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WebMD today announced Healthy Target, a service that collects biometric data from activity trackers, wireless scales and other health monitoring devices and uses this information to deliver tips on healthy living. The release comes as a number of companies, including Apple, are looking at ways to integrate health and fitness tracking from a variety of sensors and devices to give consumers an overall look at their health profiles.

healthy-target.jpeg
Healthy Target will be integrated into WebMD's mobile app [Direct Link], allowing iPhone owners to aggregate all their health and fitness data into one application. Users will then receive health recommendations and fitness insights using WebMD's physician-reviewed content.
"Consumers will appreciate the ease of incorporating their biometric data into our Healthy Target program and the health insights and recommendations offered to help them sustain a healthier life," said David Ziegler, Director of Product Management for WebMD. "With more than 40%[1] of consumers using mobile devices to access health information, the time is right for a mobile app that can help translate data into life-improving insights."
Besides pulling in step information from the iPhone 5s' M7 coprocessor, Healthy Target also connects to devices from Entra, Fitbit, UP by Jawbone and Withings, with additional manufacturers expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months. According to Re/Code, the service uses the FDA-approved, secure online health repository 2net Platform from Qualcomm to sync this health data.

Healthy Target is one of several recent new health app initiatives including HealthKit from Apple, Samsung's S.A.M.I, and the rumored Google Fit, which may be unveiled at Google's I/O developer conference later this month.

Earlier this month, Apple briefly introduced its new HealthKit platform and associated Health app. Using HealthKit APIs, device manufacturers and app developers can share health and fitness data with Apple's Health app, which will debut with iOS 8. Apple's rumored iWatch product also is expected to be a primary focus of this health and fitness-related platform.

The updated WebMD mobile app with Healthy Target [Direct Link] is available today in the iOS App Store.

Article Link: WebMD Launches 'Healthy Target' Biometric Data Collection Service
 

Jack Delgado

macrumors regular
May 11, 2012
138
347
I give it a year before some developer gets around to aggregating all the aggregation apps.
 

Z400Racer37

macrumors 6502a
Feb 7, 2011
711
1,664
I just want to know how it's gonna know I snuck a Dorito when I'm supposed to be eating healthier... :)
 

Caliban2u

macrumors newbie
Dec 30, 2010
8
0
WebMD=insipid

I worked at a big BCBS that went with WebMD for its members and then worked for another company that had it as part of its "wellness" program. It entailed called from coaches to make sure that I was following the corporate compliance guidelines.

No information simply adherence. I would never give WebMD ANY information that you wouldn't want employers and others to have. HIPPA be damned.
 

Zxxv

macrumors 68040
Nov 13, 2011
3,558
1,104
UK
app then sends info to your supermarket... you go shopping... as you pick up items your iPhone tuts and says "really...isnt your bum big enough"...further on..."warning warning heart attack imminent...put the cheese down and step away from the counter"

all the while other shoppers laugh at you :D
 

furi0usbee

macrumors 68000
Jul 11, 2008
1,790
1,381
Wait, is that an iPhone 4(s) they are using in that ad? WTF? I'm glad is designed for iOS 6.
 

furi0usbee

macrumors 68000
Jul 11, 2008
1,790
1,381
That, and the unsightly space between the cell signal and the WiFi indicator, where they obfuscated some carrier name...

Yeah, who does that. You remove the carrier's name, but don't move the WiFi signal in? Or why not just rename it to Carrier, as many do.

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Insurance companies would pay $$$!! for all this personal health data.

Isn't this the funny part? Normally, our information is worth money, and these companies should be paying us. But more and more, we are paying companies for apps, or they are giving them for "Free" and they are using them to essentially sell our information, or at least gather enough of it so it is worth something to them.

I was listening to a TWiT podcast, and Leo was talking about how effectively we pay Amazon $99/year to shop exclusively with them with their Prime service. When you think about it, Amazon should be paying us to only shop with them and kick in free 2-day shipping as a loyalty reward.

These companies have found ways to make us pay for stuff only to have us say, wow, we are getting a super-good deal and make us feel as if we are taking advantage of the company. It's funny.
 

furi0usbee

macrumors 68000
Jul 11, 2008
1,790
1,381
Also, why doesn't MR use @2x images so us retina users can view the site in highDPI glory?
 

Will do good

macrumors 6502a
Mar 24, 2010
666
391
Earth
I worked at a big BCBS that went with WebMD for its members and then worked for another company that had it as part of its "wellness" program. It entailed called from coaches to make sure that I was following the corporate compliance guidelines.

No information simply adherence. I would never give WebMD ANY information that you wouldn't want employers and others to have. HIPPA be damned.

Good to know, thanks.

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Insurance companies would pay $$$!! for all this personal health data.

That should be most people's fear. Some what from Apple, but mostly I'll fear Google selling out our health info to any and all insurance and health companies.
 
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