Wear OS Fitbit Charge successor spotted in FCC filing
Our colleagues at 9to5Google have uncovered a new FCC filing, which describes a "wireless device" with model number G8BL6. Google uses similar model numbers for first-party devices, such as the Pixel 6 (model number G9S9B).
The manufacturer listed in the FCC filing is another piece of the puzzle. Goertek is the company manufacturing Pixel Buds for Google.
The filing doesn't contain brand names or specs, but there are some things we can deduce from it.
Bluetooth LE and GNSS
The FCC filing describes the gadgets as a 'wireless device.' | Image by FCC
In the FCC documents, the device is listed as Bluetooth LE and GNSS compliant. Bluetooth LE is a low-energy standard used for small electronics, and GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System; basically, it's GPS connectivity.
Bluetooth LE and GNSS are listed as connectivity options. | Image by FCC
The documents also contain a path for reaching the regulatory label of the product through Settings > System > Regulatory Information. The Pixel Watch uses the exact same path, strengthening the notion that it's a similar product.
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) was used during the FCC tests, pointing toward an Android operating system of some kind, possibly Wear OS.
Recommended For You
What's the mysterious fitness band in the Pixel 11 ads?
0 Votes
Fitbit successor or a Pixel Watch Lite?
The Fitbit Charge 6 might get a successor? | Image by PhoneArena
The pieces of information above, along with the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity anywhere in the FCC documents, strongly suggest that this mysterious device is some kind of fitness tracker and not a full-blown smartwatch.
The leaked Pixel 11 ads showed a Pixel Watch-like device with an oval screen, and this might very well be it.
The question here is whether this new fitness tracker is going to fall under the Fitbit brand, or if Google is expanding the Pixel Watch lineup with a smaller, simpler device—a Pixel Watch Lite, for example.
The company launched the Fitbit Air just recently, but it's a screenless tracker starting at $99.99. If I have to guess, the Wear OS hints, along with the Pixel 11 ads, point toward a new Pixel fitness tracker and not a Fitbit model.
I would really enjoy a Wear OS Pixel band
The mysterious Pixel 11 ad, showing the oval-shaped device. | Image by Reddit
The timing of these leaks is a bit off, though. Google launched the Pixel 11 lineup with no mention of a new fitness band under the Pixel brand.
The next big Pixel event is the annual Google I/O developers conference in May. It's eight months away, a pretty long time for a gadget that has already passed FCC tests.
On the other hand, a new Fitbit model wouldn't be limited by a Pixel launch schedule. What do you think about this? Is this the next Fitbit, or is it a completely new Pixel fitness tracker?
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: