6 Unique Google Fitbit Air Features Worth Switching For

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The upcoming Google Fitbit Air brings several standout features that could make both smartwatches and Whoop bands look outdated.

Apple Watches and Whoop trackers are common among Mashable’s staff, but Fitbit,once the pioneer of fitness tracking and step counting,has recently been overshadowed by more feature-packed competitors. When one of our reporters ran the New York City Marathon wearing seven different trackers, Fitbit failed to impress.

That could change with the new Fitbit Air. The screen-free device launches on May 19 at just $99.99, a compelling price next to Apple Watches ranging from $249 to $799. It also offers unique capabilities that might lure dedicated Whoop users.

We haven’t tested the Fitbit Air yet (Steph Curry isn’t on our team, sadly), but here are the features generating the most buzz.

Google Health Coach

Launching alongside the Fitbit Air on May 19, the Google Health Coach is an AI personal trainer integrated into the Google Health Premium subscription ($9.99 per month or $99 per year). It crafts personalized workout and health recommendations using data collected by the Fitbit Air,going far beyond step counting. The AI considers your sleep cycle, local weather, and even medical history when designing workouts.

While requiring a paid subscription for core features isn’t ideal, the depth of data available to the coach could set it apart. Pixel 4 smartwatch owners will also gain access.

Ultra-Lightweight Design

Google prioritized lightness over battery life with the Fitbit Air. At just 12 grams, it weighs less than half the Whoop 5.0 (26.5 grams) or Whoop MG (27.3 grams). The sensor area, called a “pebble,” is also slimmer and narrower than Whoop’s design.

Compared to smartwatches, the size and weight advantage is significant,especially for those who want a comfortable sleep tracker. Despite its small footprint, the Air measures heart rate, heart rhythm, SpO2, sleep stages, and includes both an accelerometer and gyroscope.

Gemini Voice and Text Chat

Inside the Google Health app, you can talk to your AI coach via voice or text, powered by Google’s Gemini chatbot. You’ll need your phone, but athletes can have real-time conversations during workouts, asking questions or making requests on the fly.

Perks for Gemini Power Users

Google offers paid AI subscriptions,Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra,for users wanting advanced Gemini models. With Google Health Coach’s debut, subscribers to either plan now get free access to Google Health Premium, unlocking extra Fitbit Air features at no added cost.

Gemini-Powered Visual Analysis

Google’s advantage in AI is clear: you can upload photos to Google Health Coach for analysis. A Google blog post notes users can “upload photos of gym whiteboards or snap photos of meals for nutritional analysis,” and even upload PDFs with health information. Again, your phone is required.

3-Month Free Trial

Google offers a longer trial than Whoop: buy a Fitbit Air and get three months of Google Health Premium for free, versus Whoop’s one-month trial.

For all these reasons, the Fitbit Air looks poised to be a serious contender in the fitness tracker market. It might even convince some smartwatch wearers to switch. Interest in screen-free tech is growing, fueling Whoop’s popularity.

But Google is betting heavily on AI features. Athletes uninterested in an AI trainer or Gemini workout buddy may find the Fitbit Air less appealing. And while Google touts privacy, not everyone is comfortable sharing such detailed health data with Big Tech.

The Google Fitbit Air is available for pre-order now at $99.99 on Amazon and the Google Store.