Fitness Tracker step count and mileage

[curt101]

I’m new to Android watches and I was wondering if anyone knows exactly how the step count works. Does it just count the number of arm swings? When the milage is displayed is this using GPS? Or does it just multiply the step count by some number of feet per step? Or is it getting this info from your phone via Bluetooth?

 

[jlangner]

I don't know for sure. I came from gear fit 2 and compared. On a walk yesterday the mileage was 2.09 for gf2 and 2.07 for GW however for steps the gf2 had about 600 more steps (~4600/4000). I am guessing from this that it uses gps for distance otherwise would have been more off on mileage.

 

[curt101]

I don't know for sure. I came from gear fit 2 and compared. On a walk yesterday the mileage was 2.09 for gf2 and 2.07 for GW however for steps the gf2 had about 600 more steps (~4600/4000). I am guessing from this that it uses gps for distance otherwise would have been more off on mileage.

Yes I had the same thing about 500 more steps on my phone but same mileage. I need to do an experiment where with my phone off I walk without swinging my arm and see what I get for steps & mileage.

 

[whgrell]

Most fitness trackers use step counts and based on your height will estimate length of stride to determine estimated distance. Now if you are actually walking outside and it senses you are exercising then it uses GPS. But for average daily use and you are in a house or office building, the GPS doesn't work.