Google Fitbit Air Gets Better Automatic Activity Tracking and New Premium Features

Google didn’t just open pre-orders for its new midrange Fitbit Edge with a screen today; it also announced some updates for its screenless Fitbit Air that launched earlier this year for $99. The entry-level fitness tracker is getting improved automatic workout detection, new Health Guardian features for Google Health Premium subscribers, and a new collection of Metal Mesh bands.

The Fitbit Air could already auto-detect workouts when its sensors detect physical activity, but Google improved its automatic activity tracking to make it “more intelligent, accurate, and reliable.” The Fitbit Air can now detect more than 100 activities, and it can get more precise by using workout routines, information from manual edits, as well as location (with users’ permission). Google said that this improved experience that learns about users’ habits over time is also coming to the Fitbit Edge and Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5 later this month.

To add more value to its Google Health Premium subscription beyond the existing AI coach, Google recently launched Health Guardian features to alert users about important changes in their health metrics. These health and safety tools include blood pressure trends and insulin resistance trends, and they’re rolling out to Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge users with a Google Health Premium subscription later this month.

Lastly, Google is introducing a collection of premium-looking Metal Mesh bands for the Fitbit Air. The Champagne Gold and Polished Silver are priced at $69.99, and there’s also a $149.99 Gold Metal Mesh band for the Obsidian Fitbit Air that’s exclusively available at Target and on the Google Store.