This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Alphabet (GOOG, Financials) looks ready to try something a little different in wearables. Instead of building another screen-heavy gadget, Google is reportedly developing a screenless Fitbit band designed to focus more on health tracking and less on notifications, apps and distractions.
That would put it more directly against products from Whoop and Oura, which have built loyal followings by promising a simpler, more wellness-focused experience.
What makes this move interesting is not just the device itself, but how Google may plan to make money from it. The band is expected to offer basic features on its own, while more advanced tools would come through a paid subscription. In other words, this may be less about selling a one-time gadget and more about building an ongoing health platform.
That fits with where Fitbit seems to be heading. Google has already been adding more AI-powered coaching features to the Fitbit app, with tools focused on sleep, nutrition, cycle health and mental well-being. A simpler band tied to those services could make the whole setup feel more personal and easier to use.
There is also some early buzz around the device after Stephen Curry teased it online. For investors, the bigger story is whether Google can turn Fitbit into a steadier subscription business instead of just another hardware line.
