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Fitbit's new smartwatch will launch with an app platform and an app gallery

By Cookie Monster - on 30 Jul 2017, 1:00am

Fitbit's new smartwatch will launch with an app platform and an app gallery

A purported image of Fitbit's new smartwatch. <br>Image source: Yahoo Finance

A week after confirming that the smartwatch is "on track" for launch later this year, Fitbit CEO James Park revealed more information on the software aspect of the wearable.

Park told The Verge that the smartwatch will have an app platform and an app gallery at launch. The app gallery is where users can search for third-party wearable apps in Fitbit's current mobile app, and not an app store as previously stated. 

Fitbit will also roll out the software development kit (SDK) along with several apps from partners. The SDK will be available to all developers shortly after launch. The Javascript-based SDK is actually from Pebble which Fitbit acquired last year. The SDK will reportedly make it easy for developers to create apps that are compatible with iOS and Android devices. 

When asked if rumors of delay are true, Park insisted that the smartwatch plans have "never changed". Bloomberg previously reported that there were development issues for the new smartwatch and third party apps. In addition, developers are said to be hesitant about developing apps for the smartwatch. Nonetheless, Park stated that there will be swimming apps that will run on the smartwatch and music features will also be an important part. 

Source: The Verge

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