When it comes to hardware, the newest Fitbit smartwatches offer a lot more but they shipped a few of those features on the software without taking full advantage of them. Starting today, Fitbit is launching a new Sense and Versa 3 software update that delivers Google Assistant, improved blood oxygen readings, and more.
Fitbit OS 5.1 is on its way exclusively to the newest smartwatch models of the brand, the Sense and Versa 3. This updated software delivers a few of the promises made by Fitbit when they first launched these smartwatches. Finally, that includes taking advantage of the onboard speaker.
Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 will be able to receive phone calls starting with this latest update and use the mic and speaker on the watch to handle calls from your wrist. In addition, voice-to-text is now available when it comes to incoming text messages for Android users.
Another big bit of news here is that with this update, Google Assistant finally arrives on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3. Users will be given the choice to use either Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa as the default voice assistant on the watch in the Fitbit app. Notably, with this update, Alexa will also add audible replies. On both models, Assistant also offers this feature.
Finally, on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3, this update will also make major improvements to blood oxygen (SpO2) readings. SpO2 readings can only be achieved using a specific watchface in its current state and only while you’re sleeping. Now, regardless of which watchface is being used, readings will be automatically taken overnight. By the end of this year, Fitbit will also be delivering seven new SpO2 watchfaces.
Starting today in the United States, Fitbit OS 5.1 is rolling out in Sense and Versa 3. Fitbit Sense is available for $329 now and $229 for Versa 3.
