Smartwatches are quietly becoming medical devices. This week, Google, Samsung, and Apple all made moves that push wearables from fitness trackers into full-on health monitors.
Samsung is now working with Stanford to turn sleep apnoea detection into sleep apnoea management using AI. Not just spotting the issue but helping users manage it over time. Apple and Google are doing the same with AFib and other conditions. Everyone wants to go beyond alerts and into actual health oversight.
Google just rolled out Scam Detection on Pixel Watches, scanning calls for dodgy behaviour. And Pixel Watch 3 is getting “Loss of Pulse Detection,” which literally calls for help if it thinks your heart’s stopped.
Meanwhile, Polar launched a paid subscription called Fitness Program. It's basically a personal trainer that lives in your watch. Oura and others are doing similar things. The goal is long-term engagement. Not just tell you you’re unwell but to keep you coming back.
On the downside, OnePlus jacked the Watch 3 price from $330 to $500. Blame trade politics or inflation, but expect more of that.
So here’s the question: Are smartwatches heading toward something useful or are they just expensive anxiety machines with a heart rate sensor?
Samsung is now working with Stanford to turn sleep apnoea detection into sleep apnoea management using AI. Not just spotting the issue but helping users manage it over time. Apple and Google are doing the same with AFib and other conditions. Everyone wants to go beyond alerts and into actual health oversight.
Google just rolled out Scam Detection on Pixel Watches, scanning calls for dodgy behaviour. And Pixel Watch 3 is getting “Loss of Pulse Detection,” which literally calls for help if it thinks your heart’s stopped.
Meanwhile, Polar launched a paid subscription called Fitness Program. It's basically a personal trainer that lives in your watch. Oura and others are doing similar things. The goal is long-term engagement. Not just tell you you’re unwell but to keep you coming back.
On the downside, OnePlus jacked the Watch 3 price from $330 to $500. Blame trade politics or inflation, but expect more of that.
So here’s the question: Are smartwatches heading toward something useful or are they just expensive anxiety machines with a heart rate sensor?