Tends to Google Fitbit Air the interchangeable pebble design allows everyone to customize their own accessories. The move is more Google-y and reminiscent of the company’s earlier days.
Noting that “the community is already coming up with innovative and creative new ideas to make Fitbit Air (their own)” after its launch last month, Google is “officially releasing the hardware specifications and accessory design guidelines for the Fitbit Air tracker to the public.” For example, owners have already found their bicep band solutions.
This information would normally be available to third-party accessory companies, but Google wants to open things up to “independent designers and artisans.”
Google released today Fitbit Air 2D CAD drawings (PDF) of the pill-shaped pebble that houses the sensor and the “arm” used by the Performance Loop Band.
These CAD drawings include important mating dimensions, tolerances, and mating force specifications, including bond and release force, to help you create a high-quality accessory band.
A Google Store page listings Other things developers should keep in mind:
- Sensor gap: “We recommend that the optical heart rate and SpO2 sensors on the base of the tracker remain completely unobstructed while still in contact with the skin. To achieve the best performance while the user is moving, your band should be designed to maintain consistent, gentle pressure on the skin in the sensing zone.”
- Sensor pressure: “For optimal PPG performance in motion, it is important to design accessories for sustained contact pressure in the sensitive area. For best performance, the recommended pressure should be a minimum of 35 mmhg (0.68psi) for nominal wear.”
- Safe Storage: “The tracker uses a tension-based attachment mechanism. Your case must adhere to the provided CAD tolerances to ensure that the sensor, which can still be easily removed when changing lanes, locks securely in place during severe movement.”
- Google provides detailed information using skin-friendly materials to “help prevent any skin irritation or allergic reactions” in the accessories. There is a list of chemical restrictions, environmental standards and testing requirements.
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. More.
