Fitbit Updates App With Exercise and Run-Tracking Features

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Image: Mashable, Christina Ascani

By Karissa Bell2014-06-26 02:02:25 UTC

Fitbit just got a little smarter and a lot better at tracking activity while you exercise.

The company updated its iOS app Wednesday with new run and exercise-tracking features.

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Fitbit's biggest update is the addition of a new run-tracking feature called MobileRun, which keeps tabs on your pace, distance, split times, route and other stats in real-time. It even has built-in music controls, so you can manage your playlist from within the app while you run.

Fitbit also has a new section in its dashboard where you can track your exercise patterns, including runs, over time. The app doesn't natively track workouts aside from running, but it can now pull in data from other Fitbit-compatible apps where you may record exercise routines, such as MyFitnessPal, and incorporate those stats into your activity log and calorie estimates.

Fitbit will save frequently repeated aerobic and strength-training workouts, so you can log exercise directly from the app. The dashboard includes a calendar that tracks how often you exercise, and breaks down your workout stats into charts and graphs.

The latest version of the Fitbit app has real time run tracking features.

In addition, meal tracking has been revamped with a new barcode scanner and an expanded database, so you can quickly add food items to your log, and get personalized calorie estimates.

The update also improved MobileTrack, a feature first introduced in January, which uses the M7 coprocessor in the iPhone 5S to automatically track basic fitness activities, such as steps, even if you don't own a Fitbit.

The latest version of Fitbit is available in Apple's App Store. The app's Android version has not yet been updated with the new features; it's currently unclear when or if the new features will make their way to Google Play.

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Topics: apps, apps-and-software, Apps and Software, fitbit, Fitness Apps, health and fitness, Health & Fitness, iOS apps, Tech