Google Health 5.11 expands workout detection to 100 types

The software update landed on mobile devices this week.

Google released version 5.11 of its health application, introducing a major shift in how automatic activity tracking functions. The feature is live on the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5 models. The Fitbit Edge will gain the capability when it releases on October 27. The system now identifies up to 100 distinct activity categories, a tenfold increase from the previous limit of ten. These categories include strength training, swimming, and various racket and team sports.

The company attributes the improved precision to a contextual reasoning algorithm. This logic analyzes user routines, historical data, and manual edits to refine predictions. Google states that this approach makes detections nearly twice as accurate. It also reduces missed workout logs by more than half. The system automatically records sessions that meet a 15-minute minimum duration and show a sustained elevated heart rate. A summary usually reaches the app within 30 minutes. The algorithm improves over time as users confirm or adjust logged activities.

Premium subscribers using a Fitbit Air or Fitbit Edge can access two new Health Guardian features. Blood pressure trends and insulin resistance trends are available for setup now. The first reports are scheduled to arrive in early November. Blood pressure data helps users monitor patterns that may impact heart health. This report appears in the Health Guardian section for users who wore a Fitbit Air for at least five consecutive days in October. Insulin resistance trends track monthly metabolic shifts and require seven or more days of wear during the month.

The app also renames the blood glucose section to simply Glucose. This change comes with updated visualizations for charts and graphs. Users can set custom time-in-range goals for data from connected continuous glucose monitors. This is done through the Metabolic section of the Health tab. In the United States, Lingo by Abbott devices can now link directly to the app. Glucose readings appear within 30 minutes of the connection. Premium members can ask the Health Coach questions about these trends. The connection process involves selecting Partner Apps from the profile menu.

Sleep tracking received two specific adjustments. The system now uses step data to better identify short awakenings, such as trips to the bathroom. Users can also remove naps that do not align with their daily schedule directly from the nap card. Version 5.11 is currently available on iOS and is rolling out to Android users.