Whoop begins adding step count in app after social media tease
Whoop has stirred anticipation with a social media teaser earlier today. It turns out this is to do with a new step count feature in the smartphone app. Many had hoped it was hinting at Whoop 5.0.
The timing of the teaser, combined with the cryptic theme, suggested that Whoop could be preparing to release a new product. Just ahead of the all-important holiday shopping period – perfect.
To remind, Whoop 4.0 was released back in 2021. Three years is a long time in the wearable tech world.
But it turns out this is to do with a new metric in the Whoop app. Something that many were hoping the company would integrate – a simple step count. Whoop had always focused, instead, on a strain metric which makes an assesment of your daily exertion based on how hard your heart has worked. Which makes sense.
But now you are getting the best of both worlds.
As evidenced by the screenshot below, it seems some users are already seeing the new feature.
One user queried the AI chatbox in the Whoop app about the step counter rollout and received the following reply.
“WHOOP is gradually rolling out Steps to all members. You should have access soon! Make sure your WHOOP app is updated to the latest version to get the newest features and updates. Let WHOOP know if you have any other questions!”
This addition aligns Whoop more closely with mainstream fitness trackers that emphasize steps as a key metric. Its other metrics centre around heart rate variability, sleep analysis, and recovery, carving out a unique niche in the wearables market. Yet, the absence of step counting has been a point of contention among potential users comparing it to more traditional fitness trackers.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Earlier this year, speculation already began around the release of the Whoop 5.0. Predictions included potential enhancements to its sensor array, improved battery life, and an overall more accurate tracking experience. There was also talk about a possible blood pressure tracking feature.
Whoop has yet to officially confirm any details about a new device or what specific features it might bring. Unfortunately, the video teaser released today is not a hint we may be seeing Whoop 5.0 soon.
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I mean if they release a completly new whoop 5.0 they need to replace all the whoop 4.0 members and will come with a HUGE cost so i bet is some acessory like a footpod that you need to “purchase” so same way as the bands they will make money from it instead of loose lol
Yea, I agree – a major obstacle to releasing a new Whoop band is the cost of replacing all existing devices. Maybe they will just add a step count in the existing device – it probably already has an accelerometer inside.