Fitbit Revamps Water Logging Experience on Android: A Deep Dive

Fitbit is continuing its push for a more consistent and modern user interface across its mobile app, recently rolling out a significant redesign to the Water logging feature for Android users. This update, which follows a similar redesign of the Weight stats page in November, aims to bring the Water tracking experience in line with the overall aesthetic and functionality of other health and fitness stats within the Fitbit ecosystem. While currently exclusive to Android, with version 4.38 becoming widely available as of March 18th, this overhaul introduces a refreshed visual design and some notable changes to how users log their daily water intake.

The previous Water logging page presented a reverse-chronological list of logged entries, accompanied by a chart at the top offering Week, Month, 3 Months, and Year views. The visual appearance, characterized by a lighter blue status bar, felt somewhat dated compared to other areas of the Fitbit app. The new design adopts a more contemporary approach, aligning with the modern look seen across the majority of Fitbit’s stats pages.

One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of tabs for navigating different timeframes. The new Water page now features four prominent tabs at the top: Day, Week, Month, and Year. This tabular structure allows users to quickly switch between viewing their water consumption data across various time scales, providing a more streamlined and organized experience for tracking hydration habits over time. This aligns with the display used in other statistics in the app to provide a uniform feel.

However, the redesign also brings about a change in how users quickly log their water intake. The "Quick Add For Today" button, which previously resided on the main Water page, has been removed. While this may seem like a minor alteration, it could impact users who frequently log their water consumption directly from the Water page. For those individuals, the removal of the quick add button adds an extra step to the logging process.

Fortunately, Fitbit provides alternative methods for logging water. Users can now utilize the main FAB (floating action button) menu, which offers a centralized location for initiating various actions within the app, including logging water. Additionally, the app shortcut on Android devices provides another avenue for directly accessing the water logging function, allowing users to bypass the main app interface. These alternative methods ensure that logging water remains easily accessible, even with the removal of the dedicated button from the Water page.

The new "Log water" screen, accessible through the FAB, presents a redesigned interface for recording water intake. Instead of a simple text field for entering the amount, the screen now features pre-defined increments in the form of Glass (8 fl oz), Bottle (16 fl oz), and Large bottle (24 fl oz). These common measurements are displayed with intuitive plus/minus controls, allowing users to quickly add or subtract amounts of water.

For users who prefer to log custom amounts, the redesign includes an option to enter a "Custom amount at the bottom" of the screen. This ensures that users can accurately record their water intake, even if it doesn’t align with the pre-defined increments. Furthermore, the new screen allows users to adjust the date of the entry, which is useful for retroactively logging water consumption or correcting any mistakes.

While the visual redesign and functionality improvements are significant, the rollout of the new Water page has been gradual. Some users reported seeing the redesign with Fitbit version 4.38, but a server-side component was initially not yet fully deployed. This phased rollout meant that some users had access to the new features while others were still using the older version. As of March 18th, the redesign is said to be widely rolling out. Some users are recommending force stopping the app from the app settings to get the new look.

The update remains unconfirmed to be rolling out to iOS as of the current information.

Beyond the immediate changes to the Water logging feature, the article hints at future updates within the Fitbit app. The author suggests that Food logging is due for an update to match the new design implemented in Weight and Water. They also mention that Health Metrics should receive a native UI, potentially indicating a shift away from the current implementation. These suggestions point to a broader strategy of harmonizing the user experience across all aspects of the Fitbit app, creating a more cohesive and user-friendly platform for tracking health and fitness data.

Overall, the Water logging redesign represents a significant step forward in Fitbit’s efforts to modernize its app and provide a more seamless user experience. While the removal of the "Quick Add For Today" button may require some users to adjust their logging habits, the alternative methods for logging water, combined with the refreshed visual design and improved navigation, ultimately contribute to a more intuitive and engaging way to track hydration levels. This update demonstrates Fitbit’s commitment to continuously improving its platform and providing users with the tools they need to achieve their health and fitness goals. With more updates to features such as Food logging and Health Metrics on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how Fitbit continues to evolve its app and enhance the overall user experience. The modern redesign is a welcome change that helps users feel like they are using the most up-to-date application available.