Google Expands Health Guardian to Fitbit Air and Edge for Premium Users
Google brings its Health Guardian monitoring suite to Fitbit Air and Edge for subscribers, while significantly upgrading automatic workout detection accuracy.
Key points
- Health Guardian arrives on Fitbit Air and Edge later this month for Google Health Premium subscribers.
- Automatic activity tracking updates nearly double accuracy and expand recognized workouts from 10 to over 100.
- A new stainless steel Metal Mesh band option is now available for the Fitbit Air.
Google announced that its Health Guardian feature, previously limited to the Pixel Watch, is expanding to the Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge. According to Engadget, the service will launch for these devices later this month, specifically for users who subscribe to Google Health Premium. This move extends advanced health monitoring capabilities to these specific wearable models.
The update also includes a significant overhaul of automatic activity tracking for the Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, and Pixel Watches 3, 4, and 5. Google states that this software upgrade nearly doubles the accuracy of workout detection. The system will now recognize more than 100 types of exercises, up from the previous limit of 10, addressing previous gaps in detecting fast-moving activities like tennis and high-intensity interval training.
Health Guardian Features and Data
With the rollout of Health Guardian, users of the Fitbit Air and Edge will receive monthly summaries of their blood pressure and insulin resistance trends within the Health app. According to Engadget, the in-app Health Coach provides lifestyle recommendations based on these specific readings. These insights are designed to help users discuss potential health concerns with their doctors, offering early indications that certain metrics need attention.
Google introduced its new Health app several months ago to replace the standalone Fitbit app. The platform serves as a central portal for health, fitness, and sleep data. It integrates with third-party services such as Peloton and MyFitnessPal and can sync directly with users' medical records. Additionally, Google has partnered with Abbott to connect its Lingo continuous glucose monitor to the app for US users.
Activity Tracking Improvements
The enhanced activity tracking utilizes a broader set of data points to determine user activity. In addition to heart rate markers, the Fitbit and Pixel devices will now analyze movement patterns, routines, manual edits, and location data. Google claims these updates make the tracking system more intelligent and reliable. Internal tests indicated that the improvements cut missed workouts by more than half, particularly for exercises the devices previously struggled to identify automatically.
Accessories and Availability
Alongside the software updates, Google introduced a new accessory for the Fitbit Air. The company announced a new flexible, stainless steel woven design called the Metal Mesh band. This option provides a more stylish alternative to standard bands for the device. The Health Guardian features and tracking updates are scheduled to arrive later this month.
What should you do?
Users who own a Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, or Pixel Watch 3, 4, or 5 should ensure their devices are updated to the latest firmware version to access the improved activity tracking. Those interested in Health Guardian must verify they have an active Google Health Premium subscription, as the feature is not available to free-tier users. Subscribers should check the Health app for monthly summaries of blood pressure and insulin resistance trends once the feature launches.
What to do and how to stay safe: Google
- Update your Fitbit or Pixel Watch firmware to ensure compatibility with the new automatic activity tracking algorithms.
- Verify that you have an active Google Health Premium subscription if you wish to access Health Guardian features on your Fitbit Air or Edge.
- Review your monthly health summaries in the Health app to monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance trends for potential doctor discussions.
- Check for the new Metal Mesh band availability if you wish to replace your current Fitbit Air accessory.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which devices support the new Health Guardian feature?
Health Guardian is launching on the Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge for Google Health Premium subscribers later this month.
How does the new activity tracking improve accuracy?
The update expands recognized workouts from 10 to over 100 and uses movement, location, and routine data to cut missed workouts by more than half.
Is there a new accessory for the Fitbit Air?
Yes, Google announced a new flexible stainless steel woven design called the Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air.
