Follow us
Add us as a favorite source on Google
What you need to know
- Google is rolling out version 5.11 of the Health app to Android and iOS users, rolling out the expected Health Guardian update for the Fitbit Air.
- Fitbit Air users receive blood pressure and insulin resistance trends in this update, requiring them to wear the tracker for several days before the information is available.
- Additionally, version 5.11 updates auto-tracking for Fitbit Air and several Pixel watches, as well as updates to sleep and glucose tracking.
Google Health is rolling out an update at the end of October that finally adds a major feature for Fitbit Air users.
This feature aims to be your “health guardian”. In a community post, Google detailed what Fitbit Air users will find in version 5.11, rolling out to Android and iOS. Health Guardian is not a new feature in itself; However, this is something new that Fitbit Air users can finally experience. If you are a Premium Health subscriber, you will be able to “implement the new features of the version 5.11 application and receive your first monthly health summary at the beginning of November”.
Health Guardian reports on trends in blood pressure and insulin resistance. Regarding the first, Google reminds us that blood pressure trends allow you to track changes that could “put a strain on your heart.” If you wear your Fitbit Air for five days or more, you’ll find this information listed in the app. Insulin resistance trends highlight “monthly changes” in your metabolic well-being. Information on this requires users to wear the Fitbit Air for seven days or more.
Latest videos fromAndroid Center
Although this feature is currently rolling out for the Fitbit Air, Google says Fitbit Edge users can expect it around October 27.
Look on it
Besides Health Guardian, Google is rolling out three additional updates in version 5.11. Automatic activity tracking is taking a step forward as Google improves its context (meaning it makes better use of your routines and history). Workouts that meet the minimum duration threshold (15 minutes or more) are automatically recorded provided they capture a sustained high heart rate. Fitbit trackers and Pixel watches can also automatically detect up to 100 activities in version 5.11.
Glucose tracking has been renamed to “Glucose” in the Health app. Google says it has improved the link between the app and Lingo by Abbott for faster syncing. Additionally, sleep tracking is getting a bit of attention. Google says it has improved the devices’ ability to capture “wake detection” and allowed users to easily change their naps.
Many of these updates are rolling out for the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. The auto-tracking update is coming for Fitbit Edge users; however, this is expected to start on October 27, like Health Guardian.
It takes time to understand
You may remember Health Guardian from an update Google shared in September. Google originally announced tracking of blood pressure, insulin resistance, and breathing quality during sleep for the Pixel Watch. These were all wrapped in a Health Guardian blanket. Google said the purpose of these features is to analyze “long-term” pattern changes over several weeks.
This differs from the more expected “snapshot” snapshots of what is happening. Google says this information can serve as “well-being indicators instead of direct medical diagnostic tools.” These features are available for free for Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5; However, we already knew that Fitbit Air users would have to pay via a Health Premium subscription.
Gn tech
