Mashable authors and editors frequently sport Apple Watches and Whoop fitness trackers. Although Fitbit was the pioneer in fitness trackers and step counting, competitors with enhanced features have eclipsed it in recent times.

When a journalist participated in the New York City marathon donning seven fitness trackers, Fitbit failed to make a notable impression.

Nonetheless, a new Fitbit could alter that perception. The screen-free Google Fitbit Air will debut on May 19 for $99.99, positioning it as an appealing alternative to the Apple Watch, which costs between $249 and $799. The Fitbit Air features distinct attributes that may attract Whoop fans.

We haven’t had the chance to evaluate the Google Fitbit Air yet, but here are the main features we are eager to see before its release on May 19.

Google Health Coach

The innovative Google Health Coach will be launched in conjunction with the Fitbit Air as part of the Google Health Premium subscription ($9.99 monthly or $99 annually).

Google Health Coach acts as an AI personal trainer, delivering customized workout and wellness suggestions. Utilizing information from the Fitbit Air, it provides insights that go beyond simple step counting. The AI coach is capable of factoring in sleep patterns, local climate conditions, and medical history while designing workout routines.

Even though we are not fond of products that demand a subscription for fundamental features, the data accessible to the AI coach might distinguish it from the competition. Users of the Pixel 4 smartwatch can also access this functionality.

A super lightweight design

The Fitbit Air emphasizes a lightweight design rather than battery longevity. While the Whoop 5.0 and MG models boast extended battery life, the Fitbit Air is more lightweight and compact.

Weighing merely 12 grams, it is less than half the weight of the Whoop 5.0, which comes in at 26.5 grams (the Whoop MG weighs 27.3 grams). The sensor area, described as a “pebble,” is sleeker and narrower compared to Whoop.

In comparison to smartwatches, it holds an advantage in size and weight, which is vital for users who aim to use it as a sleep tracker.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Air monitors heart rate, heart rhythm, SpO2 levels, sleep stages, and more. It is also equipped with an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

Gemini voice and text chat

Inside the Google Health app, users can interact with their AI coach through voice or text, powered by Google’s AI chatbot Gemini. This interaction necessitates a phone, but athletes can engage in real-time communication, posing inquiries and making requests while they work out.

Perks for Gemini power users

Google offers premium AI subscriptions for individuals wishing to access the latest Gemini features and models—Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra. With the introduction of Google Health Coach, subscribers of these plans will gain complimentary access to Google Health Premium.

Gemini enthusiasts can unlock additional functionalities on the Fitbit Air without any extra charges.

Fitbit Air can utilize Gemini to “see” your workout and meal plans

As the creator of Gemini, Google has a competitive edge over Apple, Whoop, Garmin, Nothing, and other brands.

Users are able to upload images to Google Health Coach for detailed analysis. A Google blog post indicates that users can “upload photos of gym whiteboards or take snapshots of meals for nutritional evaluation.” Health information documents in PDF format can also be submitted.

This feature requires a phone.

3-month free trial

Google is offering a more extended free trial compared to Whoop: three months of Google Health Premium access with a purchase of the Fitbit Air, while Whoop only provides a one-month trial.

For these reasons, we anticipate that the Google Fitbit Air will emerge as a formidable contender in the fitness tracker arena and may even persuade some to transition from smartwatches. There is a rising interest in screen-free technology, which is contributing to Whoop’s appeal.

However, Google is heavily investing in AI functionalities. For athletes who are not inclined to try an AI personal trainer or engage with Gemini as a workout companion, the Fitbit Air might be less enticing.

Google highlights its privacy features, but not everyone is willing to divulge comprehensive health information to large tech companies.

The Google Fitbit Air is now available for pre-order at $99.99 on Amazon and the Google Store.