Google is giving its screen-free Fitbit Air a major upgrade, with a new software update that allows the fitness tracker to automatically recognise 100 different workouts, up from just 10 previously.
The update arrives alongside the launch of the new Fitbit Edge and brings improved activity detection to the Fitbit Air, making it easier to track exercise without having to manually start a workout in the Google Health app.
Previously, automatic tracking was limited to a handful of activities, including walking, running and cycling. With the latest update, Fitbit Air can now recognise a much wider range of exercises, including tennis, strength training, swimming and various team sports.
Google is also making workout detection more reliable by using additional information such as location, previous activity patterns and workout history. The company claims this approach could cut the number of missed workouts in half, particularly for users who regularly switch between different activities.
By default, the tracker will only record a workout once it lasts at least 15 minutes, although users can adjust this threshold in the Google Health app. The system can also learn from manually corrected workout records, helping it identify similar activities more accurately in the future.
The improvements aren’t exclusive to Fitbit Air either. Google says the upgraded workout detection will also be available on the Pixel Watch and the newly announced Fitbit Edge.
Alongside the software changes, Google has introduced a new Metal Mesh band for Fitbit Air, available in Gold and Silver finishes. Each band costs $69.99, giving users a more premium-looking alternative to the tracker’s existing straps.
Google is also planning further improvements to its health ecosystem. Starting next year, users are expected to be able to sync data between Google Health and Flo Health, while the company is expanding its MyFitnessPal integration for nutrition tracking.
The new Metal Mesh band is available now, while the improved workout detection is being delivered through a firmware update. For Fitbit Air owners, it’s a useful upgrade that makes the screen-free tracker more capable without requiring any new hardware.
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