Version 5.10 of the Google Health app has started reaching Android and iOS users with the option to delete log records via chat. In its statement dated October 9, Google states that the distribution will progress gradually over the course of a week, depending on the device and operator. However, the update adds new sleep signals to the readiness score and turns on irregular rhythm notifications on compatible watches in Japan.
According to the company’s release announcement, users can request the deletion of the daily record they have previously entered while chatting with Google Health Coach. Thus, in order to remove an incorrectly added race record, it is sufficient to tell the coach about the relevant event. In addition, this support includes exercise, meal, weight and symptom records that the user enters by chatting with the coach.
In contrast, Google clearly states that the new chat command does not include deleting medical records and separates these records from daily entries. On the other hand, the readiness score aims to provide the user with a more personalized result by taking advantage of additional signals from sleep. The announcement does not explain the new numerical formula for this calculation or the weights of the signals, nor does it share the names of the additional signals.
Users in Japan can initiate the installation of irregular rhythm notifications from the Health tab of the application and use supported Pixel Watch or Fitbit devices. In addition, the watch collects heart rhythm data in the background while the user is inactive or sleeping. Google explains the regional scope of this innovation as Japan and does not provide a separate access schedule for Türkiye in this announcement.
Irregular rhythm notifications do not measure continuously and instantly
Google’s support document explaining how the feature works specifically emphasizes that the analysis does not proceed in real time when explaining the results of this measurement. While the optical sensor of the compatible device collects heart rate data, the application evaluates the changes between beats after synchronization. Therefore, the notification does not mean the result of a single measurement that the watch is currently seeing.
Additionally, the system looks for irregularities across multiple measurements that may be associated with atrial fibrillation and needs to collect sufficient reviewable data. In addition, users can see the last analysis date and time in the Irregular rhythm section in the Health tab. Regular synchronization ensures that the data collected by the device reaches the application and helps review the rhythm history.
The support list includes Pixel Watch 2, 3, 4 and 5 models, as well as different Charge, Inspire, Sense and Versa devices. On the other hand, the required firmware version for each model varies and the algorithm does not examine the data coming from the incompatible device. Additionally, this feature only works in supported regions and it is necessary to check the suitability of the location separately.
On the other hand, with irregular rhythm notification, the Google ECG application uses different measurement methods and requires different operations and separate installation steps from the user. While ECG takes a 30-second recording with electrical sensors on the compatible device, rhythm notification collects optical data in the background. Therefore, Japanese support in the 5.10 announcement does not mean that the two features work the same way.