Google, Samsung team up to help developers sync fitness data between apps

Google and Samsung announced Health Connect, an initiative that will simplify the connectivity between health and fitness apps. The move will also allow users to share their data across apps. Generally, developers find it difficult to access and sync this data. From that point of view, Health Connect aims to offer them a series of services and APIs to make this easier. 

In May last year, the duo teamed up on a unified platform for smartwatches and other wearables in a move to challenge its rival, Apple. The move combined Google’s operating system, Wear OS, and Samsung’s Tizen-based software platform, which later powered the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series.  

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This year, the companies are looking to make it easier for users to track their health and fitness data across several platforms. With the new initiative, once a user opts in, developers can compile their health data in an encrypted hub on a user’s device.

Google said that users will have complete control over what kind of data they share and which apps they share it. For example, if more than one app collects the same type of data, such as steps taken, users can choose to share that data with one app over the others. 

Health Connect supports more than 50 types of data in various categories, including activity, body measurement, cycle tracking, nutrition, sleep, and vital signs, said the tech major.   

“We’re working alongside Google and other partners to realise the full benefits and potential of Health Connect,” TaeJong Jay Yang, Samsung’s executive vice president, said in a statement.    

“With users’ permission, this will enable app developers to take advantage of accurate and optimised data measured on Galaxy Watch for Samsung Health and use it in their apps as well,” he added.   

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Health Connect is currently in an open beta version accessible to all Android developers. In addition to Samsung, Google is also working with the developers of MyFitnessPal, Leap Fitness, and Withings on an early access program, Chris Wilk, Product Manager said in a blog post. In addition, Google Fit and Google-owned Fitbit are also set to adopt Health Connect, meaning the technology should be available in time for the Pixel Watch launch later this year.