Understanding fitbit Air’s Pokemon collab could help you sleep better – but it’ll cost you
Fitness trackers aren’t always the most comfortable things to sleep in, giving screenless fitness bands like the Fitbit Air a potential edge in this area. We loved the Fitbit Air when we reviewed it, particularly praising how light and comfortable it is to wear.
Now Google has provided an extra reason for insomniacs to go screenless, especially if they’re also Pokémon fans – with the announcement of the Fitbit Air Special Edition Pokémon Sleep. It’s a special-edition tracker that you can use in conjunction with the Pokémon Sleep app to help you to get better rest.
It’s been released to celebrate (the cynical may say to cash in on) Pokémon’s thirtieth anniversary, the news of which makes me feel very old and tired and in need of a nap. Hmmm. I should get a sleep tracker.
The Pokémon Sleep app lets users gameify getting a good night’s rest, which could be useful to anyone who needs a nudge to stop scrolling and sort out their sleep hygiene. But it won’t be worth it for everyone.
Like the special edition Steph Curry band, it’s priced at $129.99 – $30 more than the standard $99.99 Fitbit Air. It’s available to order from today, and the bands will ship from 15 September. Sadly, it’ll have limited availability. At the moment, it’s only confirmed to launch in the US and Japan.
So, what do you get for your money?
What’s odd is that it seems that anyone with a Fitbit Air or, in fact, any Pixel watch should be able to use their existing model in conjunction with the Pokémon app. Phone Arena confirmed this point with a Google spokesperson.
So, what buyers will actually get is the special edition band itself. It comes in a unique blue colourway, and features a silk patch illustrated with a yellow line drawing of a slumbering Pikachu. It’s very cute and Pokémon fans may well think it’s worth it. But don’t buy it for a little one – Google says the device is only suitable for ages 13 and up.
Slightly sweetening the deal, you’ll also get a free, three-month trial of Google Health Premium. This opens up premium fitness features. But if you’re not completely sold on it, don’t forget to cancel. After the trial is up, it’ll cost you $9.99 per month.
