Google has been hinting at a screen-free fitness tracker since late March, and now the name has been revealed. According to 9to5Google, the forthcoming gadget will be branded as the ‘Google Fitbit Air.’ NBA star Stephen Curry has already been photographed sporting it since the beginning of 2026, offering the first genuine glimpse of Google’s competitor to Whoop.
Understanding the Fitbit Air and Its Strategy to Compete with Whoop
The Fitbit Air directly targets Whoop, the widely used screen-free fitness tracker preferred by athletes for its comprehensive health metrics including recovery, strain, and sleep analysis. The Fitbit Air seems to adopt a similar approach. The ‘Air’ designation suggests a slim, lightweight build designed for continuous wear without the heaviness of a conventional smartwatch.
Stephen Curry wearing Google’s Fitbit Air InstagramA Google I/O unveiling seems likely, especially considering Curry’s public hints about the gadget. Some core functionalities may be offered at no cost, while premium features such as the AI-driven Ask Coach tool will require a subscription.
The Fitbit Air would also mark the first significant non-Pixel wearable release under Google’s direct management following the Fitbit acquisition, placing considerable expectations on the device to succeed.
Exploring Google Health and Its Impact on the Fitbit Ecosystem
GoogleThe hardware is merely one aspect of the strategy. Google intends to rename Fitbit Premium, its current paid service, to Google Health. Furthermore, Google will embed Gemini directly into the Fitbit application to deliver tailored health recommendations. These AI capabilities are currently undergoing testing via the Fitbit Health Coach public preview.
Upon the Fitbit Air’s release, the Health feature will also be rebranded as the Google Health Coach. The teaser posted by Curry concluded with a Google ‘G’ logo devoid of any Fitbit branding, which now holds greater significance. Google appears to be wagering that its own brand name holds more influence in the health technology sector than Fitbit does currently.