Google launches Fitbit Air, a wrist strap that will use AI to track user health

Google has launched the Fitbit Air, a screenless fitness wrist strap that uses AI-powered tools to track health and offer personalised guidance. The company has also replaced the Fitbit app with the new Google Health platform.

In Short

• Fitbit Air launched at $100 with no screen or notifications
• It tracks heart rate, sleep, workouts and recovery data
• Google Health app and Gemini AI Coach now rolling out

Google has introduced the Fitbit Air, a new screenless fitness tracker that puts AI-powered health guidance ahead of smartwatch-style features. Alongside the new wearable, the company also announced a redesigned Google Health app and a wider rollout of its AI Health Coach, showing a clear change in strategy from hardware to software-led wellness tools.

The Fitbit Air is priced at $100 and is designed as a lightweight wrist strap with no display, no notifications and no clock. Instead of asking users to keep checking a screen, it quietly tracks health data in the background. Google’s Gemini-powered AI inside the companion app then analyses that information to create personalised fitness plans, sleep guidance and wellness suggestions.

The device supports both Android and iPhone users. It is available for preorder now and will go on sale from May 26. Google is also offering a Stephen Curry special edition priced at $130.

Fitbit Air focuses on comfort and passive tracking

Because there is no screen or buttons, the Fitbit Air is meant to stay on the wrist all day with minimal distraction. It can continuously monitor heart rate, track sleep stages, generate Sleep Scores and send irregular heart rhythm alerts linked to signs of AFib. Users can also view heart rate variability (HRV), which is often used to understand recovery and stress levels.

The wearable also supports automatic workout tracking, so users do not need to manually start an exercise session. Google says it can recognise more than 140 activities, including walking, running, cycling, rowing and gym-based workouts.

Other features include weekly cardio load, readiness scores, steps, distance tracking and silent vibration alarms. Smart Wake is also included, allowing the tracker to wake users at a better point in their sleep cycle.

Google claims the Fitbit Air uses new machine learning models that are 15 percent more accurate than earlier versions. The company also says the device was rated more comfortable than leading rivals in an independent consumer perception study. It weighs just 12 grams with the band attached.

Google Health app replaces Fitbit app

Google has also confirmed that the Fitbit app will automatically update to the new Google Health app starting May 19. Existing Fitbit users do not need to do anything, and their historical data will be carried over. Google Fit users are expected to move to the same platform later this year.

The new app combines health information from wearables, Apple Health, Health Connect and uploaded medical records into one place. It is organised into four sections: Today, Fitness, Sleep and Health.

The company’s AI Health Coach, powered by Gemini, is also now rolling out to Google Health Premium subscribers. It can turn user data into custom workout plans, recovery advice and sleep insights, while also analysing uploaded PDFs, photos and medical records for more tailored suggestions.

Google has not confirmed whether the Fitbit Air will launch in India yet. However, since Fitbit products are already sold in the country, there is a chance of a future release.

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