Skip to main content

Android 16 to feature major health updates, starting with Fitbit

A demonstration of the new running features for the Google Pixel Watch 3 in the Fitbit app.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Android 15 was launched a few months ago, and discussion is already turning to Android 16, which is currently in the testing phase. According to a report from Android Authority, the upcoming update is set to enhance Google’s Health Connect app by adding support for new medical records.

This addition could improve how users interact with their health data. Google’s Fitbit platform is anticipated to benefit from this enhancement first, allowing users to input fitness data and access and manage medical records more seamlessly. As Fitbit integrates with Health Connect for data input and retrieval, this new feature may further enhance the app’s utility for users tracking fitness and health information in one location.

Recommended Videos

Health Connect is a secure hub for multiple health applications to share information, helping address the common issue of dispersed health data across different platforms. Users should have an easier time obtaining a complete overview of their well-being, as Health Connect aggregates data from compatible applications. Whether tracking daily steps with Fitbit, monitoring sleep quality with another app, or using a nutrition tracker for meal logging, Health Connect consolidates this information for easier access.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Various health and fitness apps are integrated with Health Connect, further expanding its functionality. In addition to Fitbit, other platforms such as Google Fit, Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, Oura, Withings, Flo, Lifesum, and Dexcom are also involved, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for users aiming to manage their health.

This upcoming update reflects an effort to improve user experience and highlights the growing significance of integrated health management tools in modern life. With the integration of medical records into Health Connect, users may find opportunities to take greater control of their health.

Google announced Android 16 in November. The update will introduce several new and improved features. One of the most significant upgrades is the Privacy Dashboard, which enables users to review a week’s data. Another enhancement is the Audio Sharing feature, allowing audio to be shared with multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Additionally, a new feature called Notification Cooldown will gradually lower the volume of notifications from the same app over a specified period.

Android 16 should be released to the public before the end of the year.

Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
Here’s how Android 16 could make managing notifications easier than ever
Moto G Play (2023) notifications

Are you tired of the constant stream of notifications on your Android phone? Google may have a solution in development as part of its Android 16 update.

Recently, Android Authority discovered a hidden page in the latest Android 15 beta, located under Settings > Notifications, that references Bundled Notifications. This suggests a stable version of Android 15 QPR2 or the upcoming Android 16 release could introduce a new feature similar to Gmail's notification grouping. This would allow similar notifications to be organized into bundles rather than displaying a long, overwhelming list of individual alerts.

Read more
Can this Android phone camera beat the iPhone 16 Pro? I flew to Bali to find out
iPhone 16 Pro next to the OPPO Find X8 Pro on a bed of pebbles

The iPhone 16 Pro has one of the best smartphone cameras you can buy, and it sets a standard for everyone to beat, especially regarding video. We've already seen Samsung and OnePlus try and fail to beat Apple, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro has proven that even it will fall somewhat short.

However, what happens when you look outside the U.S.? Smartphones from Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo have set camera standards that put even the best in the U.S. to shame. I was in Bali last month testing the iPhone 16 Pro camera against a new smartphone from Oppo.

Read more
The iOS 18.2 update includes a special feature just for iPhone 16 Pro users
A person holding the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

If you have an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, updated to iOS 18.2, and regularly use the Voice Memos app, then your phone just got even better if you're a musician. Originally teased in September’s iPhone 16 event, Layered Recordings is now available in the Voice Memos app with the iOS 18.2 update.

What exactly are Layered Recordings? Basically, you can now add a vocal track layer on top of any existing instrumental recording without the need for headphones. In the iOS 18.2 update, users are now able to play original instrument ideas through the iPhone’s built-in speakers while simultaneously recording vocals with the studio-quality microphone on the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max.

Read more