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.

[Zii]

Unless I have some positive experiences with Fitbit Customer Services and witness that they actually pay attention to users (not only when they suffer from rashes!), I will not be recommending Fitbit to any of my friends & family. And I will be buying alternative brands as gifts. Over 2,500 comments on the hottest topic in the feature request forum. What is the point of this forum if only to be ignored or no formal decision with non conclusive reasoning to be shared. Clearly no respect for your userbase. Enable HealthKit integration. Thank you.

[gutsma]

Powers that be have expertly spoken from both sides of their mouths.  One side says "We are listening to you!"  The other side says, "We have no intention of syncing to HealthKit at this time."  When you decide to exercise deceptive practices, these incongruities happen.  It leaves previously loyal customers believing their is a corporate decision to deceive.

Initially, there will be little impact on FitBit's bottom line.  People will purchase products only to be shocked to discover that iOS compatible does not include HealthKit.  That leaves the impression of having been had.  That leads to more dissatisfied, potentially loyal, customers.

Fitness folks talk.  We see what equipment other people are wearing.  We talk about it.  Increasing numbers of people I know are dissatisfied.  Some are more negative than that.  Many wonder what "FitBit's problem" is.  

Oh well.  I guess TPTB don't care about the business they are losing because they see the bottom line at the moment improving.  I suspect it is a shortlived honeymoon.  

Does anyone else remember Blackberry phones?  They were great.

[aquaticmatt]

Please do it. This is where we look for health information now.

HealthKit has been out for nearly a year and you haven't moved so far.

It's hard for us - users - to understand it.

If you have a real issue with the data / the way it is hosted by Apple / privacy issues, I think you should explain more clearly why it takes you so long

Fitbit is still my preferred device, but you need to keep up.

thanks

matthieu

[RickyFitbit]

Thank you everyone for your feedback, thoughts and opinions! 

@PKDaba Our normal moderation practices for removing a post is to send a private message to the user detailing a) a reason for why we removed the post and b) a suggestion on how to avoid further post(s) from being removed. I will reach out to you privately for more information. 

@gutsma I wasn't able to find a post that we've removed where the Moderator never private messaged you. Please private message me more details on the post that we removed so I can look further into your case. Thanks! 

If anyone has questions or further feedback on how we moderate the Community, please reach out to one of our Moderators or provide feedback at community@fitbit.com. 

As for HealthKit, we're working to find out more information on this still highly debated topic. I'm sorry that I'm unable to provide more information than that. If you've asked us a question and we didn't directly answer it, this means that we don't have an answer. Rather than providing false statements or opinions, we strive to provide true and honest communication with our users. We're still listening and taking note of your sentiment. Once I have more information, please understand that this will be the first place we update. Thank you. 

[iwatts]

@RickyFitbit what more information do you need. All the reasons that you integrate with Health Vault are the reasons you should integrate with Health Kit. And the fact that it is the most requested feature by a mile. Honesty is more than staying silent and not lying. It is being up front. You still haven't told us why this is such a difficult decision for you. If you did maybe we would understand. Just tell us why it is so hard to make a decision.

[PKDaba]

I've just spent a bit of time looking at the Health App and it's a truly comprehensive database on iOS. It's dashboard is nowhere near as pretty as Fitbit's online dashboard but it's practical and configurable. I use Runtastic for my workouts and it updates to the Health Kit database. I've also tried Nike Running as well and it updates to Health Kit with no problems. As a matter of fact, the updates goes both ways. Data collected on my newly acquired Apple Watch also updates its HR data to Nike Running if you allow it to do so. Apple has done an awesome job in enabling data sharing between multiple sources under the control of its users inkeeping with Apple's claim of giving users control of their data and its privacy.

So, integration with Health Kit is not a technological issue for Fitbit as other companies are able to do it. Have I stopped using Runtastic's website now that workout data is also updated in iOS? No, because the data and summaries provided there gives valuable summaries that are specific to my workouts. Perhaps, Fitbit fears that users will stop using their website and premium services. These fears are unfounded if Fitbit is able to be innovative in summarizing and visually representing the data it collects in a meaningful way to their users. I believe their online dashboard accomplishes this at the moment. But, without any specific truthful and honest explanations from Fitbit, iOS users will continue to be left feeling ignored and deceived.

[humanista]

I plan on "voting" with my dollars. I already cancelled my Fitbit premium membership. I used to be a member to help support Fitbit. No more. I am retiring my Fitbit One (I've worn a Fitbit since 2012) in favor of my Apple Watch and Jawbone Up. I finally checked out the Jawbone software and I do find that it is better that Fitbit from a predictive analytics perspective and I can get it to sync with Apple Health Kit. The next step will be to replace my Aria with probbaly a Withings and then I will be all set. I prefer not to support companies that give platitudes to their users and expect them to be happy.

[drtaxsacto]

Great move on dropping the fitbit - they seem deaf to consumer requests - even those presented in the best light.

Jon

[gutsma]

@RickyFitbit - Perhaps you could help us provide what it is FitBit seems to need to move on this issue.  To date:

* We were asked to vote.  We did that.

* We were asked to comment regarding how we saw ourselves using HealthKit.  We did that.

Many have gone the extra mile and explained how it is personally beneficial for their medical issues for FitBit to sync to HealthKit.  I'm frankly at a loss understanding what else FitBit could ask of its customers/former customers.  

It is clear there was an agreement or at the very least a presumed agreement in place.  I recall FitBit displayed front and center when HealthKit was unveiled.  It's highly doubtful apple just plucked it out of thin air.  FitBit was available in both brick and mortar apple stores and online. They disappeared just as quickly when FitBit refused to sync.  Not being privie to the corporate discussions, I still presume there was a disagreement having nothing to do with HealthKit per se.  

We've been assured our voices are being listened to.  I must ask, by whom?  Obviously moderators are reading the posts.  Do our voices make a hill of beans difference?  Forgive me, but it seems they do not.  If they do make a difference, please tell us what the powers that be are waiting to hear.  It's obvious iOS users want their FitBit's syncing to HealthKit.  

If this post makes its way to anyone in a decision making capacity, please let them know that numerous (previously) loyal customers are branching out to other companies.  They are also dissuading friends and family from purchasing FitBit due specifically to the cavalier treatment during this PR disaster.

Note to Moderator:  I've tried very hard to stay positive and within the community guidelines so as not to offend anyone.  However, you must also understand that I've been offended.  That seems A-OK.

[cmp2993]

It's pretty sad there's still no iOS Health integration! Can't sync my data with all the apps I want to because Fitbit won't support it!

EDIT: Unless I hear some real information on when iOS Health will be enabled on fitbit real soon, I will be returning my Charge HR right before the deadline to return. Very frustrating being an iOS user right now, all because Fitbit is scared Apple will use its data against them somehow I'm sure. If you were confident in what you were creating then you wouldn't worry about allowing your data to be shared. This is truly the stupidest decision ever to not allow HealthKit integration, or even heart rate data to third party apps!!!

[rjfox6039]

For every one following this post "IOS Health Intergration"- Where you purchased your fitbit make a post on that companies web site about your experience with your fitbit good or bad but add to the post about "Lack of IOS heathkit integration" and also point the readers back to fitbit suport web site posting "IOS Health Intergration Under Consideration". Spread around the information. Only fitbit registered user can see this posting.

[PKDaba]

 Also, don't forget to write a review on Apple's App Store. I gave it a one star rating due to lack of iOS Health data integration. Also mentioned deceitful description and advertising on Fitbit's part. App description and product packaging claims that Fitbit products sync with iPhone 4S and later. This is not entirely true is it?

I'm now in process of selling off all my Fitbit hardware. After more than a year, there's no point in waiting for more time for Fitbit to "consider" this issue. It's interesting to see that when Fitbit started out, Apple helped promote its products by selling them at the Apple Store. After Fitbit decided to not support Health Kit when it first came out, Apple pulled all Fitbit products from its stores. It's clear that even though Fitbit maintains its mantra that this issue is "under consideration", the truth is they have no plans of integrating.

So, if you're an iOS user, I'd recommend looking at other alternatives. Looking at what Health Kit is able to track, you'd be limiting yourselves with products built by a company that is blinded by its arrogance.

[westofeight]

My fitbit is now sold, the last one of several I owned over the years, glad its gone. It has been replaced with Apple Watch, more expensive yes but what a wonderful product and more accurate. Now I just have to get rid of my aria scale and I will be done with the company that I once enjoyed and trusted. Do yourselves a favor folks, get another product and dump fitbit, I'm so glad I did. Fitbit you are a terrible company for lying to your customers. The only thing you have under consideration is how much longer your going to lie to people.

[iwatts]

I actually wonder if Fitbit integration with Healthkit is a good thing, as they can't even get the integrations they have right. They have made a huge song and dance about linking with Strava - yesterday I went out for a 15k bike ride - when I started I was on 1200 steps. When I finished I was over 6000 steps. It had counted steps while riding a bike (I will contact support about this).

This is actually a reason we want Healthkit integration. I should be able to link Strava to Healthkit and Fitbit to Healthkit and MyFitness Pal to Healthkit and then control the display and flow of data. Healthkit gives me full control over my data, the direction that data flows (e.g. with Endomondo linked to Fitbit I only want workouts done with Endomondo sent to Fitbt - I don't want steps sent to Endomondo, but I have no control over this), and what is shared with what. There will be no double counting of data as we will have full control.

Another reason is nutrition. I'm not just interested in Calories, but Macro Nutrients. I log everythin in My Fitness Pal but the only data I can get at in fitbit is calories. If Fitbit integrated with healthkit, then I would see all my data in one place. 

Fitbit generally is good - I don't doubt that. I love the user interface and suprisingly Apple could learn a thing or two about a good user interface for Health Kit from you - it isn't that good. But it is functional, and it gives the user full control of what shares with what. I'm already tempted to move to a competitor for Health Kit integration (not an iWatch, as it doesn't do sleep analysis) but possibly a Jawbone or something similar. It will depend how I get on with support about the logging of steps while I'm cycling!!

[sherrie]

Fitbit user since October 2012. I never thought the day would come when I wouldn't be using a Fitbit but without the iOS Health Integration I decided to order the Apple Watch and it was delivered yesterday. I'm going to finish out this week using both and next week move on to only the Apple Watch. 

[jimyiapanis]

What are you evaluating? You either give us the ability to control whether we share our data to HealthKit or not. I won't be buying another Fitbit device until this is resolved.

[125f8]

It makes sense to integrate with iOS health. It needs it if it is to succeed

[Beerbikegirl]

Now that the IPO is over and Wall Street has hopefully convinced you all is right with the tracker world and where FitBit fits into the competitive landscape, can we please get Apple Health intergration. Seems like your hurdle has been well passed.

[pellucid]

The Fitbit app has always lagged behind the Jawbone app. Now is the time to catch up. It is clear that the Apple Health app will be the aggregator of all health information for iOS users. If fitbit wants to maintain their position in the market, they must integrate with it. In fact, the more apps that the Fitbit app can potentially share data with, the more valuable Fitbit becomes. Otherwise, people will purchase their next fitness device elsewhere.

[Beerbikegirl]

My thought exactly pellucid. I have purchased the original, three flex, one Surge, one Charge HR for my household. I think I get the loyal consumer mindset. This issue shows either a total lack of understanding by the Fitbit team of how their core and loyal consumers use FitBit among a wide variety of apps and trackers, including a belief the core user only uses one tracker and one app. They cannot be that unaware of the competitive landscape. I have a Garmin for my bike. I do HRV tracking. I use MFP. I own and wear an apple watch. And still use a flex. But when it dies, I will finally move off the platform. I have little need for a device that doesn't play well with others. Which leaves the only other option. They are so concerned about competition that they have stopped caring how their consumers use their product. And are solely focused on protecting their market share. It's an ostrich head in the sand attitude that over time will not serve them well.

[artistleah]

I really want Fitbit to be able to communicate information using the ios8 health app.! Plz

[SunsetRunner]

Wow. I cannot believe that Fitbit does not intergrate with HealthKit. I just brought 2 x Charge HR today for wife and I, and just assumed that every brand works with HealthKit.

After wondering why it wasn't working and not being able to find a setting in the Fitbit app for HealthKit, I turned to the internet and came across this here. Wow. 102 pages of people asking for this intergration.

I've just spent the last little while now trying to work out a way to get all my apps to work nicely with Fitbit. So far it's not getting anywhere, and I'm now stuck with app to app partnerships that only work one way for some, and now having to remember what app to use for certain functions to make sure that the data goes to the apps I want it to.

Come on Fitbit. Apple HealthKit has done the hard yards for you. I have a bunch of health apps on my iPhone that all work nicely with each other thanks to HealthKit, all but 1 app. That app is Fitbit. Its making it sooooo darn hard to move "MY" data between apps.

My wife is yet to open her Charge HR. Maybe I'll take them both back for an exchange or refund with the reason "Unfit for use", as they are do not do what I want them to do.

Please Fitbit, please for the love of your customers, please intergrate HealthKit.

Now, as for the following question, my answer follows:

What do you imagine a HealthKit integration would entail and what do you expect to get out of it?

I imagine and expect a HealthKit integration would enable me to share my health data with all the apps I have on my phone, just as those apps all nicely share and collect data from each other. I'd be able to use apps that are specialised for a certain area to be able to collect data from a few different apps and analyise it and show me that combined data which would enable me to use it to further work on improving my health. Also to spend less time trying to get all this data in the right place to begin with.

[PKDaba]

Once again, this illustrates the type of deceptive practice that Fitbit engages in. Think of all the other iOS users who purchased their Fitbit expecting it to sync with Health Kit. Unfortunately, not many of them will stumble upon this forum before they buy the Fitbit.

I'd recommend taking your money elsewhere. 102 pages and a year later, Health Kit integration is still 'under consideration'. Their non-commital response is just as well as telling iOS customers (many loyal supporters of Fitbit from the beginning) that they are not planning on integrating. In all likelyhood, they have some sort of hidden agreement with Microsoft and Android. If this is the case, Fitbit should be transparent and right out tell iOS customers that this is the case or at least print on their packaging that Fitbit is not 100% iOS compatible. But, this is too much to hope for from a company that lacks integrity.

[humanista]

@SunsetRunner: I would recommend returning them and getting a Jabone as Jawbone has better software anyway. That said, if for some reason you want to stay with a company that does not care what it's user base asks for, their are work arounds. IFTT will allow you to sync Fitbit to Jawbone and then Jawbone to Health. (You might be able to use IFTT to go directly to Health from Fitbit, but I haven't tried that.) also Sync Solver for $2.00 works nicely although sometimes I had to force it to sync.

[HopefulRunner]

@aquaticmatt,

i I agree with you.