Google has announced updates to its Google Health app and Google Health Coach, along with new Fitbit Air accessories and integrations with health, fitness, nutrition, and medical data platforms.
Since launching the Google Health app and Google Health Coach, the company has introduced more than 55 features and fixes based on user feedback, according to Andy Abramson, Head of Product at Google Health. These include more customization options for the Today tab, expanded focus metrics, improved Coach memory, deeper integration with Apple Health, and options to log meals using a photo or by chatting with the Coach.
Fitbit Air gets Metal Mesh bands
Google has introduced Metal Mesh bands for Fitbit Air, made from a flexible stainless steel weave. The bands are available in Champagne Gold and Polished Silver. Users can also purchase a Champagne Gold band bundled with an Obsidian Fitbit Air.
Health Guardian tracks blood pressure and insulin resistance trends
Google is rolling out Health Guardian, a suite of health and safety tools that tracks changes in health patterns over time. Users can set up blood pressure and insulin resistance trend tracking in the Google Health app.
Users who meet the monthly wear requirements will receive a report at the beginning of each month to help identify changes and make lifestyle adjustments. Google Health Coach can help interpret these patterns, adapt fitness plans, and provide personalized lifestyle and wellness guidance. The reports also provide context that users can share with their doctors.
Automatic activity detection expands to more than 100 activities
Google has upgraded automatic activity detection based on user feedback. The update expands the number of activities a Fitbit tracker or Pixel Watch can detect from 10 to more than 100, including strength training, swimming, racket sports, and team sports.
The system uses contextual reasoning to identify workouts, taking into account:
- Workout routines and historical data
- Manual edits made by users
- Location data, when users grant permission
Google says the updated system delivers nearly twice as accurate activity detection and reduces missed workouts by more than half.
The system automatically logs workouts that last at least 15 minutes by default and maintain a sustained elevated heart rate. Once a workout is detected, a summary typically reaches the mobile app within 30 minutes. Users can then confirm or edit the activity, helping the system learn their individual workout patterns and refine future detections.
Google says it will continue refining the feature to make automatic activity tracking more accurate.
Google Health expands integrations with health platforms
Google is expanding its integrations with Flo Health, Abbott, MyFitnessPal, and Function Health to bring health and wellness data together in the Google Health app. The company says these partnerships support its commitment to providing a safe, secure, and private platform for users’ health data.
- Flo Health: Through a multi-year strategic partnership, users will be able to sync the Flo Health app directly with Google Health. The integration will provide personalized insights based on menstrual cycle phases and life stages. The companies are also advancing clinical research into women’s health.
- Abbott: Users in the U.S. will soon be able to connect Abbott’s Lingo over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor to Google Health. The integration will bring together glucose, meal, workout, and sleep data, with additional capabilities planned.
- MyFitnessPal: The expanded integration allows users to share daily meal and nutrition logs with Google Health. MyFitnessPal Premium users can share detailed, food-specific logs, while non-premium users can share daily meal logs.
- Function Health: Users in the U.S. will be able to import clinical laboratory results from Function Health into Google Health, adding lab results to the health information available through the app.
Pricing and availability
The Fitbit Air Metal Mesh bands are available for pre-order at the following prices:
- Metal Mesh band: USD 69.99 (Rs. 6,690 approx.) in Champagne Gold or Polished Silver
- Fitbit Air bundle: USD 149.99 (Rs. 14,340 approx.) for an Obsidian Fitbit Air with a Champagne Gold Metal Mesh band, available exclusively through Target and the Google Store
Health Guardian will roll out to Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge users with a Health Premium subscription later this month. The upgraded automatic activity detection feature will also arrive later this month for Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Watch 5.
Google plans to introduce the remaining app integrations on the following timelines:
- Flo Health: Early next year
- Abbott Lingo: Soon for users in the U.S.
- Function Health: Later this fall for clinical laboratory result imports in the U.S.