Google announces the $99 Fitbit Air fitness band and AI coaching update

In short: Google is launching a new $99 Fitbit Air fitness band, rebranding the Fitbit app, and moving its AI coach out of beta.

What happened

Google announced the Fitbit Air, its first new Fitbit fitness tracker in four years. The company says it is meant to be simpler than many smartwatches and fitness trackers, and easier for more people to wear.

The Fitbit Air is a screen-free wrist band with a fabric clasp. It focuses on “casual tracking,” which means it is designed to collect basic health and activity data without asking you to interact with a display all day.

Google says the sensor, the small part that does the measuring, can pop out of the band so you can move it between different straps. Think of it like moving a removable key fob between different keychains.

Google also said it is rebranding the Fitbit app and that its AI coach is leaving beta. Beta means a test version that is still being worked on. An AI coach is software that uses AI to give advice or suggestions based on your data, similar to a digital personal trainer.

The Fitbit Air can be preordered now and will be available starting May 26. Google set the price at $99.

Why it matters

For regular buyers, this is a sign Google is aiming at people who want basic health tracking without paying for, or learning, a full smartwatch. It could also make AI-based coaching more common inside fitness apps, which may change how people get exercise and sleep tips day to day.

Source: The Verge AI