Pre-order Fitbit Air Metal Mesh Band as Health Guardian and Activity Detection Upgrade Premium Wearables

Google is rolling out new health monitoring tools and improved workout tracking to its Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge wearables later this month. These updates target users who hold a Google Health Premium subscription. The changes include the introduction of Health Guardian features, which monitor subtle shifts in blood pressure and insulin resistance trends over time.

In plain English

The new Health Guardian suite allows users to set up tracking for blood pressure and insulin resistance trends within the Google Health app. If users meet specific monthly wear requirements, they will receive a report at the start of each month. This report is designed to help individuals make early lifestyle adjustments based on the data collected by their wearable devices.

Google Health Premium subscribers can use the Health Coach feature to interpret these pattern shifts. The coach helps adapt fitness plans and provides personalized wellness guidance. Users can also share additional context from these reports with their doctors. This functionality is part of a broader effort to make the Google Health app and Health Coach more useful over time.

The background

Google has consistently added features to the Google Health app and Health Coach since their introduction. The company reports delivering more than 55 features and fixes based on user feedback. Recent additions include expanded focus metrics, improved coach memory, and deeper integration with Apple Health. Users can now log meals with a quick photo or chat with their coach for guidance.

The wearable lineup has also expanded. Google previously introduced the screenless Fitbit Air, including a Pokémon Sleep Special Edition, and the Pixel Watch 5. The Fitbit Edge is described as the next-generation tracker with advanced fitness guidance. Google is now pairing these devices with new accessories and deeper app partnerships to provide a more connected view of health.

What changes now

Automatic activity detection is becoming more intelligent and accurate across Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, and Pixel Watch models 3, 4, and 5. The number of detectable activities has expanded from 10 to more than 100. This includes strength training, swimming, and various racket and team sports. The system uses contextual reasoning to factor in workout routines, historical data, and location permission.

This contextual approach aims to deliver nearly twice the detection accuracy and cut missed workouts by more than half. Workouts that meet the minimum duration threshold of 15 minutes with a sustained elevated heart rate are logged automatically. A summary is sent to the mobile app typically within 30 minutes. Confirming or editing activities helps the system learn unique user patterns for better future predictions.

New premium accessories are also available. The Fitbit Air Metal Mesh band is crafted from flexible stainless steel. It is available in Champagne Gold or Polished Silver for $69.99. A bundle including the Champagne Gold band and an Obsidian Fitbit Air is priced at $149.99. This bundle is sold exclusively at Target and on the Google Store.

What to do and how to stay safe: Google

• Check if your Fitbit Air or Edge device is eligible for the Health Guardian features later this month.
• Review your Google Health Premium subscription status to access the new blood pressure and insulin resistance tracking tools.
• Update your wearable software to ensure compatibility with the expanded automatic activity detection for over 100 sports.
• Consider purchasing the new Metal Mesh bands if you want a premium accessory for your Fitbit Air tracker.

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Which devices get the new Health Guardian features?

Health Guardian features are rolling out to Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge users who have a Google Health Premium subscription.

How does the new activity detection work?

It uses contextual reasoning, including workout routines and historical data, to automatically log workouts lasting at least 15 minutes with elevated heart rate.

Are the new Metal Mesh bands available everywhere?

The individual bands are available for pre-order, while the bundle with the Obsidian Fitbit Air is exclusive to Target and the Google Store.