Google Unveils Fitbit Air, Shelves Smart Rings as 70% Still Lack Wearables

2 articles · Updated · The Verge · Aug 19

Google said it will focus near-term wearable efforts on the new minimalist Fitbit Air rather than develop a smart ring, arguing wrist-worn devices still offer more room to grow.
30% wearable penetration is central to that bet: Google says 70% of people still do not use wearables, making simplicity and broad appeal more important than adding another form factor.
Google also ruled out a Pixel Watch Ultra-style expansion for now and said it is avoiding microphones in devices like Fitbit Air because privacy concerns outweigh the technical ease of adding them.
Executives framed AI wearables as a yearslong project, saying current coaches, health alerts and personalized recommendations still face technical limits, regulatory hurdles and unresolved user-trust issues.