Key points
- Google announced a new Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air priced at $69.99, available in Polished Silver and Champagne Gold.
- Health Guardian features now provide monthly reports on blood pressure and insulin resistance trends for Google Health Premium users.
- Automatic activity tracking has been expanded to detect more than 100 activities, up from 10, using contextual reasoning for better accuracy.
Google has introduced a new Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air, adding another band option that isn’t fabric or polyurethane. According to Android Authority, the new band offers a more formal aesthetic for the wearable. The company also announced significant software updates to the device’s health monitoring and activity tracking capabilities. These changes aim to enhance the device’s utility for daily health management and fitness logging.
How it unfolded
- Google released the Metal Mesh band in Polished Silver and Champagne Gold to match existing jewelry and elevate the device’s appearance.
- The company announced that Health Guardian features would now generate monthly reports for Google Health Premium users who track blood pressure and insulin resistance.
- Google updated the automatic activity tracking system to use contextual reasoning, expanding detected activities from 10 to over 100 and improving detection accuracy.
Who is affected
The Metal Mesh band is priced at $69.99 individually. According to 9to5Google, customers can also purchase a bundle containing the Fitbit Air with the Metal Mesh band and a Performance Loop band for $149.99. This bundle is available only in gold and costs $20 more than previous special editions like the Steph Curry or Pokémon Sleep bands. However, it includes two bands instead of one.
For users subscribed to Google Health Premium, the new Health Guardian features provide monthly reports based on blood pressure and insulin resistance trends. These reports are designed to guide lifestyle adjustments. The feature may also enhance the usability of the AI Health Coach for average Fitbit users. This update adds a layer of longitudinal health analysis that was not previously available in this format.
The automatic activity tracking overhaul affects all Fitbit Air users. Google claims the improvements result in more intelligent and reliable tracking. The system now detects more than 100 activities, including strength training, swimming, and racket sports. By factoring in workout routines, historical data, and location, the system aims to cut missed workouts by more than half. Workouts lasting at least 15 minutes with sustained elevated heart rates are logged automatically within 30 minutes.
What happens next
The Metal Mesh band addresses the limited band selection previously available for the Fitbit Air. While the Elevated Modern and Performance Loop bands were functional, the new metal option adds variety for users who prefer a more formal look. The bundle option provides immediate access to multiple styles for new buyers.
The expansion of tracked activities and the introduction of monthly health reports deepen the integration between the hardware and the Google Health ecosystem. For Premium subscribers, the monthly reports offer a structured way to review health trends. For general users, the improved activity detection reduces the need for manual logging. These updates position the Fitbit Air as a more comprehensive health tool.
What to do and how to stay safe: Fitbit Air
- Check your Fitbit app settings to ensure automatic activity tracking is enabled and review the new activity list for supported exercises.
- If you are a Google Health Premium subscriber, verify that blood pressure and insulin resistance trends are set up to receive monthly Health Guardian reports.
- Review the pricing and availability of the Metal Mesh band if you wish to upgrade your Fitbit Air’s aesthetic or purchase the two-band bundle.
- Monitor your device’s accuracy after the software update by comparing automatic logs with manual entries for the first few workouts.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security for Small Business: Control Without Cost
General security guidance from the Circuit Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the new Fitbit Air Metal Mesh band cost?
The Metal Mesh band is priced at $69.99 individually, or $149.99 as part of a bundle that includes the Fitbit Air and a Performance Loop band.
What new health features are available for Google Health Premium users?
Premium users can receive monthly reports analyzing blood pressure and insulin resistance trends to guide lifestyle adjustments through Health Guardian features.
How many activities can the Fitbit Air now track automatically?
The Fitbit Air can now detect more than 100 activities, an increase from the previous limit of 10, including strength training and swimming.
