Fitbit has released the first OS update for its Ionic smartwatch and included in this update are new apps and new watch faces, in addition to overall better performance of the watch and the operating system and some bug fixes and improvements. Of course, with a handful of new things the big draw here are the new apps. Fitbit is boasting that new apps coming to the watch are not only from big, well-known brands but also that they’re free, which just might get the attention of consumers, because who doesn’t enjoy a free app.
Fitbit says that the new apps and faces for the watch bring the total numbers up to over 60 apps and over 100 different customizable watch faces so if personlization is your thing then you’re in luck as that is the main focus of this update, allowing users to have more personalization of the Ionic. Apps like The New York Times, Uber, Yelp, and Trip Adviser are accessible from the watch now, so you can catch up on news, read reviews of locations you may be visiting and catch a ride to your destination. If you’ve got IoT products in the home from either Nest or Philips Hue, then you’ll be able to control them from the Ionic for things like adjusting the level of lighting or the temperature of your home all without having to reach for your connected smartphone. There’s even an app for United Airlines now so if you fly United you can get your boarding pass right on the watch and scan yourself through security with relative ease and no need for a printed ticket.
If you’re like many users out there who like to exercise then you probably like to have your music on hand to keep you motivated. Fitbit’s new update for the Ionic is introducing a partnership with Deezer that will see Deezer access on the watch in 2018 so you can listen to your favorite music from your wrist with a connected pair of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. The update also brings a new project into the light called Fitbit Labs, which is aimed at developing new apps and faces for the Fitbit Ionic using new and emerging smart technologies, so with Labs users can expect a growing list of apps and ways to personalize their watches throughout all of next year. The update should already be live for you to install on your Ionic smartwatch if you’re keen on getting access to the new features and improvements.
