The Google Fit application got a big update recently. Aside from the usual bug fixes, the new software also adds support for manual entry of more than 100 new activities, as well as experimental step detection with Android Wear watch when it’s disconnected from a paired phone.

The last mentioned capability is arguably the single most important one on the list, allowing users to keep tracking their activities even when their smartphone is not around or when its battery dies out.

The “offline step tracking” paves the way for using Android Wear devices as full blown activity trackers that could replace today’s smart bands such as those made by Fitbit, Jawbone, Misfit and so on.

Android Wear devices have recently got support for offline music playback and Bluetooth headset connectivity, as well as support for GPS on the watch itself via local software.