Google appeared to have hung the Fitbit model out to dry since buying it in 2021, with no new {hardware} since 2023’s Fitbit Cost 6 and the Fitbit app a key a part of utilizing a Google Pixel Watch.
However Google has introduced a shock new Fitbit tracker at this time referred to as the Google Fitbit Air, and it’s each a return to the model’s roots in addition to a step in a brand new course.
The Fitbit Air is a small plastic tracker with sensors inside and outside that clips into a material strap to put on in your wrist, identical to the favored screen-free Whoop bands seen on the wrists of superstar sportspeople reminiscent of Rory McIlroy and Virgil Van Dijk. It is available in 4 colors, although bands with different supplies can be found as non-compulsory extras, and it really works with Android or iPhone.
Identical to the early Fitbits from the 2010s that lacked screens, it’s designed to be worn 24/7 and largely forgotten about by the wearer so it may well acquire all of your well being metrics, that are then displayed within the companion app.
Meaning in order for you a Fitbit that may additionally inform the time and show notifications out of your cellphone, the Air isn’t for you – nor does it have built-in GPS, so that you’ll want your cellphone with you to trace run routes. Nevertheless, the worth is perhaps enticing at simply £84.99. That’s the identical worth as 2022’s Fitbit Encourage 3.
It makes it significantly cheaper than the £139.99 Fitbit Cost 6, although that tracker boasts an OLED display, built-in GPS, and Google Pockets and Google Maps apps.
“Google Fitbit Air is screenless, so you possibly can keep within the second,” Google mentioned. “You will have the liberty to decide on: discover insights in your cellphone if you need them, and revel in silence if you don’t. And automated exercise detection tracks your exercises within the background when you deal with the end line.”
The Air has 24/7 coronary heart price monitoring with AFib detection, plus coronary heart price variability measurement, cardio load, readiness rating, plus the space, steps and energy you’ve come to count on from Fitbits. Google says it has “as much as per week of battery life” and may be totally charged in 90 minutes.
It additionally has a vibration motor so you possibly can set alarms, however lacks NFC so you possibly can’t use it for contactless funds.
The way in which the Fitbit Air leans into new applied sciences is with Google’s redesigned Fitbit app – which is now referred to as Google Well being. Meaning Google has killed off the Fitbit branded app solely, with Google Well being embracing the usage of Google Gemini and AI instruments to make your well being insights extra personalised. And whereas present Fitbit trackers can work with the brand new teaching instruments, this affordably priced Fitbit Air appears geared in the direction of getting as many individuals onto the platform as doable.
“Google Well being Coach is constructed with Gemini and made for you, delivering personalised steering for the place you’re at this time and the place you’re heading subsequent,” Google mentioned.
“We have now constructed a brand new type of coach: world-class experience that’s all the time obtainable everytime you want it. It continuously adapts primarily based in your private well being and wellness metrics and is uniquely tailor-made to your targets and real-life circumstances.”
To get the complete set of software program perks, you’ll must stump up for a subscription to Google Well being Premium, the brand new title for Fitbit Premium. This prices £7.99 monthly.
The Fitbit Air is accessible for pre-order beginning at this time, Could 7, and can go on full sale on Could 26. In addition to from Google, it is also obtainable at Amazon, Argos, Currys, John Lewis and Very.
