Google releases Fitbit Air blueprints so anyone can create bracelets

Google is leaning towards fitbit air Interchangeable pebble design so anyone can create their own accessories. This move is more Google and reminiscent of the company’s early days.

Noting how the “community has already come up with innovative and creative new ideas to make the Fitbit Air their own” since its launch last month, Google is “officially releasing to the public the hardware specifications and accessory design guidelines for the Fitbit Air tracker.” For example, owners have already found their own solutions for bicep bands.

Typically, this information would only be available to third-party accessory companies, but Google wants to open things up to “independent designers and crafters.”

Google launched today Fitbit Air 2D CAD Drawings (PDF) of the pill-shaped pebble that houses the sensor and the “case” used by the Performance Loop Band.

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These CAD drawings include crucial coupling dimensions, tolerances, and coupling force specifications (including connection and disconnection forces) to help you create a high-quality accessory belt.

TO Google Store Page Lists Other things developers should keep in mind:

• Sensor clearance: “We recommend that the optical heart rate and SpO2 sensors at the base of the tracker remain completely unobstructed and maintain consistent, even contact with the skin. For best performance while a user is on the move, your wristband should be designed to maintain gentle, constant pressure against the skin in the sensing area.”
• Sensor pressure: “For optimal PPG performance in motion, it is important to design fixtures for sustained contact pressure in the sensing region. The recommended pressure for best performance is 35 mmhg (0.68 psi) minimum for nominal wear.”
• Secure hold: “The tracker uses a tension-based snapping mechanism. Its enclosure must follow the provided CAD tolerances to ensure the sensor remains securely locked in place during rigorous movement, while still being easy to remove when swapping bands.”
• Google goes into detail about using skin-friendly materials in accessories to “help prevent any skin irritation or allergic reactions.” There is a list of chemical limits, environmental standards and testing requirements.