Fitbit Unveils New AI-Powered Health Coach in Innovative App Experience
Fitbit is making waves in the health and fitness technology space with the upcoming launch of its Gemini-powered health coach, set to preview tomorrow. This new feature is part of a comprehensive redesign of the Fitbit app initially announced back in August. Premium subscribers in the US using Android devices will be the first to access the health coach, with plans to roll it out to iOS users later this year, according to Taylor Helgren, Fitbit’s product manager.
A Completely Rethought App Experience
The new health coach will serve as the backbone for an entirely reimagined Fitbit app. Instead of simply adding AI functionalities to the existing platform, Fitbit is offering a fresh opt-in experience in a revamped app environment. While the current version of the app isn’t feature-complete, additional functionalities such as nutrition and cycle tracking are expected to be introduced in the future. Users will have the flexibility to toggle between the new application and the traditional setup at their convenience.
Personalized Onboarding and Goal Setting
The onboarding experience begins with a quick, five to ten minute interaction with the AI coach, available via text or voice. This initial conversation helps set personal fitness goals and shapes the types of recommendations the system will provide. Leveraging both user input and historical Fitbit data, the health coach can generate a tailored weekly workout plan. This customization takes into account the user’s available equipment and specific training aspirations, whether it’s preparing for a 5K run or building a strength training routine.
Enhanced Interaction with Natural Language Processing
Once set up, users can engage in conversations in natural language to modify their plans or inquire about health and fitness. These interactions are recorded in a section labeled “coach’s notes.” If a user experiences an injury or faces a particularly hectic schedule, they can communicate these details to the coach, which will adjust their training regimen accordingly. This level of integration showcases a thoughtful design that avoids the pitfall of superficial AI features that often deliver generic advice.
Safety Measures and Medical Considerations
Despite the ambitious nature of this AI-centric update, potential risks exist, including the possibility of hallucinations in responses. Given that the health coach is also built to answer some medical inquiries alongside fitness-related questions, careful planning has gone into its development. Helgren states that the team consulted with both internal and external clinical and fitness experts, along with an advisory panel, to create a robust safety framework. Importantly, the coach is designed to direct users to healthcare professionals when appropriate.
The Future of Fitbit’s Health Coach
This rollout represents just the beginning of what may be a complex journey towards a comprehensive software launch. According to Google, the health coach is expected to be fully operational next year, although no precise timeline has been committed. Moreover, users do not need to own a Pixel Watch to benefit from this feature; it will be compatible with various Fitbit trackers and watches, as well as potentially new Fitbit hardware teased by Andy Abramson, Fitbit’s head of product.
Correction October 27th: The public preview launches tomorrow, Tuesday October 28th. A previous version of this article stated that it launched on Monday the 27th.
Update October 27th: Added information about new Fitbit hardware coming in the next year.
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