Fitbit gets biggest free update in years but UK | Tech News

Fitbit has had an oddly unsure future in current years. The fitness tracker model that helped popularise personal wellness devices was acquired by Google in 2021, releasing solely a few new trackers and smartwatches since then, with the Fitbit app now additionally used because the fitness app for the Google Pixel Watch.

Last yr, a Google spokesperson mentioned there wouldn’t be any new Fitbit smartwatches in future, although final week the company mentioned there can be new {hardware} in 2026.

Google has additionally continued to push out welcome software program updates to trackers such because the Inspire 3 and Charge 6, which got here out in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Google has additionally visually revamped the Fitbit app for iPhone and Android so now it appears like, nicely, a Google software program product quite than the app Fitbit maintained earlier than it was acquired. It took a few years for Google to overtake the look of the app, but for some Fitbit customers it’s all about to change again.

Fitbit customers in the US can now choose in to check out a preview model of Fitbit’s Personal Health Coach, a new model of the Fitbit app with a visible and UI redesign that additionally integrates Google Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) into the combo.

Only obtainable for these with a Fitbit Premium subscription, Personal Health Coach takes the information collected by your Fitbit or Google Pixel Watch and presents it in new methods.

When signing up to the Public Preview of the Fitbit app, which is obtainable solely on Android in the intervening time, you’ll be invited to put in the new model of the app earlier than being requested to sort in your fitness targets and preferences. Google says this can help the AI to set up the app along with your preferences, and to develop a customized exercise plan.

The complete app is constructed round the concept that by permitting AI to entry your fitness metrics, Fitbit can be higher geared up to present you more personalised suggestions and suggestions. Google says the three pillars of the new app are a Fitness Trainer, Sleep Coach, and Health & Wellness Advisor.

If all this sounds great, sadly for Brits it truly is presently just for US Fitbit followers, with no affirmation in sight of when it’s coming to the UK. Either approach, such a public take a look at period for a main app update is a little uncommon, most likely displaying that Google wants some person knowledge and suggestions first to see if the app is able to push out to everybody worldwide.

Google additionally famous that nutrition monitoring and cycle logging should not obtainable, but you’ll be able to toggle back to the outdated model of the app to entry these instruments in the event you need them.

You’ll additionally be capable to ask the AI coach issues comparable to, “Do I sleep better on days when I get more steps?”, and it’ll mine some knowledge to present you an reply.

Fitness opponents comparable to Garmin are utilizing AI to present comparable insights, and I’m a little sceptical. If you get your head spherical your knowledge, you’ll be able to normally determine trends and analyse what you need to do. While I agree that being served up personalised suggestions is a good factor, and even in the case of this new coach assemble a fitness plan, which you’ll change or the AI can regulate relying in your readiness, it might be a bit of knowledge overload for the average Fitbit person.

Perhaps that’s why it’s being restricted to paying Fitbit Premium customers. Either approach, I received’t be capable to check it out till it hits these shores – and neither will you.