Fitbit Charge 2 firmware update adds workout pause feature and more

We’re big fans of the recently released Fitbit Charge 2, as we indicated in our recent review. Today, Fitbit gave owners of the device a nice early holiday present with a firmware update that brings several much-requested new features.

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Features

Perhaps the most handy new feature in this update is the ability to pause a workout at any time, right from the Charge 2. All you need to do is press the button on the side of your device while you’re in a workout, and your Charge 2 will pause your workout. Pressing on the same button again resumes the mode. We’re not sure why this feature wasn’t available previously, but we’re sure happy it’s here now.

A new guided breathing feature is also available when the tracker is in Relax mode. When you look away from the Charge 2 or just close your eyes, it can create a vibration that is supposed to tell you when you can inhale and exhale.

The Fitbit Charge 2’s firmware update also brings two ways to turn off all notifications in its new Do Not Disturb feature (yes!). You can activate DnD mode by holding down the side button when the device shows its main clock face. You can also activate it by pressing the side button until you’re at the notifications screen, then pressing and holding it until your notifications are turned off.

The update also brings enhancements to the Charge 2’s heart rate sensor. Users will now be able to see which heart rate zones (fat burn, cardio, or peak) they’re in during a fitness session.

In addition, the Charge 2 is getting a dedicated battery life screen, as well as a new clock face that shows the hour, minute and seconds.

Finally, Charge 2 owners will notice some other improvements, such as being able to view workout recaps up to one hour after they are finished, along with a plus sign indicator if you have more than one notification to check out. If a caller doesn’t show up in your contact list, the device will show that number as coming from an “unknown” source.

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