Fitbit Air Status Light & Double-Tap Gesture Explained

At a glance:

• Fitbit Air features a status light and double-tap gesture for device management
• LED light patterns indicate charging, battery status, and firmware updates
• Double-tapping wakes the status light and silences alarms
• Demo units available at select US Google Stores

Hardware Design & Status Light

The Fitbit Air’s hardware design is straightforward, with all components housed in Google’s “pebble” core. This design choice isn’t new for Fitbit, as they’ve previously used the term for their fitness tracker components.

The status light is located on the left edge of the pebble, with bands featuring a hole for it to shine through. This necessitates a specific orientation when changing straps, as outlined in the user manual. To remove the device, hold the outside edges of the band next to where the device sits. To pop it out, push firmly on top of the device. To switch it up, press the device into the new band until it snaps into place, ensuring the small alignment markings line up. A firm double tap on the top of the tracker confirms the LED light will flash.

If the LED light doesn’t flash, users may need to repeat the steps and rotate the tracker in the wristband, making sure the markings align. The status light has four distinct light patterns: pulsing white light indicates charging, flashing red light signals low battery, fast blinking white light means firmware is updating, and a solid red light indicates critically low battery.

Double-Tap Gesture

The double-tap gesture on the Fitbit Air serves multiple functions. Firmly double-tapping wakes the status light, which displays white light when the device is working and the battery is between 20% and 100%, red light when the battery is below 20% (indicating a need for soon charging), and no light when the device is off or out of battery. This gesture also silences Smart Wake and one-off alarms set within the Google Health app.

Demo Availability & Size Comparison

Fitbit Air demo units are currently available at ten US Google Stores, including the newest location that opened on Friday. This has led to size comparisons with Whoop, with Google’s hardware noticeably narrower. This comparison highlights the Fitbit Air’s compact design, which may appeal to users seeking a sleek and lightweight wearable.

Future Developments

As the Fitbit Air continues to be available at select stores, more users will have the opportunity to try out the device firsthand. The status light and double-tap gesture are just two of the features that set the Fitbit Air apart from other fitness trackers. With its straightforward design and user-friendly features, the Fitbit Air is likely to be a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike.