Google transition and the removal of apps

[george.carstoiu]

Hey,

I understand that sometime in the following 2 months or so, 3rd party apps and click faces will not be supported anymore and this will also be removed from my Sense watch.

It would good to understand the process as it feels strange to hear that a company can just remove apps from my watch without my consent, and also terminate the support for those that I have paid for. 

[f136661]

What is going on with Fitbit?   I have a versa and two fitbits and they will not link to the software. 

[LZeeW]

Hello @george.carstoiu and welcome to the Community.  This article from 9to5google is the first one I saw when it was announced.  There are articles in many other tech journals, too.  This explanation is on the Google Support page.  The Google Support page seems to say that you can continue to use your downloaded apps and clock faces.

I'll ask a moderator to comment on your downloaded and paid clock faces and apps.  It could take a couple days to get an answer.

[Triletics]

@LZeeW not exactly. Google support page says that users can continue using apps and clockfaces until the specified date and after that "After that date, you will continue to have access to a diverse gallery of apps and clocks developed by Fitbit and Google." which is pretty much the same as ie. Charge trackers - only a small selection of Fitbit/Google-made apps are available. I believe the third-party apps will get uninstalled automatically when the time comes.

[george.carstoiu]

If automatic uninstalling of the apps is the case then I would argue it is close to ilegal as it takes control over my device and potentially removes also apps or clock faces for which I have paid. Even with the free ones this would be problematic...

I really hope though that this is not the case but would love to have some clarity on the matter from someone who knows for sure. 

All in all, @Triletics has a good point. In order to push their own 1 day lasting Google watches, they are willing to gut a product which actually works with 3rd party apps and also  lasts 4 to 5 days. 

[LZeeW]

@Triletics   The 9to5google article says it's unclear.   That's why I flagged the moderator for clarification.  @george.carstoiu  I hope that this is not the case, too.  I hope a moderator can clarify this situation for you.

[Triletics]

@george.carstoiu this move seems to be more related to not wanting to comply with EEA regulatory laws (DSA). That wouldn't be the first time Fitbit removed some feature/app from the device. However, this would create a very similar case to the one when Sony removed the OtherOS feature from PS3.

@LZeeW I hope I'm wrong but I don't believe we will hear any clarifying answer.

[JuanFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi everyone! Thank you for your comments and sharing your concerns. 

Just jumped in to add some info and clarify this question.

Anything downloaded or purchased before the new galley enters can be kept and used as long as it remains saved on your Fitbit. 

[Guy_]

Hi @george.carstoiu - see this link Removal of Third-party Products from the Fitbit Gallery for EU Users in June 2024

Which attempts to clarify the scope of the issue as to who is affected and how.

If you uninstall an app or clock face it will not be possible to reinstall it (there will presumably be no warning about that) if you are recognised as being in the EEA.

You also won't receive any further updates to new versions of 3rd party materials.

[Triletics]

@JuanFitbit thanks for clarifying! 👍

[Jdsenter]

What happens when users from other countries visit a European area, will the apps be removed or touched, when we go back to the non affected area will the apps be able to install? How is the device determined to be in the area affected?

[Guy_]

Hi @Jdsenter  - please see the link in my previous post for clarifications.