It’s never been easier to keep tabs on your own health, thanks to the many medical wearables and health-related apps available. At IFA 2015, Philips announced a range of new personal health programs and products, which aim to take healthcare outside the hospital and make it more personal.
The first product on the list for IFA 2015 is a “health watch,” a smartwatch focused on analyzing data from the wrist. The health watch features an optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and other sensors capable of tracking heart rate, activity, and sleep patterns.
Philips did not say what operating system the health watch would run, but we suspect it is the company’s own brand. Most of work is done on the smartphone, so a connection to Bluetooth is necessary to check all of the data the health watch is pulling from your wrist. Phillips’ HealthSuite app will then analyze the data for you, so you know where you stand.
In addition to the watch, Phillips introduced two blood pressure monitors, which measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Both are rechargeable through USB and do not have any tubes to tie around the patient’s arm. As such, the blood pressure monitors should be more user-friendly and easy to operate.
On a more conventional note, Phillips also made a body analysis scale that measures weight, estimates body fat and calculates body mass index. Philips claims it is for the whole family, and it offers up to eight profiles. It’s very similar to the Fitbit Aria and Withings Smart Body analyzer, which are from previous years.
Phillips also delved into more high-tech products that you might find in a hospital like the Philips Lumify, a mobile ultrasound that works through the Philips HealthSuite app. It is the first app capable of using a smartphone to check inside a human body, but it will only be granted to hospitals and surgeons for quick scans of patients.
Finally, a new ear thermometer allows parents to check children’s temperature to see if they have the flu or any other illness.
All of the products launched at IFA 2015 will run on Philips HealthSuite Digital Platform, a cloud-based program that analyzes health data from multiple products, and offers suggestions for the user.
“Consumers are increasingly engaged in their personal health and they want solutions that empower them to stay healthy and prevent illness,” said executive vice president of personal health, Pieter Nota. “They understand that there is a need for active health management to stem the rising tide of chronic diseases and unhealthy lifestyles.”
Philips is announcing a range of lighting and other smart home technology at IFA 2015. Check back on Digital Trends for more news on Philips announcements.
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