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Tech • 6h ago

Google wants to fill Fitbit with AI — and your medical records

Google wants to fill Fitbit with AI — and your medical records
**Google's Revamped Fitbit App Raises Concerns Over Medical Data Sharing** In a recent development, Google, the owner of Fitbit, has introduced a new feature to its Fitbit app, which includes feedback from its AI system, Gemini, also known as Coach. This move has sparked concerns among users about the sharing of their medical data with Google. The announcement comes as Fitbit and Google continue to integrate their services, with the former's wearable devices being discontinued and replaced by the Google Pixel. According to a statement from Google, the introduction of Coach aims to provide users with safer, more relevant, and personalized guidance. However, this has been met with skepticism by some users who are concerned about the sharing of their medical records with Google. The company has emphasized that users have control over their data and how it is used. The Fitbit app, which has been loaded with new features, including Coach, has been trialed on the Android version of the app and expanded to iOS users last month. This move follows the discontinuation of Fitbit accounts and the requirement for users to have a Google account. The deadline for switching to Google has been extended until May 19, 2026, giving users more time to adapt to the change. Google acquired Fitbit for $2.1 billion in 2019, and the company's co-founders left the tech giant in 2024. The Fitbit app, where Google sells Premium subscriptions at $8 a month, has seen significant changes since the acquisition. The introduction of Coach and the emphasis on medical data sharing have raised concerns among users about the potential implications of this move. In a statement, Google wrote, "When your coach understands your medical history, its guidance becomes safer, more relevant and more personalized." However, the company has also emphasized that users have control over their data and how it is used. The introduction of Coach and the sharing of medical data with Google have sparked a debate about the balance between user convenience and data privacy. As the integration of Fitbit and Google continues, users are left to wonder about the implications of this move. While Google has emphasized the benefits of Coach, some users are concerned about the potential risks associated with sharing their medical data with the company. The debate surrounding this issue is likely to continue as users navigate the changing landscape of wearable technology and data sharing.
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version

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