Contents
Google Health Set to Replace the Fitbit App: Everything You Need to Know
All signs point to Google Health being the next major smartphone application from the Mountain View tech giant. The transition should be relatively smooth, given that the foundational codebase has existed for quite some time. Now, Google’s main task is to refine the project and visually align it with the modern aesthetics of the Android ecosystem.
The Shift from Fitbit to Google Health
In early 2021, Google finalized its acquisition of Fitbit, a pioneering brand in fitness bands and smart accessories that had been active since 2007. After several years of integrating the platforms, it appears the company is gradually phasing out the Fitbit software name in favor of its own in-house brand: Google Health.
This move hardly comes as a surprise to the tech industry. Recently, a new Google Health logo surfaced online, signaling its future role as the replacement for Fitbit’s app identity. The design is exactly what users have come to expect from Google—a clean, minimalist heart utilizing the corporation’s signature four colors, blended with a modern gradient.
Google Health Premium: Features and Global Pricing
Along with the rebranded app, a new subscription service called Google Health Premium will be introduced. Priced internationally at around €8.99 (or approximately $9.99) per month, this tier isn’t expected to drastically change the core offering. In essence, it will be a straightforward rebranding of the existing Fitbit Premium subscription.
Subscribers to Google Health Premium can expect a robust suite of wellness tools, including:
- Personalized daily workout recommendations
- High-quality instructional videos for various exercises
- Guided meditation and mindfulness practices
- A curated selection of healthy culinary recipes
For those tracking these metrics using Google’s hardware, data accuracy remains crucial. If you happen to be experiencing discrepancies with your current wearables, you may want to read our guide on how to fix a Google Pixel Watch overcounting steps.
What Happens to Fitbit Hardware?
While the app is getting a makeover, the Fitbit brand isn’t disappearing entirely. Current reports suggest that the Fitbit name will still be used for hardware devices—such as future fitness trackers or the rumored “Google Fitbit Air.” However, when it comes to the software environment, Google will confidently lean into its proprietary branding.
If you’re exploring alternatives in the wearable space that integrate well with major messaging apps, you might also find it helpful to check out our list of WhatsApp compatible Garmin smartwatches.
Data Privacy Commitments
A common concern regarding health apps is data privacy. Interestingly, Google made a binding promise to the European Commission in 2020 ensuring that user health metrics would remain protected. Under this agreement, Fitbit (and subsequently Google Health) user data will be stored separately for 10 years and will explicitly not be used to personalize Google advertisements. This ensures that your health and wellness data stays secure and private.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I lose my existing Fitbit data when it transitions to Google Health?
No, your historical health and workout data will migrate seamlessly to Google Health. The transition is primarily a rebranding and visual update of the app interface, meaning your hard-earned progress will remain completely intact.
Will my current Fitbit Premium subscription carry over automatically?
Yes, active Fitbit Premium subscriptions will automatically convert to Google Health Premium. The pricing and the core features—like guided meditations, recipes, and advanced sleep tracking—will remain the same, avoiding any disruption to your service.
Is Google going to use my health tracking data for targeted ads?
No. As part of a legally binding agreement made with the European Commission in 2020, Google is required to keep all Fitbit and Google Health data strictly separated from its advertising network for at least 10 years. Your health metrics cannot be used for ad personalization.
Source: 9to5Google. Opening photo: Gemini
About Post Author
