The Google Fitbit Air is a lightweight fitness tracker without a built-in screen that looks more like a bracelet than anything else. But what’s special is that it uses Google’s Gemini AI to enable Google to track health and fitness from the device and provide guided coaching. This looks something like the Whoop fitness trackers, another series of discreet, wristband-based wearables.
The actual part of the device is a small removable module designed in a puck or slightly oval shape that fits in the palm of your hand. This main device can be swapped out for different groups, allowing you to customize your style pretty much however you want. There’s even a limited edition version inspired by Stephen Curry with unique coloring.
Meanwhile, all the features and functionality are provided not only through the device but also through the Fitbit app. A Fitbit app that has completely changed with a new redesign, by the way. But as stylish and attractive as they are, before you buy a Fitbit Air from Google, there are definitely several things you’ll want to know. Here are some of these major points presented and explained in full.
1. There is no screen at all, not even a small one
It might seem obvious looking at the front of the device or some of the quirky styles, but there’s no display or screen on the Google Fitbit Air, not even a small one for notifications. This certainly isn’t a problem for everyone, it can be nice to move to a more minimalist design without a big, bright screen. It won’t need to be charged every night due to a power-hungry AMOLED, and lasts seven days on a single charge. But the lack of a screen is still something to keep in mind. It’s not a smart watch.
All information provided and tracked by the device will be accessible through the Fitbit app. So you will need your phone connected. It doesn’t provide any real-time data, but it is designed to passively collect and analyze your health statistics. You’re really not supposed to take it off and you can even wear it while you sleep.
Another thing to note is that it does not have a built-in GPS sensor. Location data is tracked through the phone, again through the app. These aren’t game-changers per se, but they do offer some perspective on how Google wants to use this device.
2. Not all Fitbit Air features are free
For the most part, you don’t need a subscription or additional fees to access Google Fitbit Air’s health tracking functionality and basic app features. Almost everything is available for free with a Google account, including if you use the device with an iPhone – and yes, the Fitbit Air works well with Android and iOS.
However, anything related to Google Health Premium, Fitbit’s new premium offering, formerly Fitbit Premium, will require a subscription. This is mainly related to the personalized Google Health Coach. Other premium features include more detailed health insights, basic sleep tracking and free sleep scores, proactive fitness insights, access to an extensive workout library, and mindfulness sessions for meditation, breathing exercises, and more.
To provide context around Google Health Coach, it is an AI-powered personal health assistant that gives you direct advice, workout plans, and wellness tips based on your own health data. You can also chat with the tool to do things like share your fitness goals, make a workout plan, and more. If you want to access it, you will have to pay $10 ($9.99) per month or $100 ($99.99) per year. Alternatively, if you subscribe to the Google AI Pro or Ultra tier, Health Premium plans are included. Google’s AI Health Coach is also available for iOS Fitbit users.
3. There are three different types of bands to choose from
It might not be immediately obvious, but the Google Fitbit Air not only comes in different colorways, there are also three band versions, aside from the limited edition variants. These are sold as accessories that you can easily swap.
There’s a Performance Loop Band, the original wristband that comes with the Fitbit Air, also sold for $35 separately, made from recycled materials and sporting a flexible, breathable fit. The Active Band for $35 is silicone-based, with sweat- and moisture-resistant properties intended for rugged, high-intensity training. Finally, the Elevated Modern Band for $50 embraces modern style and fashion to deliver a blend of form and function.
It’s not hard to imagine Google or third parties offering other band options for the Fitbit Air, expanding the level of customization available to everyone. There are a ton of unique bands available for other Fitbit devices on Amazon, like the Charge or Inspire series. The same thing will probably happen with Air.
4. Google’s AI health coach hallucinates in the first previews
There have been several reports of Google’s AI health coach hallucinating, inventing workouts that don’t really exist and possibly providing advice that isn’t very helpful. As reported by 9to5Google, the virtual coach is primarily available through an in-app chatbot that tends to give bad advice or reference misinformation, such as a multi-mile run that didn’t happen.
This suggests that the new service may not be ready for prime time and that you may want to pause the premium subscription if you plan to get a Fitbit Air sooner. Although it’s a different platform, Google’s Gemini AI previews have also suffered from stupid hallucinations that have gone viral, and this has been known to happen with LLM or large language model tools.
The problem here is that it’s all about health advice and information. Don’t let this hold you back completely if you’ve made up your mind, just be wary of the fact that it has happened and it’s something you might encounter yourself.