Google Launches Fitbit Air at $99 With Screenless Design, Multi-Device Pairing, and Cross-Platform Support

Google has officially introduced the Fitbit Air, a $99 screenless fitness tracker designed for ongoing health monitoring. The device is now available for pre-order and will ship on May 26. The Fitbit Air connects with the Google Health app on both iOS 16.4 or newer and Android 11 or newer. It adds a new option to Google's wearable lineup, competing with devices like the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG.

For the first time, the Google Health app allows users to pair both a Fitbit Air and a Pixel Watch at the same time. This makes it possible to switch between devices or wear both without losing data continuity.

Fitbit Air Sensors, Health Tracking, and Sleep Features

The Fitbit Air features an optical heart rate sensor for continuous monitoring, along with red and infrared sensors to track blood oxygen levels. It also includes a device temperature sensor to monitor skin temperature changes, a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a vibration motor. The device does not have built-in GPS and depends on a paired phone for location data.

Tracked metrics include steps, distance, calories burned, heart-rate variability, cardio load management, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and alerts for high and low heart rates. The device automatically detects activities and processes this data through the Google Health app.

A new Sleep Score feature is included, which Google states is 15% more accurate than previous Fitbit sleep tracking thanks to a new machine learning model. The Smart Wake feature uses the vibration motor to wake users during an optimal point in their sleep cycle.

Fitbit Air Design, Battery Life, and Band Options

The Fitbit Air measures 8.3mm in thickness and weighs 5.2 grams without a band, or 12 grams when a band is attached. The bands are interchangeable, with a fabric Performance Loop Band included, while silicone Active Bands and Modern Bands are sold separately. Available colors at launch include Obsidian, Fog, Lavender, and Berry.

Battery life is estimated at about one week on a full charge. Charging for five minutes can provide roughly a day’s worth of use. A full charge takes approximately 90 minutes using the included magnetic charger, which can be connected in any direction.

Fitbit Air Subscription Features and Google Health Premium

Most Fitbit Air features are accessible with a free Google account. Google Health Coach, an AI-powered training and tips tool that evolved from the previously announced Fitbit Health Coach, requires a Google Health Premium subscription. The premium service costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, which is $20 more than the previous Fitbit Premium annual price.

Google Health Premium is offered free for Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers. The Fitbit Air is set to launch on May 26.

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