Google Considering Stake In Popular Fitness Band Maker Jawbone

Google is in early-stage talks with popular fitness band maker Jawbone, which could eventually lead to Jawbone's next funding, according to reports.

Citing unnamed sources, Re/code reported: "The size of the investment and the implied valuation are not clear. In fact, sources said that the pair are still not in agreement as to either, and talks are preliminary and could result in no investment at all. Also: Google is not, as some have speculated, considering buying Jawbone."

Jawbone is also in talks with a number of other strategic investors recently, the report notes.

The company, according to USA Today has run into some problems. Hardware glitches have delayed shipment of its UP3 band - directly affecting its competitive edge against rivals like Fitbit.

Jawbone is yet to turn a profit as it matures into its 16th year - a lifetime for a Silicon Valley company, a report in Fortune noted last month.

"The attraction for Google to consider investing in Jawbone is obvious, as it seeks to expand into new businesses, especially related to connected devices and sensors, an area that Jawbone has pioneered," Recode added.

Jawbone was recently sued by the electronics manufacturer Flextronics and the suit was subsequently settled out of court.

Jawbone spokesman Jim Godrey said the company had no comment on the reports. A Google representative did not respond to a request for comment.