have tracked sleep for years, but the company is now doing more to help you make sense of that data.
Fitbit’s new Sleep Profile feature, which the Google-owned fitness company announced Wednesday, analyzes wearers’ sleep each month based on 10 metrics. It then compares those readings against what’s considered typical for a person’s age and gender. Fitbit’s update is the latest sign that tech giants are paying more attention to as it relates to overall wellness.
Fitbit’s Sleep Profile seemingly has a lot in common with Samsung’s Sleep Coaching feature, which the smartphone maker back in February. Both programs assign wearers a specific animal meant to symbolize their sleeping patterns. (For instance, Samsung says I’m a “sensitive hedgehog.”)
In a blog post, Fitbit said the animals can change each month based on the data collected, and there’s no ideal animal. Each symbol has been crafted to give you a better understanding of your sleep. Fitbit’s Sleep Profile will also incorporate new metrics such as sleep schedule variability, the amount of time before you reach a sound sleep and disrupted sleep.
You’ll need to wear a compatible tracker during sleep for at least 14 nights per calendar month, and profiles should appear in the Fitbit app on the first of each month. Sleep Profile is available only for users and will be available in the Fitbit app for the Sense, Versa 3, Versa 2, , Luxe and Inspire 2.
The launch comes after Apple announced plans to upgrade , which has been lacking compared with what’s offered by Fitbit, Samsung, Oura and other makers of wearable devices. With the coming this fall, Apple’s smartwatch will finally be able to track specific stages of sleep.
Fitbit is also updating its sleep-tracking functionality ahead of the Pixel Watch’s launch later this year. Google said the will inherit some of Fitbit’s fitness-oriented features, like sleep tracking and Active Zone Minutes. But we’re expecting to hear more specifics closer to the watch’s launch.
It’s also not the first time Fitbit has launched a feature with similarities to its competitors. It to certain trackers and watches back in November, which tells users whether they’re ready for a tough workout or if they should take it easy. Companies such as Oura and Whoop previously offered similar recovery-focused features.
Source: CNET