Amazfit smartwatch users get long-awaited app UI refresh and badge awards

Zepp Health has released a significant update to the companion app for its Amazfit smartwatches, focusing on user engagement through a redesigned interface and the introduction of a new badges system.

A New Look and Gamified Experience

Interface Refresh

Version 10.0 of the Zepp app, currently available for iOS users via the Apple App Store, features a reorganized home screen. The previous ‘Core Metrics’ section has been replaced with dedicated areas for activities, training plans, and insights. The app’s overall layout remains familiar, but utilizes an updated color palette for improved clarity.

Did You Know? The Zepp app update includes bug fixes in addition to the visual and feature enhancements.

Badges for Motivation

The most prominent addition is a new Badges tab, now accessible from the app’s bottom navigation bar alongside Home, Workout, Aura, and Device. This feature introduces a gamified element, allowing users to earn badges for achieving personal bests, completing challenges, and reaching long-term goals. A dedicated view displays badges yet to be unlocked, encouraging continued progress.

This strategy reflects a wider trend in the wearables industry, where companies are prioritizing software and ecosystem features to maintain user engagement beyond initial hardware purchases.

Implications for Amazfit

By incorporating achievements and visual rewards, Amazfit aims to increase motivation and retention among its smartwatch users. The company acknowledges it is entering a space where other platforms have already established similar features.

Expert Insight: The shift towards software-driven engagement is a critical business decision for wearable technology companies. Hardware innovation alone is no longer sufficient to secure long-term customer loyalty; ongoing software enhancements and features are essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Rollout and Availability

Currently, Zepp version 10.0 is exclusive to iOS users. The badges feature is compatible with Amazfit’s current smartwatch lineup, including the Balance 2 and Active Max models. An Android release is anticipated, potentially as early as February, based on Amazfit’s typical rollout schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Zepp app update?

The primary focus is to enhance user engagement through a redesigned interface and a new badges system.

Which smartwatch models are currently compatible with the new badges feature?

The badges feature should work across Amazfit’s current smartwatch lineup, including models like the Balance 2 and Active Max.

Is the update available for Android users?

Currently, Zepp version 10.0 is only available on iOS. An Android release is likely to occur sometime in February.

How might gamification features like badges impact the long-term success of wearable technology?