- Google Health is now replacing the Fitbit app for most users
- Many Fitbit fans are unhappy about the switch due to missing features
- Google has promised that regular updates and fixes are coming
We're now at the stage where the Google Health app has replaced the Fitbit app for most users on Android and iOS, and Google has just posted an update promising regular improvements and bug fixes, as well as committing to listening to feedback — and there's an awful lot of feedback to get through.
We got a hint of the user revolt that was coming when the Google Health update started rolling out, but now that everyone has the new app, the number of negative reactions has increased exponentially. Users are complaining about missing features, poor user interface choices, and AI they don't really want.
"It's just an atrocious app," is one of the reactions on Reddit that sums up the general mood. Other commenters describe the Google Health update as "unbelievably bad", "clunky", and repeatedly showing "incorrect data".
While a few bumps along the road are to be expected in a major switch like this, it seems users really, really don't like what they're seeing. Previously loyal Fitbit fans — many of whom have owned Fitbits since before Google acquired the company — now say they're switching to Garmin and other competitors.
Fixes and upgrades on the way
wtf is this bs app? I want a refund from r/fitbit
A lot of complaints center around the new look of the Google Health app, which is busier and more cluttered than the old Fitbit one. There's a lot of room given over to the Google Health AI Coach too, though advanced AI features are only available for those with Google Health Premium (previously Fitbit Premium) subscriptions.
According to the survey we ran earlier this month, only 20% of you will be handing over money for the extra AI Coach features, and that's a sentiment reflected in the feedback we're seeing online: most users would still rather analyze their stats themselves.
The food logging capabilities of the new Google Health app have come in for a lot of criticism too, and this is actually something Google says it will address. The ability to "add custom food viewing, creation, and logging" is included on a lengthy list of upgrades due to roll out starting this week.
Other bug fixes and improvements cover issues with exercise tracking (including runs that are inaccurately labeled), calorie tracking, and missing Sleep Scores, as well as making the AI Coach "more concise" in its answers. Google clearly has a lot of work to do with its new app, and that's reflected in the reaction from users.
