Google Health ends classic Fitbit, but that might be fine
▼ Summary
– The Fitbit app will be replaced by “Google Health,” which uses a redesigned interface and adds an AI-powered workout coach.
– Google Fit will merge into Google Health, and the iOS version will support pulling data from Apple Health, enabling Apple Watch use.
– Google Health will have a bigger focus on third-party hardware and services, integrating with apps like Peloton and MyFitnessPal through Health Connect or new APIs.
– Google is ditching some older Fitbit features but remains committed to existing Fitbit hardware for the long term.
– The change is viewed as a potential win for users, creating a more unified health app compared to the previous fragmented experience.
Google is officially pulling the plug on the classic Fitbit app, replacing it with something called Google Health. Alongside the launch of the new Fitbit Air, the company confirmed this week that the shift is happening very soon. A few months ago, this news might have sparked serious concern. But looking at the full picture, the outcome appears to be a clear win for nearly everyone involved.
The transition means the Fitbit app will soon become Google Health, but functionally, not much is changing. The new interface, first previewed last year, brings a redesigned layout. An AI-powered coach will guide users through workouts, while sleep and health tracking continue to improve. There are also some welcome additions.
Google Fit, the long-overlooked health platform, is being folded into the Health app. On iOS, Google Health will support Apple Health integration, pulling data from Apple’s ecosystem into Google’s app. That effectively means you can pair an Apple Watch with what was once the Fitbit experience. Many people are happy with Apple’s own offering, but having that extra flexibility is a genuine plus.
There is a much stronger emphasis on third-party hardware and services. Google explicitly stated that the Health app “works with hundreds of your favorite apps and devices, whether integrated through Health Connect, Apple Health or the Google Health APIs, so you’ll be able to see your data in one place like your Peloton workouts or your meals from MyFitnessPal.” That is a refreshing shift. One persistent issue with Google’s Fitbit pivot has been the heavy focus on first-party devices. Connecting third-party gadgets like weight scales to Fitbit was possible but messy. Even Android’s Health Connect left a lot to be desired. With new APIs, Google Health sets the stage for a true one-stop-shop health app. With Google Fit out of the picture, this consolidation makes perfect sense.
Of course, not everything is perfect. Google is dropping a few older features. At the same time, the company appears committed to supporting existing Fitbit hardware for the long haul.
We will have to wait and see how this all plays out in practice. But personally, I am genuinely intrigued by what I have seen so far.
What do you think?
(Source: 9to5google.com)
