Fitbit filed a patent application for a display to estimate blood pressure when pressed. French Withings smartwatch features ECG and breathing disturbances. Samsung offers blood-pressure measurement on its Galaxy Watches, and Apple is looking at similar technology.
(Credit: Withings press)
The rise of smartwatches and other health and fitness trackers has transformed how we monitor our health. From tracking steps and calories burned to measuring heart rate and blood oxygen levels, these devices give us more insights into our bodies than ever before. But as these devices have become more sophisticated, so have the ethical and regulatory challenges surrounding their use.
The early days of consumer health sensors
The first wearable health devices were relatively simple, often consisting of little more than a pedometer or a heart rate monitor. These devices primarily focused on tracking physical activity, and they quickly gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts.
In 1965, at the time of the Tokyo Olympic Games, Japanese company Yamasa Toki introduced their new step-counter, which they called Manpo-Kei. This translated into “10,000 steps meter.” They marketed their device with the slogan, “Let’s walk 10,000 steps a day.”
In the early 2010s, wearable health devices began to incorporate more sophisticated sensors as technology advanced. These sensors could measure blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns, giving consumers a more comprehensive view of their overall health.
Original ad for Mampo-Kei (public domain)
The rise of smartwatches
While many companies were already selling different fitness trackers, the introduction of the Apple Watch in 2014 marked a turning point in the development of wearable health devices. The Apple Watch was the first smartwatch to combine a sleek design with a wide range of health and fitness features. It quickly became a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
Apple Watch 2014 launch event (Credit Apple)
Other smartwatch manufacturers quickly followed suit, and the market for wearable health devices exploded. Today, there are dozens of smartwatches available, each with its unique set of features.
Some current models feature blood pressure monitoring, single-lead electrocardiogram, blood oxygen detection, sleep disturbances, and other health-related monitoring.
Challenges of consumer health sensors
Despite their popularity, wearable health sensors are not without their challenges. One of the biggest challenges is accuracy. The sensors in these devices are only sometimes 100% accurate, which can lead to misdiagnosis or false alarms.
Another challenge is data privacy. When we wear a smartwatch or other wearable health device, we share much personal data with the manufacturer. It is essential to choose a device that has strong data privacy protections in place.
Apple’s health ambitions
In recent years, Apple has made many announcements about its health plans. The company is developing a glucose monitor for the Apple Watch, and it is also exploring ways to use the device to detect other health conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.
Apple’s wearables, home, and accessory business, which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods earbuds, and other products, brought in $8.28 billion in revenue during the third quarter of 2023, according to Apple’s financial report.
Last November, Apple found itself amid a patent dispute with Masimo, a medical device company. Masimo alleged that Apple’s blood oxygen sensor infringed on its patents. The court ruled in Masimo’s favor and ordered Apple to stop selling the Apple Watch in the United States. On Dec. 27, a U.S. appeals court paused the import ban on Wednesday, allowing Apple to continue selling the watch temporarily, but not in time for Christmas.
The Masimo dispute highlights Apple’s challenges as it tries to expand its health ambitions. The company must navigate a complex legal and regulatory landscape and ensure that its devices are accurate and reliable.
Future of consumer health sensors
The future of consumer health sensors is bright. As technology advances, these devices will become even more sophisticated and accurate. They will also play an increasingly important role in our healthcare system.
Soon, we can expect to see wearable health devices that can detect even more health conditions. We can also expect devices that provide personalized health advice and treatment recommendations.
As these devices become more integrated into our daily lives, they have the potential to revolutionize the way we manage our health.
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