Thanks to Google Play services, Android smartphones can recognize some accessories that need to be configured in the area, such as Chromecasts, Wear OS watches and more. However, recently, Android devices have picked up the ability to receive configuration notifications for nearby Fitbit devices.
We’re not exactly sure when this change happened, but in the past few weeks, it seems that an update to Google Play Services has opened up the ability to set up notifications to arrive regarding nearby Fitbit devices.
I came across this by chance today when a Fitbit Charge 4 and Fitbit Versa 2 were charging on a nearby desk. When they turned on, my Galaxy S20 + received notifications asking me to configure both devices. The appearance of that notification is identical to what you would see with a nearby Wear OS watch or other accessory that takes advantage of this feature of Google Play services. Upon tapping the notification, I was directed to the Google Play Store to download the Fitbit app. Presumably, the notification would have taken me to that app directly if I had already installed it.
This change, of course, comes after the news of Google’s plans to buy Fitbit, but that deal has yet to be finalized. It is also unclear how this is suddenly possible. He was not present when I tried a Versa 2 earlier this year, and he confirmed it with Joe Maring of Android Central This was not the case when he spent time with the Fitbit Charge 4 either.
Both units I found this with were new in the box, so it’s possible that the new firmware preloaded on Fitbit hardware is causing these Android setup notifications to occur. It is also unclear if this is happening with older Fitbit devices. We have never noticed this on a Fitbit Inspire HR that is also internal.
Of course, this is not a major change in the way you will set up or use a Fitbit while paired with Android. You’ll still need the Fitbit app for the company’s smart watches or fitness trackers. This change simply makes the setup process for a Fitbit device feel a bit more native to Android.
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