Fitbit has officially expanded access to its AI health coach, powered by Google Gemini, to iOS users. Previously available only on Android, this feature is now rolling out to Fitbit Premium subscribers, allowing a broader audience to utilize the health insights and fitness recommendations it offers.
The AI health coach functions as a conversational chatbot, enabling users to inquire about their health statistics and receive personalized fitness plans. It tracks vital metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns, delivering insights at various times throughout the day, including post-workout and before bedtime. This round-the-clock availability positions the AI coach as a valuable wellness assistant for those seeking continuous support without incurring additional costs.
How to Access the AI Health Coach
To access the AI health coach, users must join the Fitbit Public Preview, which requires meeting specific criteria set forth by Google. This means that while the service is expanding, it is still considered a work in progress and may exhibit some bugs or incomplete features. The rollout reflects Fitbit’s ambition to enhance user engagement through AI, reinforcing its position in the competitive health tech landscape.
Fitbit’s move comes at a time when Apple is reportedly reconsidering its own health coaching plans. Earlier speculation suggested that Apple was developing a service known as Health+ with an integrated AI coach. However, a recent report from Bloomberg indicated that Apple has opted to incorporate such features directly into its existing Health app instead. This shift illustrates Fitbit’s proactive approach in rolling out its AI health coach as a standalone feature, showcasing confidence in its capabilities.
Implications for the Health Tech Landscape
The expansion of Fitbit’s AI health coach could signal a significant shift in how consumers engage with health technology. As more users gain access to this feature, it may place pressure on Apple and other competitors to accelerate their own developments in the realm of AI health assistance.
While Fitbit’s AI coach is still in the Public Preview stage, it serves as a potential benchmark for what Apple may aim to achieve in the future. As the health technology sector continues to evolve, the competition between Fitbit and Apple illustrates the increasing importance of AI in personal health management.
Fitbit’s initiative also highlights the growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence into everyday health monitoring, providing users with tools designed to enhance their overall wellbeing. As the feature becomes more widely available, it will be interesting to observe how users respond and how it shapes their health routines.
For those interested in the latest developments in health technology, platforms like TechRadar offer expert news and reviews, ensuring consumers stay informed about the latest innovations and offerings in this rapidly evolving field.
