Fitbit eyes health data collection, third-party data sharing

Fitbit is planning to expand consumer data collection on its fitness tracking devices into the healthcare realm using sensors and employing new metrics for tracking blood pressure and stress. The move will push the fitness band market leader directly into competition with some big names including Apple, Microsoft and Garmin. The move to build in more complex and deeper data gathering capabilities is directly related to meeting consumers' expectations, CEO James Park tells Time magazine. The fitness tracker leader is also exploring collaborative efforts with fashion brands and develop partnerships with third-parties interested in deeper consumer activity and health data. Article