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Fitbit is dying a slow death

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Maria Diaz/ZDNET

It was another exciting week for fitness tracker news, with Google dropping several hints about what’s coming in future smartwatch and health tracker updates. 

Also: Oura Ring vs. Apple Watch: Here’s which health tracker is right for you

If you want a quick roundup of some of the biggest stories of the week in the health and wearables space, I’ve kept my eyes on the news so you don’t have to. Keep reading for the latest.

Goodbye, Google Assistant on Fitbit

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Google disabled yet another Fitbit feature this week: the Google-owned step counter is losing Google Assistant.

Also: The best fitness trackers: Expert tested and reviewed

“Over the next few weeks, we will be progressively phasing out Google Assistant on your Fitbit device. This change means that Google Assistant voice control for activities will soon no longer be available on your Fitbit device,” a moderator on the Fitbit forum wrote in March. This loss comes after several other Fitbit feature losses, namely the transition to Google accounts and the discontinuation of the Versa and Sense smartwatch lines, which have taken place since Google bought the device.

Gemini is coming

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Could the elimination of Google Assistant make way for the introduction of Gemini? Potentially. 9to5Google decompiled the latest version of an application Google uploaded to the Google Store and found some significant Wear OS updates inside. It discovered that Gemini is indeed coming to Google Pixel Watches to set timers, create reminders, and perform all the tasks AI personal assistants typically handle. 

Also: Google’s One AI Premium plan with Gemini Advanced is now free for students – for an entire year

We’ll have to wait and see when this software launches on Google-owned smartwatches (and whether it comes to Fitbit, resolving the absence of Google Assistant).

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Strava acquires Runna

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Image: Polar

Big news for the running community (and everybody who uses the phrase, “If it’s not on Strava, did it really happen?”). Strava acquired the AI-powered running app Runna. Strava has quickly become akin to a social media app for runners, where marathoners and recreational joggers alike track and post their runs and records and react to the runs of their friends. There are features for recording runs, tracking your best splits and times, and creating running routes, but the running app doesn’t have features like personalized fitness plans and AI fitness coaching (which Runna does). 

Also: The best sports watches: Expert tested and reviewed

For now, the apps and their subscriptions have yet to merge, but we’ll keep an eye out for any incoming app updates and keep you in the loop.

Apple Watch wearers can close their rings – and get prizes

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Jason Hiner/ZDNET

If you can’t go a day without closing your daily Move, Stand, and Activity rings on the Apple Watch, this tenth anniversary Apple Watch opportunity should be on your radar. 

Also: Closing your Apple Watch rings can lower stress, improve sleep, and win you prizes

On April 24, the Apple Watch’s 10th birthday, users who close their rings will earn a Global Close Your Rings Day limited-edition award and an animated sticker for Messages. They can also visit the Apple Store starting April 24 to pick up a pin inspired by Global Close Your Rings Day.

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