Firmware update improves sleep tracking on Mi Band 5
One of the best budget fitness bands around has received a new firmware update. Mi Band 5 sleep tracking gets a boost, plus there’s support for new languages.
The fifth generation tracker has been around for about six months. Xiaomi’s device has been a favourite of many for a number of years now. The latest edition comes with a bigger 1.1 inch OLED display as the biggest upgrade over its predecessor, along with a number of other smaller improvements.
Those who had hoped the tracker would come with SpO2 monitoring and Alexa support were left disappointed. That was reserved for Amazfit Band 5 which is manufactured by Huami – the same company that manufactures the Xiaomi device.
Firmware update (v1.0.2.46)
There is a new Mi Band firmware update currently making its rounds. Version 1.0.2.46 brings one important upgrade – 24 hours sleep monitoring. This was an advertised feature.
To remind, the fifth generation has upgraded the sleep analysis technology. Xiaomi says the accuracy of sleep tracking has been improved by 40%, allowing for professional analysis of your sleep patterns. This means you can get advice to help you improve sleep issues such as insomnia.
Although the band has support for naps, some users have reported that the Mi Band 5 does not always track sleep between 6am and 11am, and between 18am and 22pm. This, of course, is not ideal if you like to put in some kip time during this time. The good news is that the latest firmware update resolves this and Xiaomi Mi Band is now a true round-the-clock sleep tracker.
This is not all. Apart from Mi Band 5 sleep tracking improvements, version 1.0.2.46 slaps on support for four new languages — Indonesian, Greek, Vietnamese, and Hebrew. Finally, the NFC version also gets support 4 transportation cards in China. This includes Yongchengtong, Shengjingtong, Harbin Citytong and Dalian Pearl.
Essential reading: Amazfit Band 5, a more high-specs Mi Band 5 alternative
Coinciding with this update is a refresh to the Mi Fit app. This is now up to version 4.8.0. The new Mi Band firmware should make its way to your tracker automatically after you upgrade the smartphone app. If it doesn’t, tap on “Check for Updates” in Mi Fit.
Unfortunately, the software update does not bring the rumoured temperature feature. This might or might not arrive. It is said that after an initial calibration, you’ll presumably be able to take readings. It is not clear whether these would be done automatically in the background like Fitbit, or if they would be on-demand.
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