Google rebrands Fitbit app as Google Health with new AI coach

Google is rebranding its Fitbit app as Google Health and launching an AI-powered health coach subscription service. The new Google Health app and the bundled coaching service will be globally available on May 19. This launch marks a central shift in Google’s fitness strategy, transitioning the existing Fitbit ecosystem into a broader health platform that integrates hardware and software.

The AI-powered health coach will be offered through the Google Health Premium subscription. The pricing structure for the subscription service includes:

• $9.99 per month
• $99 per year

Users who already subscribe to Google AI Pro and Ultra tiers will have access to Google Health Premium at no extra cost. The global launch on May 19 will also coincide with the release of the Fitbit Air, a new fitness band launching alongside the app. This pricing model allows Google to bundle its health services with its broader AI subscription ecosystem.

The health coach is powered by Gemini AI and provides personalized insights based on data provided by the user. During the onboarding process, users can share specific details to customize their experience, including health goals, daily routines, and any injuries the coach should be aware of. The coach then integrates information from multiple sources to deliver tailored guidance, incorporating features such as cycle tracking, mental well-being, and U.S. medical records if the user provides access. The coach will be accessible from the Today tab of the Google Health app, allowing users to view their personalized insights directly from the main interface.

Initially, the health coach will be available first for select Fitbit and Pixel Watch users. Google has indicated that support for other devices is coming soon, though anyone can download the Google Health app to begin. Users without these specific devices will be notified when the coach becomes available for their hardware.

This launch represents a strategic evolution of Google’s 2021 acquisition of Fitbit, integrating wearable data from the acquired company’s hardware with Gemini AI, Google’s AI model. By combining Fitbit’s hardware tracking with Google’s AI capabilities, the company aims to deliver a more integrated health experience for its users.

Why it matters

The rebranding of the Fitbit app to Google Health and the launch of an AI-powered health coach mark a central shift in Google’s fitness strategy, leveraging its 2021 acquisition of Fitbit and its Gemini AI technology.