Recognition: Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
- Fitbit announced a major update to Fitbit OS 5.1, which is now available to Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 users in the United States.
- The update provides automatic SpO2 tracking, eliminating the need for users to use a specific watch face for SpO2 tracking.
- Google Assistant, audible responses with Amazon Alexa, and support for Bluetooth calling have also arrived.
I had a problem with the Fitbit Sense at startup. Fitbit promised a lot of features for its new smartwatch, but didn’t deliver many. Now the company has announced a new software update for Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 that keeps many of its promises.
The Fitbit OS 5.1 update is now rolling out to Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 devices in the United States. The update includes both health-focused and smartwatch features, including SpO2 improvements and a new voice assistant.
First, SpO2 improvements. At launch, Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 could only track SpO2 readings overnight if a specific watch face was installed. It was a bizarre implementation, but that limitation is finally being lifted. Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 watches can now track blood oxygen levels overnight without the need to install a specific watch face.
If you like Fitbit’s SpO2-focused watch faces, we have good news. Fitbit says it will be releasing seven new watch faces by the end of the year with an emphasis on SpO2 levels at a glance.
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The Google Assistant is also available for Fitbit Sense and Versa 3. You can now choose between Google or Alexa voice assistants by selecting your preferred option in the account settings of the Fitbit app.
Alexa is also getting an upgrade. Now if you ask Alexa a question, she can give you an audible answer. This is more like how voice assistants work in Wear OS watches.
And finally call and text messages. Sense and Versa 3 users can now take Bluetooth calls from their wrists using the built-in speaker and microphone. If you are an Android user, you can now reply to incoming text messages with voice commands.
This update should be welcome news for all Sense or Versa 3 early adopters. Again it should be introduced in the US starting today. Fitbit didn’t mention if other regions would get the update anytime soon, but we’ll keep you posted as we hear extended availability details.
I’ll be looking at updating my Fitbit Sense shortly. So be sure to keep an eye on our Fitbit Sense review to see how the new features play out.