Apple, we have our eye on you. We’ve known a storm was brewing in the form of wearables and innovative health-related updates for awhile, but now we have evidence — actual screenshots of the upcoming iOS application “Healthbook,” (codename, this stuff is very top secret, naturally) an app that will bring all of your fitness and health tracking to you in one place: your iPhone.
9to5Mac has the hookup and is sharing insider scoop and screengrabs on the Apple rumors site. Healthbook looks a lot like Passbook, a current iPhone application that keeps things like boarding passes, tickets and gift cards in one place on your phone. Here, instead of filing your Fandango, there are different “cards” for the different things the new app will track. It covers health categories like Heart Rate and Sleep, and fitness with Weight, Nutrition and Activity. Users will be able to customize the Healthbook homescreen to fit their needs.
Here is a closer look at a couple of the tabs that show how Healthbook will display info on Activity (steps, calories, miles) and Weight (lbs, BMI and fat%) over time. You’ll be able to use the Nutrition card as a sort of diet diary where you can note what you’re eating or what you’re skipping. With this app, dieters will be able to keep data on weight, activity and nutrition together.
Fitness may get most of the glory, but the health part of Healthbook might be even more innovative. It stores and tracks blood pressure data, heart rate and pulse, plus monitors bloodwork, oxygen saturation and blood sugar. We know, bloodwork is something you only think about at the doctor, not at home, but these tabs indicate Apple is looking to change how you monitor the info you might only receive at a yearly physical. An advanced app that could help diabetics and others track their glucose levels would be a more specific but serious gamechanger as well. And since approximately 26 million in the US have diabetes, this is not exactly a niche need.
Oo, and something all of our moms will be happy if we have on us at all times — Healthbook’s Emergency Card will note all of your vitals and could be accessible from your lockscreen.
Healthbook will likely source health and fitness data from a few places. The iPhone 5s has a fancy M7 motion co-processor that can directly track things like steps stepped and calories burned, but third party apps, and wearables (c’mon iWatch, let’s do this already) will have to give certain tabs a boost.
Although there have been rumors about this app and corresponding devices tracking stress and pregnancy, it doesn’t appear Apple will be rolling that out in the first release.
When “Healthbook” and whatever related devices eventually debut, they won’t be firsts in this space, but at least in Apple-Land, there is a serious void when it comes to wearables and the intersection of health and (their) tech. Healthbook as a future iOS staple might make fitness and health tracking through the app as ubiquitous as listening to music on iTunes is. It could be “gateway tech” for those interested in this whole health and fitness tracking thing who haven’t yet invested in wearables.
The next Apple keynote is now scheduled for June 10, but 9to5 says not to assume Healthbook and her buddies will definitely be ready to roll out then. Bummer. Either way, we’ll keep you guys updated on anything new and exciting we hear ’til then!
What upcoming Apple reveal are you most excited about: Healthbook, iPhone 6, iWatch?? Sound off below!
(Photos and h/t: 9to5Mac)
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.