Google has officially unveiled the Fitbit Air, a screenless wearable that takes direct aim at the Whoop tracker market. First teased in March, the device is now available for pre-order at $100, with shipments beginning May 26. The Fitbit Air is described as a Fitbit freed from its band—a tiny, lightweight sensor that can be worn in various accessories, including a wristband, chest strap, or even a necklace, depending on future accessories.
The Air is remarkably compact. According to Rishi Chandra, Google Health's General Manager, the Fitbit Air is 25% smaller than the Fitbit Luxe and 50% smaller than the Inspire 3. It weighs just 12 grams with a band and a mere 5.2 grams without, making it one of the lightest fitness trackers on the market. Google claims that in an independent consumer perception study conducted last year, the Fitbit Air was rated as more comfortable than leading competitors in the U.S. The company emphasizes a "secure, micro-adjustable fit" designed to be so unobtrusive that users won't notice it during work, exercise, or sleep.
As a screenless device, the Fitbit Air operates primarily as a passive data collector. It continuously monitors heart rate and uses Google's established algorithms to track sleep stages, assign a Sleep Score, and detect irregularities like atrial fibrillation (AFib) through heart rhythm notifications. The device also measures heart rate variability (HRV) to provide insights into overall wellbeing. Unlike many smartwatches, the Air relies entirely on the companion app for data visualization and interaction.
Activity tracking is handled automatically for common exercises such as running, walking, cycling, rowing, elliptical training, and other high-heart-rate activities. Manual session logging is available for around 40 exercise types via the Google Health app, including aerobics, circuit training, canoeing, dancing, kickboxing, and yoga. Users can also manually add activities from a library of over 140 options, ranging from archery and badminton to household chores.
The Fitbit Air provides standard metrics such as steps, distance, cardio load, and readiness scores. A built-in vibration motor enables silent alarms and Google's Smart Wake feature, which gently wakes users during the lightest sleep phase. Google states that the Air is powered by "advanced new machine learning models that are 15% more accurate than our previous models," and the Sleep Score algorithm has been refined to "better reflect recovery."
Artificial intelligence is central to the Fitbit Air experience—its name includes the letters "A" and "I." The device integrates with the Google Health Coach, a Gemini-powered conversational AI that has been in public preview since its October unveiling. This coach creates dynamic, tailored fitness plans that adapt in real-time to user performance data and changing schedules. It can incorporate data from Cycle Health and other vital medical information, all while maintaining privacy and security according to Google.
The Fitbit Air comes with three band options at launch: a Performance Loop Band that is micro-adjustable, an Active silicone band that is sweatproof and wetproof, and an Elevated Modern Band that turns the device into a fashionable bracelet. The device is water-resistant to 50 meters but not officially waterproof. Currently, only wristbands are available, but Chandra confirmed that more accessory types, such as chest straps, are being explored for future releases.
Battery life is rated at up to a week on a single charge. The Air supports fast charging—five minutes of charging provides up to one day of power, and a full charge takes about 90 minutes. Like the Pixel Watch 4, the Fitbit Air uses a magnetic, bi-directional charger that eliminates orientation fuss.
A special edition collaboration with basketball star Stephen Curry is also available for $130. It features a raised interior print for increased airflow, signature Curry design details, and an additional water-resistant coating. Every purchase of the Fitbit Air includes a three-month subscription to Google Health Premium.
The Fitbit Air represents Google's boldest move yet into the screenless fitness tracker market, competing directly with Whoop and other minimalist wearables. By combining tiny hardware with advanced AI, Google aims to offer a device that fades into the background while providing deep, personalized health insights. With a starting price of $100, it undercuts Whoop's subscription model significantly, though it remains to be seen whether the AI-powered coaching can match the depth of dedicated fitness platforms. Early adopters can pre-order now, with general availability on May 26.
Source: Engadget News