Google Fitbit Air is not waterproof — no device in its class is. It’s water-resistant, rated IP68 for dust and water ingress, and separately certified to 5 ATM, meaning it can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 meters underwater. That’s enough for swimming laps in a pool or ocean, but not for hot tubs, saunas or showers.
Google says so outright: heat, steam and soap degrade seals over time. So does perfume, lotion, insect repellent and high-velocity water like from a power washer or strong shower jet. Even a drop can warp the frame or loosen adhesives meant to keep moisture out. And while the device tracks swim workouts and survives sweat and rain, its water resistance isn’t permanent.
It wears down with use and exposure. Engadget reports that the Air’s rating allows up to one hour of continuous immersion beyond 1 meter (3.2 feet), which aligns with typical IP68 benchmarks. But that doesn’t mean it’s built for diving, or even daily submersion in warm, chemically treated water. The distinction between ‘water-resistant’ and ‘waterproof’ isn’t marketing fluff.
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