Google and Samsung have partnered to create Health Connect, a platform and API (software programming interface) that provides builders a toolset to sync customers’ well being knowledge between Android apps and gadgets. This could make it simpler for customers to maintain observe of their well being and health knowledge throughout a number of totally different platforms.
As soon as a consumer opts in, builders can compile their well being knowledge in an encrypted hub that’s situated on a consumer’s system. Google says customers will get full management over what sort of knowledge they share and what apps they share it with. If multiple app is accumulating the identical kind of information, corresponding to steps taken, customers can select to share that knowledge with one app over the others. Well being Join helps over 50 knowledge sorts in a variety of classes, together with exercise, physique measurement, cycle monitoring, vitamin, sleep, and vitals.
“We’re working alongside Google and different companions to understand the complete advantages and potential of Well being Join,” TaeJong Jay Yang, Samsung’s government vice chairman, stated in a press release. “I’m excited to substantiate that Samsung Well being may even undertake Well being Join later this 12 months. With customers’ permission, this can allow app builders to make the most of correct and optimized knowledge measured on Galaxy Look ahead to Samsung Well being and use it of their apps as properly.”
Well being Join is at present in an open beta accessible to all Android builders. Along with Samsung, Google can also be working with the builders of MyFitnessPal, Leap Health, and Withings in an early entry program. Google Match and the Google-owned Fitbit are set to undertake Well being Join as properly, which suggests the tech needs to be accessible in time for the Pixel Watch’s release later this year.
As my colleague Jon Porter points out, Google has gotten the place it’s due to its open method to its merchandise, and the Well being Join API is simply one other instance of Google’s willingness to collaborate with different corporations. Not like Samsung and Apple, Google doesn’t are inclined to power (and even push) customers into its ecosystem — however with a Pixel Watch and Android Tablet on the way, Google might should subtly begin nudging customers in the direction of its personal merchandise if it desires customers to purchase into its increasing lineup of Pixel gadgets.
