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Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?

Cross-posted to 3 groups.

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D wrote on Thu, 2 Jan 2025 12:36:18 +0100 :

>> That means we need to find a suitable *alternative* to the FitBit app.
>> What is it?
>>
> 
> I suggest a NoBit. Seriously, people have exercised without tracking and 
> smart watches since time immemorial, and I see no reason for why we should 
> stop now.
> 
> If you absolutely need tracking, then set a time limit. Go jogging for 20 
> minutes or 30, and that's it. Your body will take care of the rest.
> 
> If you're really into data, a bathroom scale will allow you to follow your 
> progress nicely.

Thanks for that valuable insight as I think the data below solves the
privacy problem by replacing FitBit functionality with privacy-aware apps.

I've never used FitBit but I'm trying to be helpful to everyone since
privacy is a goal that everyone should care about - especially when GPS
satellites and navigation are involved with an Android device.

Thank you for understanding that the goal here is to provide people with
whatever it is that FitBit provides to them... but WITHOUT Google adding an
account integral to the Android operating system (which murders privacy).

Your sarcasm is well taken that nobody *needs* the FitBit functionality to
survive, and even if they did - they can get that functionality w/o Google.

I asked AI what replacements for FitBit functionality exist, and this came
back as the answer to the question of what replaces FitBit functionality.

 Q: What is a fitbit app replacement on Android that doesn't use google
    Here are a few Fitbit app replacements for Android that don't 
    use Google:

    Samsung Health: This app is pre-installed on many Samsung 
    devices and offers a wide range of features, including step 
    tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and workout 
    tracking. It also has a social component that allows you to 
    connect with friends and family.   

    Garmin Connect: This app is designed for use with Garmin devices, 
    but it can also be used as a standalone fitness tracker.
    It offers many of the same features as Samsung Health, 
    as well as some additional features such as GPS tracking 
    and advanced workout analysis.

    Polar Flow: This app is designed for use with Polar devices, 
    but it can also be used as a standalone fitness tracker. 
    It offers a wide range of features, including heart rate
    monitoring, GPS tracking, and sleep tracking. It also has 
    a social component that allows you to connect with friends 
    and family.  

    These are just a few of the many Fitbit app replacements 
    available for Android. 

Since I never used FitBit myself, I asked what the heck it does.

 Q: What exactly does the FitBit Android app do for people anyway?
    The Fitbit app on Android does a lot! 
    Here are some key things it enables:

    Track Your Activity:
    Steps: Counts your daily steps, distance walked, and calories burned.   

    Exercise: Records workouts like running, swimming, cycling, and more.     
    You can track them manually or use built-in GPS.  

    Heart Rate: Monitors your resting heart rate and tracks your heart 
    rate during workouts.  

    Monitor Your Sleep:
    Tracks your sleep duration, sleep stages (light, deep, REM), 
    and restlessness. Provides insights and tips to improve your 
    sleep quality.  

    Manage Your Health:
    Log Food: Track your calorie intake and monitor your nutrition.   

    Manage Weight: Set weight loss goals and track your progress.  
    Hydration: Track your daily water intake.  
    
    Connect and Share:
    Connect with friends and family to share your progress
    and stay motivated. Join challenges and compete with others.  

    Control Your Fitbit Device:
    Customize your device settings.   
    Receive notifications (calls, texts, calendar alerts) on your
    Fitbit device.  Access and control music playback.  

    Essentially, the Fitbit app acts as a central hub for all your
    health and fitness data. It helps you understand your activity
    levels, sleep patterns, and overall health trends, and provides
    tools to help you reach your fitness goals.

Interestingly, as far as I'm aware, we *already* have all of that
with privacy-aware apps that do the same thing as the FitBit app.

So, essentially, you're correct. FitBit doesn't do anything we don't
already have with privacy-aware apps that don't involve Google being 
set up as an integral component of the Android operating system settings.

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Thread

For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? Andrew <andys@nospam.com> - 2025-01-02 05:00 +0000
  Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2025-01-02 01:49 -0600
    Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-01-02 21:31 +0100
  Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? D <nospam@example.net> - 2025-01-02 12:36 +0100
    Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? Andrew <andys@nospam.com> - 2025-01-02 18:09 +0000
      Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2025-01-02 14:49 -0600
        Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-01-02 23:00 +0100
          Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2025-01-02 18:29 -0600
        Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> - 2025-01-03 16:07 +0000
          Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? VanguardLH <V@nguard.LH> - 2025-01-03 11:05 -0600
            Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android? Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> - 2025-01-03 18:29 +0000

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