Google brings Health Guardian to Fitbit Air and new Edge

Google is extending its Health Guardian feature from the Pixel Watch to the Fitbit Air and the new Fitbit Edge later this month, Engadget reports. The feature, which sits behind a Google Health Premium subscription, delivers a monthly summary of blood pressure and insulin resistance trends in the Health app, plus an in-app Health Coach that provides "lifestyle and wellness recommendations based on these readings, and insights to help you talk to your doctor about any concerns."

Google frames the readings as prevention, not diagnosis. "Health Guardian features give you this early indication that something needs attention, kind of like a check engine light for overall well-being," the company says. Health Guardian launched on the Pixel Watch over the summer; the Fitbit expansion is its first move onto the cheaper hardware line.

Separately, automatic activity tracking is getting an overhaul across Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge and Pixel Watches 3, 4 and 5. Recognized workouts expand from 10 to over 100, which Google says closes "the gap in detecting fast-moving activities like tennis, HIIT and other types of workouts." In Google's testing, the update "cut missed workouts by more than half."

A new Metal Mesh band in Champagne Gold or Polished Silver arrives October 27 at $70, with an Obsidian Fitbit Air bundle at $150 at Target and the Google Store. Pre-orders open next week. The Health app will also link to Abbott's Lingo continuous glucose monitor, coming soon in the US, joining existing hooks into Peloton and MyFitnessPal.