The latest update to the Zepp app, version 9.5, has left many Amazfit smartwatch users frustrated and concerned about the accuracy of their fitness tracking. A significant bug has emerged, affecting crucial metrics such as the Exertion score, Training Status, and Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) points. This issue has sparked discussions across various platforms, with users seeking answers and solutions from Zepp Health, the parent company of Amazfit.
The Exertion Score Bug
What is the Exertion Score?
The Exertion score is a relatively new feature introduced with Zepp App 9, designed to help users track their daily energy expenditure. This metric aims to provide a comprehensive view of a user's physical activity and recovery, encouraging them to reach a 100% score through workouts. The score is calculated using personal recovery data and Readiness information, offering a personalized goal for each user.
The Problem
Following the Zepp App 9.5 update, users have reported significant issues with their Exertion scores. The problems include:
- Scores not reflecting recent workouts
- Exertion scores resetting to 0 after activities
- Unexpected drops in progress despite consistent exercise
These issues are not isolated to a single Amazfit model but have been reported across various devices, including the popular Bip 3 Pro and T-Rex 3 smartwatches.
Impact on Other Metrics
Training Status
Users have also reported issues with their Training Status, which helps athletes understand their fitness level and recovery needs. Inaccurate data could lead to improper training decisions, potentially affecting performance and increasing the risk of overtraining or undertraining.
Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI)
The PAI metric, developed in collaboration with researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, is also affected. Users are not receiving accurate PAI scores, undermining their fitness tracking efforts.
Technical Details of the Bug
Affected Versions
The bug appears to be linked to Zepp App version 9.5. While iOS users have received subsequent updates (versions 9.5.1 and 9.5.2), Android users remain on version 9.5.0. It's unclear if these updates have resolved the issue for iOS users.
Possible Causes
- Data synchronization issues between the smartwatch and the Zepp app
- Errors in the algorithm calculating the Exertion score and related metrics
- Conflicts with other recent updates or features introduced in version 9.5
User Impact and Reactions
Fitness Tracking Disruptions
Accurate data is essential for users to monitor progress, set goals, and make informed training decisions. The sudden unreliability of key metrics has left many users feeling frustrated and uncertain about their fitness data.
Community Response
The Amazfit user community has been actively discussing the issue on Reddit, YouTube, and forums like XDA, with many seeking solutions and temporary fixes.
Potential Solutions and Workarounds
While waiting for an official fix from Zepp Health, users have attempted various workarounds:
- Restarting the Zepp app
- Restarting Bluetooth and location services
- Restarting the Amazfit smartwatch
- Clearing the app’s cache
- Unpairing and re-pairing the smartwatch with the phone
Looking Forward: What’s Next?
Zepp Health has yet to release an official statement acknowledging the issue. Users are encouraged to report problems via the Zepp app under "Profile > User Feedback." Regular updates and open communication from Zepp Health will be crucial to restoring user trust and maintaining their competitiveness in the smartwatch market.
Conclusion
The Zepp App 9.5 update bug affecting Amazfit smartwatches highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining reliable fitness tracking systems. How Zepp Health addresses this issue will significantly impact user satisfaction and their position in the competitive wearable market.