Google Health gets better workout logging, improved maps, and Health Connect fixes

Google’s ambitions with its new Google Health app are now starting to feel a lot less fragmented. For reference, the Fitbit app transformed into an all-new Google Health experience earlier in May, but it left a bad taste in longtime users’ mouths. We noted that the app leads with long paragraphs, launched without nutrition and cycle tracking, and was generally hard to navigate. The tech giant listened to user feedback and quickly implemented fixes, and its latest Google Health 5.07 update continues that trend with several meaningful changes.

The new app build is rolling out now and is expected to be widely available over the next week. It introduces updates to activity and fitness, weight tracking, and Health Connect. It comes soon after version 5.06’s rollout, which finally gave us the option to remove the app’s Health Coach’s verbose guidance and insights from the app’s Today tab.

Activity and fitness updates

One of the biggest changes with today’s update is how users will be able to manually log their workouts. The app now gives users more control over what they can enter when manually inputting data. Google says that you’ll now be able to add and adjust more metrics when logging, and that your edits will show up in workout summaries more quickly. Additionally, users will now be able to record more metrics when switching between pool and open-water swimming.

The update also offers an overall improved in-app map experience, “with faster loading times, and smoother rendering and adjustments.” Users who encountered issues with missing maps when using their phone to track a running, biking, or walking session should be relieved to know that the bug has been squashed.

Elsewhere, your trail and incline runs should now count toward your Running Distance totals.

Weight tracking and Health Connect updates

Although not a huge change by any means, the update also expands the weight graph’s minimum and maximum values. If your weight has drastically changed (in either direction), this should make those changes easier to see. It should also make long-term weight changes easier to observe.

Finally, the update also fixes issues with Health Connect. The app lets you share health, fitness, and medical information with multiple applications in a secure manner.

Up until recently, some Android users had been running into an issue where Health Connect would disconnect from Google Health. The latest update addresses that issue.

Google Health’s version 5.07 doesn’t boast a single headline feature, but several smaller quality-of-life changes that sand down a few of the rough edges left from the app’s initial launch. Expect version 5.07 to land on your Android or iOS device over the next week.