Google and Flo Health Plan Cycle Data Sync for Early Next Year
Google and Flo Health announced a multi-year partnership to sync cycle data with Google Health metrics and build women's health research and products.
The story in focus
Google announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Flo Health, a female health platform used by more than 80 million women monthly. Beginning early next year, users can opt in to sync Flo cycle data with Google Health metrics such as resting heart rate, heart rate variability, skin temperature and sleep stages.
- Opt-in syncing of Flo Health cycle data with Google Health metrics is planned to begin early next year.
- Flo data shared with Google Health will not be used for advertising or sold, and permissions can be withdrawn at any time.
- Research is planned on topics including perimenopause, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
What the partnership covers
Google said the collaboration with Flo Health rests on four pillars: secure, consent-based app syncing; integration of Flo data with Google Health Coach; joint women's health research; and new products combining Flo's health insights and algorithms with Google's wearable hardware and sensor expertise.
Under the syncing plan, cycle data from Flo could be linked with Google Health metrics including resting heart rate, heart rate variability, skin temperature and sleep stages. Data from the Google Health app would also be made available to Flo, according to the announcement, to create a more consistent experience between the apps.
Privacy terms and open questions
Google said no data will move between the apps without explicit permission, given separately for each type of data and purpose, and that users can withdraw permission at any time. Flo data shared with Google Health will never be used for advertising, never be sold, and will not be made available to other apps or developers through Google's health platforms, the company said.
Timing beyond early next year for syncing was not specified, and pricing or product details for the planned new products were not disclosed. The research initiatives were described as plans, not completed studies.
When will Flo Health and Google Health syncing become available?
Google said secure, consent-based syncing between the Flo Health app and Google Health is planned to begin early next year, with users granting permission separately for each type of data and purpose.
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