Fitbit Premium Launches AI Coach for Personalized Wellness Journey
Fitbit is set to enhance its Premium subscription service with a new AI-powered coach, which will be available for public preview starting on October 28, 2023. This redesign targets adult users on Android devices in the United States, allowing them to test the app’s personalized fitness and wellness features.
The revamped Fitbit Premium focuses on delivering a tailored experience for users by utilizing the AI technology known as Gemini. This coach offers recommendations on exercise, sleep, and overall wellness based on individual user inputs. During the initial survey, users are encouraged to provide detailed information about their routines, preferences, and health goals, which help the AI generate customized plans.
In a demonstration, the Fitbit team showcased how the app can cater to diverse lifestyles. For example, a user who enjoys skiing and trail running but has a busy work schedule can receive tailored workouts aimed at building strength and endurance for these activities. The AI coach not only creates exercise routines but also sends reminders for workout days, ensuring that users stay on track.
Moreover, the AI coach integrates various aspects of health. Users can inquire about sleep patterns or explore connections between heart rate variability and activity load. This holistic approach aims to offer insights into how different factors in a user’s lifestyle impact their overall health.
While the public preview will not include all features—such as menstrual health tracking and advanced running metrics—Fitbit assures users that the information provided will be secure and scientifically grounded. The company plans to include citations for responses in future updates, enhancing the credibility of the guidance users receive.
Despite the excitement surrounding the AI coach, feedback from users on platforms like Reddit suggests skepticism about the value of the paid subscription. Many users have expressed that the benefits of Fitbit Premium are minimal compared to the free standard features. Three separate threads revealed a consensus that the standard tier suffices for most users, with some only utilizing the six-month free trial that comes with the purchase of Fitbit devices.
The introduction of the AI coach could play a crucial role in changing this perception. With a monthly subscription fee of $10 or an annual rate of $80, Fitbit aims to provide enough added value to encourage users to invest in the Premium experience.
Initially, only adult users with qualifying Fitbit devices or Google Pixel Watches will have access to the redesigned app, with plans to expand availability to iOS users in the near future. Users can opt to revert to the previous version of the app if they prefer.
“This is a brand new experience, so initially, there will be some gaps, but you’ll see regular improvements and communication from us when we add, change, or improve features and capabilities,” stated the Fitbit team in a recent blog post.
As Fitbit ventures into the realm of AI-driven health coaching, many will be watching closely to see if this innovative approach will resonate with users and redefine the value of their Premium subscription.
