A new firmware for the Fitbit Surge and Fitbit Charge HR fitness trackers will make it easier to track workouts. The update gives the Fitbit trackers the ability to automatically detect when you begin and finish a workout or exercise. Called SmartTrack, it eliminates the need to have to explicitly begin and end tracking by pressing a button or selecting a menu option.
SmartTrack can recognize a range of activities where there is continuous movement. Among these are walking and running as well as high-movement sports like tennis, basketball and soccer. Classes like cardio-kickboxing and Zumba that also use a high degree of movement can also be tracked automatically.
You can also personalize SmartTrack to select which activities you want it to track as workouts. You can also define the number of minutes that an activity must be performed to count towards an exercise goal. For example, you can track a 30-minute power walk but exclude a shorter casual stroll.
Fitbit recommends using the Exercise Mode on Fitbit Charge HR and multi-sport modes on Fitbit Surge for activities that include a lot of starts and stops.
Both Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge will also benefit from an update to the PurePulse heart rate technology. It improves heart rate tracking when using Exercise Mode and multi-sport modes during certain high-intensity workouts.
It is also now possible to set weekly exercise goals based on the number of days per week you want to be active. Progress updates will help you stay motivated and “keep you accountable on your health and fitness journey.”
Source : Fitbit