Symptom Checker? Check! Fitbit Labs unveils 3 AI features to simplify health data

Fitbit is introducing three AI-powered health features that transform how users interact with medical information and track their physical wellbeing. These experimental Fitbit Labs capabilities bring sophisticated health monitoring to consumer wearables, marking a significant step toward personalized digital health management. The new tools aim to bridge the gap between complex medical data and everyday health understanding, though they come with important limitations about their diagnostic capabilities.

The big picture: Fitbit announced three Gemini-powered AI features exclusively for Fitbit Labs users that help interpret medical records, check symptoms, and identify unusual health trends.

• The company’s parent Google is leveraging its AI capabilities to transform Fitbit from a simple fitness tracker into a more comprehensive health monitoring platform.
• These features represent “experimental capabilities” that Fitbit explicitly states are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions.

Key features: Medical Record Navigator translates complex medical reports into plain language summaries that users can easily understand.

• Users can upload lab results directly to the app to receive AI-generated explanations along with educational resources, though this requires sharing sensitive health information with Fitbit.
• The company acknowledges this data will be used for research and development purposes, suggesting a dual benefit of user convenience and product improvement.

Beyond the basics: The Symptom Checker feature uses conversational AI to help users understand potential causes of their health concerns.

• When users describe symptoms like “my side aches” or ongoing headaches, the system asks follow-up questions before providing insights about possible causes.
• Fitbit positions this tool as “a starting point” for health assessments that can help users determine if they should consult a medical professional.

Proactive monitoring: The Unusual Trends feature establishes personalized baselines for vital signs and alerts users when measurements deviate from their normal patterns.

• The system learns each user’s typical metrics for factors like resting heart rate and breathing rate during sleep before identifying concerning changes.
• When unusual patterns emerge, the app not only alerts users but suggests potential causes (like stress or illness) and recommends actions to address the issue.

How to access: The features are currently limited to select Fitbit Labs participants with plans for broader release in the future.

• Interested users can check eligibility by visiting the “You” and “Today” tabs in their Fitbit app, where they’ll find options to opt in or join a waitlist.