Fitbit hires ex-HTC design exec
New talent could give Fitbit a design overhaul
Fitbit has snagged Jonah Becker, HTC's top designer, the man behind the release of the new HTC One M9.
Fitbit has created a brand new role for the tech design heavyweight, who has presided over some of the best designed tech in the business. While the HTC M9 has been criticised for looking identical to its predecessor, the company's flagship phone has long been held as an example of top industrial design among the Android army.
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Becker will take up the position of vice president of industrial design, and his influence could see a big change in appearance for future Fitbits.
His CV is certainly impressive and Becker joined HTC after the company bought up his design company One & Co., which worked for Nike and Adidas.
With Jawbone's apparent state of flux around its forever delayed Jawbone Up3, Fitbit now rules the roost of the new wearable giants. Its recent Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge devices both impressed – skin irritation issues aside.
With the hire of Becker, it seems the company is out to up its offerings in the design stakes, and it needs to. For all its recent failings, Jawbone has continually trumped Fitbit in terms of design, with its Yves Behar inspired UP24 and UP3.
The Surge and Charge, on the other hand, still look techy with their black plastic bands and monochrome display. With Apple about to up the ante further with the Apple Watch and more designer brands getting in on the wearable act, it's a canny move from Fitbit to up its credentials.
Source: Recode
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