Fitbit Air Sales Sensation
The launch of Google’s Fitbit Air was quite the spectacle and seems to have translated into impressive sales, as the screenless fitness tracker is currently out of stock or experiencing delays at numerous retailers.
Pre-Order Frenzy
During the pre-order phase, it was the black Obsidian color variant (shown) that grabbed everyone’s attention and swiftly became backordered before its official release. Just one week after becoming available, the Fitbit Air is proving difficult to locate in any color – but don’t worry, we’re here to assist if you want to make an order.
Availability Updates
The official Google Store – seemingly the sole source for the Fog color – has all models shipping with a two-week wait. You can expect delivery around 16-17 June as of this writing.
The status at Amazon UK is similar for the Obsidian variant, with a longer wait for Lavender until 30 June. The Berry color can be delivered the next day with Prime, but it might appeal to a narrower audience.
Currys is facing the same scenario, with only the Berry variant available while Obsidian and Lavender are out of stock.
John Lewis has both Berry and Lavender available online, but has no stock for the subtle black band, while Very is sold out of all variants.
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Where to Take a Chance
Your best bet for grabbing a Fitbit Air might be at Argos, where you could potentially visit a nearby store and collect it the same day or shortly thereafter. Alternatively, you can arrange for next-day delivery for either the Berry or Lavender colors or four days for Obsidian.
If delivery is your only choice, Very offers all three colors with complimentary click and collect to locations like InPost lockers or £3.99 home delivery.
What’s the Hype Surrounding the Fitbit Air?
Keeping it Straightforward
Screenless trackers are not a new phenomenon, but the Fitbit Air is striking a chord for several reasons.
To begin with, it marks the first new release from Fitbit in a long while, and even though it’s now under Google, the brand still commands respect when it comes to fitness trackers for many.
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Cost-Effective and Targeted
Another factor contributing to its rapid sales is its price – at just £84.99, it’s a bargain in comparison to competitors like Whoop, which charges a premium through a subscription to simply start using it.
Moreover, more individuals are seeking technology that eliminates unnecessary features (and is less expensive than a fancy smart ring like the Oura Ring 5), making it an excellent option for many.
Gone are the times when a fitness tracker was merely a screen on your wrist urging you to reach 10,000 steps daily, irrespective of its actual benefits.
New App on the Scene
It’s worth mentioning that the price of the Fitbit Air isn’t the sole financial consideration. The new Google Health app, which has replaced the Fitbit app, also features a Premium subscription that takes over from the old Fitbit Premium.
While we have been impressed by the software experience thus far, you will need to pay a monthly or yearly fee to access certain functionalities like the AI-powered Google Health Coach. However, more casual users may manage with the features available without incurring this extra cost.
Related:
- Fitbit Air debuts with issues for early adopters
- Fitbit Air vs Whoop: A comparison of screenless fitness trackers
- Fitbit Air encounters a strap issue after launch
- Luna Band confirmed as a competitor to Fitbit Air
