing trackers which are only for Fitness. Blaze, the companies first smartwatch which looked beautiful, was a deviation from that thinking. It was a much-needed change after the arrival of Android Wear powered Smartwatches which have integration with third party apps. Even though the scenario of Android Wear Powered of Smartwatches isn’t really looking gold, Samsung still sold more than Fitbit.

So if you are still thinking that you will ever need apps on your Fitbit Smartwatch, then a short answer will be yes, but a long answer will show up with time. A classic example is Samsung Pay integration on their watches makes it super convenient. These add-ons to make a difference.

Fitbit compared to 2016 hasn’t been doing well. The launch is definitely critical. More at The Verge