Some Fitbit Air pre-order customers received their devices early and immediately hit a wall: the fitness trackers won't pair with Android phones because the required Google Health app update hasn't rolled out yet. Users report being stuck on update screens or getting 'app update required' errors right out of the box.

Google confirmed the issue on Reddit, acknowledging that early deliveries caught them off guard. A Fitbit representative named Andy stated they're accelerating the Android Play Store rollout to address the gap. Meanwhile, iOS users can already download the updated Fitbit app from the App Store, which sparked frustration among Android users who expected priority access.

The Fitbit Air aims to compete with Whoop-style screen-less bands, weighing just 12 grams and tracking heart rate plus SpO2 monitoring. At $99, it uses LED patterns and double-tap gestures instead of a traditional display. This launch also completes Fitbit's merger with Google through the rebranded Google Health app.

Google's staggered rollout undermines what should be a smooth entry into the minimalist fitness tracker market. The company's focus on iOS first, despite being Android's creator, reflects poorly on their ecosystem integration and leaves early adopters frustrated with unusable devices.