When it comes to tech-enabled fitness, two of the world’s largest companies may form an unlikely alliance.
Facebook is considering integrating its Oculus VR technology with Apple’s Health app, according to Bloomberg, following iOS developer Steve Moser’s discovery of code that allows users to view health data collected by an Oculus on the iPhone app.
Apple and Facebook, the respective largest and sixth-largest companies in the world by market capitalization, have both made strides into fitness.
- Facebook’s Oculus Move program collects workout-related data across multiple apps for its VR headsets.
- Apple launched Apple Fitness+ in December. The paid subscription program offers workout classes and integrations with the iPhone and Apple Watch.
- The Apple Watch can track heart rate, electrocardiogram signals, blood oxygen levels, and movement activity. The company is also developing non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook said in February that he believes health and wellness will be Apple’s greatest legacy.
While the code found within Oculus’ programming indicates that Facebook may want to leverage the strengths of its own technology and Apple’s, an official confirmation remains to be seen.
