Google Launches $99 Fitbit Air with Gemini AI Health Coach
May 9, 2026 – 10:43 am
TL;DR:
Google launched the $99 screenless Fitbit Air and a $9.99/month Gemini-powered AI health coach. One day later, Whoop responded by adding on-demand video consultations with licensed clinicians to its app.
The Story:
Google is betting on artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret wearables data, while Whoop emphasizes the value of human clinical expertise. This debate comes as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relaxes regulations on AI health tools and consumer wearables.
Fitbit Air:
- Price: $99
- Features: Tracks heart rate, HRV, SpO2, sleep stages, and activity continuously; 7-day battery life.
- Access: Data accessed through the new Google Health app (replacing Fitbit app on May 19).
- Subscription: Google Health Premium ($9.99/month or $99/year) includes AI health coach and other features.
Google’s Strategy:
- Focus on selling the AI layer above wearable data, not hardware itself.
- Wearable-agnostic approach; planned support for Apple Watch, Oura, and Garmin later this year.
- Aim is to become the intelligence bridging wearables and health decisions, independent of device.
Whoop’s Response:
Whoop announced on May 8 (one day after Google) that it will offer video consultations with licensed clinicians through its app in the US this summer. This leverages continuous biometric data from the Whoop band and integrated HealthEx electronic health records.
The Debate:
The difference between Google’s AI approach and Whoop’s human-focused model highlights a crucial question: what role should AI play in interpreting wearables data, and how much do we still need doctors?