Google today updated its Wear OS iPhone app [Direct Link] and Google Fit Android app with a new redesign that emphasizes closing a set of rings, similar to Apple's Activity app. Every day, Google Fit will task users to close one ring based on "move minutes" and another ring based on "heart points" (via The Verge).

"Move minutes" is a metric that is intended to be better than measuring daily steps because it can capture multiple activities, and walking "might not be a great option" for some users, Google Fit senior product manager Margaret Hollendoner explains. "Heart points" differs from "move minutes" by requiring users to engage in activities that will get their heart rate up but not require heavy physical activity (although it will reward more points for intense workouts).

google fit
Hollendoner says that it can be "as simple as picking up the pace when you're walking." Both of these metrics are measured when wearing one of Google's Wear OS watches, but there are other options available as well. You can import health data from other devices compatible with Google Fit, although the company points out that the metrics might not be as accurate.

Similar to the Apple Watch, once personal data is input in Wear OS and Google Fit, the apps can offer up goals that it believes are appropriate for each individual user. The apps can also suggest that you might need another 20 minutes of exercise to hit a weekly goal, even if you slacked off earlier in the week.

Google collaborated with the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization to build the new rings and activity tracking. In the apps, users will be able to read more details about heart points, which AHA senior vice president Patrick Wayte sees as an "opportunity to get people oriented around the science," and eventually "align them to the guidelines" the AHA recommends for daily physical activity.

As a comparison, Apple Watch's Activity rings measure Move, Exercise, and Stand metrics, related to calories burned, high-intensity workout time, and time spent standing throughout a single day. For Google Fit, the company notes that it will still measure all of the basic stats as well, including daily steps and miles completed, and calories burned.

Tag: Google

Top Rated Comments

DNichter Avatar
94 months ago
Exactly! Nobody used a circle to show progress before Apple! In fact, Apple should have patented circles on phones and watches!
Google could have came up with an original idea for such a feature, instead they just implemented the same thing. Pretty ignorant to not see that, but it's not surprising.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DNichter Avatar
94 months ago
Not a ton of original ideas out there without Apple.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nburwell Avatar
94 months ago
That watch is hideous looking
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mudflap Avatar
94 months ago
That watch is so ugly it looks like an impulse item at a Walmart checkout.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A MacBook lover Avatar
94 months ago
It’s just sad companies like google survive on copying ideas.

Here’s an idea google, instead of copying the look and feel, try actually caring for your products and make a truly breakthrough MEDICAL device. The Apple Watch is limited, but at least you can see how far apple is going to really make it a medical device.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pdoobs Avatar
94 months ago
the constant crying about "stolen" ideas and copying by the hardcore fanboys is so tiresome
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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