- Google appears to be building a Fitbit-style screenless tracker
- The revelation came when Google ‘performance advisor’ Steph Curry posted on Instagram.
- The teaser video showed Curry wearing a bracelet without a screen.
Google is jumping on the same trend as Polar and Amazfit by creating what we call a ‘Whoop clone’: a screenless fitness tracker.
Curry can be seen wearing the band, with his voiceover saying: “I’m excited about what this will mean for the world, for health and well-being. It’s the first of its kind in a way. I won’t spoil it, you have to see it for yourself.”
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The video does not directly address the band, but they can be seen wearing an orange bracelet with a metal clasp, very prominently, in the footage. No release date or other information is provided other than “coming soon.”
If Google is already releasing official videos about the device, “soon” presumably means “later this month” rather than a date later in the summer, the time period when Google typically shows off new Pixel devices.
Watch the video below:
Analysis: the latest Whoop clone
Google’s new Fitbit (if it really is a Fitbit, rather than a Pixel Band or something) is entering the screenless wearable category in good company. Once dominated by the premium subscription-oriented Whoop, screenless tracking has grown to include the Polar Loop and Amazfit Helio Strap.
Even Garmin is throwing its hat into the ring with the long-rumored band Garmin Cirqa. Never mind the screenless options on the best smart rings from companies like Oura and Samsung.
It’s safe to say that these portable “focus” devices are having a real moment. Whoop just raised a titanic amount in funding from investors, as the company is now worth $10 billion according to TechCrunch.
