Google has officially unveiled the Fitbit Air, a screenless wearable that it first teased in March. The device is a direct competitor to Whoop and other minimal fitness trackers, offering a form factor that can be worn in a wristband, chest strap, or other accessories. Available for pre-order at $100, the Fitbit Air is essentially a Fitbit freed from its band, but with a significantly smaller footprint. According to Rishi Chandra, general manager for Google Health, the Air is 25 percent smaller than the Fitbit Luxe and 50 percent smaller than the Inspire 3.
The device weighs just 12 grams with a band and 5.2 grams without, making it one of the lightest wearables on the market. Google claims an independent consumer perception study conducted last year ranked it as more comfortable than leading competitors. The Fitbit Air features a micro-adjustable fit designed to remain unobtrusive during work, exercise, and sleep. It has no buttons or screen, relying entirely on passive data collection.
Core Health and Fitness Tracking
The Fitbit Air continuously monitors heart rate, using Google's established algorithms to track sleep stages, assign a Sleep Score, and detect irregular heart rhythms that may indicate AFib. It also provides heart rate variability (HRV) insights. The device automatically detects activities such as biking, running, walking, rowing, elliptical, and other high-heart-rate exercises. Users can manually start sessions for about 40 types of activities in the app, and log over 140 additional activities post-workout, including archery, badminton, curling, and household chores.
Beyond activity tracking, the Air provides weekly cardio load, readiness scores, and basic metrics like steps and distance. Its vibration motor supports silent alarms and Google's Smart Wake feature, which aims to wake users during the lightest sleep phase. Google says its machine learning models are 15 percent more accurate than previous versions, improving Sleep Score reliability.
AI-Powered Health Coach
The "AI" in the Fitbit Air's name points to its integration with the Google Health Coach, a Gemini-powered interface that has been in public preview since October. This AI coach allows users to have conversational interactions with the Google Health app, receiving personalized suggestions based on their data. It creates dynamic fitness plans that adapt to real-time performance and schedule changes, and works with health data including Cycle Health and vital medical information. Google emphasizes that user data remains private and secure.
Battery and Accessories
The Fitbit Air offers up to a week of battery life, with fast charging that provides one day of power in five minutes and a full charge in about 90 minutes. The magnetic, bi-directional charger is similar to that of the Pixel Watch 4. Three wristband options are available at launch: a Performance Loop Band, an Active silicone band that is sweatproof and wetproof, and an Elevated Modern Band designed as a fashionable bracelet. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters, though the device is not officially waterproof. Google has not yet released chest straps or other accessory variations, but plans to expand options over time.
Special Edition and Availability
A special edition designed in collaboration with basketball star Steph Curry features a raised interior print for airflow and Curry-specific design details, plus an additional water-resistant coating. Priced at $130, it includes three months of Google Health Premium. All versions of the Fitbit Air are set to ship on May 26, and pre-orders began May 7. The device represents Google's continued push into AI-enhanced health wearables, competing directly with Whoop and other screenless trackers by combining comfort, advanced sensors, and intelligent coaching.
Source: Engadget News