Fitness trackers are everywhere these days, and brands like Fitbit, Apple, and Whoop are leading the pack. While Fitbit was once the go-to for counting steps, its popularity has been challenged by feature-rich alternatives. Recently, when one of our reporters wore multiple devices during the New York City Marathon, Fitbit didn’t quite stand out.
Enter the new Google Fitbit Air, launching on May 19, priced at a tempting $99.99. This price point makes it much more accessible compared to the Apple Watch, which can range from $249 to $799. With some intriguing features, the Fitbit Air might even attract loyal Whoop fans.
One of the standout features is the Google Health Coach. This AI personal trainer promises personalized workout and health insights based on data from the Fitbit Air. It takes various factors into account, including sleep patterns, local weather, and even your medical history. You can access this service with a Google Health Premium subscription for $9.99 a month or $99 a year. While subscriptions can be off-putting, the depth of data could set this apart from competitors.
Another impressive aspect of the Fitbit Air is its lightweight design. Weighing just 12 grams, it’s less than half the weight of the Whoop 5.0, which weighs 26.5 grams. This smaller size can make a big difference, especially for those who want to wear their tracker to bed without discomfort. Despite its lightness, the Fitbit Air is equipped to measure heart rate, SpO2 levels (blood oxygen), sleep stages, and more.
The integration of Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, is also notable. Users can interact with their AI coach via voice or text, which can be handy during a workout. While you’ll need your phone for this feature, it adds a level of interactivity that many users might find beneficial.
For existing users of Google’s AI subscriptions, such as Google AI Pro or Google AI Ultra, the Fitbit Air offers additional perks without extra costs. The ability to upload images for analysis—like gym boards or meal photos—further sets the Fitbit Air apart. This feature allows users to get nutritional insights in a way that many other fitness trackers don’t offer.
Lastly, Google provides a longer trial period for the Health Premium service, offering three months of free access compared to Whoop’s one-month option. This could encourage more users to give the Google Fitbit Air a try.
Overall, the Google Fitbit Air looks promising. Its combination of lightweight design, advanced AI features, and integration with existing Google services could make it a strong contender in the fitness tracker market. However, privacy concerns remain a challenge. Many users are hesitant to share extensive health data with large tech companies.
The new Google Fitbit Air is available for pre-order at Amazon and the Google Store. As we move toward a future that embraces screen-free technology, it will be interesting to see how this device fits into the broader landscape of fitness tracking.
