Fitbit's smartwatches now add quick reply functionality

One of the limitations of Fitbit devices is that they can receive notifications but while you can see a message and the sender, these aren't actionable. That's changing today with a new update which will allow quick replies. These will now have five preset responses as well as the ability to create a response provided it is under 60 characters in length. 

Fitbit's Ionic and Versa smart watches also have compatibility with Dexcom's app for Blood Glucose monitors, further expanding the focus on deeper health tracking functionality.

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Google Assistant now compatible with over 5,000 devices

Google's voice-powered assistant is now compatible with 5,000 devices. Showing that Google is growing its ecosystem to compete with Amazon's Alexa, which is has 12,000 can work with smart home devices from over 2,000 brands. Google Assistant can be accessed using smartphones, Google Home smart speakers, Wear OS devices and Chromebooks.

“Over the past year, we’ve made great progress ensuring that the Google Assistant can work with all types of connected devices, and now every major device brand works with the Assistant in the U.S.,” Google’s Michele Turner writes. She notes that the smart devices with which Google Assistant is compatible include “cameras, dishwashers, doorbells, dryers, lights, plugs, thermostats, security systems, switches, vacuums, washers, fans, locks, sensors, heaters, AC units, air purifiers, refrigerators, ovens [and more].”

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Pocket Casts app acquired by consortium of US radio stations

The Pocket Casts app has been arguable the best podcast app on Android with versions for iOS and the web. A consortioum of buyers comprised of NPR, WNYC, WBEZ, and This American Life have purchased Pocket Casts and collectively hope to improve the growing podcast space. What does this mean for the app? Nothing right now since it should work normally. NPR allready has an NPR One app but that could be folded into Pocket Casts in the future.

Source: 9to5Google

Apple's GymKit comes to Canada at Equinox Fitness Clubs

GymKit is a feature of the Apple Watch that allows it to interact directly with gym equiptment for more precise tracking of exercises and performance. Having rolled out in select US gyms, the functionality has arrived in Canada through LA Fitness equiptment available in Equinox Gyms in Canada.

Members of these gyms using the La Fitness machines can enjoy “gymKit-enabled treadmills, ellipticals, stair steppers, and indoor bikes for more accurate distance, pace, and energy burn metrics.” Life Fitness has also introduced GymKit in various  fitness clubs in the US, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Source:9to5mac