Google is reportedly preparing its own health data platform, called “Google Fit,” to compete with the recently-launched health platforms from Samsung and Apple. Forbes is reporting that the search giant will launch the new platform at its Google I/O developers event June 25 and 26 in San Francisco. Citing “several sources familiar with the company’s plans”, Forbes believes Google wants to build a cloud repository that can collect health data from all kinds of wearable devices from step counters to blood glucose monitors. Google Fit would allow wearables makers to connect their apps with the Google Fit platform using an application programming interface, a set of coded instructions that allow two apps to trade data.
Google is planning to launch a new health service called Google Fit to collect and aggregate data from popular fitness trackers and health-related apps, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the company’s plans. It will launch the service at the Google I/O conference for developers, being held on June 25 and 26. Such a service would mark a direct challenge to Apple’s HealthKit framework, launched last week and rolling out with its new mobile platform iOS 8 this fall to aggregate data from wearable devices and apps. Last month Samsung also unveiled Sami, a biometric data platform that collects health information from devices and apps too. Google Fit will aggregate data through open APIs, instruction sets that allow apps to share information, and will also announce partnerships with wearable device makers at its I/O conference, Forbes understands. One source with knowledge of Google’s plans said Google Fit would allow a wearable device that measures data like steps or heart rate to interface with Google’s cloud-based services, and become part of the Google Fit ecosystem. Google could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
