by Jawbone today launched a new API for developers, called the Up Platform. The API can deliver all of the data that the Jawbone UP collects, including steps taken, distance traveled, calories consumed, and sleep quality for use in third party apps. It is also able to incorporate data from those apps into the accompanying Jawbone UP app.
While the API is currently closed, it is available to a number of Jawbone partners such as LoseIt, and RunKeeper. Integrated apps can be accessed via an update to the UP by Jawbone app.
UP Platform: Connect UP with your favorite apps to complement your UP experience. Select from the Apps tab on the left menu to seamlessly integrate new data into your feed, lifeline, and trends. You can also share all of your data from UP to the integrated apps to make those experiences even better.The new API also connects to the Withings’ Wi-Fi scale to import weight data into the UP app and it integrates with IFTTT (If This Then That) to create triggers.
In addition to launching a new API and app update, Jawbone also announced the acquisition of BodyMedia, a company that creates its own fitness tracking armbands. Though BodyMedia makes products that are similar to the Jawbone UP, its lineup is able to collect additional data by measuring factors like ambient temperature and sweat.
Exact details on the acquisition were not given, but TechCrunch reports that the purchase price was upwards of $100 million. For the time being, BodyMedia will continue to operate as an independent company headquartered in Pittsburgh.
The Jawbone UP wristband can be purchased for $149.99. The UP by Jawbone app can be downloaded for free from the App Store. [Direct Link]
