Google Launches $99 Fitbit Air, a Screenless Wearable for Health Tracking

Google’s next Fitbit does less on your wrist so it can do more in the app.

The company announced Google Fitbit Air, a new $99.99 screenless wearable for people who want health tracking without a smartwatch-style display or a constant stream of notifications. Available for preorder, the device pairs a smaller wrist-worn design with the Google Health app and Google Health Coach, which is built with Gemini.

Fitbit Air offers Google a cheaper entry point into wearable health tracking while moving more of the Fitbit experience toward app-based insights, AI coaching, and paid health features.

Fitbit’s smallest tracker yet

The device uses a tiny “pebble” design and is Fitbit’s smallest tracker yet. Its screenless format keeps the focus on passive tracking, with users checking their data in the Google Health app when they want it.

Sleep plays a central role in the design. Its low, lightweight profile is made for overnight wear, so users can keep sleep tracking on without taking a bulkier device to bed. Pixel Watch owners can wear the watch during the day, then switch to Fitbit Air at night.

Heart, sleep, and workout tracking

The tracker collects wellness, sleep, and activity data from the wrist, including:

• 24/7 heart rate tracking
• Heart rhythm monitoring with AFib alerts
• Sleep stages and sleep duration
• Blood oxygen, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability
• Automatic activity detection and workout recaps
• Guided workouts through Google Health Coach
• Photo-based workout logging for cardio equipment or gym routines

Workouts can start in the app, follow a coach-recommended session, or run through automatic activity detection. Users can also log workouts manually, while automatic detection becomes more personalized over time.

Photo-based logging adds another shortcut. Users can take a picture of cardio equipment or a circuit routine on a gym whiteboard, then use Google Health Coach to capture the workout details without typing everything in by hand.

What buyers get at launch

Preorders are open now. Google is also selling a Stephen Curry Special Edition for $129.99, with US shelf availability set for May 26.

The standard model comes with a Performance Loop Band, while additional options include the Active Band and Elevated Modern Band. Accessory bands start at $34.99.

Compatibility covers most phones running Android 11 or higher or iOS 16.4 or higher. Buyers will also need a Google Account and the Google Health app.

The health features come with limits

Fitbit Air’s health tools are wellness features, not medical devices. Its readings are not meant to diagnose conditions or replace medical advice.

Afib alerts also have eligibility limits, and Google Health Coach depends on Google Health Premium after the included three-month trial. Google also notes that Gemini features operate independently of Gemini apps and that responses should be checked for accuracy. Battery life will vary.

Google’s lower-cost tracker opens another path into its health ecosystem, but the full experience still depends on the app, the subscription, and how much they want from a screenless wearable.

Google is reworking AI Search to send users further into websites, communities, and original sources.

The post Google Launches $99 Fitbit Air, a Screenless Wearable for Health Tracking appeared first on eWEEK.