Many Mashable staff members sport Apple Watches or Whoop fitness trackers on their wrists. While Fitbit popularized the concept of fitness trackers and step counting, recent years have seen it overshadowed by competitors with more features.
In a recent New York City marathon, one of our reporters ran with seven fitness trackers, and Fitbit’s performance was disappointing.
However, the upcoming Fitbit could change perceptions. The screen-free Google Fitbit Air will be released on May 19, priced at $99.99, a more attractive option compared to the Apple Watch’s price range of $249 to $799. The Fitbit Air also boasts distinct features that might appeal to Whoop enthusiasts.
Google Health Coach
Alongside the Fitbit Air on May 19, Google will introduce the new Google Health Coach, integrated into the Google Health Premium subscription ($9.99 monthly or $99 annually). This AI-powered personal trainer offers tailored workout and health advice based on data collected by the Fitbit Air, providing insights beyond mere step counting. The AI coach can adapt recommendations based on factors such as sleep cycles and local weather.
Lightweight Design
Google appears to prioritize weight over battery life with the Fitbit Air. Although the Whoop 5.0 and MG have longer battery durations, the Fitbit Air is significantly lighter and more compact. Weighing just 12 grams—less than half that of the Whoop 5.0 (26.5 grams)—its slim profile enhances its usability, especially for those who want to use it as a sleep tracker.
Voice and Text Interaction
Within the Google Health app, users can communicate with their AI coach via voice or text, facilitated by Google’s Gemini AI chatbot. This feature allows real-time interactions during workouts, providing athletes the ability to ask questions as they exercise.
Exclusive Perks
Google also offers various paid AI subscriptions, such as Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra, enabling users to access the latest Gemini features. With the introduction of Google Health Coach, existing subscribers will receive Google Health Premium at no additional cost.
Fitbit Air Features
Designed to stand out, the Fitbit Air allows users to take photos for nutritional analysis, uploading images of meals or gym notes directly to the Google Health Coach. This feature also requires a mobile device. Additionally, purchasing a Fitbit Air grants users a three-month free trial of Google Health Premium, longer than Whoop’s one-month offering.
With these advantages, the Google Fitbit Air is set to be a formidable competitor in the fitness tracker arena, appealing to those intrigued by screen-free technology. However, its heavy reliance on AI features may deter users who prefer a more straightforward fitness tracking experience.
The Google Fitbit Air is now available for pre-order at $99.99 on Amazon and the Google Store.
