When we first launched Fitabase, the device du jour was the Fitbit Flex, a band that used LED lights to indicate how close a wearer was to their goals for the day. Well, Fitbit is returning to its screenless roots, and we're going along for the ride.
Fitbit launched the Fitbit Air earlier this spring, and its screen-free design makes it excellent for study teams that want to blind participants to their data or encourage wear of the study-supplied wearable alongside an existing device like an Apple Watch or a participant's existing Fitbit device.
Datasets on the Air look a lot like those on existing Fitbit devices: heart rate, steps, calories, HRV, SpO2, as well as sleep tracking. The price is also right for research studies. Coming in at $99 (before any bulk order research discounts), the device is one of the most affordable in the Fitbit/Google lineup.
Some questions you might have about the Fitbit Air:
What is the battery life on the Fitbit Air?
The battery life of the Fitbit Air can be up to a week, but a big selling point is the quick charge feature. Google says that just five minutes on the charger gets you a full day of battery life. This is great for minimizing the amount of time the device is off a participant's wrist.
How can I combine EMA with the Fitbit Air?
Fitabase can combine data pulled from the Fitbit Air with rules you set in Fitabase Engage to send surveys to participants' phones. You can customize data triggers, timing, question and answer text, as well as push notifications that show up at the best time for participants to give their answers.
Can participants wear the Fitbit Air and another device simultaneously?
Participants can wear their existing smartwatches from another device family (Apple, Garmin, etc.) alongside the Fitbit Air without an issue. A second Fitbit device paired to the participant's Google Health account would interfere with data collection, so this isn't advised. If the participant has a Google Pixel Watch, the Air actually pairs with it, and Google Health can detect which device is on-wrist for more seamless data collection across devices.
How does the data gathered by the Fitbit Air compare to existing Fitbit models?
Data pulled from the Fitbit Air largely mirrors what we pull from existing Fitbit devices. Participant data from the Fitbit Air will show up the same way it does in Fitabase currently; you'll be able to see battery life and sync cadence at a glance, and view or download more granular data for each participant just as you do now.
If you're interested in learning more about the Fitbit Air or research price bulk order discounts, please reach out to us at hello@fitabase.com.