Google unveils a screenless Fitbit Air device that looks like Whoop

Google on Thursday unveiled the new Fitbit Air, a wearable device without a screen that retails for $100. The device includes health and fitness tracking features such as 24/7 heart rate monitoring, heart rhythm monitoring with atrial fibrillation alerts, blood oxygen level, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep stages and duration, and more.

The tech giant said in a blog post that the device is aimed at people who find wearable devices too bulky, complex or expensive, noting that the Fitbit Air is “simple, affordable, and comfortable enough to wear 24/7.”

Google says the screenless design is designed to let users “live in the moment.” You can track your health and fitness with the Google Health app, the rebranded version of the Fitbit app, which Google also unveiled on Thursday.

The new wearable is noticeably smaller than its predecessors, and stays true to the “Air” branding, being 25% smaller than the Fitbit Luxe and 50% smaller than the Inspire 3.

The device will automatically track common activities and workouts; Google says the experience is personalized to you and gets better over time as it learns your habits.

The device weighs 12 grams with the bracelet and 5.2 grams without the bracelet. It also pairs with the Pixel Watch, meaning you can use the larger wearable all day and then switch to the Fitbit Air at night or during workouts for a more comfortable experience, Google says.

The Fitbit Air has up to a week of battery life, and a quick charge can provide a full day of power in just five minutes. It is also water resistant to a depth of 50 metres.

The tech giant also announced that Google Health Coach, the Gemini-powered all-in-one fitness coach, sleep coach, and health and wellness advisor, is now available to Google Health Premium subscribers. Google Health Coach can help with tasks like creating custom workout routines based on your goals and available equipment, analyzing your sleep habits, and more.

The new wearable is launching with three types of straps: a “Performance Loop Strap” made from recycled materials with a breathable fit, a water-resistant “Active Strap,” and a stealthy “Modern Elevated Strap.”

The Fitbit Air is available for pre-order now and will go on sale on May 26.