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Fitbit update adds automatic exercise tracking

Fitbit upped the ante when they added automatic, continuous heart rate tracking to their latest trackers. The update is activated when using Exercise Mode on the Charge HR or multi-sport modes with the Surge. The so-called SmartTrack feature can discern a few specific activities such as biking, running, and the elliptical without any input. Besides the latest SmartTrack function, Fitbit is increasing the accuracy of heart pulse measurements for all Surge and Charge HR customers, and is including every week workout objectives to their mobile phone applications.

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Called SmartTrack, the new feature automatically tracks activities when the devices are worn, and will upload workout data directly to the Fitbit app. Previously, users had to manually start their workouts in order for them to be tracked by tapping a button or swiping throughout the activity menu. Aside from keeping you accountable and serving as daily motivation to hit your personalized goals, the app will help you find the routine(s) that are right for you.

“At Fitbit we’re always working on innovative features that are easy to use and make tracking health and fitness a fun, motivational experience”, Tim Roberts, vice president of interactive, said in a statement. An update rolling out today keeps better track of your hear rate and automatically springs into action when you start a workout.

Alternative actions are registered into wider groups like sports activities, which work or tennis and football for example, and aerobic sessions, for cardio, cycling, Zumba or dancing classes.

The second update for Fitbit’s wearables is an improvement to Fitbit’s proprietary continuous and automatic heart rate monitor. While most people are aware of the benefits of being more active and exercising more, these activities can be time consuming and hard to achieve.

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The updates also bring weekly exercise goals, which affect all Fitbit devices and app users. The company says all exercise counts toward your goal, too. Exercise Goals are also available globally to all users of the free Fitbit app for iOS and Windows, with Android coming soon. The Charge HR will also be available in teal.

Sarah Tew  CNET