The Fitbit app finally can show users their stats from other wearables and services, with Google announcing the expansion of the Health Connect platform at MWC 2024.
First announced nearly two years ago, Google Health Connect is effectively the company's interoperability platform; it gives users the choice of feeding specific bits of data into their app of choice to fill out the picture. It works similarly to Google Fit integrations, except you don't have to use Google Fit.
So, for example, we've enabled Health Connect support between Whoop and Oura to allow the former's workout tracking to appear natively within the latter's app and count toward our calorie goal.
With Google now granting the Fitbit app the same level of support, users will now be able to see all their data in one place. Specifically, Fitbit app fans will see the Today section looking quite different.
We haven't yet received the update, and therefore can only show you Google's example above, but the company indicates that cards such as Steps, Active Zone Minutes, and Exercise Days will now come labeled with the Health Connect logo if they show data from other sources (as well as Fitbit or Google's own devices).
The 'You' tab is also getting a tweak, with a new 'Records' section allowing you to view each scrap of Health Connect data in one place.
It's not yet clear how users will be able to turn the taps of data on or off - for example, disabling specific sleep data being pulled in from multiple sources if you're happy with just Fitbit's data - but previous experience tells us this should be fairly straightforward within the app's settings section.
Google suggests the update is rolling out to Fitbit from today, though you will have to sign up with Health Connect and set up the basic integration before you see all these new features.
We'll have a more detailed explanation of how to use Health Connect and Fitbit in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for that.
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Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.
Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides.
He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror.