Integrate with iOS Health

[so-rich]

Hi there,

I'm really excited about Apple's announcement of the Health App in iOS 8 to be release this fall.  I'm looking forward to seeing a product announcement by Fitbit for a successor to the recalled Fitbit Force, and I'm really hoping to hear some exciting news about Fitbits intigration with Apple's new Health App to be released alongside iOS 8 this fall.  

This is a huge oportunity to make your devices even smarter and more integrated - Please support these APIs!  Thanks!

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity and labels.

[BradT]

I posted about 20 pages ago my reasons for reqeusting HealthKit integration.  It is obvious that Fitbit does not care about its customers by the weak responses in this thread.  The moderator drops in every page or two with silly responses like...I will make sure my boss sees your request.  Quit treating us like we are stupid.  I would have more respect for you if you would just say, we are at war with Apple and will not integrate with HealtKit.  Almost 80 pages of requests and you act like it is still under consideration.  I am just happy that I am not more invested in your products.  Tomorrow is the last day to return our Aria scale to Amazon.  I waited as long as I could to see if you would do something that even small fitness apps have managed to do and integrate with HealthKit.  I feel bad for all your customers that are just now realizing that they chose the wrong company and are stuck products that will never fully integrate with the iOS ecosystem.  With so many solid companies releasing products in this space you would think competition alone would push you to integrate.  This reminds me of the moves NetFlix made a few years ago.  They at least had the good sense to apologize and backtrack.  

[TDurbin]

913 up votes and 1800+ comments. So glad I sold my FitBit. Change companies this one doesn't care about their customers. Was so happy to wake up this morning and see that FitBit had been pulled from all the Apple stores. I will take great joy in watching this company built on the money of early adopters & customers who stuck with you after incredible hardware and software issues fail miserably. And fail over such a silly and ridiculous decision. You did not listen to your customers and irrelevancy & eventual bankruptcy is on the way. 

[AlbDusty]

An update from me: bought a jawbone up24. The setup and updating the firmware was tedious but in the end it syncs with HealthKit and the app is **ahem** good. Putting my flex for sale.

[exuser]

Fitbit, can we get a firm no? If you are not willing to serve this group of customers, please let us know, rather than keep us waiting. It will remove a distraction from your business, and it's the right thing to do.

[SunsetRunner]

@BradT- Their responses are no better on their Facebook page. I went there to add a post about this and got a "we appreciate your input, go to this forum to tell us about it" (although I like that Facebook is a little more public and more people actually see our comments). As @excuser said, give us a yes or no answer. God knows they've gotten enough feedback from customers. 

[zapleahy]

@eko425  Sorry for your disappointment. It's early days yet, and Fitbit is continuing to evaluate the platform. 

@Dstep @McGosht @AprilF  Thanks for adding your votes and voices!

@anonnomus @showbizmanager  @Starhaven  We appreciate the encouragement 

@gutsma Your self-proclaimed rant brought up a few points I'd like to address. Firstly, and most importantly, Fitbit takes data security and user privacy very seriously. We do not sell information collected from Fitbit products, period. Fitbit users are in full control of when or if they share their data. Secondly, Fitbit is still in an evaluation and consideration phase with regard to integrating with Apple's Health platform. The Health app is very young and we are continuing to watch it grow and develop. This request has been filed as Under Consideration, because that is the most applicable status. It may not be the preferred status, but it is accurate. 

@tdo636pb Glad to hear our Support team has been good to you, and that you're trucking along despite the number of issues you've experienced over the years. Thanks also for the insight into your decisions on whether or not to add a new Fitbit device or two to your family's arsenal. While we don't have timing yet for a decision on integration, we will keep the community in the know as everything evolves.

@SunsetRunner Fantastic final statement. Hope you don't mind if I borrow that one!

@TiggsPanther Much respect, and suggestion noted. Your follow up on the value of an open and longer term conversation is great hear as well. While many folks know what they want right away and wanted it yesterday, it's important for us to leave this topic open for discussion and to attract new commentary and more votes, as long as it's being reviewed.

Thank you, @ryana!

@SunsetRunner Sorry to hear this, and thank you for your previous loyalty. It's rare to know a Fitbitter who has been through 4 generations. Best of luck on your new fitness tracking venture. I'll hold hope (but not my breath) that we may win you back yet!

@vigliotti Your comment made me smile. Thanks for adding your vote, too!

@JP_Bark Cortana is a bit different, as this functionality has been integrated directly into the Fitbit app to enhance our in-app experience.

@SunsetRunner Other folks are still finding and joining this discussion, so I think that Ricky's post was intended to encourage their participation rather than prompt you to restate anything you've already brought to our attention.

@Vurtual Great feedback, and suggested direction for our Premium services. Love your preferred activities, too! I've never actually played Squash or Capoeira, but I admire both sports.

@ssjump I've read every post at least twice now, and the broader teams are visiting this discussion regularly as well. I know it's not an answer, but I hope knowing this helps a bit. 

[vigliotti]

I appreciate the moderator response.  I'm manually entering my steps and floors climbed in anticipation of (1) healthkit integration (2) the acquisition of an apple watch...if the first comes before the second I will hold off picking up the watch.  Thanks!

[Jaykayl]

I would also like my Fitbit Flex to be able to interact with the iphone Health app

[gutsma]

@zapleahy- Thank you for respnding.  thank you also for officially stating that fitbit does not sell data.  That is nice to know.  As a reader of this discussion, you are no doubt very aware that rumor is running rampant.  As a measly user, I have no way to know where reality lies.  Now I have official word.  Yes, I realize "Under Consideration" is possibly an accurate description.  I hope you also realize many customers - former, present, and potential - apply "Under Consideration" for future fitbit purchases.  

[TiggsPanther]

@zapleahy 

Well, that tells me all I need to know. It's still not under active development yet so my Flex is a useless piece of kit which I have retired to a drawer until further notice. I can't afford a replacement band any time soon but I refuse to use a piece of kit where a clear demand is not being seen to.

It really should have been "ready yesterday" seeing that HealthKit was announced back in summer and is therefore a part of the API subsystem of the system tat the IOS app is being written in.

I find it hard to believe that it isn't even being looked ito as, if that is true, the development team is clearly being driven by someone with no clue.

I await to see another patronising fob-off.

[Laperegrina]

Yes I would be very interested in seeing Fitbit integration with Apple's HealthKit rolled out with IOS 8

[Karell]

@gutsma @zapleahy Fitbit may not sell our data, but they think sending it to Microsoft HealthVault is a suitable alternative to keeping it securely stored on our iOS devices. How much did M$ pay Fitbit for that? Has M$ committed not to sell it? Apple has.

[herrjosua]

I would like to be able to sync my data healthkit. I have no plans to buy an Apple Watch since I already have a nice watch, and am using the Fitbit Flex device for tracking.

[107208579]

First of all, thanks for building products that allowed me to change my life in such a positive way. I also find that your customer support is excellent - responses are quick and you even replaced my Fitbit One swiftly when it started counting wrong floors. Last week my device even survived the washing machine at 90C (190F) which I even find more impressive.

I agree that there should be a waiting and consideration period until a more stable release of the Health application is released. I, for once, don't want to be a beta tester and potentially lose all of my generated data based on a software bug. Being first is not always the best decision.

However, in a fair, open, and honest relationship, customers should always be allowed to own their data, to export it freely and easily, and to use it in any way _they_ think it's best for themselves. I hope you consider this with whatever solution you come up with.

@Allison From your last statement: "We do not sell information collected from Fitbit products, period."

Could you please be specific of what exactly happens with user generated data? In your Privacy Policy, (https://www.fitbit.com/us/privacy) the statement clearly allows FitBit to sell our anonyimsed data... and I would be very surprised if that isn't happening. A clear answer, without the usual use of 'fancy marketing words' would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

What Data May be Shared With Third Parties?

First and foremost: We don’t sell any data that could identify you. We only share data about you when it is necessary to provide our services, when the data is de-identified and aggregated, or when you direct us to share it.

Data That Does Not Identify You (De- identified Data)

Fitbit may share or sell aggregated, de-identified data that does not identify you with partners and the public in a variety of ways, such as by providing research or reports about health and fitness or in services provided under our Premium membership.

[TiggsPanther]

OK. Let's break down the additions to the original post:

"At Fitbit, our mission is to help people lead healthier, more active lives, so we’re always looking for ways that our users can use their data to support their fitness goals."

That is simple enough. If it's a genuine mission statement and not just PR spin then it makes (eventual) HealthKit integration a complete no-brainer.

"Since its announcement, we’ve been evaluating integration with HealthKit as more of its features and benefits are revealed. "

Which, at that point, really ought to translate to 'We are currently working on integrating it so that out current and future iPhone users can get the best out of all of their gear.'

Seriously. If someone is heavily invested into the iOS environment, that's the piece of gear they're most interested in getting the most out of. Anything else, even health gizmos, are probably accessories.

And if the two don't want to play together, what are they most likely to change?

"We want to understand how you envision an ideal HealthKit integration to work and what benefits you’re hoping for."

Ummmmmm.... If FitBit and HealthKit both support a data point, allow it to be synced? If your devs and/or project managers can't figure that out, then FitBit is in trouble.

"10/8: We do not currently have plans to integrate with HealthKit."

........

"At the moment, we’re working on other exciting projects that we think will be valuable to users."

More valuable than allowing a fitness app that sits on my iPhone to share data with the underlying Health infrastructure that is now a part of the OS?

My Flex is (was...) a step-counter and sleep-logger. That really is about the entirity of it. I can't think of anything I personally need more than that data being able to sync to HealthKit.

"The question we want you to keep in mind when providing feedback is: What do you imagine a HealthKit integration would entail and what do you expect to get out of it?"

Like I said before, anything that can by synced should have the option to sync it. In either direction.

"Your voices are being heard. We're actively reviewing your responses and providing feedback to our product development team."

I call your bluff on this one. 923 upvotes and over 1900 comments, as opposed to 585 & 119 on the next most popular one. As well as being less votes and comments than some of the 'Implemented' ideas.

Our voices are clearly being ignored and answered with platitudes to try and stall defections.

I also had come of my complementary comments referenced but also one of my more scathing and critical posts made in teh same time period didn't get touched on. That is a little dishonest, by the way.

Yes, I am good at seeing both sides of many arguments but make no mistake. I still think that ignoring HealthKit is dead-wrong. Even if the technology caught your company off-guard.

If you were REALLY actively reviewing the responses, HealthKit integration would have been announced by now. Even if it was 'We are currently working towards it with no time frame and other priorities' is would at least be confirmed.

And the more you say 'We are listening' the more patronising and insulting it sounds. Because the evidence clearly suggests otherwise.

There are alternatives out there. And it is far easier (and cheaper) to invest in new health gear than a new smartphone. interoperative technology is increasingly relevant these days. Standalone gear is increasingly less so. For the love of Common Sense, just announce and integrate already. The framework is there. The course or how to implement it is blindingly obvious to anyone (except FitBit employees, it seems). Any excuses as to why it isn't already happening are feeble and, quite frankly, stupid.

[gutsma]

Today's the day I would normally charge my fitbit.  No need to do so today.  Into the drawer it goes.  The aria is already in the closet.  I'm passing it on to a friend who doesn't own an iPhone.

@TiggsPanther:  Kudos to you for a great post! 

Looking at what Withings has to offer.  At first glace, it looks like a pretty nice option.

[Kremerb]

I am highly disgusted that because fit bit isn't a free option they do not intend to support the ios  and iphone health app. If Fit bit continues to not support this app I will drop my premium and get another tracking device that does.

[gutsma]

@Kremerb:  I do suspect this decision is going to ultimately hurt fitbit in a big way.  After taking this stand, how can they consider syncing to the other new health clearing houses?  They can't.  To do so is to force apple custmers elsewhere.  So what's the alternative?  That's easy, fitbit, sync to all of them.  If there are legitimate reasons why you choose not to participate, be honest with your customers.  Tell them there are administrative obstacles needing to be addressed, or such and such is counter to fitbit corporate philosophy, or you are focusing energy on hardware not softare.  

[CGTeachergirl]

YES Please update it to be compatible with IOS 8. I am an avid Fitbit and iPhone user. I would love if they worked together. It can't hurt right? I will be purchasing the Surge when it is released and would love my data to be compatible. Thanks!

[Sherri0]

Here is a telling tweet:

"Withings        ✔ @Withings

We believe that your data is your own and that you can do what you want with it.

Welcome to the free world. Enjoy! #HealthKit"

[SunsetRunner]

I am disappointed that FitBit does not integrate with Apple Health. I was waiting for my Force replacement and assumed everything would work together when it was released.  I am happy with my Charge but would like to use Apple Health too 

[JoshuaB]

On the market for a tracker that shares data regardless of competition with its own products.

[zapleahy]

@gutsma Happy to clear that up. Additionally, it might be helpful to know that all sharing settings are set to private as the default, and anyone would need to actively change those settings and consent to share any data. 

@TiggsPanther Not under active development yet, this is true. I understand you are a Flex user most interested log steps and sleep, and that you purchased Wristband Manager a few weeks ago to port those details over to Apple's Health app. Is that data port able to meet your needs at all?

It looks like maybe not all of your comments have been addressed? If there's something specific you're waiting for a response on, please let me know--either in this thread or via PM. You critique me and the Fitbit team of being patronizing, but your latest post comes off as quite supercilious in itself. If you're interested to reach a higher plane of mutual respect, I would hope to see commentary that is constructive and on-point. 

@Karell Yes, we are committed to user privacy. Please consult our Privacy Policy and reach out to Support directly if you have any specific concerns.

@107208579 Nice to hear from you, and thanks for the kudos on our service and device durability. As you can tell from our Privacy Policy, Fitbit takes data security and user privacy very seriously. We use industry standard methods to keep user data safe and do not sell information collected from Fitbit products. Fancy marketing words aside, please reach out to our support team directly with any specific privacy concerns.

[TiggsPanther]

OK, I'll just ask one simple question to which I think a lot of us would like a straight answer.

Why has a request that has gained this level of popularity and discussion in a two-month period* not even been flagged as 'for definite future development' yet?

This is why tensions are running high on this topic. Even if it isn't intentional, and I'm pretty sure it isn't, it is coming across as our voices not being taken seriously. Even if it isn't the intent, it is the perception.

*(over 1900 of the 1915 comments to date are dated within the past two months - with at least half being since the October 8th annoucement)

[greever86]

Please consider intergrating with Healthkit. I've been a fitbit user since 2011 and have followed the company since it's beginning. I have always promoted your devices to friends and family and have convinced over 13 people to purchase a device of their own as a result, fitbit to me has always represented an easy way to track your personal activity where the device stays out of your way and only gives you the information you request. As an avid apple user Healthkit to me represents the aggregation of all of your health data into one easy to read area where as before I would have to go into mulitple different apps/websites to view blood pressure or manually track the food I eat which is time consuming and cumbersome, now companies like Panera Bread will allow you to auto import that data with a single tap.

Continue to make your great devices and services and I will continue to purchase them and encourage others to do the same but please allow us control and freedom with our personal data, your interoperability with other apps and companies has always been top notch, don't let Healthkit be ignored.