Wearable technology has revolutionized how we monitor health and activity. Devices such as smartwatches and fitness bands now track everything from steps and sleep patterns to heart rate and blood oxygen levels. However, as these devices continue to evolve, so does the data they generate—leading to new challenges in consistency, interpretation, and standardization.
The variability in wearable data arises from several factors. First, with each new firmware release or product generation, manufacturers often introduce new sensors or modify existing metrics, resulting in different data formats over time. Additionally, every brand adopts its own unique approach to collecting, structuring, and delivering data, making direct comparisons between devices complex and sometimes unreliable. On top of that, not all devices support the same features. Some models may include advanced capabilities such as stress monitoring or blood oxygen tracking, while others—often older or lower-end versions—may lack these functionalities entirely. As a result, even two users with seemingly similar wearables might end up with different types and levels of data being collected and shared.
At ROOK, we understand the importance of providing a consistent and reliable experience despite this variability. To support our partners, developers, and clients, we maintain two key resources that bring transparency to our data integration process. The first is our Notion page, which serves as a living database of all data source keys, allowing users to explore exactly what data is available from each wearable brand and how it is structured. The second is our API documentation, where we outline the architecture of each health data pillar, such as sleep, physical activity, and body metrics. These resources offer a complete view of how wearable data is managed, processed, and normalized within the ROOK ecosystem.