Google launches Fitbit Air in India, though its high price might deter the masses

On Wednesday, Google launched the screen-less Fitbit Air fitness tracker in India, pricing the device at ₹13,999, which is roughly $146 and compares to a $99 cost in the U.S. Originally unveiled in May, the tracker includes features such as 24/7 heart rate monitoring, A-fib alerts for heart rhythm, blood oxygen levels, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep stages and duration.

The screen-less design aims to target the growing demand for distraction-free health gadgets, competing in a market that includes Garmin, Luffu Link, and Indian startups like Noise and Urban. According to IDC, screen-less trackers are carving out a niche despite declining wristband shipments, though Counterpoint Research notes India accounts for only 5% of this market.

Available starting October 2 on the Google Store and through retail partners including Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales, purchases of the band include a free three-month Google Health premium membership.