Fitbit recently announced that it is releasing a software update for the Surge and Charge HR wearable devices. The company claims that the update will make its fitness trackers smarter and will allow them to detect what kind of activity or sports their users are engaged in.
According to PC World, Fitbit is integrating a new feature called SmartTrack to its fitness trackers. The feature will allow the Surge and Charge HR to determine what kind of activities its user is currently doing. The workout information will then be uploaded to the Fitbit app.
Fitbit claims that the feature will only record activities when users have been active for at least 15 minutes, by default. On the other hand, users can manually adjust the timer in order to suit their exercise or training regimen.
The new SmartTrack feature can detect several types of activities. These include outdoor biking, walking and running as well as aerobic workouts like Zumba and cardio-kickboxing. The feature can also detect sport activities like tennis, soccer and basketball.
Fitbit give users the option to exclude certain type of activities from being recognized by the feature.
Aside from the new SmartTrack feature, Fitbit also update its PurePulse heart rate sensor technology. This allows the feature to provide better tracking performance especially during intense workouts like Zumba and workout boot camps.
Lastly, Fitbit added an update to its mobile app that will allow users to track their weekly exercise goals. All Fitbit devices will receive this update which the company claims will "encourage people to embrace a more consistent workout routine," according to CNet.