Meta Quest introduces heart rate tracking for virtual reality workouts for its users

Workout data will also be able to be automatically synced via Health Connect for Android users.

Meta is introducing two new fitness features to the Meta Quest. The first feature is the integration of Health Connect, allowing Android users to seamlessly sync their workout data with the Quest. Additionally, the Quest will now be able to connect to Bluetooth heart rate monitors, displaying your heart rate statistics in real-time during your workouts. This feature will be especially useful for virtual reality fitness enthusiasts.

The integration with Health Connect is thanks to Google's Health API, which enables Android users to share their health and fitness data across multiple apps and view it all in one central location. This feature is similar to the integration with Apple Health that Meta implemented for iOS users last year.

To activate Health Connect, users need to follow these steps:

1. Open the Move app in VR and go to the Settings menu.
2. Scroll down and turn on "Connect Move to Meta Quest Mobile App."
3. Open the Meta Quest phone app and navigate to the Connected Apps tab.
4. Turn on "Health Connect by Android" and allow permissions for "Active calories burned" and "Exercise."

Please note: The Move statistics are stored on your Quest headset and are only sent to Meta servers if you choose to sync with the Meta Quest app, which is necessary for Health Connect to work. Meta assures that the data shared will be end-to-end encrypted and will not be used for targeted ads.

However, users must also agree to Google's Health Connect terms and the terms and conditions of any other third-party fitness or health apps connected through Health Connect. Also, if you want to connect to a Bluetooth heart rate monitor, the heart rate will be a real-time stat that can be viewed via the Meta Quest Move Overlay alongside calories burned and exercise minutes.

Many fitness platforms, such as Apple Fitness Plus, Peloton, and Hydrow integrate heart rate monitoring from the start, allowing users to view their data in real-time during workouts. It's not yet known when Meta will roll out heart rate integration feature but users will be able to see their heart rate data in Meta class in future.