All Pixel Watch and Fitbit models are getting a big upgrade for freeon August 14, 2024 at 11:00 Tech Advisor
The dust is settling from yesterday’s big Made by Google event, where the Pixel 9 series and Pixel Watch 3 were unveiled.
But some important news has gone under the radar, and it’s a big deal for anyone with an older Pixel Watch or Fitbit. Google confirmed that a major feature from its Fitbit Premium subscription service will be made available for free.
Google didn’t mention this on stage during the keynote, but during the Q&A of our media briefing ahead of the event, a spokesperson said that the Readiness Score will be retro-actively added to older Pixel Watch models and all Fitbits.
The metric, which aims to inform of how much energy you have for the day based on data such as previous activity, sleep & heart rate variability, was previously only available if you paid for Fitbit Premium.
Find out everything announced at Made by Google event 2024.
That service costs £7.99/$9.99 per month or £79.99/$80 annually, so the change could mean some users don’t feel the need to continue with a subscription. Google’s spokesperson on the call said the firm wanted everyone to be able to access this important feature.
We don’t have further details on when this will happen, but we will update you if we hear more. The Fitbit website still lists Daily Readiness as only available with Premium.
Of course, there are still reasons to upgrade to the Pixel Watch 3 even if you get Readiness on your older device. It comes in a larger 45mm size for starters and adds impressive real-time running coaching, plus additional scores like Cardio Load and Target Load.
“The all-new Daily Readiness is more in tune with your body’s state of recovery than ever before. An improved algorithm tracks and analyzes your body’s key recovery biometrics — like resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and recent sleep. The result is a more comprehensive picture of how ready your body is to take on training each day,” said Google.
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