Google, Fitbit ink collab healthcare deal, look to challenge Apple Watch

Fitbit (NYSE:FIT) yesterday announced plans for a health-care collaboration with Google (NSDQ:GOOG), giving Apple (NSDQ:AAPL) and its Apple Watch more competition in the mobile health monitor market.

The wearable developer plans to use Google’s Cloud healthcare API for further healthcare system integration, which could allow FitBit activity data to be integrated with electronic medical records for more personalized care, Fitbit said.

“Over the past decade, we have built an incredible foundation as the leading wearables brand, helping millions of people around the world make lasting behavior changes that improve their health and wellness through fun and engaging experiences. Working with Google gives us an opportunity to transform how we scale our business, allowing us to reach more people around the world faster, while also enhancing the experience we offer to our users and the healthcare system. This collaboration will accelerate the pace of innovation to define the next generation of healthcare and wearables,” Fitbit co-founder & CEO James Park said in a prepared statement.

Both companies will also aim to improve management for chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, through the use of services like Twine Health, which Fitbit recently acquired. Fitbit said that using the cloud platform will also allow it to scale more quickly and more properly protect user privacy.

“At Google, our vision is to transform the way health information is organized and made useful. By enabling Fitbit to connect and manage key health and fitness data using our Google Cloud Healthcare API, we are getting one step closer to this goal. Together, we have the opportunity to deliver up-to-date information to providers, enhancing their ability to follow and manage the health of their patients and guide their treatment,” Google Cloud healthcare VP Dr. Gregory Moore said in a press release.

Last month, the American Medical Association said it would partner with Google to launch the AMA Health Care Interoperability and Innovation Challenge designed to support mobile health technology that improves monitoring and care in the management of chronic diseases.

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