What you need to know
- Users on Reddit say they’ve gotten their Google Fitbit Air a bit early, and are already encountering problems.
- Reports say that the Fitbit Air is stuck on its updating cycle and will not pair, but that’s due to their phones missing the Google Health app rebrand update.
- Google has acknowledged this, and said that it’s working on “accelerating” the rollout for users with the wearable early.
A troublesome issue is ruining the Fitbit Air’s recent launch, as users report problems right out of the box.
A redditor on the Fitbit subreddit posted happily about receiving their Fitbit Air pre-order this weekend; however, it was quickly (via Android Authority). Here’s the thing: the reports about the Fitbit Air’s issues weren’t highlighted by the OP (original poster), but rather those responding. It seems that some users are receiving their Fitbit Airs earlier than anticipated by Google, and their device isn’t pairing with their Android phone.
There have been a few reports, such as one that says, “I got mine but the watch is stuck in updating mode,” mentioning problems. Another user responded, stating they’ve received their Fitbit Air, but it “won’t update because the new app wasn’t pushed to me.” This has soured an otherwise exciting launch for people looking forward to Google’s take on the screen-less fitness band (like Whoop).
Another report says, “Got mine today as well, but I’m stuck on ‘app update required’ and can’t actually pair it.” This comment got a response from a Google/Fitbit representative named Andy. Their response reads, “…looks like your order arrived early! Sorry for the experience, as others have said here, confirming you do need the updated app.”
They add, “We are doing our best today to accelerate the rollout of the updated app on Android via Play to accommodate early deliveries and it should be available shortly.” Andy states that users on iOS receiving their Fitbit Air early can download the updated Fitbit app via the App Store, which earned a few displeased responses from other users.
No good early problems
This is an unfortunate problem for the Fitbit Air, after it debuted as an interesting take on a Whoop-style band for Google. The device is very thin, and weighs roughly 12g (Google really wanted to hone in on the “air” idea). For $99, the Google Fitbit Air is a screen-less tracker that keeps tabs on your heart rate 24/7 with SpO2 blood-oxygen monitoring and more. It’s a pretty low-profile design, and the lighter weight helps keep things comfortable, so you’re not taking it off constantly.
Additional details came to light about the Google Fitbit Air shortly after its launch. Aside from its sensors to keep track of your biometrics, the wearable utilizes “LED light patterns and double-tap gestures to show battery status and dismiss alarms.” It’s a simpler take on what you’d get from a smartwatch or a regular fitness tracker. It’s also worth noting that, with the Fitbit Air’s launch, the company rebranded the Fitbit app to “Google Health.” This completes Fitbit’s merger with Google, facilitating a brand new health app with a “Google Health Premium” plan.
This is the app update that users are missing, which is why it’s causing some early headaches. Hopefully, this rollout truly quickens, and users can get going without delay this week.
Android Central’s Take
I saw a few users upset at how Google made the update available quickly on iOS, rather than Android. This happens quite often, I’ve noticed. Certain apps or features debut sooner on iOS than Android. It seems a little backwards, no? I’m sure this is what the people on Reddit are thinking. Google deals in Android, not iOS. It’s not Apple. I’d imagine Android would get first pick, but apparently not.
