Earlier rumors suggested Apple will join the mHealth market with the upcoming iOS and include a dedicated health/fitness tracking app within the platform. The Healthbook is said to feature a Passbook-like user interface, making it easy to browse around various health-based data, gathered either manually, or automatically through iPhone’s built-in sensors (M7) and by relying on third-party hardware.
The application will feature a number of categories, which will be presented in the form of differently colored cards. There will be different sections dedicated to tracking data pertaining to bloodwork, heart rate, hydration, blood pressure, physical activity, nutrition, blood sugar, sleep, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and weight.
Three of Healthbook’s tabs are dedicated to fitness tracking: Activity, Weight, and Nutrition, which will be used to track steps taken, calories burned and miles walked. The Weight tab will allow users to (manually) input their height and weight to get such stats as like BMI (Body Mass Index) and body fat percentage. Both the Activity and Weight tabs will show user’s progress over the course of a day, week, month and year. As for the Nutrition tab, from here users will enter their food intake and be able to keep up with their diet.
Heart rate tracking will be supported as well, with users being able to store and track their heart rate/pulse data in BPM (beats per minute) and blood pressure data. Speaking of blood, Healthbook will go into details here, featuring sections such as Bloodwork, Oxygen Saturation, and Blood Sugar. Plus, let’s not forget the ability to input/follow one’s hydration levels and respiratory rate, and track his/her sleep patterns.
Finally, users will always have their Emergency Card available at their disposal. This tab will feature critical data about each iPhone user, storing information like your name, birthdate, medication information, weight, eye color, blood type, organ donor status and location. This information is critical for an emergency technician, doctor, or hospital staffer to identify and treat a user if they fall ill or become injured and are unable to speak for themselves.
When it comes to sourcing data, Healthbook will rely both on the iPhone and third-party accessories. iWatch is still in the “rumor phase,” but that shouldn’t stop the Cupertino giant from getting details from Fitbit and other popular smart bands. We’re sure Apple will launch a Healthbook SDK, allowing other companies to tune into Healthbook and feed it with relevant information. While we wait for the official announcement of iOS 8 (and Healthbook), feel free to check out few additional screenshots at 9to5mac website.