GoKawiilThe Fitbit Air is one of the most interesting new wearables we’ve seen from Google/Fitbit in a while. The screen-less design is gunning right for WHOOP, the Pixel Watch tie-in is intriguing, and the $100 price tag is fantastic. For Fitbit enthusiasts, the Air looks pretty compelling right out of the gate.
However, with Google positioning the Fitbit Air as a lighter, smaller fitness tracker to be used either on its own or as a Pixel Watch companion, a big question is likely on many people’s minds: Why not make a smart ring instead?
The Oura Ring is extremely popular. Samsung has its own smart ring with the Galaxy Ring. Why not make the Fitbit Air a smart ring, too? It seems like the path Google should have taken, but as someone who’s worn a smart ring over the last few months, I think Google made the right call.
Do you want Google/Fitbit to make a smart ring? 7 votes Yes, I would love that! 29 % No, the Fitbit Air design is perfect. 57 % No, I don't care for any screen-less fitness tracker. 14 %
The (many) issues with wearing smart rings
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Back in November, I took advantage of a ridiculously good Black Friday deal and bought a brand new Oura Ring 4 for just $49. With a price that good, I couldn’t turn it down.
I wore the Oura Ring pretty consistently for a while, and there’s a lot I like about it. The Oura app breaks down health data in an easily digestible way and really helps me better understand my sleep and daily readiness than most other trackers. I also love how many health sensors Oura crammed into such a small form factor, and going about a week without needing to charge is fantastic.
But when it comes to the nature of the Oura Ring 4’s design, I quickly realized that a smart ring — as small and convenient as it may be — also comes with a heap of idiosyncrasies that you just don’t have to worry about with a wrist-based tracker.
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