Fitbit users who were left frustrated by a recent app update can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the company has responded to the feedback and announced a significant app update. In an apologetic blog post titled ‘Your Feedback Matters’, Fitbit detailed five improvements that are in the works to enhance the overall experience in the coming months.
One of the major updates is the return of the beloved ‘Steps streaks’ feature, akin to Apple Watch’s Rings, which encourages users to achieve consistent daily step goals. After receiving an “outpour of love” for this feature, Fitbit has committed to bringing back Steps streaks on iOS and introducing it for the first time on Android. Existing progress will still count toward your streak, and Fitbit is enhancing the experience by adding celebration animations when daily step goals are achieved.
Another notable criticism of the recent Fitbit app update was the perceived increase in complexity and difficulty of use. To address this concern, Fitbit will make the Today screen easier to read by reducing spacing and optimizing the layout for a more user-friendly interface.
Additionally, Fitbit will display the battery percentage of your watch or tracker on the Today tab, allowing users to easily monitor their device’s remaining battery life without navigating to the Devices section or checking the tracker itself.
As for customization options, Fitbit is introducing the ability to choose your own metrics to display on the Today tab. While the initial release only provided ‘focus metrics’ presets, users can now select the metrics that matter most to them. This feature allows users to tailor their Fitbit experience to their individual preferences.
Although these are the main changes that Fitbit has either implemented or planned, the company has hinted at more updates in the pipeline, including a long-awaited dark mode. While the timeline for these features remains uncertain, it’s reassuring to know that Fitbit is actively working on enhancing the app’s functionality.
It’s worth noting that Fitbit’s response addresses some of the major complaints regarding the refreshed app. However, user feedback indicated various concerns, from missing metrics to a visual redesign that seemed to hide icons and menus, and these have not all been resolved.
Nevertheless, Fitbit’s commitment to addressing user feedback and improving the app experience is a positive step. These updates may convince some Fitbit users to remain loyal to the brand instead of considering alternatives like Garmin or Apple.
The overarching challenge remains the integration of Google’s Material You design language into Fitbit’s app, which may continue to pose usability issues, especially for long-time Fitbit users. On the bright side, Fitbit has promised more significant AI-powered features for next year, including a chatbot powered by generative AI to help users assess workout metrics and gain insights into their fitness routines. This initiative aims to enhance the overall fitness experience for Fitbit users and offers a glimpse into the company’s commitment to ongoing innovation.
As Fitbit continues to refine its app and introduce new features, users can look forward to an improved experience and exciting developments on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates as Fitbit works to enhance its platform and cater to the diverse needs of its user base.
