Fitbit testing new Unusual trends feature for wearable users
A new Unusual trends feature has appeared in Fitbit Labs for some users of Fitbit and Google Pixel wearables. This functionality is designed to detect abnormalities in your health metrics, which could indicate an underlying illness.
The Unusual trends tool relies on data points such as heart rate variability (HRV), average heart rate during non-REM sleep and average respiration rate while sleeping. Using your historical data as a baseline, it can spot movements which could indicate either physical or emotional stress. Google suggests that this could be triggered by recent travel, alcohol consumption or a respiratory illness.
If an unusual trend is detected, users receive a notification, reminding them to log any symptoms. However, the tool must not be used as a source of medical advice, with the company encouraging users to seek guidance from a professional.
You can see if you are eligible to sign up for the Unusual trends feature in the Fitbit app by going to the You tab > Fitbit Labs > See all. Those who join the program are reminded that they must agree to share their data for research and development purposes. It should be available for users of a range of devices, including the Fitbit Charge 6 (curr. $130 at Amazon). When a version of this Unusual trends feature will reach all users remains to be seen.
