Google rolls out first Fitbit Air software update (U)

Follows two big ones Google Health software updatesFitbit Air is getting its first software update since launch.

Update 7/23: Google published today blog post about firmware version 253.2 with full instructions. The update started rolling out a month ago with “minor bug fixes”.

1. Open the Google Health app with your Fitbit Air nearby.
2. On the Today tab, click Update. This option only appears if an update is available.
   • Alternatively, click Contacts in the top left, then select your device. Refresh.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and keep Fitbit close to your phone, tablet, or computer.

Google has a list of “important things to know before updating”:

• Timing: We recommend updating your device during the day or evening. If you update your Fitbit in the middle of the night, your step count for the day may appear temporarily inaccurate.
• Duration: Updates may take about 10 minutes to complete, so make sure you are in a convenient location where you can place your device and allow the update to complete without interruption.
• Application Status: You must keep the Google Health app running to keep the update from downloading.

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Update 7/13: This Fitbit Air update is now rolling out more widely. Once available, you’ll see a “Device update” card in your Today feed or when you visit the device page. Follow the steps to download, the process takes a few minutes. Fitbit Air can stay on your wrist and you don’t need to charge it while the update is installed.

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Original 6/25: There was a first-day software update for the Fitbit Air as part of the setup process. Google now offers 20001.253.2 (compared to 20001.245.19).

As a quick note, the way Google displays the software version number is slightly different between iOS and Android. The latter platform adds “67” to the front, but the rear half is the same.

• iOS: 20001.253.2
• Android: 67.20001.253.2

Like other Fitbit tracker and smartwatch software updates, the Google Health app will present you with a card on the device page once new software is available.

While the update isn’t rolling out yet, Google told us today that it includes bug fixes and general improvements.

When Google shared its post-launch feature road map last monthThere were a few special entries for the Fitbit Air. With two app updates released in June, Google fixed the following exercise tracking issues:

• (FIXED) Address incomplete data in TCX export for workouts tracked with Fitbit Air and connected GPS, and workouts tracked via multiple devices or apps connected to Google Health.
• (DONE, with additional future improvements) Improve how the app responds when live-tracking a Fitbit Air workout in the event of a connection loss.

Google also said it will “continue to increase the number of workouts that Fitbit Air automatically detects.”