Fitbit’s update 210.26 brings Youtube Music controls & improved GPS
Fitbit’s rolling out its latest firmware update, version 210.26, and it’s packed with a few goodies for Sense 2, Versa 4, Charge 6 and Inspire 3. Let’s dive in and see what’s new for each device!
Sense 2 and Versa 4: Your new DJ assistants
If you’re rocking a Sense 2 or Versa 4, the headline feature is the addition of YouTube Music controls. Now, without breaking stride, you can now navigate between playlists, skip or replay songs, and adjust volume directly from your Fitbit. Keep in mind that this requires a compatible phone within Bluetooth range and a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscription.
But wait, there’s more! Ever found yourself squinting at your watch during a intense workout? By turning on Magnify on these models, you can zoom in with a triple-tap on the screen, choosing between 2x and 3x magnification. A single tap zooms back out. Useful for those who wear glasses and struggle to read their stats on the go.
Workout tracking gets a boost
Across the board, Fitbit’s stepping up its game in workout detection. The Sense 2, Versa 4, and Charge 6 are now savvy enough to automatically recognize when you’re rowing, elliptical training, or spinning.
The Inspire 3 also gets a boost in exercise tracking capabilities. It now offers auto-recognition for six workout types: running, walking, biking, elliptical, rowing, and spinning. Additionally, all exercise modes are now available in the Exercise app, with your most recently used modes appearing at the top for quick access. As a quality-of-life improvement, you can now easily check the time while in exercise mode.
GPS accuracy has also been enhanced on these models. Fitbit says it has improved the way these devices switch between on-board and connected GPS during workouts.
Another thing worth noting – Fitbit has changed the names of the heart-rate zones for clarity. While the specifics of these changes aren’t detailed in the changelog, users might notice new terminology when reviewing their heart rate data.
The little things
As with any firmware update, this release includes various bug fixes and improvements across all devices, though specifics aren’t provided in the changelog.
Remember to check your Fitbit app for the update. As always its a gradual rollout.
When it hits your device, start by ensuring your Fitbit is charged to at least 50% and within close range of your smartphone. The update process typically takes about 15-20 minutes, during which your device will restart. It’s important to keep your Fitbit close to your phone throughout this whole thing.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
This firmware update comes at a crucial time for Fitbit users, many of whom have expressed concerns about the company’s direction since its acquisition by Google. The lack of new hardware releases over the past two years, coupled with infrequent software updates and the removal of certain features, had left many wondering about Fitbit’s future.
You can view the full 210.26 change-log on Google’s support page.
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