Google has released an update to its Google Fit app for Android and also Wear OS, redesigning the app based on recommendations from their research partners.
Google collaborated with the American Heart Association (AHA) and World Health Organisation (WHO) to better understand the science behind the physical activity and turn them into an algorithm that can help users improve their health.
In this update, Google has introduced Move Minutes and Heart Points features that give you credit for activities — encouraging you to stay active as much as you can.
Move Minutes
Centred around the idea of ‘sitting is the new smoking’ and ‘no pain, no gain’, Google has made it rewarding to move more and sit less.
You earn Move Minutes for every activity — be it taking the stairs instead of the elevators or taking a walk instead of drinking a cup of coffee. The more you move, the more Move Minutes you earn.
Read more:Â Android 9 Pie compatible devices; Beta sign-up for Digital Wellbeing features; 40 features of Android Pie;Â Android Pie 9 (Go Edition)
Heart Points
The Google Fit app rewards even greater when you’re working your heart. For each minute of moderate activity, you’ll earn a point. Users will earn double the points if the activity is more intense.
Per se, you earn more points when you’re running or boxing to when you’re walking your dog.
According to Google’s partners — AHA and WHO — 30 minutes of brisk walking 5 days a week is recommended as it reduces the risk of heart disease, improves sleep, and increase overall mental well-being.
Using the sensors of the smartphone or smartwatch Google Fit automatically detects the activity — running, cycling, working out, and other — and estimates the number of Heart Points to be awarded.
You can customise your activities. Say, if you’re more into gardening, rowing, football or any other type of exercise, you can choose that via the app and then Google Fit will keep a count of your Move Minutes and Heart Points.
Google Fit can also integrate with other apps such as Strava, Runkeeper, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal.
Users will begin to see these new features on Google Fit for Android phone or Wear OS by Google watch beginning this week.
Read more: How to turn off location access for a specific app on iPhone and Android
