I've tried the new Google Fitbit Air — and Whoop should be worried (www.techradar.com)

The release of the Google Fitbit Air and the revamped Google Health app marks a significant development in the fitness tracker market, positioning itself as a strong competitor against established brands like Whoop. At an accessible price of $99.99, the Fitbit Air provides essential fitness tracking features even in its free tier, but its standout element is the premium AI health coach. This AI coach offers personalized training plans that adapt through conversational interaction and incorporates contextual data such as weather to enhance workout metrics. The tracker’s lightweight design (just 12g) and user-friendly approach make it appealing for a wide audience, particularly beginner and intermediate athletes. Despite its strengths, the Fitbit Air's transition to an AI-first model has drawn criticism from existing Fitbit users, who express frustration over the loss of traditional features like badges and community support. The change away from a familiar interface towards an integrated AI experience has sparked conversations about user satisfaction. While the advanced metrics from competitors like Whoop may not be available, the combination of affordability and innovative AI-driven adaptations could capture a new segment of fitness enthusiasts, challenging Whoop’s subscription model and redefining user expectations in fitness tracking technology.