Dbrand's Pulse band becomes first Made for Google strap for Fitbit Air

A rugged first for the Fitbit Air

Dbrand has released the Pulse band for the Fitbit Air, which 9to5Google reports is the first official Made for Google strap built for the wearable. The band is available starting today from Dbrand's website, with prices beginning at $34.95.

The Pulse comes in two sizes and a single color, black. According to 9to5Google, Dbrand says Google asked it to develop another strap option for the Fitbit Air, and the result is a band the company describes as rugged and modern.

Built for sweat and airflow

The band is made from sweat-resistant silicone and includes molded channels designed to let air through. 9to5Google describes it as looking like a heavy-duty strap, which fits a wearable intended to be worn during activity and in a range of conditions.

In the 9to5Google report, writer Andrew Romero says he wore a pre-production unit for a couple of months and found it the most comfortable Fitbit Air band he has used. That is one person's impression of an early unit, not a measured test result, and readers should treat comfort claims accordingly.

What Made for Google means

Google runs a small program of official accessory partners that build add-ons for its products under the Made for Google label. Dbrand has been part of that group since the Pixel 7 launched, according to 9to5Google.

The Pulse is the first strap in that program to fit the Fitbit Air. 9to5Google frames the launch as the first sign that Google is turning to outside partners for more strap options, after the site has previously expressed frustration with the company's own selection.

Why it matters

Accessory choice has been a weak point for some Google hardware, and the Fitbit Air has so far had limited official strap options. A certified third-party band gives buyers an alternative that carries the Made for Google designation rather than being an unaffiliated product.

Dbrand's claim that Google commissioned the band because the Fitbit Air has been a major success comes from the company itself and has not been independently confirmed. 9to5Google says it hopes more Made for Google brands will release bands for the device, calling this a good first step.