Google introduces Fitbit Air, a screenless fitness tracker inspired by Whoop

Google on Thursday introduced the Fitbit Air, a new screenless fitness tracker inspired by devices like Whoop. The wearable is priced at $100 and includes a range of health and fitness tracking features, including 24/7 heart rate monitoring, heart rhythm monitoring with atrial fibrillation alerts, blood oxygen tracking, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep stage tracking, sleep duration monitoring, and more.

In a blog post announcing the device, Google said the Fitbit Air is designed for people who feel traditional wearable devices are too bulky, expensive, or overly complicated. The company described the tracker as “simple, affordable and comfortable enough to wear 24/7.”

The Fitbit Air does not include a screen, a design decision Google says is intended to help users “live in the moment.” Instead, users can monitor their health and activity data through the new Google Health app, which is a rebranded version of the Fitbit app, also introduced on Thursday.

Google says the Fitbit Air is significantly smaller than earlier Fitbit devices. According to the company, the wearable is 25% smaller than the Fitbit Luxe and 50% smaller than the Inspire 3, matching the lightweight approach behind the “Air” branding.

The device can automatically track common workouts and activities. Google said the tracking experience becomes more personalised over time as the wearable learns a user’s routines and habits.

The Fitbit Air weighs 12 grams with its band and only 5.2 grams without it. The device also works alongside the Pixel Watch, allowing users to wear the larger smartwatch during the day and switch to the Fitbit Air at night or during workouts for a lighter and more comfortable experience.

Google says the wearable offers up to one week of battery life. Fast charging support is also included, with five minutes of charging providing enough power for an entire day of use. The tracker is also water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Alongside the Fitbit Air announcement, Google also launched Google Health Coach, a Gemini-powered health and wellness assistant available to Google Health Premium subscribers. The AI-powered tool can create personalised workout plans based on a user’s goals and available equipment, analyse sleep habits, and provide additional fitness and wellness recommendations.

The Fitbit Air launches with three different band options. These include a “Performance Loop Band” made using recycled materials with a breathable design, a waterproof “Active Band,” and an “Elevated Modern Band” designed for a more discreet look.

Google said the Fitbit Air is available for preorder starting now and will officially go on sale on May 26.