Google Gemini's Wear OS app is a successor to Google Assistant, offering voice control, AI-driven reasoning, and automation for tasks like checking the weather, sending messages, and managing smart home devices. It enhances fitness app management, allowing users to control workouts without touching the device. Gemini integrates with Google services for real-time health inquiries and improves email productivity by summarizing and drafting responses.
Google Keep is a note-taking app that allows text and voice input for capturing ideas and creating lists on an Android smartwatch. It features quick access through watch tiles and complications but lacks full editing capabilities.
Strava is a fitness tracking app that allows users to monitor activities directly from their smartwatch, using built-in GPS to log routes and metrics. It syncs data to the mobile app after workouts, though social features are limited on the watch.
SleepisolBio is a sleep management app that tracks heart rate and sleep patterns, offering therapy options and personalized recommendations. It operates on a freemium model, providing many features for free, but requires smartphone setup for effective use on a smartwatch.
The author, an Editor at Android Authority, uses Notion as their primary work application for managing tasks and projects, including drafting articles, tracking meetings, and organizing personal projects like fitness and recipes. Notion allows for comprehensive organization and customization. They also use Todoist for task management, benefiting from its natural language processing and straightforward project setup for personal and work-related tasks. Additionally, the author employs other applications such as Gemini for proofreading and research, YNAB for financial management, and Balance for meditation, focusing on tools that enhance productivity and reduce distractions.
Google has released the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, which includes the September 5, 2025 security patch. Eligible devices for this update are Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel Tablet. The update introduces Themed icon shapes with five options: Circle, Square, Four-sided "cookie," Seven-sided "cookie," and Arch. The Display & touch settings have been redesigned, and Health Connect now automatically tracks steps. The update has achieved Platform Stability, allowing developers to test apps without unexpected changes. It has the build number BP41.250822.010. Starting September 2026, verified developer registration will be required for app installations on certified Android devices in select regions.
Google is enhancing its Health Connect platform by introducing native step tracking capabilities, transitioning from a data aggregator to a direct data collector from phone sensors. Launched in 2022, Health Connect serves as a centralized hub for health and fitness data, allowing applications to share data like steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. Users can manage permissions for which applications can access their health data. The integration with Android 14 facilitates easy downloading of health applications and data sharing. Recent findings indicate that Google is working on implementing native step tracking, with a new “Devices” page showing connected devices that can write step data to Health Connect. Although step counting is not yet functional, the technology is capable, suggesting ongoing refinement. This evolution positions Health Connect as a competitor to Apple Health and raises questions about the future of Fitbit, which may continue to serve users seeking advanced metrics.
The smart TV market is projected to grow from USD 225.43 billion in 2023 to USD 252.41 billion in 2024, reaching USD 623.62 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.97% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by increased global internet penetration and better access to high-speed broadband, allowing consumers to stream content on smart TVs. The rising popularity of smart TVs is attributed to the convenience of accessing various applications for streaming, gaming, and fitness. Businesses are investing in smart Android TV app development to engage customers effectively, as audiences spend more time on screens. Key trends in Android TV app development for 2025 include the use of AI and ML for personalized experiences, AR and VR for immersive interactions, 5G technology for enhanced performance, instant apps for improved user experience, cross-platform development, on-demand applications, and blockchain technology for security. The cost of developing an Android TV app ranges from ,000 to ,000, depending on complexity, with more intricate applications potentially exceeding 0,000.
Google has blocked all software identified as problematic on its platform, but users who have previously downloaded these applications must remain vigilant, as the ban does not automatically remove the apps from their devices. The "Vapor" malware has misled millions and infiltrated devices through troubling applications available in Google's Play Store, affecting over 60 million devices globally. The IAS Threat Lab has identified Vapor as an extensive ad fraud scheme using fake Android apps to display intrusive ads and steal credit card information. Bitdefender has identified 331 apps, including QR scanners and fitness applications, as potential threats that display out-of-context ads and attempt phishing attacks. A list of compromised apps includes AquaTracker, ClickSave Downloader, Scan Hawk, Water Time Tracker, and Be More, each downloaded over 1 million times. Users are advised to exercise caution when installing new applications and verify the trustworthiness of developers.
Android fitness applications are essential for tracking progress and maintaining motivation toward health goals. Notable apps include:
- Flo Period & Ovulation Tracker: Over 380 million users, tracks ovulation, fertility, water intake, physical activity, and mood, offers reminders and a content library on health topics, and includes a feature for couples to connect accounts.
- JustFit - Lazy Workout: Focuses on home workouts without gym memberships, allows personalized fitness plans, and includes Pilates workouts requiring minimal equipment.
- MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter: Provides visibility into health profiles with a database of 14 million food items, features a barcode scanner, and integrates with over 50 apps and devices.
- Calorie Counter - MyNetDiary: User-friendly for weight loss and nutrition management with over 1.7 million food items, an AI-powered scanner, and a community feature for motivation.
- Pilates Workout at Home: Offers budget-friendly Pilates workouts with personalized plans and step-by-step video tutorials designed by certified experts.
- Finch: Self-Care Pet: Introduces a virtual pet that evolves with user engagement in self-care activities, offering quizzes, motivational quotes, and journaling spaces.
- Fasting - Intermittent Fasting: Simplifies intermittent fasting with customizable plans and a resource hub for tips, integrating with wearable devices.
- Wysa: Anxiety, therapy chatbot: An AI-powered chatbot using CBT and DBT techniques for emotional support, includes mood tracking, mindfulness exercises, and options to connect with therapists.
- TrainingPeaks: Designed for endurance coaching, offers structured training plans, real-time tracking with wearables, and advanced features for serious athletes.
- Muscle Monster Workout Planner: A comprehensive workout planner with over 300 exercises, AI-driven guidance, and support for various training environments.
Google is shifting its approach to fitness applications on Android devices, moving from Google Fit as the default app to the Fitbit app. The OPPO Find X8 Pro and Realme GT7 Pro have replaced Google Fit with the Fitbit app, which is now pre-installed on these devices. Google confirmed that the Fitbit app has been available to smartphone manufacturers as a default option since earlier this year, with several manufacturers choosing to preload it. This trend indicates that the Fitbit app is becoming a standard feature across more Android smartphones, and there is anticipation for the integration of Google Fit features into the Fitbit app.
The Fitbit Android app has surpassed 100 million downloads in the Google Play Store since its launch on March 16, 2012. It serves as a companion application for Fitbit smartwatches and trackers, available on Android phones and tablets. The app includes features for the latest models, such as widgets and live wallpapers, and extends functionality to the Wear OS platform for the Pixel Watch. A recent interface update introduced new metrics like sleep quality and heart rate. Users are awaiting a dark theme, initially expected in October 2023, which may coincide with a comprehensive redesign of the app. The Google Fit app has also reached 100 million downloads. Looking ahead to 2024, Fitbit plans additional updates, including a revamped settings design and integration of Health Connect, along with an AI-powered feature from Fitbit Labs to enhance user interaction with health data.
