Google has launched a new fitness tracker without a screen, Fitbit Air, how does it work?

 Google has launched a new fitness tracker without a screen, Fitbit Air, how does it work?

Google's new fitness device Fitbit Air has been released. Google has brought Fitbit, which has been missing in the crowd of smartwatches lately, in a new and original form.

The most important feature of this device is that it does not have any screen. With this minimalist design without a screen, Google has indicated that it will directly compete with Hoop, which has gained fame in the premium fitness tracker market.

Fitbit Air is a small pebble (like a small piece of stone) shaped sensor module, which can be fitted to various types of bands. Its thickness is only 8.3 mm and weighs only 5.2 grams without a band. It weighs only 12 grams with a band. So that the user does not even feel that it is wearing it in his hand.

The main purpose of not having a screen in it is to keep the user away from digital distractions (notifications and lights) and focus only on their health data. All information can be viewed through the new Google Health app on the smartphone.

Priced at $99.99 (around Rs. 15,000), Google has packed powerful sensors into this small device. It measures heart rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature changes, and stress 24/7.

Its most important USP is its atrial fibrillation (AFib) alert. This feature, which detects irregular heartbeats, is available for free on the Fitbit Air. While its competitor, Hoop, charges a hefty annual subscription fee of around $359.

In addition, Google has also brought Google Health Coach, powered by Gemanai AI, to it. It will analyze the user's sleeping habits, exercise, and health status and provide personalized advice. If the user takes a photo of the workout chart at the gym and uploads it to the app, the AI ​​can analyze it and even include it in the tracking.

Since it does not have a screen, its battery life is very effective. It lasts for 7 days on a single full charge. Google has also provided fast charging facility. The company claims that it can provide a full day's battery backup with just 5 minutes of charging. It takes 90 minutes to fully charge.

Google has presented the Fitbit Air not just as a tracker but as a lifestyle product. There are three types of bands available for it. One of them is the Performance Loop. This band made of recycled materials is available in the box. Another Active Band is a silicone band suitable for sports and exercise, while the third Modern Band gives the tracker the look of a modern bracelet.

As a special attraction, Google has also collaborated with famous basketball player Stephen Curry to bring the Stephen Curry Special Edition Band. The price of which is set at $ 129.99 (about Rs 19,500).

The competition between the already popular Hoop 5.0 and the Fitbit Air in the market is now expected to be interesting. The Hoop has a battery life of more than 14 days and can be charged without removing it from the hand. But to use the Hoop, you have to pay an expensive annual subscription.

On the other hand, the Fitbit Air has a low starting price and most of its important features are free. Google has also offered a 3-month Google Health Premium trial. After that, the coaching feature will cost $9.99 (about Rs. 1,500) per month.

The Fitbit Air will run on all phones running Android 11 and iOS 16.4 and above. It can also be paired with the Google Pixel Watch. Its pre-orders have already started and it will be available in the market from May 26.

Google, which has integrated the Fitbit app into Google Health, is trying to establish its dominance in health technology by integrating AI Coach. Google has tried to revive Fitbit by providing premium features like AI Coach and AFib for $99. Fitbit Air could prove to be a great option for users who want to get rid of smartwatch notifications but still want to keep detailed records of their health.