Google launches $100 screenless Fitbit Air wearable

On Thursday, Google unveiled the Fitbit Air, a screenless wearable device priced at $100. The tech giant designed the device to be simple, affordable, and comfortable, specifically targeting users who find traditional smartwatches too bulky, complicated, or expensive. According to Google, the tech giant, the device is “simple, affordable and comfortable enough to wear 24/7.” Google says the screenless design is built to allow users to live in the moment rather than constantly checking a display. The device experience is personalized to each individual and improves over time as it learns user habits. The Fitbit Air is available for preorder now and will go on sale May 26.

The new wearable is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessors. Its technical specifications include:

• Size and weight: The device is 25% smaller than the Fitbit Luxe and 50% smaller than the Inspire 3. It weighs 12 grams with the band and 5.2 grams without the band.
• Battery life: It offers up to a week of battery life, with fast charging that provides a full day of power in five minutes.
• Durability: The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters.

The launch of the hardware coincides with a broader restructuring of Google’s health software ecosystem. Google rebranded the Fitbit App as the Google Health app, which serves as the central platform for tracking health and fitness metrics. Alongside the app, Google introduced the Google Health Coach, a Gemini-powered fitness trainer, sleep coach, and health and wellness advisor. Available to Google Health Premium subscribers, this Gemini-powered assistant offers personalized fitness and sleep advice, such as creating custom workout routines based on user goals and analyzing sleep habits.

To offer a complementary experience, the Fitbit Air pairs with the Pixel Watch. This allows users to wear the larger Pixel Watch smartwatch during the day and switch to the lighter, screenless Fitbit Air at night or during workouts. For health monitoring, the device includes comprehensive tracking features, most notably heart rhythm monitoring with A-fib (atrial fibrillation) alerts. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a heart condition involving an irregular heart rhythm.

Why it matters

Google is diversifying its hardware strategy by targeting the minimalist wearable market with an affordable, screenless device, while simultaneously consolidating its health software ecosystem under the Google brand.