Google Unveils Screenless Fitbit Air Wearable Powered by Gemini AI

Google has introduced the Fitbit Air, a screenless wearable strap designed specifically for fitness tracking. Weighing a mere 12 grams, the device is compatible with both wristbands and chest straps, offering a form factor that visually resembles the Whoop wearable while providing more strap colour options. The hardware is scheduled to land on shelves on May 26, though pre-orders are currently available.

Central to the device is the Google Health Coach, a Gemini-powered AI interface that generates personalised fitness plans based on user data. The Health Coach has been in public preview since last October, but the Fitbit Air marks its integration into dedicated hardware. The interface is designed to offer dynamic, tailored fitness plans that fit individual goals, with the expectation that specific details regarding the full functionality of these AI capabilities will be clarified closer to the launch date.

Pricing for the standard Fitbit Air is set at $100, while a Special Edition is available for $130. Each purchase includes three months of Google Health Premium. However, the long-term economics of the device rely on a subscription model; after the initial trial period, access to the most advanced, AI-infused features will require a $10 monthly subscription. This approach contrasts with one-time purchase models and may impact user retention depending on the perceived value of the continued software access.

The launch of the Fitbit Air is part of a broader wave of technology updates, including DJI's Osmo Mobile 8P gimbal, which features a detachable remote with a built-in screen and connects to Apple's DockKit. Meanwhile, reMarkable has launched the Paper Pure, a repairable writing slate without a backlight, and Snap has amicably ended its partnership with Perplexity regarding an AI search feature. Despite these surrounding developments, the Fitbit Air remains the primary focus of Google's recent hardware announcements.