Popular features on Fitbit smartwatches are being removed by Google

Photo Credit: The Nerd Stash As of late, Google has begun removing dependable functions from the Fitbit app. Some long-standing features have been eliminated, only three years after Google finalized the acquisition of Fitbit. According to rumors, Google will reintroduce more functions to Fitbit smartwatches at a future date that is currently unknown. Google has reportedly taken away four functionalities from the Fitbit app, as 9to5Google purportedly broke the news first. Google made the change effective as of March 27 but may have gone mostly unreported at the time. Google has removed the ability to compete for challenges with family and friends, for starters. Surprisingly, there is no direct replacement for the feature. Photo Credit: Chrome Unboxed In addition, Adventure Races, which let users compete against friends in virtual races, has been discontinued. The same goes for Solo Adventures and Virtual Premium Challenges. As a point of comparison, the first offered a virtual tour of actual locales, whereas the second offered extra active minutes and Active Zone Minutes during challenges. Trophies obtained from finishing challenges are consequently no longer available. Also Read: Google tests a white/gray progress bar on dark mode in new YouTube Android app Also, the Fitbit app no longer provides access to open groups, which allowed users to interact and openly share their progress. The only way to share progress with friends inside an app right now is through invite-only private groups. These features were purportedly eliminated to make room for the expansion of Google services and technologies throughout the Fitbit app in 2023. The Fitbit app's streamlining hasn't exactly been well received, especially since Google hasn't integrated the features that are leaving into the ones that are staying.