Google and Samsung Unveil New Health Connect API: What is It?
During the I/O 2022 event, Google announced the Health Connect Platform and even APIs for developers to access a single set of APIs to create health and fitness-related experiences for users. Now that Google is getting into the fitness segment with its upcoming Pixel Watch, the company aims to improve the health-data syncing situation across Android devices to create a more Apple-like ecosystem.
Following the announcement, Samsung recently took to an official blog post to announce its new Health Connect API for developers. The Korean giant said that it is working with Google as well as other partners to develop the platform and realize its full potential.
“We’re thrilled that Samsung and Google are working together to fulfill this need with a new solution, Health Connect. With the new Health Connect API, users will have a comprehensive set of controls to manage their health and fitness data across apps,” wrote Samsung’s EVP and Head of Health R&D Team, TaeJong Jay Yang.
The Health Connect API will provide a toolset to developers to enable them to create a seamless syncing experience of health data across apps and devices. When a user opts in to the experience, developers will be able to compile their health data in a single encrypted hub.
Users will have full control over what health data is being shared and with which apps. They will also be able to share a specific kind of health data with one app over others on their devices, manage the connected apps, and access or deny permission controls for the apps. And all of this data will be synced across their Android-powered devices, including smartwatches and tablets.
Samsung says that the Health Connect API supports over 50 data types, ranging across multiple categories such as body measurement, nutrition, activity, cycle-tracking, sleep, and vitals.
Availability
Now, coming to the availability, Health Connect is currently in open beta for Android developers. Furthermore, Google and Samsung are working with health-focused developers like MyFitnessPal, Withings, and Leap Fitness as part of an early access program to bring Health Connect support to their platforms.
Plus, Google Fit and Fitbit devices will also gain support for the tech soon. Hence, it should become globally available by the time Google releases its Pixel Watch later this year. For now, you can check out Google’s official support document for Health Connect to learn more. Stay tuned for further updates, and let us know your thoughts on Health Connect in the comments below.
