Fitbit Quietly Enables Blood Oxygen Tracking on Its WearablesIt could help track breathing issues - if you have the right device.
ByJon Fingas•
This story originally appeared onEngadget
Fitbit's devices from recent years have blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2) hardware, but they haven't used it — until now. Userson Redditand elsewhere have noticed that theirVersa,Ionicand Charge 3 devices are suddenly (if sometimes temporarily) providing blood oxygen data to help track health issues like asthma, heart disease and sleep apnea. It's not clear who's getting first dibs, but it's not dictated by device type orPremiummemberships.
Related:Why Fitbit Prioritizes People Over Products
Fitbit confirmed the rollout to Engadget. The devices are using a combination of red and infrared sensors to determine oxygen variation, although the company cautioned that it wasn't a relative figure. You shouldn't see large variations in your sleep if you're healthy, the company said.
Related:5 Fitness Trackers That Guarantee a Smart Workout
This is coming at a good time for Fitbit. Although Spo2 sensors aren't new in wearables, adoption is spreading. Withings'ScanWatch(an Engadget CESaward winner, we'd add) treats blood oxygen tracking as a central feature.Google's acquisition of Fitbitcould change where you see the technology after this, but it's good to have now if you're determined to glean more health insights.
