Back
Technology

Google to Replace Existing Wellness Apps with Google Health, Introduces AI Coach

Generated on: Last updated: 1 sources
View source

Google Health Replaces Fit & Wellness Apps

Google announced it will replace its existing wellness apps with Google Health, asking Fit users to migrate data while Fitbit users see a rebranding.

The new interface differs from the 2023 redesign and the August 2024 public preview.

Home Screen Layout

The top third of the home (Today) page is a horizontally swipeable carousel. Default metrics include:

  • Weekly cardio load (ring)
  • Steps
  • Readiness
  • Sleep (pill-shaped bars)

Swiping left reveals: heart rate, distance, calories, and exercise days. Tapping any metric opens detailed pages. Below the carousel sit buttons for tracking workouts, food, water, and sleep. The top panel is customizable. The rest of the Today page lists AI-powered summaries.

Fitness and Sleep Sections

The Fitness page shows progress bars, workout guides, and a reverse chronological workout log.

The Sleep page displays the previous night's summary, weekly progress charts for REM and deep sleep, and guided meditations.

Logging Hydration

The Health app requires entering milliliters for hydration. Unlike Samsung's Galaxy watches, which offer a "cup" icon, there is no quick option. Units may be region-dependent.

AI Coach (Gemini-Powered)

The AI Coach can log activities, food, and workouts via natural language. It accepts photos of nutritional labels and screenshots for exercise form feedback. It generates summaries and prompts.

Performance Issues

  • The AI Coach incorrectly attributed a walk after a workout, citing elevated heart rate.
  • Summary headlines sometimes read "Adjusted that for you" after unedited workouts.
  • The "Exercise days" chip initially overcounted due to cross-week inclusion.
  • Speech-to-text was glitchy for three days, then resolved after a re-login.

Safety Guardrails

  • The Coach refused one query with "Something on my end didn't meet our safety guidelines" after a benign response.
  • When asked about Guillain-Barré syndrome, the Coach provided general information and did not offer medical advice.
  • When asked about body image, the Coach suggested tracking nutrition — a response some users may find problematic.

Comparison with Whoop

Whoop's app is described as more comprehensive and data-oriented, with less AI-generated content (its conversational interface remains in beta).

Company Statements

Google stated it worked with clinical experts to stress-test the coach, simulating complex health profiles. Its SHARP framework (Safety, Helpfulness, Accuracy, Relevance, Personalization) was developed with health and medical experts.