Google is attempting to revive Fitbit’s mass-market appeal through a new low-cost wearable paired with an artificial intelligence-powered health coach.
The device, referred to during the discussion as the Fitbit Air, has attracted attention because it lacks a display, costs $99 and does not require a subscription.
Reviewers argued that those features address a gap left by the decline of simple fitness trackers as consumers migrated towards increasingly sophisticated smartwatches and premium health devices.
Unlike products such as Whoop or Oura, which emphasise detailed analytics and performance optimisation, the Fitbit device is aimed at users seeking a more straightforward understanding of their health. The wearable relies on haptic feedback and indicator lights rather than a screen, echoing the simplicity of Fitbit’s earliest products.
Reviewers said the more significant innovation lies in software rather than hardware. Google Health, the rebranded Fitbit platform, incorporates a Gemini-powered AI coach capable of analysing health metrics, discussing uploaded medical records and offering personalised guidance on issues ranging from hydration to sleep habits.
One reviewer described the assistant as unexpectedly direct, recounting an incident in which the system recommended immediate medical attention during a severe dehydration episode.
Others said the tool had improved significantly since earlier beta versions, particularly through new customisation features and the inclusion of source links that allow users to verify information independently.
The approach places Google between two competing philosophies in health technology. Some companies provide highly prescriptive coaching designed for dedicated athletes, while others offer health data but leave interpretation entirely to users.
Google appears to be seeking a middle ground by delivering recommendations without presenting itself as a substitute for medical professionals.
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Questions remain about privacy and data sharing. Participants noted that health privacy regulations have struggled to keep pace with wearable technology and AI services, although Fitbit data remains subject to restrictions introduced as part of Google's acquisition of the company.
Despite those concerns, reviewers concluded that combining passive health tracking with a proactive AI assistant could make wearable technology more useful for consumers who want practical guidance rather than an endless stream of metrics.