Google doubles wearable workout detection
The new update expands automatic activity recognition to 100 types and introduces metabolic health tools for Fitbit Air users.
By Benjamin Rousseau ·
Google released version 5.11 of its Health app on October 23, expanding automatic workout detection from 10 types to 100. The update is now available on Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5 models. Fitbit Edge devices will receive the feature when they launch on October 27.
The new system identifies activities such as strength training, swimming, and team sports. Google states that the technology uses contextual reasoning based on user routines, historical data, and manual edits. The company reports that this approach makes detections nearly twice as accurate and reduces missed workouts by more than half. Sessions are logged automatically if they last at least 15 minutes and show a sustained increase in heart rate. A summary appears in the app within 30 minutes.
Google Health Premium subscribers with Fitbit Air or Fitbit Edge devices gain access to two new Health Guardian features. Blood pressure trends and insulin resistance trends are available for setup now. The first reports for these metrics are scheduled for early November. Blood pressure trends require users to have worn a Fitbit Air for five consecutive days in October. Insulin resistance trends require seven days of wear during the month.
The app has renamed the Blood glucose section to Glucose and updated its charts. Users can set custom time-in-range goals for connected continuous glucose monitors. These settings are located in the Metabolic section of the Health tab. In the United States, Lingo by Abbott can now connect directly to the app. Glucose readings from this device appear within 30 minutes. Premium members can ask Google Health Coach questions about their glucose trends via the Partner Apps menu.
Sleep tracking has been adjusted to include step data. This change helps the system capture short awakenings, such as bathroom trips. Users can also delete naps that do not align with their daily schedule directly from the nap card. Version 5.11 is currently available on iOS and is in the process of rolling out to Android users.
Source: 9to5Google
