Fitbit's latest update brings YouTube Music control, improved heart-rate tracking to multiple models
Fitbit wearers can look forward to some new features as well as enhanced performance, thanks to a new OTA firmware update that targets several models.
The ability to control YouTube Music, which was first introduced with the Charge 6 fitness tracker (read our review here), is now available on the Versa 4 and Sense 2 smartwatches. This allows one to browse, play/pause and skip tracks (playing on a smartphone that’s within Bluetooth range) from one’s wrist, rather than having to pull out the phone.
Auto Detect is a handy feature that automatically identifies and starts recording a specific exercise or workout, without having to explicitly tell the device to do so. This update brings Auto Detect to the Inspire 3 tracker. The Inspire 3 also gets 20 new exercise modes for tracking a wider range of workouts. For the Versa 4, Sense 2 and Charge 6, which already had Auto Detect, it can now identify three new exercises – rowing, spinning and elliptical.
Font size on the two smartwatches, Versa 4 and Sense 2, can now be adjusted for improved legibility when running or working out, similar to the Pixel Watch 2 (available on Amazon).
Fitbit has also improved the accuracy of heart rate tracking on the Sense 2, Versa 4, and Inspire 3, thanks to advances made in Google’s machine learning algorithms since 2022, which is when all three models were launched. This should also improve measurement of calories burned, Active Zone Minutes and other dependent metrics.
The GPS will also see some improvement on the Sense 2, Versa 4, and Charge 6, resulting in better outdoor mapping and more accurate stats.
Below is a complete summary of what each model gets with this update:
- Versa 4 (curr. $200 on Amazon): Control YouTube Music | Adjust text size | Auto Detect for rowing, elliptical, and spinning | Improved heart rate tracking accuracy | Improved GPS accuracy
- Sense 2 (curr. $180 on Amazon): Control YouTube Music | Adjust text size | Auto Detect for rowing, elliptical, and spinning | Improved heart rate tracking accuracy | Improved GPS accuracy
- Inspire 3 (curr. $99 on Amazon): Auto Detect | 20 new exercise modes | Improved heart rate tracking accuracy
- Charge 6 (curr. $155 on Amazon): Auto Detect for rowing, elliptical, and spinning | Improved GPS accuracy
The update is available now and should download via the smartphone app, as instructed here.
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