Fitbit launches its own application store for wearable apps

Fitbit has plans to open its own application store. This should include applications that function on smartwatches and fitness trackers. For the infrastructure, Fitbit uses the application store that it acquired with the acquisition of Pebble.

Fitbit CEO James Park confirmed the plans in an interview with The Verge. Although it is not clear when the application store will appear exactly, Fitbit is working to realize it as soon as possible. The company does this by using Pebble’s software and infrastructure, which already has an application store containing approximately 14,000 applications. Pebble was recently acquired by Fitbit, allowing the latter to use the digital store itself.

One of the reasons for opening an application store is to help partner companies release applications for Fitbit’s devices. Healthcare companies and organizations, among others, would be interested in using Fitbit’s app infrastructure. Currently, however, the Fitbit devices cannot yet run third-party applications, and they depend on what the manufacturer itself builds in functionality.

Fitbit is also likely to release a number of new wearables this year, although the company has not yet disclosed any details. Park did say that new form factors for wearables are being considered.