Fitbit OS update will bring always-on display improvements to the Versa 2, and more

[zanderthunder]

 

A couple of weeks ago, Google announced that it would be acquiring Fitbit, which will help the search giant in its efforts to grow Wear OS. This may have left users concerned with support for existing Fitbit devices, but it looks like, at least for now, those devices are still going to get updates, and there's a new one coming next month.

 

The forthcoming update to Fitbit OS will bring some enhancements to all of Fitbit's smartwatches - the Ionic, Versa, Versa Lite, and Versa 2 - as well as some improvements specific to the Versa 2. Specifically, Fitbit's latest smartwatch is getting an improved always-on display with five new clock faces and faster transitions between always-on and active modes. The Versa 2 will also let users start an exercise routing through Amazon's Alexa, which is built into the device.

 

Finally, the Versa 2 is getting more accurate heart rate tracking through a new algorithm called PurePulse. The technology uses machine learning to "recognize the unique signature of heart rate in the optical sensor" and this provide more accurate information.

 

Other smartwatches are still getting some improvements, too, starting with sleep tracking. The Sleep Score feature will be available directly in your Fitbit smartwatch, in addition to the Fitbit app on your phone. Additionally, a new Smart Wake feature will wake try to wake up the user during the most adequate stage of the sleep cycle within the 30 minutes leading up to the scheduled alarm time.

 

The Exercise app is also getting a redesign with a streamlined look and the ability to access 20 exercise modes directly from the watch. A new Clock face switcher app will allow users to store up to five watch faces and switch between them using the watch alone, and the Agenda app will help users keep track of their schedule.

 

These features will start rolling out on December 3, when the new Fitbit OS update is scheduled to be available. It's currently unclear if new features will continue to be added in the coming months, or if Fitbit will shift its focus entirely to Wear OS development.

 

Source: Fitbit OS update will bring always-on display improvements to the Versa 2, and more (via Neowin)