On May 7, Google announced a new addition to its wearable lineup: the screen-free “Google Fitbit Air.” Priced at 16,800 yen and set to launch on May 26, the compact fitness tracker is now available for pre-order through the Google Store.
Unlike most modern ウェアラブル (weararabu, wearable) devices, the Fitbit Air doesn’t have a display. Instead, it focuses entirely on lightweight comfort and continuous health tracking. Google says it’s the smallest model in the Fitbit series to date.
A Screen-Free Tracker Designed for Simplicity
The Google Fitbit Air is a wristband-style トラッカー (torakkā, tracker) made up of a band and a sensor unit called a “pebble.” Despite its minimalist design, it can record:
- Heart rate
- Blood oxygen wellness (SpO2)
- Resting heart rate
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
It also supports automatic activity detection and sleep tracking.
Battery life lasts up to one week, and a five-minute quick charge provides enough power for a full day. Google suggests users could wear a Pixel Watch during the day and switch to the lighter Fitbit Air at night for sleep tracking.
Importantly, the device supports Android だけでなく iOS も — not only Android but also iOS — making it accessible to a wide range of users.
A New Google Health App
Alongside the device, Google has redesigned its Fitbit app, renaming it the “Google Health app.”
The updated アプリ (apuri, app) centralizes data from wearables, Health Connect, and even Apple Health. Users can review data-driven インサイト (insaito, insights) generated from their measurements.
One unique feature: simply take a photo of a gym whiteboard workout plan or a cardio machine display, and the app can import the information into your activity log.
This reflects a growing trend in Japan and globally—using AI to simplify daily health management without manual data entry.
Gemini Becomes Your Personal AI Coach
The Google Health app now includes a personal AI advisor powered by Gemini: the “Google Health Coach.”
This AI coach uses personalized user data to provide 24-hour advice on fitness, sleep, and overall well-being. It’s included in the Google Health Premium plan, which costs 1,500 yen per month or 13,000 yen per year.
The プレミアム (puremiamu, premium) plan includes:
- Access to the AI health coach
- Three months free with purchase of Fitbit Air
- No additional cost for Google AI Pro or Ultra サブスクリプション (sabusukuripushon, subscription) users
AI-powered coaching is becoming increasingly common in Japan’s tech landscape, especially as companies integrate generative AI into everyday consumer products.
Bands and Color Variations
Google offers multiple band options:
- Performance Loop Band (included standard)
- Active Band (sweat- and water-resistant silicone for intense training)
- Premium Modern Band (a fashionable bracelet-style design)
There are several カラーバリエーション (karā bariēshon, color variations) available as well. Accessory bands are sold separately starting at 5,499 yen.
As a pre-order bonus, customers who reserve the device by May 25 receive 5,580 yen in Google Store points. Trade-in values for eligible devices have also increased—for example, trading in a Fitbit Charge 6 lowers the effective purchase price to 7,980 yen.
Cultural Context: Minimalism in Japanese Tech
Although Google is an American company, lightweight and minimalist wearables are especially popular in Japan. Many users prefer discreet health devices that don’t disrupt daily routines or sleep. A screen-free tracker aligns well with Japan’s design philosophy of simplicity and quiet functionality.
The emphasis on centralized data management also reflects Japan’s growing interest in health tracking as part of preventive care.
Learn Japanese from This Article
Key Vocabulary
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ウェアラブル | weararabu | wearable (device) |
| トラッカー | torakkā | tracker |
| アプリ | apuri | app |
| サブスクリプション | sabusukuripushon | subscription |
| プレミアム | puremiamu | premium |
| カラーバリエーション | karā bariēshon | color variations |
| インサイト | insaito | data-driven insight |
Notice how many of these are loanwords written in katakana. Modern Japanese tech vocabulary heavily uses English-derived terms.
Grammar Spotlight
1️⃣ 〜だけでなく〜も
Meaning: Not only ~ but also ~
Structure: Noun + だけでなく + Noun + も
Example from the article:
- AndroidだけでなくiOSも利用可能。 Android dake de naku iOS mo riyō kanō. It can be used not only with Android but also with iOS.
More examples:
日本語だけでなく英語も勉強しています。 Nihongo dake de naku eigo mo benkyō shite imasu. I study not only Japanese but also English.
運動だけでなく睡眠も大切です。 Undō dake de naku suimin mo taisetsu desu. Not only exercise but also sleep is important.
2️⃣ 〜に対応する
Meaning: To support / to be compatible with
Example:
iOSに対応しています。 iOS ni taiō shite imasu. It supports iOS.
自動検出に対応する。 Jidō kenshutsu ni taiō suru. It supports automatic detection.
This expression is extremely common in tech news and product descriptions.
Useful Expressions
予約受付を開始する Yoyaku uketsuke o kaishi suru To begin accepting pre-orders
発売する Hatsubai suru To release (a product)
最大1週間持続する Saidai isshūkan jizoku suru Lasts up to one week
These phrases appear frequently in Japanese business and technology reporting.
Continue Learning
To understand more about 時間 expressions used in product launches and announcements, explore our lesson:
Mastering these patterns will help you read Japanese news more smoothly.
Screen or no screen, Google’s Fitbit Air shows how AI and health tech are blending into everyday life — and reading real Japanese tech news like this helps you stay connected to both language and innovation.
これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.