Key facts
- Google launched the screen-less Fitbit Air fitness tracker in India on Wednesday.
- The Fitbit Air is priced at ₹13,999 ($146) in India, compared to $99 in the U.S.
- Features include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, A-fib alerts, blood oxygen levels, and sleep stage tracking.
- The device aims to tap into the popularity of screen-less health gadgets.
- India accounts for 5% of the screenless wearable market, according to Counterpoint Research.
- The Fitbit Air is available for purchase from October 2.
Google launched its screen-less Fitbit Air fitness tracker in India on Wednesday, with a price tag of ₹13,999 (approximately $146). This positions the device as a premium offering, significantly higher than its $99 U.S. price.
The Fitbit Air, unveiled in May, includes health and fitness tracking capabilities such as continuous heart rate monitoring, heart rhythm monitoring with atrial fibrillation alerts, blood oxygen level measurement, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep stage analysis.
The screen-less design is intended to appeal to consumers seeking distraction-free health gadgets, a trend seen with devices like Whoop bands and Oura rings. This market segment also includes offerings from Garmin, Luffu Link (founded by Fitbit's original founders), and Indian startups like Noise and Urban, which often compete on price.
Research firm IDC has observed that while wristband shipments are declining, screen-less trackers are establishing a niche. However, Counterpoint Research indicates that India currently represents only 5% of the global screenless wearable market. A premium-priced wearable, even from a major brand like Google or Fitbit, may struggle to significantly impact overall market numbers in India.
The Fitbit Air is available for purchase through the Google Store and retail partners such as Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales, starting October 2. Customers purchasing the new band will also receive a complimentary three-month subscription to Google Health premium.