Fitbit's New Features: Exciting AI Upgrades Coming, but Only for Some

Fitbit is rolling out exciting new features through its app, including advanced AI integration, but access is currently limited to select users in the U.S.

Fitbit’s Latest Free Upgrade: Exciting Features with a Catch

Fitbit users in the UK may face a longer wait time for the latest enhancements, but the updates are worth discussing.

Fitbit fans in the UK could have longer to wait for the latest updates

A New Era Under Google

Since Google acquired Fitbit in 2021, the landscape of fitness trackers has evolved significantly. While the company has consistently delivered new activity trackers and valuable updates to its companion app for both iPhone and Android, not all changes have been met with enthusiasm. Some longstanding features like competitive leaderboards have vanished, leading to dissatisfaction among some Fitbit loyalists. Moreover, it seems that the Versa 4 and Sense 2 could mark the end of Fitbit’s smartwatch line.

Despite these changes, Google remains committed to the Fitbit brand, with the Charge 6 tracker emerging as a top contender among sleek wearables. One of the latest changes was a significant update to the Fitbit app, which now offers all users free access to their daily readiness score—something that was previously locked behind the monthly subscription of Fitbit Premium.

Introducing Fitbit Labs: A Hint of AI Magic

The wave of new features doesn’t stop there. Fitbit has rolled out Fitbit Labs, a dedicated tool for certain users, which leverages Google’s Gemini AI chatbot to analyze health and fitness data tracked by Fitbit devices. This tool empowers users to input queries directly, opening up a dialogue with their fitness data.

The feature, known as Insights Explorer, currently appears in the You tab for select users enrolled in Fitbit Premium and using Android devices. Unfortunately, it’s limited to a luck-of-the-draw approach, meaning many interested users are still waiting for the chance to access it.

Eligibility requirements to use Insights Explorer include:

An active Fitbit Premium subscription
Using the Fitbit app on an Android device
Being located in the US with the app set to English
Participants must be at least 18 years
Signing into the Fitbit app with a Google Account
Receiving an official offer for the Insights Explorer lab within the Fitbit App

A Frustrating Wait for International Users

For many users in the UK, this restriction can be disheartening. Currently, the new feature is exclusively available to users in the United States, but there is hope that Fitbit will soon expand these capabilities to international markets as the testing phase progresses.

Using the Insights Explorer, users can ask questions such as, “What was my average daily step count last month?” or “What day did I sleep the longest last month?” and receive informative responses driven by the Gemini AI.

“Though Google has stripped the Fitbit app of some long-standing features, integrating technologies like Gemini showcases the benefits of being backed by a technology giant.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fitbit

As we look to the future, Fitbit fans can anticipate a series of transformative updates that blend health tracking with AI technology in meaningful ways. While the transition away from traditional features may come as a disappointment to die-hard users, the potential for enhanced health insights may ultimately outweigh these losses.

With Google’s backing, there is significant potential for innovation, and many are keen to see how these advanced tools can enrich the user experience. Stay tuned for further updates, and let’s hope that Fitbit Labs finds its way to more global users soon, enhancing how we track our fitness journeys.

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