Answers to the questions researchers asked most often during our webinar on the Fitbit API transition. Have a question that isn't here? Email us at hello@fitabase.com.
When will reauthorization be available, and how will I know?
We're finishing the last technical details with Google now, and expect reauthorization to open in the second half of October. As soon as it's ready, we'll email you and post a notice in the Fitabase platform. See Key Dates.
Do participants need to reauthorize in both the Google Health app and through Fitabase?
No. They only need to do it once, in either place. After they reauthorize, you'll see it on your Fitabase dashboard.
Do participants who have finished data collection need to reauthorize?
No. Reauthorization is only needed for participants who will keep collecting data after the cutoff. Make sure finished participants have done a final sync. See Who Needs to Reauthorize.
Can I reauthorize demo or test accounts from the Fitabase portal?
Yes. Open the Requires reauthorization tab, click Connect to Google Health for each account, and sign in with that account's credentials. See Reauthorizing Demo and Test Accounts.
Is there a way to reauthorize programmatically?
No. Each account has to go through Google's sign-in and permission screens.
Can we keep using invitation links we've already created?
Yes. Invitation links open a Fitabase page, and we replace the old authorization button with the new one automatically. Links you've already sent will connect participants to the Google Health API.
Do we need new IRB language?
The Google Health API is an upgraded version of the same Google data pipeline, and both the old and new APIs draw on the same underlying data. If your IRB needs more information, contact us and we'll help.
Is the Fitabase API changing?
No. If you pull data through the Fitabase API, your integration keeps working as-is.
Will I still be able to set step goals in the app through Fitabase?
Not right away. Writing step goals to the participant's app isn't available in the Google Health API yet. Google expects to add it next quarter. If your study uses dynamic step goals, please reach out so we can talk through timing.
What happens to classic sleep data?
Sleep classic is generated when there is not enough sleep data captured for the sleep stage algorithm. There will no longer be classic sleep data split out as its own dataset that is available to be downloaded. Instead, any sleep that qualifies as classic will be rolled into the main sleep export.
What happens to data if a participant reauthorizes late?
Past data is preserved, and once they reconnect, Fitabase backfills the gap as long as their device kept syncing to the Google Health app. See What Happens If a Participant Doesn't Reauthorize.
Is the webinar recording available?
Yes. Watch it on YouTube.