Google has officially launched the Fitbit Air, a screenless wearable that takes direct aim at devices like the Whoop band. First teased in March, the Fitbit Air is now available for pre-order at $100 and represents a significant shift in Google's wearable strategy. The device is designed to be worn anywhere on the body—on a wristband, chest strap, or even as a pendant—depending on the accessory. At its core, it's a Fitbit tracker freed from the constraints of a screen, allowing for a smaller, lighter form factor.

The Fitbit Air is remarkably compact. According to Rishi Chandra, General Manager for Google Health, the device is 25 percent smaller than the Fitbit Luxe and 50 percent smaller than the Inspire 3. Its weight is just 12 grams with a band and 5.2 grams without, making it one of the lightest fitness trackers on the market. Google claims that in an independent consumer perception study conducted last year, the Fitbit Air was rated more comfortable than leading competitors in the US. The company emphasizes a "secure, micro-adjustable fit" that allows users to forget they're even wearing it, whether at work, at the gym, or in bed.

The absence of a screen means the Fitbit Air is a passive wearable that continuously collects data without user interaction. It monitors heart rate around the clock and uses Google's established algorithms to track sleep, providing details on sleep stages and a Sleep Score each night. The device can also detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) through irregular heart rhythm notifications and provides insights into heart rate variability (HRV). These features are not new to the fitness tracking world, but Google has refined them. The company states that the Fitbit Air is powered by "advanced new machine learning models that are 15% more accurate than our previous models" and that the Sleep Score has been improved to "better reflect recovery."

For activity tracking, the Fitbit Air automatically detects common exercises such as biking, running, walking, rowing, elliptical, and other high-heart-rate sports. Users can manually start sessions for around 40 activity types via the companion app, including aerobics, circuit training, canoeing, dancing, kickboxing, walking, and yoga. Additionally, over 140 activity types can be added to the app post-workout, ranging from archery and assault biking to household chores. The device also provides metrics like steps, distance, and weekly cardio load and readiness. A vibration motor enables silent alarms and Google's Smart Wake feature, which wakes users at the optimal point in their sleep cycle.

Perhaps the most defining feature of the Fitbit Air is the integration of Google's AI capabilities. The letters "A" and "I" in its name are a clear nod to the artificial intelligence that powers the device. Central to this is the Google Health Coach, which has been in public preview since October 2025. This Gemini-powered interface allows users to have natural language conversations with the Google Health app, receiving personalized suggestions based on their health data. The Health Coach can create dynamic, tailored fitness plans that adapt to the user's performance data and changing schedule. According to Google, the coach can work with a wide range of data including Cycle Health and "vital medical information," and the company assures that "your data is private and secure."

To cater to different use cases, Google offers three initial band options for the Fitbit Air. The Performance Loop Band is micro-adjustable for a precise fit. The Active silicone band is sweatproof and wetproof, making it suitable for intense workouts—the device itself is water resistant to 50 meters, though not officially waterproof. The Elevated Modern Band transforms the Air into a fashionable bracelet. While no chest strap, necklace, or anklet is available at launch, Chandra told Engadget that more bands are forthcoming. "Right now, it's just wristbands," he said. "We're looking into how to accessorize it more."

Battery life is rated at up to a week on a full charge, with fast charging capabilities: five minutes of charging provides up to one day of power, and a complete charge takes about 90 minutes. Like the Pixel Watch 4, the Fitbit Air uses a magnetic, bi-directional charger that eliminates the need to worry about orientation.

Google has also collaborated with basketball star Stephen Curry, who serves as the company's "Performance Advisor," to create a special edition of the Fitbit Air. This version features a "raised interior print for increased airflow and signature Stephen Curry design details," along with an additional water-resistant coating. The special edition is priced at $130. Every purchase of a Fitbit Air—including the special edition—comes with three months of Google Health Premium. The devices are set to ship on May 26, 2026.

Source: Engadget News