The Fitbit Air takes a smarter approach to the AI health dumpster fire

Google Health Coach seems to think I’m on the verge of physical collapse. My sleep is not where it needs to be, hence my unimpressive readiness score. My heart rate variability, a measure of how recovered I am, is below baseline. I’m spending too much time in a hot, humid environment, it says, reminding me temperatures are creeping above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Google’s AI coach, I should skip my planned strength workouts. My number one job is to hydrate, stay out of the heat, and try to squeeze in some steps. Also — are my calves feeling any strain? How am I feeling about this assessment? Mixed, honestly. As it turns out, that’s an accurate summation of how I’ve felt the past month testing the $99 Fitbit Air. If we were only talking about the hardware, I’d have a single complaint — my “lavender” device is actually periwinkle. (I have an unhinged Vergecast clip that proves I’m right, too.) But this isn’t a hardware story. It’s a story about software and how AI is taking over consumer healthcare. $100 The Good Great battery life Extremely lightweight and comfy If you hate AI coaches, regular tracking data is no longer paywalled The AI coach, used properly, can be useful Affordable at The Bad Google Health app has kinks to work out AI health coaches require a ton of handholding to get the best results The “lavender” color is periwinkle As a basic tracker, the Air is exactly what Fitbit has historically done best. I rarely feel it on my wrist. …