Google has announced major updates to its Health Connect and Health Services platforms, revolutionizing health tracking on Wear OS devices. Unveiled at the Google I/O 2024 event, these updates aim to provide users with a more comprehensive and seamless health tracking experience.
Health Connect, a core component of Android 14, will serve as a centralized data store accessible directly from device settings. Users can manage and share their health data across various apps more efficiently, with support for over 40 data types including exercise routes and menstrual cycle logging. These updates will be regularly updated through Google Play System Updates, ensuring users have access to the latest features.
One of the key new features in Health Connect is the exercise routes functionality, allowing users to share maps of their workouts. Additionally, improvements in menstrual cycle logging make it easier for users to track and manage their health data. These updates aim to reduce fragmentation and simplify the integration of health data into apps.
Health Services on Wear OS offers a consistent API for accessing sensor data, enabling developers to create applications that provide high-quality health and fitness data while conserving battery life. New API capabilities include golf shot detection and enhanced heart rate data batching modes, catering to specific use cases like home gym exercises.
Google has also introduced improvements to the Health Services API to enhance the developer experience, making the API more reliable and easier to use. With over 50 apps already integrated with Health Connect and hundreds utilizing Health Services, the Wear OS ecosystem continues to grow. Popular apps like Peloton, Withings, and Oura are leveraging these platforms to offer interconnected health experiences, leading to higher user engagement and improved health tracking capabilities.
These updates demonstrate Google’s commitment to enhancing health and fitness tracking on Wear OS devices, empowering users with better control over their health data and supporting developers in creating innovative health applications. As these updates roll out with Android 14 and new Wear OS versions, users can expect a more seamless and comprehensive health tracking experience.