Fitbit releases a new update for Fitbit OS, with new features and applications

Fitbit announced the first update of Fitbit OS, the software platform released together with the Fitbit Ionic smartwatch launched by the company in recent months. With the new update will be available over 60 applications, more than 100 quadrants next to a general improvement in performance. Fitbit has also partnered with Deezer to bring the music streaming service to Ionic during 2018.

Among the new apps available are Yelp and Tripadvisor to navigate between local bars and restaurants and hotels, Nest and Hue Lights for home automation, Flipboard and The New York Times for news, Game GOLF and Surfline for sports activities. Beginning in January, the British Airways, Lyft and Walgreens applications will also arrive.

” Ionic has received excellent reviews for its health and fitness features, operational autonomy and platform compatibility. With this update, we are keeping the promise of improving the smart experience with popular apps, smart quadrants and new motivational tools that can help user to achieve its goals.

This is just the beginning, along with other improvements to Fitbit OS, we have a community of developers extremely committed and excited to bring unique offers to our users through the Fitbit App Gallery, ” commented Jon Oakes, vice president of product for Fitbit.

The company also announces the introduction of Fitbit Labs, a Fitbit Reseach initiative that will bring innovative applications and ” smart ” quadrants to motivate the user and induce changes of habit. The goal seems to try to ” gambify ” some aspects of physical activity, so as to stimulate the user to achieve their goals while having fun. For example, among the apps and smart quadrants are:

• Fitbit Pet : dial that helps the user to stay active during the day using the steps taken to feed and take care of a little dog or virtual kitten.
• Mood Log : dial that tracks the emotional state of the user and allows you to observe mood patterns over time (available from the end of the year).
• Tennis : app dedicated to tennis players that allows you to keep track of shots and style of play, making a difference between straight, reverse and service (available from the end of the year).
• Think Fast : a game to test mental acuity and sensitize on the effects of sleep and a healthy lifestyle.
• Treasure Trek : game to motivate the user to stay active through gamification mechanisms (available from the end of the year).

Finally, the update of Fitbit OS leads to more immediate operating modes for the Fitbit Pay payment function. Directly from the wrist it is possible to choose which card to pay, and the list of participating banks has expanded to include 25 banks in 13 different markets, with additional countries and banking institutions arriving in 2018.