Fitbit Tests Unique Trends Feature for Wearable Users

Key Takeaways

1. The Unusual trends feature helps identify irregularities in health metrics that may indicate potential health issues.
2. It analyzes data points such as heart rate variability, average heart rate during non-REM sleep, and average respiration rate.
3. Users receive notifications to log symptoms when unusual trends are detected, but it is not a substitute for medical advice.
4. To access the feature, users must navigate to the Fitbit app and agree to share data for research purposes.
5. The feature is expected to be available on multiple devices, including the Fitbit Charge 6, but the rollout timeline for all users is unclear.

A new feature called Unusual trends has been introduced in Fitbit Labs for certain users of Fitbit and Google Pixel devices. This tool aims to identify irregularities in health metrics that may signal a potential health issue.

How It Works

The Unusual trends tool uses various data points, including heart rate variability (HRV), the average heart rate during non-REM sleep, and the average respiration rate while you sleep. By comparing these metrics to your historical data, it can identify changes that may suggest physical or emotional stress. Google notes that factors like recent travel, alcohol intake, or respiratory illnesses might trigger these changes.

Notifications and Warnings

When an unusual trend is identified, users will get a notification prompting them to log any symptoms they may be experiencing. However, it’s important to note that this tool is not a substitute for medical advice, and Google advises users to consult a healthcare professional for any concerns.

How to Access the Feature

To see if you can sign up for the Unusual trends feature, open the Fitbit app and navigate to the You tab > Fitbit Labs > See all. Users who participate in the program must agree to share their data for research and development. This feature is expected to be available for a variety of devices, including the Fitbit Charge 6, which currently retails for $130 on Amazon. It remains unclear when this Unusual trends feature will be rolled out to all users.

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