Fitbit’s smartwatch project hits more hurdles with debut looming

In the lead: The global market for connected wearable devices accelerated at the end of 2015, with Fitbit (pictured) pacing the leaders and Apple closing ground,

Fitbit Inc, months away from the debut of its smartwatch, has lost several people working on the project and fallen behind on its app store – putting in peril the company’s most important product in years. 

Hard hit by the sinking popularity of its fitness trackers, Fitbit has bet its future on the smartwatch. But such devices are typically wedded to an ecosystem of compatible devices, apps and services that lure then lock people in.