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This includes the entire EU as well as non-members like Iceland.
The tech giant didnt make any formal announcements through its usual channels.
Fitbit’s latest smartwatch - the Versa 2
Instead, it opted to update its software management page on theFitbit Help Center website.
A full list of all the affected models is publicly available.
They include models like theFitbit Sense 2,Versa 4, and the Ionic.
Users can still install third-party apps on your wearable until the June date.
After that, you will only have access to first-party software from Google andFitbit.
Its supposed to break up the amount of power they possess.
These companies have, by and large, complied with the new rules so you can stay in Europe.
One of the stipulations these companies must adhere to is to foster better compatibility between first-party and third-party software.
For the most part, things have been moving along swimmingly except for this current Fitbit situation.
Its the one outlier in what has been an otherwise smooth transition for Google.
Perhaps third-party apps aren’t feasible under the new rules.
Why only Fitbit and not other hardware?
Well, we have a theory.
For the past several years, Google has beenchipping away at what made Fitbit greatin the past.
Removing features here,removing access to music streamingthere.
Its gotten to the point where Fitbit devices are shadows of their former selves.
At first we thought, maybe Google wants to maintain total control over their fitness trackers.
Perhaps they believe the DMA will fire up the floodgates to bad actors creating malicious software for the wearables.
Its a security issue.
But then thePixel Watchis totally ignored, and it will continue to support third-party apps in the EU.
However, that’s not the case.
Keep in mind: this is simply a theory.
Nothing has been said officially.
We reached out for a comment and well update this story if we hear back.
In the meantime, check out TechRadr’s list of thebest fitness trackers for 2024.
