What's in the latest Step Counter build?
Issue 1 · Oct 13–19, 2026. This build focuses on a more customizable Today view, an improved heart-rate monitoring algorithm and quicker live step notifications. It is worth installing now for those refinements; the details are on the next screen.
About 2 minutes · what changed, then Google Play
Start NowWhat changed this week
These are the three changes in Step Counter - Pedometer 1.6.8 that stand out in the developer's update notes and on its Google Play listing this week.
- 01Rearrange modules on Today
You can add, remove and reorder modules in the Today view, making it easier to put the information you use most where you want it.
- 02Refined heart-rate monitoring
The heart-rate monitoring algorithm has been upgraded for more accurate and reliable results, according to the update notes. The app also supports tracking heart rate.
- 03More responsive live step alerts
Live step notifications have been optimized for faster, more responsive updates, so the alerts can keep pace more closely with activity tracking.
Our call on whether to update, and the link to the official Google Play listing, are on this issue's Step Counter - Pedometer page.
Also updated this week
Step Counter - Pedometer is one of 50 apps with a full screen in Issue 1. Next up in this issue:
Tips
- Set a daily step goal
Choose a goal that suits your routine, then check your progress during the day. The app records steps and can also show walking distance, activity time and estimated calories. A goal gives those daily totals a clear target to compare against. If the distance or calorie estimates seem off, enter accurate information in the pedometer settings as the app recommends.
- Review activity across time
Use the daily, weekly and monthly charts to compare steps, distance, calories and activity time over different periods. Looking beyond a single day can help you spot changes in your routine and see whether your goal is becoming more consistent. The app’s description presents these charts as activity reports, so check them alongside your step total rather than treating one figure as the whole picture.
- Adjust the Today screen
Arrange the Today modules by adding, removing or reordering them, as supported by this build. Put the information you check most often near the top and remove modules you rarely use. That can make your daily activity view easier to scan. The app description also lists widgets and personalization options, so look in the app’s Settings for related display choices.
Menu names follow the developer's help pages and can differ slightly between versions and phones.
How we write the digest
Each week we check the Google Play listings of the apps our readers use most: the version number, the update date and the developer's What's new notes. When an app has a new version, we put the developer's update notes and the listing details together on one page, in plain words, with a link to the official Google Play listing. Google and most developers release updates in stages over several days, so a version listed here may not have reached your phone yet. GoCompareNow is an independent site and is not affiliated with any developer. This page doesn't read your phone or your Google account, and nothing is installed from here.
FAQ
Is this the official list of Step Counter changes?
No. This is an independent site and is not affiliated with Leap Fitness Group. The app’s Google Play page is the authority for its official information and listed changes. Check that page if you want to confirm what Google Play currently shows for Step Counter before installing.
Why does Google Play show Open instead of Update?
Google Play may show Open when the version currently offered to your account is already installed. App releases can also reach people at different times through a staged rollout, so an update may not appear for everyone at once. Check the app’s Play page again later if you are expecting a newer build.
Why might step counting stop with the screen locked?
The app uses the phone’s built-in sensor to count steps, and its description says some phones may stop counting when power-saving settings are active. If your totals pause while walking with the screen off, check the phone’s power-saving controls and the app’s step-counting settings. Results can also depend on carrying the phone during your activity.