Fitbit Air Confirmed: Release Date, Price, Features

For some time, there have been rumors about Google’s plans to release a new Fitbit device, which was confirmed last year. Speculation surrounded what this new wearable might be, whether it would be a follow-up to an existing model like the Fitbit Charge 6 or something entirely new. Now, the Fitbit Air has been officially announced, providing clear answers to these questions.

Before delving deeper into the features of the Fitbit Air, it’s helpful to consider it as Google’s version of the Whoop Strap, a popular fitness tracker among top athletes. This device has become essential for professionals who maintain high levels of fitness in their careers.

While the Whoop Strap is favored by athletes, its relatively high cost of £169/$199 per year can be prohibitive for the average consumer. For those seeking a more affordable alternative, the Fitbit Air is an attractive option. Although rumors suggest Garmin is developing a similar product, Fitbit has already entered the market with the Air.

It’s important to note that the Fitbit Air might not be the only product introduced by Fitbit this year. There could be another, more traditional device aimed at long-time users of the brand. For the latest updates on fitness trackers, stay tuned to our news coverage. Meanwhile, read on to learn everything about the Fitbit Air.

Fitbit Air: What’s new?

No screen and an all-new design

The most striking feature of the Fitbit Air is its lack of a screen, which deviates from the design of recent Fitbit models. This design is reminiscent of older fitness trackers like the Fitbit Flex or Jawbone UP24. Unlike modern smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, you won’t be interacting directly with the Fitbit Air; instead, you’ll view your data through the associated smartphone app.

This approach aims to offer a distraction-free method of monitoring your health and fitness without adding another screen to your life. The absence of a display allows the device to be compact, fitting snugly into one of the eight available watch bands (or nine, if you include Steph Curry’s special edition orange band), minimizing its presence on your wrist.

The woven ‘Performance Loops’ are designed for comfort, as the Fitbit Air is intended for continuous wear to gather comprehensive health data. Unlike the Whoop Strap, which uses a clasp, the Fitbit Air employs a traditional buckle system for the active bands, and the performance loops use a velcro design similar to Apple’s sport loops.

A more holistic approach to health tracking

While the Fitbit Air can track workouts, it is geared towards in-depth analysis of rest and recovery. It not only monitors the types of workouts completed but also assesses their impact on energy levels, suggesting ways to recuperate energy before your next session. It also offers strategies to enhance sleep quality, which can improve performance in physical activities.

The Fitbit Air accomplishes this through continuous heart rate monitoring, capturing key metrics like heart rate variability (HRV), a core feature of the Whoop ecosystem. HRV provides insights into how well your body can adapt to various situations, indicating whether you’re ready for another workout or should prioritize rest or sleep.

Credit: Google

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The Fitbit Air enhances sleep tracking by providing users with more personalized data to understand their circadian rhythm. According to Google, this data is purportedly 15% more accurate than previous Fitbit models. This distinction highlights the difference between the Fitbit Air and a smartwatch like the Pixel Watch 4, which integrates Fitbit tracking.

In addition to these features, the Fitbit Air tracks daily step counts and can detect episodes of atrial fibrillation that may require medical attention. Google has also developed a system allowing Fitbit data to be easily shared with healthcare professionals, similar to Apple Health’s data export capabilities.

Gemini-infused fitness coaching and a whole new app

To maximize the benefits of the Fitbit Air, Google has introduced a new app called Google Health Coach, replacing the previous Fitbit app. While the old app included some AI elements, Google Health Coach is built entirely around Google’s Gemini technology.

With the Fitbit Air, Google Health Coach provides customized advice based on collected data, akin to having a personal trainer available anytime. It also identifies trends in your data, such as declining sleep quality or reduced step count, enabling you to make proactive changes.

Seven-day battery life and a proprietary charger

The compact Fitbit Air boasts up to seven days of battery life on a single charge, longer than the one-to-two-day battery life of smartwatches from Apple and Samsung. This extended battery life means you won’t have to charge it daily.

However, the Fitbit Air uses a proprietary charger, so existing Fitbit charging cables will not be compatible with this new device.

Credit: Google

When is the Fitbit Air release date?

The Fitbit Air can be pre-ordered beginning 7 May, with a general release scheduled for 26 May.

Google has indicated that while the standard performance loops and active bands will be available in all launch countries, the Steph Curry-themed special edition will have a limited release in select regions.

How much does the Fitbit Air cost?

The Fitbit Air is priced at £84.99/$99.99, with each additional band costing $34.99 (expected to be £34.99 in the UK).

To make the deal even more appealing, Google is offering three months of Google Health Premium (formerly Fitbit Premium) at no extra cost for those who pre-order the Fitbit Air before 26 May, saving approximately $30. Google Health Premium subscribers will have access to a broader range of coaching features, appealing to those who want extensive data analysis.

Credit: Google