Google's iOS Android Wear app doesn't sync with HealthKit, sends data to Google Fit instead

By Aditi Pai
11:38 am
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AndroidWearforiOSSoon after Google announced that it released an iOS app, called Android Wear, which allows users to connect certain Android Wear smartwatches with iPhones, a report from Buzzfeed found that fitness data from these devices would not be shareable via HealthKit with Apple's Health app. Instead, the app will send the information back to Google Fit.

The report also noted that users who want to sync Android Wear data with iPhones can only do so by tethering their devices. An Apple spokesperson also told BuzzFeed that Google made the decision to send Android Wear data to their own app, Google Fit.

Because Google Fit is not available in the Apple App Store, this means an iPhone user who purchases an Android Wear smartwatch and wants to view their data on Google Fit would only be able to access it on the company's website. If users don't want to track their fitness on the website, they can also configure their watch, using the app, to send data summaries to their smartwatches. Google explained when the app was first announced that the Android Wear app had the capability to track users' fitness as well as help users set fitness goals and view periodic progress updates. 

The iOS Android Wear app also allows users to check smartphone information from their smartwatch, like phone calls, receive messages, and get notified about app updates. The app offers users Google Now reminders, for example updates about when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status.

As of September 2, users are now able to sync the app with Android Wear smartwatches from Huawei, ASUS, and Motorola. When the app first launched, the day before, it only supported the  LG Watch Urbane.

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