Fitbit has updated its Android app to provide greater functionality for those with one of the company’s fitness devices. Those with the Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip will find the new wireless synchronization feature especially useful, as the devices can now send information to the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 via Bluetooth 4.0.
Also coming long for the ride is NFC support. All you have to do is tap your Android device with your fitness trackers and the app will automatically launch and update with the latest stats that have been recorded. Fitbit is considering these features to be in beta for the time being, so if they don’t always work as well as they should then don’t fret — the kinks are still being worked out.
Other changes in this upgrade include the ability to add and edit silent alarms, supports an international food database, adds a distance tile to the main dashboard, and adds new push notification settings.
The app is free to download, and don’t forget that you don’t necessarily need one of the Fitbit trackers to use this app — anyone can use it as a fitness tracker if they’re willing to input info manually. Go ahead and download it from the Google Play Store, and see if Fitbit has any products you could benefit from at its website. Read on for full press details.
Fitbit Offers First and Only Connected Fitness Products with Bluetooth 4.0 Syncing on
Android Devices
Fitbit continues to invest in mobile platforms to create the most motivating experience for users on the
goSAN FRANCISCO, Calif., February 12, 2013 — Fitbit, the leading innovator and market leader in the
growing Connected Health & Fitness category, today announced that Fitbit One, Fitbit Zip, and Fitbit
Flex wireless activity trackers will now sync directly with select Samsung devices through the newest
Fitbit Android app. Because the Fitbit App adds Bluetooth 4.0 syncing, you can see your Fitbit dashboard
updated in real-time, receive motivating notifications, and engage in fitness competitions with friends all
on your Android device. Since your data syncs throughout your day, both at home and on-the-go, it’s
easier than ever to make fitness a part of your everyday lifestyle.Fitbit is on the forefront of mobile accessibility, initially as the first and only company in its category to
offer an Android app, and the only to offer Bluetooth 4.0 syncing for iOS devices, Fitbit is now the first
and only to offer Android Bluetooth 4.0 syncing.“People are realizing that they are more active and can get more fit when they are more connected and
aware of their fitness activities,” said James Park, CEO. “An activity tracker transforms into a meaningful
product when it makes a difference in your life, gets you to move more. We believe that is achieved
through creating a great activity tracker that syncs with the devices you are currently using. Our goal
is to provide the best customer experience on the devices people want to use, whether you have an
Android or iPhone smartphone, a computer or a tablet, or all of the above.”Fitbit continues to invest in multiplatform mobility. This updated Android app joins Fitbit’s iPhone, iPad
and Microsoft Surface Tablet apps that essentially turn your smartphone or tablet into your dashboard,
giving you access to Fitbit’s rich graphs and tools (leaderboard, badges, etc.) when you’re on the go to
keep you motivated throughout the day.The Fitbit app for Android is available for the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Note II, with more
devices to come. Fitbit’s app is now available in the Google Play marketplace and for all international
markets.Also, new to this Android app update is NFC compatibility, making the app even easier to use with
the upcoming Flex, available this spring. Simply tap your Flex band on your Android phone and it
will automatically launch the Fitbit Android app. Your fitness stats from Flex, which seamlessly sync
throughout the day, will be immediately at your fingertips.Expanding Family of Products and Company Success
Fitbit continues to build out its lineup of easy-to-use products that help people get more fit with the
recent debut of the Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband at CES 2013. Flex follows on three
successful Fitbit product launches last year: the Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale, Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity
Tracker and Fitbit One Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker. Fitbit products are carried in over 10,000
U.S. retail stores, and sold internationally in Canada, Spain, UK, France, Germany, Australia and New
Zealand.About Fitbit
Founded in 2007 in San Francisco, Calif., Fitbit is dedicated to designing tools and experiences that
fit seamlessly into people’s lives. Fitbit offers the insights and encouragement to make smart choices
and to see how small, everyday changes add up to big results. The Fitbit Zip and Fitbit One are the
leading wireless fitness trackers in the market, while its Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale is a top-selling connected
weight scale. Fitbit has distribution at leading U.S. retailers such as Apple, Amazon, AT&T, Best Buy,
Brookstone, Radio Shack, REI, Verizon and Target. Fitbit products are sold in the U.S., Canada, the EU,
New Zealand and Australia. Fitbit is funded by the Foundry Group, True Ventures and SoftTech VC. For
more information please visit www.Fitbit.com or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
I cant wait until the Fitbit Flex (http://www.fitbit.com/uk/flex) is released! Then this will be totes awesome!
I have already added myself to the waiting list for the Fitbit Flex. Seeing this gets me even more excited. Not only do they make the best products in this category, they don’t ignore the largest mobile OS in the world like some other idiotic manufacturers. Looking at you Nike and Jawbone. Your products suck anyways, but still a poor decision.
My wife & I both have Fitbits & Galaxy S3s, I updated everything (there is an update for the tracker too). the wireless update feature only shows up on her phone. She is running stock (Touchwiz), I run Cyanogenmod.
:-(