Google expands health and security tools as AI and devices take center stage
Google introduced the Fitbit Air and Google Health app, highlighted new account safety tools, and shared AI updates across ads and research as other tech news included a Slate Auto board departure.
Google packed May 7 with announcements spanning consumer health, account security, advertising tools and AI research. The updates included a new screenless wearable, a rebrand of the Fitbit app into Google Health, and a set of security features aimed at making sign-in safer and account recovery easier.
Outside Google, TechCrunch also reported a leadership change at Slate Auto that may raise questions about Jeff Bezos' level of involvement with the startup.
Google pushes further into health with Fitbit Air and Google Health
Google introduced the Fitbit Air, describing it as a lightweight, screenless wearable with long battery life and in-depth health and wellness insights. In a parallel announcement, the company said the Fitbit app is now the Google Health app, with a new logo, look and capabilities.
Google positioned these two launches together as part of a broader wellness push, while Ars Technica added one concrete product detail: the Fitbit Air is priced at $100 and is available for preorder now.
The Fitbit app is now the Google Health app, debuting an all-new logo, look and capabilities.
What was announced
- Fitbit Air: a lightweight, screenless wearable
- Long battery life and wellness insights, according to Google
- Google Health app: the Fitbit app rebranded with updated design and features
- Ars Technica reported a $100 price and preorder availability for Fitbit Air
Five Google account safety tools highlighted
On the security front, Google published a roundup of five tools designed to help people keep accounts safe while maintaining access when needed. The company specifically pointed to passkeys, Recovery Contacts, Sign in with Google, Password Manager and 2-Step Verification.
The message was straightforward: combine stronger sign-in methods with recovery options so security does not come at the cost of accessibility.
- Passkeys
- Recovery Contacts
- Sign in with Google
- Password Manager
- 2-Step Verification
AI updates extend into ads and research
Google also announced new AI-powered bidding and budgeting tools for Search and Shopping. The company said these tools are meant to help advertisers meet goals, manage budgets and respond to shifting consumer behavior.
Separately, Google shared an update on AlphaEvolve, saying the project has moved from research into solving real-life problems and has become a powerful engine for scientific and societal progress.
A brief note beyond Google: Slate Auto board change
TechCrunch reported that Melinda Lewison, a representative of Jeff Bezos, has left Slate Auto's board. According to the report, the departure raises questions about Bezos' support and involvement with the startup at a time when he is apparently focused on robotics at his new startup, Project Prometheus.
References & Credits
- Google: Introducing the all-new Fitbit Air
- Google: A new era for your wellness: Introducing the Google Health app
- Ars Technica: Google unveils screenless Fitbit Air and Google Health app to replace Fitbit
- Google: 5 helpful tools from Google to keep your accounts safe
- Google: New AI-powered bidding and budgeting innovations in Search and Shopping
- Google: Find out how AlphaEvolve has gone from research to solving real-life problems.
- TechCrunch: Jeff Bezos rep leaves Slate Auto’s board