Google joins the screenless fitness tracker arena with the Fitbit Air

Google has joined the growing number of competitors for the screenless Whoop band with the Fitbit Air. Like the Whoop band, this is a fitness tracker without a screen, but unlike the Whoop band, you can use it without a subscription.

That said, Google does have a subscription on offer too: this is called Google Health Premium (previously known as Fitbit Premium) and it's $9.99 per month or $99 per year. Interestingly, Google Health Premium is included for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers.

The Fitbit Air tracks your heart rate 24/7, monitors your heart rhythm with Afib alerts, supports SpO2, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep stages and duration, "and more". It automatically detects and tracks common activities, and this automatic detection apparently gets better over time and is personalized.

Google advertises up to a week of battery life, and the Air has fast charging so you can get "a full day of power" in just five minutes on the charger. The Air works with the new Google Health app, which will replace the Fitbit app and, eventually, the Google Fit app too.

You can swap bands in seconds, and the Performance Loop is made from recycled materials with micro-adjustability for a flexible, breathable fit. There's also a silicone Active Band which is sweat-proof and has a ribbed design that "adds sporty flair", Google says, and an "Elevated Modern Band" which "transforms your device from a fitness tracker into a fashionable bracelet".

The Fitbit Air is compatible with Android and iOS and is available to pre-order today for $99.99. Any purchase includes a three month trial of Google Health Premium. There's also a Google Fitbit Air Special Edition made in collaboration with NBA superstar Stephen Curry, which will set you back $129.99 when it goes on sale on May 26. Replacement bands are available starting at $34.99.

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