Fitbit Air gets a luxury makeover
Google has taken its screenless fitness tracker, the Fitbit Air, and added a suite of new features that make the device feel more like a premium accessory than a basic step counter. The update arrives just weeks after the company introduced the all‑new Fitbit Edge, signalling that Google wants the Air to stay relevant in a market dominated by the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 smartwatch line.
Health Guardian brings monthly insights
The headline feature of the rollout is Health Guardian, a collection of analytics tools that surface long‑term trends in activity, sleep and heart health. Subscribers to Google Health Premium receive a personalized report at the beginning of each month, outlining lifestyle tweaks that could help them meet their fitness goals. The concept mirrors the Health Report found on the Whoop Strap, narrowing the gap between the Fitbit Air and its high‑end rivals.
Automatic workout detection expands
Previously the Air could recognise only ten workout types without user input. The new software bumps that number to one hundred distinct exercises, from yoga flows to high‑intensity interval sessions. Google says the contextual reasoning built into the Google Health app makes detection twice as accurate as before, learning which activities appear most often in a user’s routine.
Broader third‑party integration
The update also opens the Air to more third‑party services. Users can link Flo Health for menstrual cycle tracking, connect MyFitnessPal to log meals and nutrition, and in the United States pair the device with Abbott’s Lingo platform for continuous blood‑glucose monitoring. These integrations bring the Air closer to the ecosystem depth offered by the Fitbit Charge 6 and the Apple Watch Series 10.
New metal mesh band adds style
Alongside the software changes, Google has released a sleek metal mesh band for the Fitbit Air. The accessory gives the tracker a more fashion‑forward look, positioning it as a hybrid between a health gadget and a statement piece. The design echoes the premium feel of the Samsung Galaxy S25’s interchangeable straps while keeping the Air’s lightweight profile.
Classic Fitbit app retired
In a move that may disappoint longtime fans, Google has discontinued the classic Fitbit app. Anyone attempting to open the app is redirected to download the newer Google Health app. While the transition streamlines the user experience, it also marks the end of an era for the software that helped establish Fitbit as a leading brand in the fitness tracker space.
What this means for Fitbit users
Overall, the Fitbit Air’s upgrade transforms it from a simple step counter into a more comprehensive health companion. With Health Guardian, expanded workout detection, and richer third‑party connections, the Air can now sit alongside the Apple Watch Series 10 and Samsung Galaxy S25 as a viable alternative for users who prefer a minimalist, screenless design. However, the loss of the original Fitbit app and the feature gaps in the new Fitbit Edge may give some consumers pause.