Fitbit, owned by Google, is making its AI-powered health coach, Coach, available to all users – even those without a paid subscription. Previously limited to Fitbit Premium subscribers (a $10/month or $80/year service), the expansion gives broader access to features driven by Google’s Gemini AI. This move includes users on both Android and iOS devices, across multiple countries.
Expanded Features Now Available
The AI coach now offers several new tools for free:
- Cycle Health: Track periods and related symptoms directly within the app, with personalized menstrual insights available to Premium users.
- Mental Wellbeing: Log moods, mindfulness sessions, and receive a “resilience” score that measures your body’s stress response.
- Nutrition & Hydration: Track calories, water intake, meals, and get tailored nutrition advice based on macronutrient goals.
These additions build on the already existing sleep coach and health advisor tools, which can even connect to medical records (with user permission).
Why This Matters
This expansion is significant because it lowers the barrier to entry for personalized health tracking. AI-driven coaching was once a paid perk, now it’s a widely accessible tool. This reflects a broader trend in tech: companies are increasingly offering AI features to drive engagement and collect user data, even for free accounts.
Google states they are doing this to gather feedback and improve the service. Users can now test unreleased app features, providing direct input to Google’s development process.
Premium Still Offers More
While free access expands, Fitbit Premium users will continue to get the most out of Coach. Premium subscribers unlock personalized fitness plans, the ability to directly question the AI coach, and deeper insights into their data.
This move allows Fitbit to gather a wider user base, refine its AI coaching tools, and potentially convert more free users into paid subscribers. It also positions Fitbit as a leading player in the growing market for AI-assisted health and wellness.
