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comp / comp.mobile.android / Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?

SubjectAuthor
* For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?Andrew
+* Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrVanguardLH
|`- Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrCarlos E.R.
`* Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrD
 `* Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrAndrew
  `* Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrVanguardLH
   +* Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrCarlos E.R.
   |`- Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrVanguardLH
   `* Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrFrank Slootweg
    `* Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrVanguardLH
     `- Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on AndrFrank Slootweg

1
Subject: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: Andrew
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android, alt.privacy, sci.geo.satellite-nav
Organization: BWH Usenet Archive (https://usenet.blueworldhosting.com)
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 05:00 UTC
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From: andys@nospam.com (Andrew)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android,alt.privacy,sci.geo.satellite-nav
Subject: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 05:00:06 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: BWH Usenet Archive (https://usenet.blueworldhosting.com)
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If anyone has a Google Account set up on Android, then they have forfeited
their right to privacy - but luckily Android works fine without adding a
Google Account integral to the operating system in Settings > Accounts.
<https://i.postimg.cc/x1NZwj5G/account02.jpg>

In a recent thread, it was observed that the Google FitBit app
automatically infested Android with a parasitic Google Account.
*What can't you do on Android WITHOUT a Google Account set up in the OS?*
<https://www.novabbs.com/computers/article-flat.php?id=56585&group=comp.mobile.android#56585>

To test that privacy observation, I just moments ago downloaded the latest
FitBit app from the Google Play Store repository <com.fitbit.FitbitMobile>.

It asked me to choose "Sign in with Google" or "Sign in with Fitbit".

Clicking "Sign in with Fitbit" doesn't seem to allow me to *create* a
FitBit account, and "Sign in with Google" says, very clearly this:

*The [Google] account will be added to this device*
<https://i.postimg.cc/7ZRtbdHN/fitbit01.jpg>

Obviously, that's a dangerous app in terms of privacy since you forfeit
your right to privacy when you add an account integral to Android settings.

That means we need to find a suitable *alternative* to the FitBit app.
What is it?

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: VanguardLH
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Followup: comp.mobile.android
Organization: Usenet Elder
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 07:49 UTC
References: 1
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From: V@nguard.LH (VanguardLH)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
Followup-To: comp.mobile.android
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 01:49:42 -0600
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NOTE: Since Andrew posted in comp.mobile.android to get us to waste our
time trying to do his alternative lookups on similar de-Googled apps,
I'm keeping this discussion in the same newsgroup, and only that
newsgroup. His cross-posting to alt.privacy and sci.geo.satellite-nav
were removed from my reply.

Andrew <andys@nospam.com> wrote:

> If anyone has a Google Account set up on Android, then they have forfeited
> their right to privacy - but luckily Android works fine without adding a
> Google Account integral to the operating system in Settings > Accounts.
> <https://i.postimg.cc/x1NZwj5G/account02.jpg>
>
> In a recent thread, it was observed that the Google FitBit app
> automatically infested Android with a parasitic Google Account.
> *What can't you do on Android WITHOUT a Google Account set up in the OS?*
> <https://www.novabbs.com/computers/article-flat.php?id=56585&group=comp.mobile.android#56585>
>
> To test that privacy observation, I just moments ago downloaded the latest
> FitBit app from the Google Play Store repository <com.fitbit.FitbitMobile>.
>
> It asked me to choose "Sign in with Google" or "Sign in with Fitbit".
>
> Clicking "Sign in with Fitbit" doesn't seem to allow me to *create* a
> FitBit account, and "Sign in with Google" says, very clearly this:
>
> *The [Google] account will be added to this device*
> <https://i.postimg.cc/7ZRtbdHN/fitbit01.jpg>

Google acquired Fitbit for $2.1B back in January 2021, and is mandating
moving from Fitbit accounts to Google accounts sometime this year. Even
if you manage to create a Fitbit account, or you had one before, you're
still creating or using a Google-owned account.

> Obviously, that's a dangerous app in terms of privacy since you forfeit
> your right to privacy when you add an account integral to Android settings.
>
> That means we need to find a suitable *alternative* to the FitBit app.
> What is it?

Theo mentioned the Gadgetbridge app, but doesn't know how it fares in a
comparison of features to the Fitbit app, especially regarding the
premium services for Fitbit that always required an account (at Fitbit,
and now at Google).

There isn't much info as to just what Gadgetbridge does other than
connect the gadget (e.g., Fitbit watch) to the Android phone. From:

https://gadgetbridge.org/basics/features/

looks like it shows some data from the gadget device. Might be
something of interest to you in your quest to protest Google by
disconnecting from Google.

I've seen Strava suggested as an alternative to the Fitbit app. An
account is needed with Strava if you want to participate in their
communities, or get premium features. The same was true for Fitbit if
you wanted the premium features. However, looks like basic features are
free, and don't require an account, but I haven't tested Strava yet.
Even if their app installed and ran without a Strava account, but you
then added premium services that require an account, you're swapping
Strava for Google.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.strava
https://www.strava.com/

I'm going to bookmark the Strava app to see if it works on my old
Android 8 phone with the Fitbit wrist device, but without any extras or
subscriptions that mandate the requirement an account. Unlike the
Fitbit app which upped the minimum Android version to 10 which meant I
couldn't reinstall it to start using it again, the Strava app's About at
the Play Store says their app is compatible with my old phone.
Hopefully their "free" app with in-app purchases isn't spamware that
nags me with buying extras.

At first, their description makes the Strava app look to use your
smartphone as the tracking/recording device for your health and
activities, but there is mention about working with compatible wrist
devices (Fitbit is one of them), and a compatibility list at:

https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/223297187-How-to-get-your-Activities-to-Strava#devices

What leaves me a bit leery about Strava is the hyperlink for
instructions on linking a Fitbit device to the Strava phone app has you
visit:

https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/216918087-Fitbit-and-Strava

which has a hyperlink to:

https://strava.fitbit.com/

Well, remember who owns the fitbit.com domain now? Yep, Google. When
you click on "Connect", you go to:

https://www.strava.com/login

You can login using Google, Apple, or Facebook logins (on the phone), or
use an e-mail address. Since I wouldn't initially trust them, I'd login
with an e-mail address and password, and use an aliased e-mail address
to hide my true e-mail address. If they block logging in with an
aliasing service, I'll have to create a temporary Hotmail account, watch
it for 6 months checking for spam from them.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: D
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android, alt.privacy, sci.geo.satellite-nav
Organization: i2pn2 (i2pn.org)
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 11:36 UTC
References: 1
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From: nospam@example.net (D)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android,alt.privacy,sci.geo.satellite-nav
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit
app on Android?
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 12:36:18 +0100
Organization: i2pn2 (i2pn.org)
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On Thu, 2 Jan 2025, Andrew wrote:

> If anyone has a Google Account set up on Android, then they have forfeited
> their right to privacy - but luckily Android works fine without adding a
> Google Account integral to the operating system in Settings > Accounts.
> <https://i.postimg.cc/x1NZwj5G/account02.jpg>
>
> In a recent thread, it was observed that the Google FitBit app
> automatically infested Android with a parasitic Google Account.
> *What can't you do on Android WITHOUT a Google Account set up in the OS?*
> <https://www.novabbs.com/computers/article-flat.php?id=56585&group=comp.mobile.android#56585>
>
> To test that privacy observation, I just moments ago downloaded the latest
> FitBit app from the Google Play Store repository <com.fitbit.FitbitMobile>.
>
> It asked me to choose "Sign in with Google" or "Sign in with Fitbit".
>
> Clicking "Sign in with Fitbit" doesn't seem to allow me to *create* a
> FitBit account, and "Sign in with Google" says, very clearly this:
>
> *The [Google] account will be added to this device*
> <https://i.postimg.cc/7ZRtbdHN/fitbit01.jpg>
>
> Obviously, that's a dangerous app in terms of privacy since you forfeit
> your right to privacy when you add an account integral to Android settings.
>
> 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.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: Andrew
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android, alt.privacy, sci.geo.satellite-nav
Organization: BWH Usenet Archive (https://usenet.blueworldhosting.com)
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 18:09 UTC
References: 1 2
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From: andys@nospam.com (Andrew)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android,alt.privacy,sci.geo.satellite-nav
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 18:09:43 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: BWH Usenet Archive (https://usenet.blueworldhosting.com)
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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.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: Carlos E.R.
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 20:31 UTC
References: 1 2
Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!fu-berlin.de!uni-berlin.de!individual.net!not-for-mail
From: robin_listas@es.invalid (Carlos E.R.)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit
app on Android?
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 21:31:18 +0100
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On 2025-01-02 08:49, VanguardLH wrote:
> NOTE: Since Andrew posted in comp.mobile.android to get us to waste our
> time trying to do his alternative lookups on similar de-Googled apps,
> I'm keeping this discussion in the same newsgroup, and only that
> newsgroup. His cross-posting to alt.privacy and sci.geo.satellite-nav
> were removed from my reply.

Thanks.

>
> Andrew <andys@nospam.com> wrote:

....

> I've seen Strava suggested as an alternative to the Fitbit app. An
> account is needed with Strava if you want to participate in their
> communities, or get premium features. The same was true for Fitbit if
> you wanted the premium features. However, looks like basic features are
> free, and don't require an account, but I haven't tested Strava yet.
> Even if their app installed and ran without a Strava account, but you
> then added premium services that require an account, you're swapping
> Strava for Google.

I have that app installed, and AFAIK it doesn't read anything from the
watch. It is an app designed to share with friends or the world at large
your sporting feats. Replace google fit with this? I don't see the
advantage.

....

--
Cheers, Carlos.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: VanguardLH
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Organization: Usenet Elder
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 20:49 UTC
References: 1 2 3
Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!fu-berlin.de!uni-berlin.de!individual.net!not-for-mail
From: V@nguard.LH (VanguardLH)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 14:49:45 -0600
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NOTE: The unrelated alt.privacy and sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroups
were omitted in my reply.

Andrew <andys@nospam.com> wrote:

> 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.
Other than the "Connect and Share", the Fitbit *device* has all the
other features. Their app just gives some additional insights, like
trends, along with fluff for the socially needy, or attempt to spur
those lacking self-motivation. After installing their app, configuring
it, linking to the device, and paying for their wrist health device,
oooh, I just must need inspiration to use them. Uh huh. Well, I've
seen folks that buy weight sets and a workout bench, or a Nordic track
that sit collecting dust in their basement. If you record the data to
manually enter into a spreadsheet, you can see those same insights, and
even add trend lines. As for settings, all can be set on the device
itself, except themes which the app can download to the device. I only
found 1 theme that had more info than the default theme, but I ended up
going back to the default theme (the one the Fitbit device comes with).

The Play Store's About info on the Fitbit app mentions tracking eating
trends (dieting, calorie watching). Most users I've seen in forums
discussing the Fitbit app end up switching to a different food tracking
app, like Gadgetbridge app already mentioned, or MyFitnessPal (also a
free alternative to the Weight Watchers app the latter I use which moved
to a points system, and just a single plan other than you can elect to
enable the diabetic scheme which ranks some foods differently). The
Healthi app uses the old multiple diet plans of Weight watchers, so you
have about 6 different diet plans from which to choose.

As for weight loss tracking, geez, come on, you have to manually enter
it into the device or app after weighing yourself unless you buy an
expensive Bluetooth-enabled scale that is paired to your phone to sync
to the Fitbit app. Again, just use a spreadsheet to track where you can
trends, add target and max thresholds, etc.

As for receiving notifications, their app is running on the same phone
where you are getting calls and texts. You don't need their app telling
you that your phone got a call. When I go to the gym, I don't take my
phone: don't want to damage it, don't want to wear it while exercising,
and don't want it stolen. I won't be taking calls or reading texts
while exercising, anyway. Without the phone, the Fitbit device isn't
going to notify you of anything happening on your phone. With the
phone, the Fitbit app is superfluous for notifying you of calls or
texts.

The Fitbit devices I've had did not have GPS, so they couldn't track
where I ran or walked. Steps, yes. Routes, no. Their app would use
the GPS in the phone to record your route. Well, there are LOTS of free
apps that can track where you've been. I mentioned Strava which seems
mostly a runners' app to track your runs, but it can monitor other data
from a wrist health device. With the Fitbit device, I would have to
carry my phone on a trek. For hiking, there are lot better tracking
apps, like adding waypoints. Unlike younglings, I'm not grafted to my
phone, and don't suffer nomophobia. I go to the gym rather than run
outside to get a sunburn, frostbite, a cold, in the rain or snow, and on
the road shared with cars since their are no sidewalks in the burbs.
Tracking doesn't work when you're on a treadmill, stair climber, rowing
machine, or other stationary equipment. Some fitness apps will track
your heart rate and steps for selected exercises, like treadmill,
swimming, track laps, etc.

The point of the Fitbit app is to lure users into paying for premium
services. Else, what I saw in their app is what I saw on the device.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: Carlos E.R.
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 22:00 UTC
References: 1 2 3 4
Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!fu-berlin.de!uni-berlin.de!individual.net!not-for-mail
From: robin_listas@es.invalid (Carlos E.R.)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit
app on Android?
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 23:00:54 +0100
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On 2025-01-02 21:49, VanguardLH wrote:
> As for receiving notifications, their app is running on the same phone
> where you are getting calls and texts. You don't need their app telling
> you that your phone got a call. When I go to the gym, I don't take my
> phone: don't want to damage it, don't want to wear it while exercising,
> and don't want it stolen. I won't be taking calls or reading texts
> while exercising, anyway. Without the phone, the Fitbit device isn't
> going to notify you of anything happening on your phone. With the
> phone, the Fitbit app is superfluous for notifying you of calls or
> texts.

I find that useful. I get a wasap, the wrist thing vibrates, I just make
the movement on my arm like going to read the time, the screen
illuminates and I see who texted me, and a bit of the message. I can
decide fast whether to actually read it now, or if it can wait.

I don't go to gyms. I find it useful to track my walks.

Some of the gym machines apparently have BT and connect to the watch. My
elliptical bike doesn't, so the watch only logs my heart rate, not how
many steps I took. It should log them, my arm does a rhythmic movement.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: VanguardLH
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Organization: Usenet Elder
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 00:29 UTC
References: 1 2 3 4 5
Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!fu-berlin.de!uni-berlin.de!individual.net!not-for-mail
From: V@nguard.LH (VanguardLH)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2025 18:29:05 -0600
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"Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

> On 2025-01-02 21:49, VanguardLH wrote:
>> As for receiving notifications, their app is running on the same phone
>> where you are getting calls and texts. You don't need their app telling
>> you that your phone got a call. When I go to the gym, I don't take my
>> phone: don't want to damage it, don't want to wear it while exercising,
>> and don't want it stolen. I won't be taking calls or reading texts
>> while exercising, anyway. Without the phone, the Fitbit device isn't
>> going to notify you of anything happening on your phone. With the
>> phone, the Fitbit app is superfluous for notifying you of calls or
>> texts.
>
> I find that useful. I get a wasap, the wrist thing vibrates, I just make
> the movement on my arm like going to read the time, the screen
> illuminates and I see who texted me, and a bit of the message. I can
> decide fast whether to actually read it now, or if it can wait.
>
> I don't go to gyms. I find it useful to track my walks.

I grin as I'm inside looking outside during the winter watching the
walkers strolling by or the runners bouncing along on the road with the
cars passing them by. No sidewalks here. Yes, be healthy by suffering
the wintery blast, and avoid cars. No thanks. Year-round outdoor
exercise is great if you live in Arizona. During the summer, I've got
so many outdoor chores (mowing, cutting down shrubs and trees, repairing
fencing, construction, etc) that I don't need any additional exercise.
Haven't yet seen a tracker that measures my effort to de-root an area to
put a base for a shed, or replace windows.

> Some of the gym machines apparently have BT and connect to the watch. My
> elliptical bike doesn't, so the watch only logs my heart rate, not how
> many steps I took. It should log them, my arm does a rhythmic movement.

I just watch the target heart rate on the gear at the gym, and set an
exercise time along with difficulty level. The gear's measurements are
equal or more accurate than some wrist health monitor. Some folks want
a history of their exercise. I just rate my progress by how much longer
or harder, or both, I set the gym gear.

Yes, gyms cost money, unless your health plan includes Silver Sneakers
which mine does. So, I could walk or run outside to sunburn or in the
rain or snow for free, or I could go to the gym to be indoors while
exercising. My choice is the latter (on those days when my labors at
home don't obviate the need for exercising).

On an exercycle, my arms don't swing. My hands and arms are on the
rests. They do swing on the stair climber and treadmill, so the Fitbit
does measure steps along with heart rate and time; however, I have to
select the exercise type for the Fitbit to measure correctly (it doesn't
automatically detect what type of stationary exercise I'm doing).

I used the Fitbit app so little that there was no point in keeping it on
my phone. In fact, I stopped wearing the Fitbit device at the gym where
my progress was measured in how often I visited, and how much I added
time, resistence, or other factors to an exercise. I really don't need
a history of past exercise at the gym. If I go on walks or hikes, I
prefer a much better route tracker app on the phone.

But we have different goals for the wrist health device, or the health
apps on our phones. I got caught up in the Fitbit fad, but it faded.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: Frank Slootweg
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Organization: NOYB
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 16:07 UTC
References: 1 2 3 4
Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!fu-berlin.de!uni-berlin.de!individual.net!not-for-mail
From: this@ddress.is.invalid (Frank Slootweg)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
Date: 3 Jan 2025 16:07:32 GMT
Organization: NOYB
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VanguardLH <V@nguard.lh> wrote:
> NOTE: The unrelated alt.privacy and sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroups
> were omitted in my reply.
>
> Andrew <andys@nospam.com> wrote:
>
> > 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:
[...]
> > Monitor Your Sleep:
> > Tracks your sleep duration, sleep stages (light, deep, REM),
> > and restlessness. Provides insights and tips to improve your
> > sleep quality.
[...]
> Other than the "Connect and Share", the Fitbit *device* has all the
> other features. Their app just gives some additional insights, like
> trends, along with fluff for the socially needy, or attempt to spur
> those lacking self-motivation.

I only selected the 'Monitor Your Sleep' part to make the/my point:

No, the Fitbit device does *not* have all the features. Iit only
displays sleep duration and Sleep Score (not mentioned above, but also
in the app), nothing else. If the device has a SpO2 sensor, the app also
shows Oxygen Variation during your sleep. The device only shows the
overall percentage (which of course the app also shows).

BTW, about the settings part (of the device versus the app), you're
similarly incorrect, i.e. you can't set all or even most things on the
device.

Don't think I'll read the rest of your diatribe. If you don't want to
use the app, don't use it. Period. No need to disparage others who might
find it useful. You aren't Mayayana's or 'Arlen''s twin brother, are
you!?

[...]

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: VanguardLH
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Organization: Usenet Elder
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 17:05 UTC
References: 1 2 3 4 5
Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!fu-berlin.de!uni-berlin.de!individual.net!not-for-mail
From: V@nguard.LH (VanguardLH)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 11:05:23 -0600
Organization: Usenet Elder
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Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

> VanguardLH <V@nguard.lh> wrote:
>> NOTE: The unrelated alt.privacy and sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroups
>> were omitted in my reply.
>>
>> Andrew <andys@nospam.com> wrote:
>>
>>> 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:
> [...]
>>> Monitor Your Sleep:
>>> Tracks your sleep duration, sleep stages (light, deep, REM),
>>> and restlessness. Provides insights and tips to improve your
>>> sleep quality.
> [...]
>> Other than the "Connect and Share", the Fitbit *device* has all the
>> other features. Their app just gives some additional insights, like
>> trends, along with fluff for the socially needy, or attempt to spur
>> those lacking self-motivation.
>
> I only selected the 'Monitor Your Sleep' part to make the/my point:
>
> No, the Fitbit device does *not* have all the features. Iit only
> displays sleep duration and Sleep Score (not mentioned above, but also
> in the app), nothing else. If the device has a SpO2 sensor, the app also
> shows Oxygen Variation during your sleep. The device only shows the
> overall percentage (which of course the app also shows).
>
> BTW, about the settings part (of the device versus the app), you're
> similarly incorrect, i.e. you can't set all or even most things on the
> device.
>
> Don't think I'll read the rest of your diatribe. If you don't want to
> use the app, don't use it. Period. No need to disparage others who might
> find it useful. You aren't Mayayana's or 'Arlen''s twin brother, are
> you!?
>
> [...]

I voiced my opinion and usage. You voiced yours. So, tit for tat,
knock off your DIATRIBE.

Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
From: Frank Slootweg
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Organization: NOYB
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 18:29 UTC
References: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!fu-berlin.de!uni-berlin.de!individual.net!not-for-mail
From: this@ddress.is.invalid (Frank Slootweg)
Newsgroups: comp.mobile.android
Subject: Re: For privacy, what is a suitable alternative to the Google FitBit app on Android?
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Organization: NOYB
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VanguardLH <V@nguard.lh> wrote:
> Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:
>
> > VanguardLH <V@nguard.lh> wrote:
> >> NOTE: The unrelated alt.privacy and sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroups
> >> were omitted in my reply.
> >>
> >> Andrew <andys@nospam.com> wrote:
> >>
> >>> 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:
> > [...]
> >>> Monitor Your Sleep:
> >>> Tracks your sleep duration, sleep stages (light, deep, REM),
> >>> and restlessness. Provides insights and tips to improve your
> >>> sleep quality.
> > [...]
> >> Other than the "Connect and Share", the Fitbit *device* has all the
> >> other features. Their app just gives some additional insights, like
> >> trends, along with fluff for the socially needy, or attempt to spur
> >> those lacking self-motivation.
> >
> > I only selected the 'Monitor Your Sleep' part to make the/my point:
> >
> > No, the Fitbit device does *not* have all the features. Iit only
> > displays sleep duration and Sleep Score (not mentioned above, but also
> > in the app), nothing else. If the device has a SpO2 sensor, the app also
> > shows Oxygen Variation during your sleep. The device only shows the
> > overall percentage (which of course the app also shows).
> >
> > BTW, about the settings part (of the device versus the app), you're
> > similarly incorrect, i.e. you can't set all or even most things on the
> > device.
> >
> > Don't think I'll read the rest of your diatribe. If you don't want to
> > use the app, don't use it. Period. No need to disparage others who might
> > find it useful. You aren't Mayayana's or 'Arlen''s twin brother, are
> > you!?
> >
> > [...]
>
> I voiced my opinion and usage. You voiced yours. So, tit for tat,
> knock off your DIATRIBE.

Nope, I *corrected* your incorrect comments on the information on the
device versus the information in the app (and the same for the settings).

*And* I objected to your disparaging comments on others' usage,
practices, etc.. Can't do the time, ...

1

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