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| Fitbit launches EKG app with Charge 5 |
Google's Fitbit launched the Charge 5 fitness tracker with a new design and color display in September, but it lacked two key features in the software when it was released: an ECG app and new daily business readiness score. It can show the intensity of your exercise.
More than a month after the release of the Charge 5, these features are now available. The EKG app reads your heart rate to assess atrial fibrillation.
To take a measurement, open the app, place your finger on the stainless steel plate on either side of the Charge 5 and wait 30 seconds.
EKG apps are appearing in more and more wearables, including Fitbit Sense and Apple Watch smartwatches. However, the readings in the app should not be used as a definitive diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.
Studies have shown that the Apple Watch can indicate many types of arrhythmias. Therefore, if you have any concerns about the health of your heart, please consult your doctor.
The new daily readiness score uses data logged by Fitbit to recommend intensity levels for the day.
Your device measures your activity, heart rate variability, and sleep to calculate the score. A higher score means the device thinks you can do more strenuous activities. A lower score means that you need to prioritize low-intensity exercise in order to recover.
Daily standby points are only available with Fitbit Premium. Therefore, if you want to use it, you need to become a member of the subscription service, which costs $9.99 per month (or $79.99 per year).
Many Fitbit devices support this subscription, including Fitbit Sense, Versa 3, Versa 2, Luxe, or Inspire 2.
A new level of daily preparation
Since the introduction of the first Charge HR in 2015, the Charge 5 has been one of the biggest design changes in the popular Charge series.
The Charge 5 is equipped with a color AMOLED display. The Charge 5's screen is 10% larger than the Charge 4. Its brightness can reach 450 nits while the Charge 4's screen is 200 nits.