Google wants to improve health data tracking in Android. After last year’s launch of Health Connect, a set of APIs bringing them together in one place: more than 50 applications are already compatible and new features are on the way.
The Google Pixel Watch // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid
Android 14 Beta 2 was released during Google I/O 2023: an opportunity to add new features to Health Connect, the protocol for bringing all your health data together in the same application. But also the possibility of making an inventory of the applications compatible with this service.
Android Health: Android’s connected health feature
The diagram of how Android Health works is a bit complicated, but we can understand it. Android Health actually brings together two platforms for health application developers: Health Connect and Health Services.
What is HealthConnect?
The first is a set of APIs used to store and share health data between Android apps. This allows any developer to get steps, weight or heart rate from another app. The goal is to have a single application of your choice that brings all your health data together. Health Connect prevents developers from creating different APIs between themselves. It also increases security as permissions are better managed. Currently, the protocol supports more than 40 types of health data. New: golf shot recognition to list your best swings.
How Health Connect works // Source: Android Developer Blog
Health Services, what is it?
Health Services is the equivalent of Health Connect, but for Wear OS 3+ devices, like smartwatches. It is also a set of APIs “that allow developers to write a code and run it on all devices.” Its architecture would “enable significant energy savings”, enough to increase the autonomy of our wearables. We should logically see this protocol arrive on Wear OS 4, which was also announced at Google I/O.
Health Connect on Pixels // Source: Google
Health Connect is available natively on Android 14
Previously, Health Connect was only available for certain applications: Samsung Health, Google Fit and Fitbit, with the protocol being developed by Google in collaboration with Samsung. Since November 2022 it can be used through the Health Connect application available on the Play Store, still in beta. Only Pixels benefit from Health Connect in their UI. In addition, more than 50 applications are already compatible with the service, such as Peloton, Withings or Oura.
But since May 10th it is available in the second beta of Android 14. This latest version of the operating system integrates the service natively and allows you to manage your health data directly from the operating system’s privacy settings. It is stipulated that Health Connect updates will be released via Google Play updates: According to Google, changes should be made more frequently.
Health Connect will be completed a little further in the second beta of Android 14 // Source: Android
Google is also adding new features. The first is the introduction of exercise routes “to allow users to share maps of their workouts”. We also learn that recording menstrual cycles will be made easier.
Would you like to join a community of enthusiasts? Our Discord welcomes you, it’s a place of mutual help and passion for technology.