Google’s $9.99-per-month AI health coach launches May 19

In a significant development for fitness enthusiasts, Google has announced the launch of its AI-driven health coach, which will debut alongside the new Fitbit Air on May 19. This innovative offering follows the rebranding of the Fitbit app to Google Health, marking a pivotal shift in the tech giant's approach to health and wellness solutions. The Google Health app will serve as a cornerstone of Google's fitness strategy, building on its acquisition of Fitbit in 2021. The AI health coach, powered by Google's Gemini AI, aims to provide users with tailored insights, combining the roles of fitness trainer, sleep consultant, and wellness advisor into one comprehensive service. Having undergone a public preview phase last year, the health coach has been refined based on user input. The service will be available globally as part of the Google Health Premium subscription, which is set at $9.99 per month or $99 annually. Notably, users of Google AI Pro and Ultra will gain access to this premium service at no additional charge. To personalize the experience, users will participate in an onboarding process where they can outline their health objectives, daily habits, available exercise equipment, and any pertinent injuries or lifestyle factors. This information will enable the coach to deliver customized recommendations and support. The interaction with the coach will feel natural, as users can communicate in everyday language to adjust their goals or personal information. Additionally, they will have the capability to log workouts, meals, and health records by speaking or uploading relevant documents and images. Insights from the health coach will not merely provide summaries; they will integrate data from various sources, including fitness metrics, sleep patterns, environmental factors, nutritional information, cycle tracking, and, if permitted, U.S. medical records. Enhancements have also been made to the cycle tracking, nutrition, and mental wellness features, making them more effective for users seeking holistic health management. Initially, the AI health coach will be accessible to select users of Fitbit and Pixel Watch, with support for additional devices expected to follow. Nevertheless, anyone can download the Google Health app to begin their journey, with notifications promised for non-Fitbit and non-Pixel Watch users once the coach becomes available for them, although a specific timeline has yet to be revealed.