Google Fit to be launched at I/O developer conference

Google is expected to unveil a fitness data aggregator, which will allow users to track information from a range of popular fitness apps.

The software will have open APIs so developers can sync their fitness apps with it. Google is also expected to announce a raft of partnerships with wearable device makers at its I/O developer event on 25 June, sources told Forbes.

At this time it is unclear whether Google Fit will be unveiled as a standalone app or baked into Android.

The launch of such a service is unsurprising, as tech firms battle it out to attract consumers to wearable devices.

Samsung already has a range of 'Gear' watches, which can be used to measure steps, heart rate and calories. However, uptake of these devices has been limited and networks - such as Vodafone are giving away the watches free with Galaxy S5 devices in an attempt to boost interest.

Microsoft is expected to launch a health-related smartwatch in the summer. Redmond is focusing its efforts on the mobile market after missing out early on the smartphone rush and hoping that cross-platform functionality will attract users.

Meanwhile, Apple has confirmed its HealthKit app will debut with iOS 8 in September. This will allow users to monitor sleep cycles and other core health metrics like blood pressure and oxygenation levels.

Khidr Suleman is the Technical Editor at IT Pro, a role he has fulfilled since March 2012. He is responsible for the reviews section on the site  - so get in touch if you have a product you think might be of interest to the business world. He also covers the hardware and operating systems beats. Prior to joining IT Pro, Khidr worked as a reporter at Incisive Media. He studied law at the University of Reading and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism and Online Writing at PMA Training.