Google’s plan to win the AI health race? Play nice with Apple and other rivals

Google is positioning itself as a leading fitness coach and wellness guide, even for users of rival devices like the Apple Watch. On Thursday, the tech giant unveiled a series of health-related updates, highlighting its AI coach as a central feature. This move is part of a larger strategy to compete with industry players like OpenAI and Microsoft, who are also racing to establish dominance in health technology. The introduction of the AI health assistant in the new Google Health app represents an effort to expand beyond its current user base, which primarily consists of Fitbit and Pixel Watch owners. Google aims to attract users of Apple Watch, Oura rings, Garmin devices, and even those without any health trackers. According to the International Data Corporation, Google trails behind competitors such as Apple, Samsung, and Chinese firms like Xiaomi and Huawei in the global wearable tech market. However, the latest developments indicate that Google is focusing more on health-related AI advancements rather than merely competing in the smartwatch sector. As consumers increasingly turn to AI tools like ChatGPT for health inquiries, Google recognizes the importance of providing comprehensive health support. Rishi Chandra, general manager of Google Health, emphasized, "An athlete today has a whole team doing this…They have a nutritionist, they have a sleep coach, they have a fitness trainer. Why can’t all of us have that equivalent?" This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the new health coach feature. While some health organizations, including the Mayo Clinic and Duke University School of Medicine, have expressed concerns about the accuracy of AI in medical contexts, Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft clarify that their tools are designed to complement, not replace, professional medical advice. Starting May 19, the Fitbit app will transition to the new Google Health app, which will feature an AI Health Coach powered by Google’s Gemini models. This app will offer personalized fitness plans, health record summaries, and a chatbot capable of addressing user queries regarding fitness and medical data. Additionally, Google is set to release a new fitness wristband, the Fitbit Air, which is designed to work seamlessly with the new app. The AI coach will analyze trends in users’ sleep and exercise, providing insights such as how a 4-mile run contributes to a weekly goal or how additional sleep improves overall rest. Many features of the app require a Google Health Premium subscription, separate from other AI offerings. A preview of the AI health assistant has been available in the Fitbit app since October, and Google is exploring ways to connect its AI coach with health data sharing tools like Health Connect for Android and HealthKit for Apple. Currently, the AI assistant is exclusive to Pixel Watch and Fitbit users, but Google plans to extend support to Apple Watch and other devices later this year. Chandra stated, "That’s my goal, so you can decide whatever hardware you want." Facilitating data sharing between various applications could play a crucial role in enhancing user experience and solidifying Google's place in the health technology market. An April survey from the West Health-Gallup Center revealed that one in four U.S. adults uses AI for healthcare research or advice, often before or after visiting a doctor. This trend is underscored by OpenAI reporting that 230 million people consult ChatGPT for health-related questions weekly. As competition intensifies, companies like Samsung, Oura, and Whoop have also integrated AI-generated insights into their health apps. Google’s strategy to enable its AI coach to interface with diverse devices is vital for its future success in the health sector. As Chandra aptly put it, "We want to meet users where they are."