Google Fitbit Air Rivals Whoop Without Screen
▼ Summary
– Google is preparing to launch a new screen-less Fitbit band, which will be marketed as the “Fitbit Air.”
– The device’s “Air” name likely refers to its thinner design, intended for all-day wear.
– The accompanying “Fitbit Premium” subscription service will be rebranded as “Google Health.”
– The AI-powered personal health coach feature will be renamed the “Google Health Coach.”
– This rebranding shifts the software’s identity from Fitbit to the core Google brand, as indicated by teasers using Google’s ‘G’ logo.
In late March, Google began hinting at a new screenless fitness tracker. Sources now indicate this device will launch as the Fitbit Air, a name previously used for the company’s budget-friendly smart scale. The choice of “Air” likely points to a lightweight, minimalist design intended for comfortable, all-day wear. Notably, the product has already been spotted on the wrist of NBA star Stephen Curry.
This launch represents a significant branding shift. While the hardware will carry the Fitbit name, the accompanying software and subscription service are undergoing a major change. The Fitbit Premium service, which provides advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, is being rebranded to Google Health. The AI-powered “personal health coach” currently in testing will similarly become the Google Health Coach.
This strategic move aligns Google’s health and wellness offerings directly under its primary brand, moving beyond the Fitbit label. It clarifies why Curry’s recent teaser for the device featured only Google’s gradient ‘G’ logo with no Fitbit branding in sight. The broader organizational umbrella for these efforts is now termed “Google for Health.”
Positioned as a direct competitor to screen-free wearables like Whoop, the Fitbit Air focuses purely on continuous health monitoring without the distraction of a display. An official announcement for the device is anticipated within the next few weeks.
(Source: 9to5google.com)
