Google rolls out first firmware update for Fitbit Air

At a glance:

• Google begins rolling out firmware version 20001.253.2 for the Fitbit Air, superseding the day‑one release 20001.245.19.
• The update brings bug fixes, general improvements, and advances two specific exercise‑tracking fixes outlined in Google’s June roadmap.
• Firmware appears as 20001.253.2 on iOS and as 67.20001.253.2 in the Android Google Health app.

Firmware version details and rollout

When the Fitbit Air first shipped, it included a day‑one firmware update numbered 20001.245.19 as part of the initial setup process. Google is now pushing a newer build, 20001.253.2, which replaces that original version. The version string is presented differently on the two major mobile platforms: iOS devices show the plain number 20001.253.2, while the Android Google Health app prefixes it with “67”, resulting in 67.20001.253.2. The rollout is still limited; were not yet seeing the update reach all users. According to the company, the new firmware contains bug fixes and general improvements that refine the overall stability of the tracker. (The article also notes the standard FTC disclaimer about affiliate links, which does not affect the technical content.) Once the update is available, the Google Health app surfaces a card on the Fitbit Air’s device page prompting users to install the new firmware. This notification mechanism mirrors the approach used for other Fitbit trackers and smartwatches, ensuring owners are aware of the upgrade without needing to check manually. Users can tap the card to begin the over‑the‑air download, and the app will display a progress bar until the installation completes.

Exercise‑tracking improvements from the June roadmap

Earlier in June Google released two substantial updates to the Google Health app, laying the groundwork for the features now arriving in the Fitbit Air firmware. The updates specifically targeted exercise‑tracking shortcomings that had been reported by early adopters. These updates were part of a broader roadmap shared by Google to enhance the accuracy and reliability of health data captured by its wearable lineup.

• [FIXED] Address incomplete data in TCX exports for exercises tracked using Fitbit Air and connected GPS and for exercises tracked using multiple devices or apps connected to Google Health.
• [DONE, with additional future improvements] Improve how the app responds while live tracking a Fitbit Air exercise in the event of lost connectivity. The first item resolves a gap where TCX files exported from the app would miss portions of workout data when the Fitbit Air was paired with a GPS source or when multiple devices and apps were simultaneously logging to Google Health. The second item makes the live‑tracking interface more resilient, allowing the app to maintain a usable state and recover gracefully if the Bluetooth link drops during a session. Google also reiterated its commitment to “continue to improve the number of exercises that Fitbit Air automatically detects,” hinting at further algorithmic refinements in future releases.