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posted by martyb on Thursday November 29 2018, @02:35AM   Printer-friendly
from the I-want-a-local-data-only-option,-no-cloud dept.

CNet:

The technology in smartwatches has come a long way since the early days of wearables, when rudimentary step and calorie counters were about as advanced as the devices got. Now, a new generation of devices is ushering in heart-, sleep- and blood-monitoring functions that push the accuracy of laboratory equipment to your wrist.

In September, Apple introduced an FDA-cleared EKG feature in its Series 4 Watch. The feature, which hasn't gone live yet, warns wearers about abnormal heart rhythms linked to atrial fibrillation. Fitbit and Garmin are developing features that can help detect atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea and other conditions. In April, Garmin integrated the Cardiogram app into its devices. Cardiogram's DeepHeart algorithm has demonstrated high accuracy in detecting atrial fibrillation, hypertension, sleep apnea and diabetes.

[...] The new generation of functions could kick-start the smartwatch category, which has failed to live up to the technology industry's high hopes. High-end devices are taking over from basic fitness trackers, which analysts say is an indication that users want devices that can do more than just count our steps. Better health capabilities could give users, particularly those with medical problems, a reason to strap the devices to their wrist.

Sounds cool, but battery life, battery life, battery life...


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  • (Score: 4, Interesting) by Kalas on Thursday November 29 2018, @05:23AM

    by Kalas (4247) on Thursday November 29 2018, @05:23AM (#767653)

    This mention of detecting hypertension in TFS makes me wonder: is there any smartwatch-type device out there that can actually and accurately measure BP rather than only pulse? Because I'm checking my vitals at least half a dozen times a day to determine what heart pill I'm due for to stop the chest pains. I don't really see the appeal from a smartwatch's other features but if I could wear something reasonably small all the time rather than bring my BP monitor everywhere I could maybe justify the cost just for convenience.
    I checked the relevant linked articles but none of them make it clear if the devices can directly measure BP. They only make explicit the fact that pulse is measured which is something I can always check manually with no more tools than a simple watch.
    I know wrist mounted blood pressure monitors exist but they're too bulky to be practical to wear out and about but a smartwatch could be just the answer, provided it can meet my privacy standards.

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