Google Health 5.11 doubles automatic workout detection on Fitbit and Pixel Watch devices
The update expands activity recognition to 100 types and introduces new blood pressure and insulin resistance monitoring tools for Fitbit Air and Edge users.
By Carolina Wood ·
Google is releasing version 5.11 of its Google Health app this week, bringing expanded workout detection and new health monitoring tools to Fitbit and Pixel Watch users.
The update marks a major expansion in automatic activity logging. Devices can now recognize up to 100 types of activity, up from the previous limit of 10. This includes strength training, swimming, and various racket and team sports. The feature is currently available on the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. The Fitbit Edge will receive the capability when it launches on October 27.
Google states that the new detection system uses contextual reasoning based on user routines, historical data, and manual edits. According to the company, this approach makes detections nearly twice as accurate and reduces missed workouts by more than half. Activities that last at least 15 minutes with a sustained elevated heart rate are logged automatically. A summary of these sessions typically appears in the app within 30 minutes. The system refines future predictions when users confirm or edit logged activities.
Google Health Premium subscribers with a Fitbit Air or Fitbit Edge can now access two new Health Guardian features. Blood pressure trends and insulin resistance trends are available for setup immediately. The first reports for these metrics are scheduled for the beginning of November. Blood pressure trends will appear for users who wore a Fitbit Air for five or more consecutive days in October. Insulin resistance trends, which track monthly shifts in metabolic health, will be available to users who wore their watch for seven or more days and nights during the month.
The app also renames the Blood glucose section to Glucose, accompanied by updated charts. Users can set custom time-in-range goals for data from connected continuous glucose monitors. In the United States, Lingo by Abbott can now connect directly to the app, allowing glucose readings to appear within 30 minutes. Premium members can ask the Google Health Coach questions about their glucose trends via the Partner Apps menu.
Sleep tracking has also been updated. The system now incorporates step data to better identify short awakenings, such as trips to the bathroom. Users can also remove naps that do not align with their daily routine directly from the nap card.
Version 5.11 is currently available on iOS devices and is still rolling out to Android users.
