Apple's 'Health' App Gains Ability to Track Steps With M7 Motion Coprocessor in New iOS 8 Beta

[smooth]

Almost zero.

Runkeeper makes use of the M7 right now - recording your walking passively, even when the app is not open (the M7 chip is tracking your steps anyway).

The reason you use more battery when you have the app open and actively track your runs is that the GPS chip is being used, which is quite thirsty on the battery.

Ah thank you! (And thank you to others who replied). The battery on these iPhones are really my only complaint about them now that they are coming out with larger sizes.

I will have to check out Runkeeper.

 

[FoxyKaye]

Hmm... I feel like this is the iSync strategy as applied to fitness devices. Based on how that app turned out, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Apple pulled the plug on third-party device/app support for its Health app at some point.

 

[AlliFlowers]

Out of interest, are you using the M7 motion tracker for your Fitbit app or a dedicated Fitbit wearable device?

----------

A dedicated Fitbit wearable device.