Google Health 5.11 expands workout detection and glucose tools

Google is rolling out version 5.11 of its Health app, adding broader automatic workout recognition, glucose monitoring options and changes to sleep records. Availability covers iOS, with distribution to Android users still in progress.

The activity upgrade supports Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. Fitbit Edge is due to gain it at its October 27 launch. Google says supported devices can identify up to 100 activities, increased from 10, with swimming and strength training among the examples.

Google says recognition takes account of previous workouts, routines and user corrections. Automatic logging requires an elevated heart rate to be sustained for the minimum workout duration, set at 15 minutes by default. An activity summary generally arrives in the app within 30 minutes.

For Google Health Premium members using Fitbit Air or Edge, setup is open for Health Guardian reports covering blood pressure and insulin resistance trends. The first reports are expected at the beginning of November. Blood pressure eligibility requires Fitbit Air wear for 5 or more consecutive days during October; insulin resistance eligibility requires wearing the watch for 7 or more days and nights during October.

Glucose replaces the blood glucose label in the app, alongside revised charts and customizable time-in-range goals for connected continuous glucose monitors. US users can link Lingo by Abbott directly, which Google says brings readings into the app within 30 minutes.

Google also says sleep tracking now makes better use of step data to recognize short periods awake. Incorrect nap entries can be deleted directly through the nap card.