Google today announced the Fitbit Air as a screen-less fitness tracker that has a low-profile and affordable $99.99 price.
All the technology fits into a pill-shaped pebble made of plastic that can be easily removed from the band mechanism. Google touts “all-day focus and all-night comfort,” with testing finding it more comfortable than wearables from competitors. This design is for those who want a discreet, minimal wearable.
The “Google Fitbit Air” — as it’s officially named — has the following sensors:
- Optical heart rate monitor
- 3-axis accelerometer + gyroscope
- Red and infrared sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring
- Device temperature sensor (skin temperature variation)
Besides 24/7 heart rate tracking, this powers above/below range notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications for AFib, and heart rate variability (HRV).
Since there’s no screen, there’s automatic activity tracking or you can start workouts from your phone, as well as manually log exercise in the Google Health app after the fact.
There’s also Bluetooth 5.0 and a vibration motor for silent Smart Wake and other alarms, with the unit water resistant up to 50 meters. The Fitbit Air has 7-day battery life (lithium-polymer) with quick charging that provides a day of use in 5 minutes. You can go from 0-100% in 90 minutes, with a new pill-shaped magnetic charger that is bidirectional and finally uses USB-C on the other end. There’s a red status light and vibration on the pebble when the battery is low.
The band mechanism lets you easily pop in the pebble from below, while you push down from the top to remove.
In the box, you get the micro-adjustable Performance Loop ($34.99 standalone) made of textile with a stainless steel buckle. This pebble weighs 5.2 g, while the entire setup comes in at 12 g. Your color options are:
- Obsidian Band, Matte Black Stainless Steel Buckle
- Fog Band, Polished Silver Stainless Steel Buckle
- Berry Band, Polished Champagne Gold Stainless Steel Buckle
- Lavender Band, Polished Silver Stainless Steel Buckle
Google also offers the sweat-proof Active Sport band made of silicone for $34.99 in the same colors. The
“subtle ribbed design” is meant to add a “sporty flare.”
There’s also the $49.99 Elevated Modern band made of polyurethane with a stainless steel buckle. Meant to turn your Fitbit Air into a “fashionable bracelet,” it’s available in Moonstone, Obsidian, and Porcelain.
Finally, there’s a special Stephen Curry-edition Fitbit Air in “elegant rye brown and a pop of game-day orange” for $129.99.
It features a unique water-resistant coating and a raised interior print inspired by athletic racing stripes specifically engineered to increase airflow during high-intensity movement.
The Fitbit Air works with the new Google Health app — more on that here — that’s available as an update to the existing Fitbit app. It supports Android and iOS users. With Google’s platform, you use the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch at the same time, with Google automatically handling the switch.
The Google Fitbit Air is available for $99.99 starting on May 26, with pre-orders opening today. It includes 3 months of Google Health Premium and will be available in the following countries:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
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