Most people assume that to track their fitness, they need a smartwatch or wearable device. However, with the advancement of smartphone technology, many phones can now automatically track various health metrics, including steps taken and sleep patterns, without any additional devices required.
For iPhone users, the Health app is equipped with built-in motion sensors that can track daily step count, walking speed, and distance. This feature works by default, requiring no setup or configuration. Users can access this data by tapping their profile picture, then selecting "Devices" and choosing their iPhone from the list.
In contrast to iPhones, Android phones require a third-party app to access built-in tracking features like Health Connect. While Google owns Fitbit, which is pre-installed on many Android devices, it still requires manual setup to log steps using your phone. The Fitbit app can sync with Health Connect and count steps automatically, providing users with detailed read-outs of sleep stages and timings.
Other fitness-tracking apps, such as Sleep Cycle (available for both iOS and Android), use the camera on your phone to monitor heart rate without the need for an extra device. Similarly, Strava's app can grab data from smartphones, allowing users to track walking, running, and cycling activities. Moreover, various apps like Cardiio and Heart Rate Monitor are available for tracking heart rate through the smartphone's camera.
These alternatives demonstrate that you don't necessarily require a separate wearable device to monitor your fitness metrics. Most phones have advanced capabilities that enable automatic tracking of essential health metrics, making them viable substitutes for traditional wearables.
For iPhone users, the Health app is equipped with built-in motion sensors that can track daily step count, walking speed, and distance. This feature works by default, requiring no setup or configuration. Users can access this data by tapping their profile picture, then selecting "Devices" and choosing their iPhone from the list.
In contrast to iPhones, Android phones require a third-party app to access built-in tracking features like Health Connect. While Google owns Fitbit, which is pre-installed on many Android devices, it still requires manual setup to log steps using your phone. The Fitbit app can sync with Health Connect and count steps automatically, providing users with detailed read-outs of sleep stages and timings.
Other fitness-tracking apps, such as Sleep Cycle (available for both iOS and Android), use the camera on your phone to monitor heart rate without the need for an extra device. Similarly, Strava's app can grab data from smartphones, allowing users to track walking, running, and cycling activities. Moreover, various apps like Cardiio and Heart Rate Monitor are available for tracking heart rate through the smartphone's camera.
These alternatives demonstrate that you don't necessarily require a separate wearable device to monitor your fitness metrics. Most phones have advanced capabilities that enable automatic tracking of essential health metrics, making them viable substitutes for traditional wearables.
! I mean, who needs an extra gadget when our iPhones and some Android devices can already track fitness stuff? It's like, Apple came up with the Health app and it's been a game-changer for me, no fuss no muss. And yeah, for those Android users, they gotta jump through hoops to get access to the same features 
, but at least there are some solid alternatives out there like Sleep Cycle and Strava that can give them the lowdown on their heart rate and activity levels.
, so this is a major win in my book. Plus, it's just cool to see how tech has come a long way and now we've got these phones that can basically track our fitness for us 
!
? I love how some apps can even use the camera to monitor heart rate - like, isn't that just a fun little surprise when your phone decides to freak out on you 
. But seriously, it's awesome that our phones are getting more capable of tracking health metrics without needing an extra device. Guess that means we won't need to upgrade to those fancy smartwatches anytime soon... until they can actually make them wireless and long-lasting 
. I've got an iPhone and the Health app is super useful, but I can imagine it might be a bit more complicated to set up if you're an Android user 
. For me, having my phone do some of the tracking already makes me feel like I'm not missing out on anything by not wearing a smartwatch 
But seriously, Android users might need to do a little more work to access those built-in features, but I guess that's what makes life interesting, right? And hey, with apps like Sleep Cycle and Strava, you can get all the fitness tracking goodness without needing a separate device. It's like the phone is saying, "Hey, I've got this! You just sit back, relax, and let me track your every move... not that I'm judging or anything 
The Health app is so underrated, and I love how easy it is to access my data without needing any extra setup or devices. And the fact that other apps can use the camera on my phone to monitor heart rate too? Mind blown! 