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Wearable software updates lead a quiet edition: Fitbit and Pixel Watch expand automatic activity detection, while Garmin opens microphone and speaker access to third-party watch apps.

Running & fitness2 items

Shoes & tech

Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch expand automatic detection to 100 activities

Google Health app 5.11 expands automatic activity detection from 10 to 100 activities on Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5. Premium members using Fitbit Air also gain blood pressure and insulin resistance trends.

Why it matters: The update broadens hands-free workout logging, while the additional health trends are limited to Fitbit Air users with Premium.

Shoes & tech

Garmin Connect IQ adds microphone and speaker access for third-party apps

Garmin Connect IQ SDK 9.3 allows third-party watch apps to record microphone audio and play audio through the speaker. Recording requires new permissions and is restricted to the foreground.

Why it matters: Developers gain tools for audio-enabled watch features, though the SDK update does not itself deliver new training apps.

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Recent briefs

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Who and what it tracks

  • GarminCompany4
  • NikeCompany3
  • StravaCompany2
  • World AthleticsOrganization1
  • Abbott World Marathon MajorsOrganization1