Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports the Fitbit Air, Google’s new screenless fitness tracker priced at £84.99/$99.99, is experiencing pairing problems primarily affecting Android users.
- The issues stem from the Google Health app not being updated to version 5.0, though iOS users can already update via the App Store.
- Unlike the subscription-dependent Whoop Strap 5.0 requiring £160/$199 annually, the Fitbit Air offers optional Google Health Premium with AI coaching features.
Google’s new screenless fitness tracker, the Fitbit Air, launches today. It’s the first new Fitbit in years and a handful of users have managed to get theirs early only to be met with disappointment when trying to pair the device with their smartphone.
The issue, which was spotted by GSMArena, seems to largely affect Android users and comes as a result of certain devices not having been prepped with the version 5.0 update of the Google Health app. Users trying to connect the Air with their phone have been met with an “app update required” error message.
What’s interesting is that the problem, which has now spawned a wider discussion on Reddit, has led to an intervention from an official Google employee with the following statement:
“We are doing our best today to accelerate the rollout of the updated app on Android via Play to accommodate early deliveries and it should be available shortly. Anyone on iOS should be able to update via the App Store already.”
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Some users in the thread have mentioned being able to circumvent the error by side-loading the Google Health app, but the hope is that a permanent fix is in place by the time the Fitbit Air starts to arrive en masse to those who pre-ordered the device.
Capitalising on the opportunity to speak to someone at Google, another user asked about whether or not Google Health could send its collected data to the Apple Health and Apple Fitness apps, at which point the same representative confirmed that the feature would be coming soon.
A new age for fitness tracking
Connection issues aside, the Fitbit Air has also drummed up a ton of conversation about whether or not the device can supplant the more established Whoop Strap 5.0, which also uses a screenless design and focuses on health and fitness tracking.
Priced at £84.99/$99.99, the Fitbit Air is poised to massively undercut the Whoop Strap on price, which requires a minimal annual subscription costing at least £160/$199 in order for the device to work at all.
There is a subscription element to the Fitbit Air with the Google Health Premium service, but it’s not required to access the core tracking features onboard. The allure of this paid-for tier is access to Health Coach, Google’s AI-powered personal trainer which can be called upon to help you structure your workout routine, catalogue your calorie intake and more.
