Google Health 5.11 updates log 100 activity types for wearable users

Google is releasing version 5.11 of its Google Health app this week, which doubles the number of activities it can automatically recognize from 10 to 100. The feature is currently live on the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. The Fitbit Edge will receive the same capability when it launches on October 27.

The company states that the new detection system uses contextual reasoning to analyze a user's workout habits, past data, and manual corrections. Google claims this approach makes the software nearly twice as accurate as the previous version and reduces missed workouts by more than half. A session must last at least 15 minutes and show a sustained increase in heart rate to be logged automatically. A summary of the activity usually appears in the app within 30 minutes.

For users who confirm or adjust a logged workout, the system updates its algorithm to improve future predictions. This feedback loop allows the wearable to adapt to individual movement patterns over time. The update covers a wide range of physical efforts, including strength training, swimming, racket sports, and team games.

Subscribers to Google Health Premium who own a Fitbit Air or Fitbit Edge are gaining two new Health Guardian tools. These features track blood pressure trends and insulin resistance. Initial reports for these metrics are scheduled to arrive at the start of November. To see blood pressure trends, a user must have worn a Fitbit Air for at least five consecutive days in October.

The insulin resistance trend feature requires a user to wear their watch for seven or more days and nights during the month. This metric tracks monthly changes in metabolic health. The app also renames the "Blood glucose" section to simply "Glucose" and updates the associated charts and graphs. Users can set custom time-in-range goals for data from continuous glucose monitors by navigating to the Metabolic section of the Health tab.

In the United States, the app now supports a direct connection with Lingo by Abbott. This integration allows glucose readings to appear in the Google Health app within 30 minutes. Premium members can also ask the Health Coach questions regarding their glucose trends. The connection is established by tapping the profile icon and selecting Partner Apps.

Sleep tracking has been improved with two specific adjustments. The system now uses step data to better identify short periods of waking, such as when a user gets up to use the bathroom. Additionally, users can remove a nap that does not align with their daily schedule directly from the nap card. Version 5.11 is currently available on iOS and is in the process of rolling out to Android devices.

Version 5.11 is available on iOS and is still rolling out to Android users.