Back in the day, fitness was a nightmare. People had to not only persevere through extreme workout sessions but also use clunky, single-purpose gadgets like heart rate monitors and pedometers. And to make matters worse, they had to deal with manual record-keeping, which was mind-numbingly tedious.
But today, smartwatches have changed the game. With a good smartwatch, any fitness fanatic can monitor their routines, health status, and fitness goals. Not to mention, through open or public API, some smartwatches allow users to develop custom apps and features tailored to their specific fitness needs and preferences.
Read on for more.
Fitness Trackers that Have Open API – Top 5 Smartwatches
Most smartwatch manufacturers don’t open their APIs to third parties, since they consider this a risky move that can introduce numerous unfavorable variables. For instance, an inexperienced developer can use an open API to tamper with their gadget’s core functionality, undermine its performance, or lead to higher exposure to security risks.
That said, a few bold manufacturers let their customers explore open API with top-notch devices like the following:
1. Fitbit Versa
Fitbit Versa is a sleek, square-shaped smartwatch that resembles a standard Apple Watch. It comes with a top-quality touchscreen display and rounded edges. This gadget also has an anodized aluminum casing, which is ideal for staving off corrosion and enhancing its durability. Most importantly, Fitbit Versa has core features that help you monitor your heart rate, sleep patterns, workouts, and essential female health-related elements like menstrual cycles.
While using a Fitbit Versa smartwatch, you can exploit the public web APIs that Fitbit offers developers. The APIs will help you retrieve your health and fitness data or create custom apps that run seamlessly on your wearable Fitbit devices.
2. Samsung Galaxy
Samsung has introduced various smartwatches with Tizen OS, an open-source Linux-based operating system. Tizen OS offers Samsung Galaxy smartwatch users the opportunity to enjoy an interface they can customize quickly with sufficient knowledge of HTML5.
Check out Tizen OS Galaxy smartwatches if you want to develop customized apps for your wearable device. As a developer, the OS will enable you to create health and fitness-related applications that will also run flawlessly with Android.
3. Garmin Venu
Garmin Venu smartwatches are ideal for people who prioritize an active lifestyle. These next-gen gadgets give users access to vital health stats like stress, respiration, and heart rates. They also use the Body Battery™ level feature to inform people about their energy reserves at different times of the day. Additionally, Garmin Venu smartwatches have 20+ sports apps and full workout animations,
Furthermore, Garmin smartwatches allow you to use APIs to receive data vital for your health and fitness journey. These include Health API, which covers metrics like your heart rate and all-day steps, as well as Activity API. The latter is the key to accessing data captured during various activities, including cycling, running, swimming, and strength training.
4. Withings
Withings is a renowned manufacturer of quality hybrid smartwatches. One of its most popular products is Withings Steel HR, a smartwatch that’s discreet enough to pass as an everyday wristwatch. But this gadget is an activity-tracking watch that monitors its user’s heart rate and sleep patterns.
Suppose you choose to get a Withings Steel HR smartwatch today. As a developer, you can use the Withings Public AI to create custom apps and access your health and fitness data.
5. Apple Watch
Apple Watch is an honorary mention. We’ve included it in the list because Apple makes top-shelf products. These include smartwatches that measure a wearer’s movements and give meaningful insights into lifestyle factors like sleep and exercise. Their wearable gadgets also motivate users with personalized coaching, activity competitions, and awards.
Additionally, Apple recently released a handful of APIs for its smartwatches. These include Workout Monitoring API, designed to enable users to view progress from their Workouts on their iPhone using a live widget. The other is Custom Workouts API, which lets third-party apps add new routines to the Workouts app.
What is Terra API?
Terra API is an application programming interface that helps smartwatch users to connect different apps to their wearables. This API was launched in 2021, so it’s relatively new. Despite that, Terra AI has amassed a considerable customer base. Today, hundreds of apps and developers in the health, fitness, sleep, and wellness spaces use this solution.
With Terra API, you can integrate custom apps with different smartwatches, including Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple.
How Does Terra API Work/ What Does Terra API Do?
Generally, Terra API helps you integrate essential fitness trackers with your smartwatch. And by doing that, it ensures you have access to vital data you can use to develop new applications that suit your specific needs and preferences.
Here are a few general steps that can help you make the most out of Terra API:
- Step 1: Learn all you can about your smartwatch, including its capabilities and limitations
- Step 2: Determine the specific app functionality you need for your smartwatch
- Step 3: Review the Terra API documentation
- Step 4: Pick the most suitable development tools
- Step 5: Use the right tools and SDKs to prepare a fitting development environment for smartwatch apps
- Step 6: Employ Terra API and use it to access fitness-related data from your wearable
- Step 7: Use retrieved data to develop your fitness app
Conclusion
Wearing a smartwatch allows you to monitor various elements crucial in your fitness and wellness journey, including calorie count, heart rate, and hydration levels. But to get the most out of these devices, get a smartwatch with an open API. If you are a developer, the API will help you develop custom apps for taking your health and fitness journey to the next level.
We have outlined some of the best smartwatches with APIs above. Get one or more that suits your needs and preferences today. And while choosing the best gadgets, consider factors like pricing and your budget limits. Don’t forget to check each device’s battery life, display quality, and smartphone compatibility.
Read Also: What Fitness Tracker Works With MyFitnessPal—Top 10 List
Frequently Asked Question
What is an Open API for Fitness Trackers?
An open API (Application Programming Interface) for fitness trackers is a set of protocols and tools that allow developers to create third-party applications or integrations that can interact with and access data from the fitness tracker’s platform. This enables developers to build apps that can retrieve, analyze, and present health and fitness data collected by the tracker.
Why Would Developers Want Access to a Fitness Tracker’s Open API?
Access to a fitness tracker’s open API allows developers to create applications that can provide additional features, insights, or visualizations using the health and fitness data collected by the tracker. This can enhance the user experience and offer more personalized and detailed information about their health and activity.
Can I Build My Own App Using a Fitness Tracker’s Open API?
Yes, you can build your own app using a fitness tracker’s open API, provided that you adhere to the terms of use and guidelines set by the tracker’s manufacturer. These APIs are designed to enable third-party developers to create innovative applications that enhance the functionality of the fitness tracker.
What Kind of Data Can I Access Through a Fitness Tracker’s Open API?
The data you can access through a fitness tracker’s open API depends on what the manufacturer has exposed. Typically, you can access a range of health and fitness data, including activity tracking (steps, distance, calories), sleep patterns, heart rate, and sometimes more advanced metrics like VO2 max or specific workout data.
Do I Need Programming Skills to Use a Fitness Tracker’s Open API?
Yes, using a fitness tracker’s open API usually requires programming skills. You need to be familiar with programming languages like JavaScript, Python, or others, and have a good understanding of APIs and data handling.
Are there any Limitations to Using a Fitness Tracker’s Open API?
A6: Yes, there can be limitations imposed by the manufacturer. These could include rate limits (how frequently you can make API requests), data access permissions (certain data might be restricted for security or privacy reasons), and terms of use that dictate how you can use the data.
Are there any Costs Associated With Using a Fitness Tracker’s Open API?
A8: Some manufacturers might offer their open API for free, while others could have subscription plans, usage fees, or other cost structures. It’s important to review the documentation and terms to understand any potential costs.
