Google Unveils Screenless Fitbit Air and Google Health App
Google debuts a screenless wearable, the Fitbit Air, and a new Google Health app, marking a return to the early days of fitness tracking.

The world of wearables has come full circle. The early Fitbits, which launched the market, didn't have screens, but the subsequent shift towards smartwatches put a display on almost every wrist. Now, devices like Whoop and Hume are prioritizing data tracking over traditional watch features.
Google's latest wearable, the Fitbit Air, follows this trend by ditching the screen in favor of a suite of health sensors that feed data into a new Google Health app. The Fitbit Air is a small, sleek device that resembles a plastic puck, measuring 1.4 inches long and 0.7 inches wide. It slides into various bands that hold the bottom-mounted sensors against the user's wrist, eliminating the need for a display.
This design allows for a streamlined and potentially stylish look, with Google offering a range of colors and style options, including a special-edition Steph Curry version. The NBA star was recently spotted teasing the new screenless Fitbit, and now it's official. The absence of a screen addresses some of the issues that have limited the adoption of smartwatches.
According to Google, the Fitbit Air lasts about a week on a single charge and continuously collects health data. It can even store a day's worth of data without being connected to a phone. This could make it a more practical option for those who want to track their health metrics without the hassle of frequent charging or discomfort.
The new Google Health app, which will work in tandem with the Fitbit Air, features an AI-powered health coach. This coach is designed to help users interpret their data and provide personalized insights. With the Fitbit Air and Google Health app, Google is poised to make a significant impact in the wearable market, potentially changing the way people approach health tracking.
The move towards screenless wearables is gaining momentum, with several companies now focusing on data tracking and health monitoring. Google's entry into this market with the Fitbit Air and Google Health app could signal a new era in wearable technology, one that prioritizes health and wellness over traditional smartwatch features.
Source: Ars Technica