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TL;DR
- dbrand has launched the Pulse Band, the first officially certified third-party band for the Google Fitbit Air.
- The $34.95 band is also the first third-party Fitbit Air accessory to be sold directly through the Google Store.
- It features medical-grade silicone, built-in airflow channels, and a moisture-wicking matte black finish.
The Google Fitbit Air‘s first officially certified third-party band is here, and it’s made by the popular accessory maker dbrand. Dubbed the Pulse Band, the new offering is the first third-party Fitbit Air band to be made available on the Google Store. The Pulse Band launches today, Wednesday, November 11, for $34.95.
The development comes roughly five months after the tech giant made 2D CAD drawings and official instructions, opening the door for accessory makers and enthusiasts to develop their own bands. The move hasn’t necessarily resulted in a lot of new options.
In fact, Google’s very own Metal Mesh Band, which was released last month, has been the only new certified addition to the Fitbit Air’s band lineup since then. That changes now with the Pulse Band.
Interestingly, Google itself approached the accessory maker about developing a band for the wearable. Reportedly, the Fitbit Air is selling much faster than Google had expected, and it wants third-party manufacturers, like dbrand, to help expand band options.
dbrand’s offering, for reference, isn’t just built using the 2D band blueprints Google released online. Instead, dbrand developed the band through the official Made for Google program, which means the Pulse Band is made with Google’s detailed CAD specifications and skin-safety requirements.
The band itself isn’t too radically different from what we’ve seen in the past. The Pulse Band boasts an all-black minimalist design, with raised rectangular sections across its body. dbrand says it’s made from medical-grade silicone and uses a moisture-wicking, matte black finish.
There are no parting lines or seams along the edge to trap dried sweat, while built-in airflow channels improve breathability.
dbrand seems to be going with a neutral look with the band. It looks like it will work just as well at the gym as it will with casual outdoor clothing.
The Pulse Band is limited to a single black color, albeit in two size options. There’s Small, which will fit wrists measuring 130–175mm, and Large, which will fit wrists measuring 165–210mm.
The new band is available worldwide starting today through dbrand’s website and the Google Store for $34.95.
