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Google Fit is adding Health Connect support with the latest update. Google’s fitness tracking app follows other similar platforms including Samsung Health, Sleep as Android, and Withings Health Mate to pick up the ability to sync with Health Connect. Fitbit is a big player that is still missing in action.
Google Fit adds Health Connect support
Announced at the Google I/O conference in May this year, Health Connect is a joint effort from Google and Samsung to make your fitness data more portable. The service lets you access health and fitness data from multiple devices and apps in one place. For example, if you have a Samsung phone with the Samsung Health app and a Withings watch, you can save data from your wearable into Health Connect and then have Samsung Health read it, giving you a complete picture of your health info.
Since its launch, several companies have added Health Connect support to their respective health and fitness monitoring apps. Google Fit is now joining the bandwagon too, giving users more choices regarding apps and devices they use for keeping track of their fitness progress. First reported by 9to5Google, the app shows a “Get started” card with detailed descriptions and instructions after installing the latest version to help users get started with the new feature on the app.
According to the new report, Google’s description notes how the feature works and how Fit may use your data. Once you hit the Setup button, it takes you to a new page where you can manage what data Fit can read and write to Health Connect. You can “Allow all” or be selective with permission. Granular options for health data include blood glucose, blood pressure, body fat, body temperature, and more. After you have made your selections, the setup process is complete with a Health Connect shortcut appearing in Fit settings.
You can also set a Quick Settings tile for Health Connect. This tile or shortcut will let you quickly check or revoke access for apps. You can see which app has access to what health data and manually manage the permission.
The latest update for Google Fit is now rolling out
The latest update for the Google Fit app with Health Connect support started rolling out via the Play Store this Monday. The new version (v2.89) isn’t widely available yet, though. It could take a few days before the update is available to everyone. You can click the button below to download the latest version of Google Fit from the Play Store.