Fitbit, a brand renowned for its wearable technology specializing in activity trackers and smartwatches, was acquired by Google about three years ago. These devices have become essential for individuals looking to monitor their health and fitness progress.

According to reports from 9to5Google, Fitbit is currently testing a new program called “Walkmate.” This initiative aims to motivate users to walk more and maintain an active lifestyle through personalized daily notifications over a two-month period.

Participants in the Walkmate program will receive a daily notification through the Fitbit app, encouraging them to plan and reflect on their walking routine. Fitbit will track daily steps and Active Zone Minutes (AZM) data in the background, allowing users to monitor their progress over time.

During the onboarding process, participants will complete a survey providing insights into factors influencing their physical activity levels. This program is open to individuals who typically walk fewer than 8,000 steps per day on average.

To join Walkmate, simply open the Fitbit app and tap on the Steps card. The card will display the Google Health Studies logo, indicating that researchers will use this data to understand behavior strategies, adherence duration, and overall impact on walking habits.

Once enrolled, users will see a “Walk Mate” card in their Today feed alongside generic “Reminders to Move” notifications. In a recent update for the Android app (version 4.06), Fitbit introduced a new feature allowing users to manually input body temperature readings using their personal thermometer.

Stay tuned for more updates as Fitbit continues to innovate in the realm of health and wellness technology!