Google and Samsung have partnered to create Well being Join, a platform and API (software programming interface) that provides builders a toolset to sync customers’ well being knowledge between Android apps and units. 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 machine. Google says customers will get full management over what sort of knowledge they share and what apps they share it with. If a couple of app is gathering the identical kind of knowledge, akin to steps taken, customers can select to share that knowledge with one app over the others. Well being Join helps over 50 knowledge varieties in numerous classes, together with exercise, physique measurement, cycle monitoring, diet, sleep, and vitals.
“We’re working alongside Google and different companions to comprehend the total advantages and potential of Well being Join,” TaeJong Jay Yang, Samsung’s government vp, stated in a press launch. “I’m excited to verify that Samsung Well being may also undertake Well being Join later this 12 months. With customers’ permission, this can allow app builders to reap the benefits of correct and optimized knowledge measured on Galaxy Look ahead to Samsung Well being and use it of their apps as effectively.”
Well being Join is at the moment 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 effectively, which suggests the tech must be out there in time for the Pixel Watch’s launch later this 12 months.
As my colleague Jon Porter factors out, Google has gotten the place it’s due to its open strategy to its merchandise, and the Well being Join API is simply one other instance of Google’s willingness to collaborate with different firms. Not like Samsung and Apple, Google doesn’t are likely to power (and even push) customers into its ecosystem — however with a Pixel Watch and Android Pill on the way in which, Google might need to subtly begin nudging customers in the direction of its personal merchandise if it needs customers to purchase into its increasing lineup of Pixel units.
