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Fitbit, Apple Watch and now McDonald's

The world's biggest fast-food chain has been pushing health and wellness after decades of being criticized for selling junk food and encouraging bad eating habits.

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Ian Sherr Former Editor at Large / News
Ian Sherr (he/him/his) grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, so he's always had a connection to the tech world. At CNET, he wrote about Apple, Microsoft, VR, video games and internet troubles. Aside from writing, he tinkers with tech at home, is a longtime fencer -- the kind with swords -- and began woodworking during the pandemic.
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Have it your way; then walk it off.
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Have it your way; then walk it off.

Have it your way; then walk it off.

 McDonald's

The next time your kid opens up her Happy Meal, there may be a different type of toy staring back.

McDonald's has begun offering kids in its Canadian restaurants a wrist-worn activity tracker called "Step It!" as part of its venerable Happy Meal. It's no Apple Watch -- the device just counts steps -- but it's being marketed as McDonald's latest effort to help kids get in shape after they load up on burgers and fries.

"Keep up with your friends and your favourite athletes," the McDonald's website says. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment about when it started offering the activity trackers or for how long they'll be available.

The move is the latest in a string of recent efforts by the fast-food chain to offer healthier options. The company has nixed some ingredients, like artificial preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup, and it's planning to shift to antibiotic-free chicken and cage-free eggs by 2025.