At the CE Week Conference & Exhibit in New York this week, digital health monitoring devices were easily one of the most active categories of technological innovation at the show.
There were many established and startup companies offering consumers and medical professionals easy-to-use, comprehensive and app-enabled products that track and report critical health data via Bluetooth, cloud and Wi-Fi transmissions.
Here is an overview of some of innovations:
Skulpt -- This company makes the Skulpt Aim, a device that measures the composition and quality of muscles on any given part of the body. It uses proprietary sensors to collect thousands of data points per second. Aim quantifies muscle quality and measures the fat percentage of specific muscle groups. Metrics are displayed on Aim's front screen and automatically synced via Bluetooth to the users' personal online dashboard or mobile app.
ReSound -- This Denmark-based company showed its recently launched Linx hearing aid, which is capable of streaming music from an iPhone, iPod or iPod Touch. The Linx is a medical-quality hearing aid, and it will only be available through audiologists. Available in many colors, the Linx includes the ReSound Smart App that lets users control volume and tone and uses geo-tagging to assign and adjust to the acoustics of frequently visited places. The app also includes a "Find My Hearing Aid" function.
Hexoskin - This company makes a wearable body metrics-reporting pull-over nylon shirt (five sizes, men's and women's styles) that contains removable sensors that transmit medical data via Bluetooth to the accompanying smartphone app. Metrics measured include heart rate, heart rate recovery and variability, breathing rate, activity level, acceleration, calories, cadence, step count and breathing volume.
Qardio - This UK-based company is introducing its QardioArm blood pressure monitor and smartphone app. The device will be available in seven bold colors and is portable, lightweight and easy to use. It delivers accurate, medical-grade blood pressure measurements from the upper arm. Results are delivered to an associated smartphone app and can also be transmitted simultaneously via Internet to medical professionals anywhere near or far.
PulseOn -- Finland-based PulseOn is launching a heart rate-monitoring wristwatch that features a direct read-out screen and an iOS/Android-compatible app that tracks results. The watch and app combo provides information on continuous heart rate, fitness level, distance and speed, recovery time and other metrics.
Voyce -- This company helps keep Fido fit. It is introducing an elastic rubber/plastic dog collar that contains sensors that monitor key vital signs and wellness indicators. It is not a training device or a component of an electronic fence system. Health metrics gathered from the collar are transmitted to a smartphone, tablet or PC. Vitals tracked include activity, rest, distance, heart rate, respiratory rate and calories burned.
