New Fitbit Sense Features Could Surprise You

There are three new sensors that have been added to enhance the technological versatility of the smartwatch from Fitbit. The sensors that have been added include temperature, ECG, and stress. The added sensors enable the smartwatch to perform various features that would actually blow your mind.

Stress

The stress sensor examines your skin and can tell you the level of stress you are facing. The stress sensor will work on the principle of Electrodermal activity, and the sensor is actually called a galvanic skin response sensor. ECG sensor is nothing new and has already appeared in smartwatches from Apple and Samsung (Samsung Galaxy Watch 3), and the temperature sensor is akin to the Oura ring.

Temperature

As the pandemic started besetting the world, people’s demand for a temperature-sensing device increased. As a result of this, paranoia about a possible fever caused thermometers to get a lot of attention.

But what about a temperature-sensing device that you can wear all the time? Yes, a temperature sensor embedded in a watch gives us a promise that technology is here to take care of us in the face of an unprecedented health crisis.

However, an employee of Fitbit has stated that the idea behind the temperature sensing technology embedded watch originated well before the pandemic.

This technology can not only tell you if you have a fever but can also predict if you are to catch one.

The Oura ring that is priced around $300 has become a popular wearable device associated with temperature sensing technology, but the Fitbit Sense smartwatch works identically. It measures the skin temperature when you are hibernating and then delivers the result when you are awake. The result also showcases the alterations in temperatures of the two states (awake and sleep) if they are any.

The technology works on the principle of electrodermal activity. The EDA sensor will measure a small microcurrent that will flow between the device and our hand when we press our palm against the outer rim, which in itself is used to conduct the electricity.

When we are stressed, our brain recognizes it and sends signals to our glands to produce sweat. The sweat also comes from our palms. Although the quantity is minimal when compared to physical exertion, there is a small amount of moisture that alters the conductivity of the skin.

The EDA app takes the reading, processes it, and shows us the result.

The Fitbit’s app is not similar to the relax app that is found in the other gadgets. The later mentioned app uses Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to determine your well-being. The Relax app also advocates mindfulness.

Fitbit, up until now, has not made any mindfulness and features app, but it is planning to do so.

The EDA app does require an uninterrupted duration of two minutes, during which you have to press your palm against the outer rim.

Electrocardiogram

The Fitbit smartwatch has an ECG sensor that is one lead and works when you pinch your finger against the edges of your watch. It completes a circuit, and a minuscule amount of electricity passes through your body.

However, the feature has not been termed reliable by the critics similar to the case of Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. It is also awaiting a pending FDA approval, which is expected to be approved this year. It is also a very primitive mimicking of ECG machines that health professionals use, and it does not predict heart attacks.

It works in a similar way as Apple, Samsung, and Withing watches do. It examines your heart and looks for any Atrial irregularities.

Fitbit has also announced large-scale atrial fibrillation research a few months back. The feature will also not be able to detect arrhythmia.

Other features have also been included such a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker, SpO2 oximeter, optical heart rate sensor that promises precision at the time of exertion and hibernation.

Fitbit is also working on its premium health benefits plan, which will enable the company to make better use of the data they take from the customers. Fitbit is also working on a solution that will help them detect arrhythmia, a feature that their rival Apple watch already has.

Source:-  Fitbit Sense Features