More HD, sci-fi games, fitness, and more!
Episode Guide
- Show Notes
- This Working Droid Episode 151 Inbox by Google
- App Review - Google Fit (YouTube Preview)
- Chromebook Quick Tip - Bookmark Manager
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The Android Realm App & Service Review Google Fit
For some time now, Google Now for Android has provide monthly recaps for the approximate number of miles walked compared to the prior month (or hours walked in my case for some reason). Aside from the summary, not much information was provided. The good news though for Android users is that Google has released a new app, unceremonioulsy titled Google Fit (to match the wearable technology for related functions), to help keep track of fitness data.
After signing in with the desired Google account, the app will keep track of the length of the current workout length and the number of steps taken. Once there is enough data, graphs will be available to help monitor changes in workouts. Additional information can be added to the app as well via the settings including height, weight and gender. Metrics can be set to the U.S. standard or the metric system as well based on personal preferences.
Using the app does not require additional devices but does support fitness devices which can be connected to help keep track of the additional data. Stats can be checked via the app and a convenient website which all syncs to the Google account provided.
Google Now Card - Remember Where You Parked
The card uses your device's sensors to determine your speed and figure out the last place you parked your car, bike, bus, etc. (basically any fast moving mode of transportation that isn't walking or running) and notes the location via Google Maps.
The Android Realm App Review Pedometer
If you're like me, you like Google Now's monthly walking summary. The only thing missing is a regular count for how many footsteps or how many miles I walk daily or monthly. That is where the Pedometer app does its magic.
After installing the app, the user is given the choice to login with Google+, Facebook, or e-mail. Once the account is setup, getting your distance walked (or run for that matter) is simply a matter of starting the workout. The main screen keeps track of the number of steps walked, duration, approximate speed, etc. The app continues to run in the background with minimal resource usage (which may vary by device). Once the workout is stopped, the user can rate how they felt, the kind of surface, weather, etc. to keep track of changing conditions if desired.
The app does have various configurable settings like the size of the user's footsteps to adjust by stride or height, adjusting what the app should consider a normal, fast, or slow walking speed and the ability to adjust how the app interacts with the screen timeout. The final feature of the app is the ability to have it play music once the workout is started if the user wants something to keep them going. This feature defaults to the user's default music app (i.e. Google Play Music).
Accuracy of the app will most likely vary based on the sensors available on the user's device along with how new or old the device is as well. Newer devices should be more accurate/reliable with older devices being generally accurate but not necessarily spot on.
The app itself is free with a paid version unlocking more features like weather.
Android 2.2+
