Google Health Update Tracks 100 Workout Types

Google Health users who rely on automatic activity logging will see a major change in how their devices work. The company released version 5.11 of the app this week for Fitbit trackers and Pixel Watches. The update targets workout detection, health monitoring, and sleep data for users of the Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, and Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. The Fitbit Edge will receive the new features when it launches on October 27.

The primary update expands the range of activities the system can recognize automatically. Devices can now identify up to 100 types of exercise, a jump from the previous limit of 10. This includes strength training, swimming, and various racket and team sports. Google states that the new detection relies on contextual reasoning. It analyzes a user's workout routines, historical data, and manual edits to improve results. The company claims this approach makes detections nearly twice as accurate and reduces missed workouts by more than half.

The system logs sessions automatically if they meet specific criteria. A workout must last at least 15 minutes, the default minimum duration, and show a sustained elevated heart rate. A summary of the activity typically appears in the app within 30 minutes. When users confirm or edit these logs, the feature uses that input to refine future predictions.

Subscribers to Google Health Premium who own a Fitbit Air or Fitbit Edge are gaining new Health Guardian tools. They can now set up blood pressure trends and insulin resistance trends. The first reports for these features are due at the beginning of November. Blood pressure trends will appear for users who wore a Fitbit Air for five or more consecutive days in October. These trends aim to help users identify patterns before they affect heart health. Insulin resistance trends track monthly shifts in metabolic health. They will be available to users who wore their watch for seven or more days and nights during the month.

The app also updates its glucose tracking features. The label "Blood glucose" is being changed to "Glucose" throughout the interface. Users can set custom time-in-range goals for data from connected continuous glucose monitors. In the United States, users can now connect Lingo by Abbott directly to the Google Health app. This allows glucose readings to appear in the app within 30 minutes. Premium members can ask the Google Health Coach questions about their glucose trends. The connection is made by tapping the profile icon and selecting Partner Apps.

Sleep tracking has received two specific improvements. The system now uses step data to better capture short awakenings, such as a user getting up to use the bathroom. Users can also remove a nap that does not match their day directly from the nap card. Version 5.11 is currently available on iOS and is rolling out to Android users.