With the introduction of the Oppo Find X8 series, a notable shift in the Android ecosystem has emerged. The devices now come preloaded with the Fitbit application, marking a significant change in the default suite of apps typically associated with new Android phones.
Traditionally, a new Android device is accompanied by an array of Google applications, including staples such as Google Search, Chrome, Gmail, and Google Maps. While many of these apps are essential, the inclusion of multiple OEM versions often leads to redundancy, cluttering the user experience.
However, the Find X8 and X8 Pro stand out as pioneers in this regard, being the first non-Google Android phones to feature Fitbit within the standard “Google” app folder on the home screen. In a surprising twist, the default setup for these devices omits Google Fit entirely, replacing it with Fitbit instead.
For years, Google Fit has held the title of the default fitness tracking application on Android devices. Its integration with the Pixel Watch has further solidified its presence in the fitness tracking landscape. Yet, following Google’s acquisition of Fitbit and the subsequent integration efforts, it has become increasingly apparent that Fitbit is poised to take the lead as the primary fitness tracking service.
Earlier this year, Google deprecated the Fit API, signaling a strategic shift towards Fitbit as the go-to fitness application for Android and Wear OS. This transition is part of a broader plan to phase out Google Fit, with developers given until June 30, 2025, to migrate to Health Connect.
In light of these developments, a Google spokesperson confirmed that the Fitbit app is now available for Android OEMs, allowing manufacturers to preload it on their devices. This move is aimed at enhancing the health and wellness offerings for consumers, and several manufacturers have already opted to include Fitbit in their mobile devices.
Interestingly, despite the availability of the Fitbit app since earlier this year, it has taken until late 2024 for an Android OEM to officially ship devices with Fitbit as the default fitness tracking application. This trend suggests that we may soon see an increasing number of devices adopting this change, making it likely that the Fitbit app will become a standard feature on new Android phones, even for users who do not restore from a previous device backup.
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