Articles tagged with "health-monitoring"
Fitbit founders launch AI platform to help families monitor their health
Fitbit founders James Park and Eric Friedman have launched Luffu, an AI-driven startup designed to help families proactively monitor and manage their collective health. The platform begins as an app and will eventually include hardware devices, aiming to reduce the mental burden of caregiving by organizing and analyzing family health data. Luffu uses artificial intelligence to gather information, recognize daily patterns, and alert users to significant changes in health metrics, enabling families to stay coordinated without feeling intrusive. The founders highlight that while many consumer health tools focus on individuals, real-life health management often involves multiple family members, including partners, children, parents, and even pets. Luffu consolidates scattered health information—such as medications, symptoms, lab tests, and doctor visits—across various formats and devices into one system. Users can input data via voice, text, or photos, and the AI proactively surfaces insights and alerts, like unusual vitals or sleep changes. The platform also supports natural language queries to help caregivers understand the
IoTAIhealth-monitoringwearable-technologysmart-devicesfamily-carehealthcare-technologyA guide to choosing the right Apple Watch
The article provides a detailed guide to choosing among Apple’s latest smartwatch models released in 2026: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Ultra 3, priced at $799, targets a niche market of athletes and high-end users, while most consumers will likely choose between the more affordable Apple Watch SE 3 ($249) and the Series 11 ($399). The SE 3 offers substantial upgrades over its predecessor, including the new S10 chip, an always-on display, fast charging, improved durability, and advanced health features such as a wrist-temperature sensor for enhanced sleep tracking and ovulation insights. This makes the SE 3 a strong value proposition, particularly for first-time buyers and younger users. Both the Series 11 and SE 3 share many core features: they run on the same S10 chip, have always-on Retina displays, support essential health monitoring (heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm alerts, fall and crash
IoTsmartwatcheswearable-technologyhealth-monitoringApple-WatchS10-chipwearable-sensorsA guide to choosing the right Apple Watch
Apple's 2025 smartwatch lineup includes the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3, catering to different user needs and budgets. The Ultra 3, priced at $799, targets high-end users and athletes with advanced features, while most consumers will likely choose between the more affordable SE 3 ($249) and the mid-tier Series 11 ($399). The SE 3 offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, including the new S10 chip, an always-on Retina display, fast charging, improved durability, and enhanced health tracking features like wrist temperature sensing and retrospective ovulation estimates. This makes it a strong value option, especially for first-time buyers and younger users seeking essential smartwatch functions such as step counting and sleep tracking. Both the Series 11 and SE 3 share many core features: they run on the same S10 chip, have always-on displays, support heart health notifications, emergency SOS, fall and crash detection, water resistance up to
IoTwearable-technologysmartwatcheshealth-monitoringApple-WatchS10-chipwearable-sensorsJury says Apple owes Masimo $634M for patent infringement
A federal jury in California has ruled that Apple must pay Masimo $634 million for infringing on a patent related to blood oxygen monitoring technology. The jury found that specific features of the Apple Watch, including workout mode and heart rate notifications, violated Masimo’s patent. Masimo emphasized the importance of protecting its intellectual property to continue developing patient-benefiting technology, while Apple announced plans to appeal the verdict, noting that the patent in question expired in 2022 and pertains to older patient monitoring technology. The legal battle centers on pulse oximetry technology, which uses optical sensors to detect blood flow. Masimo accused Apple of hiring away key employees and infringing on its patents. In 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission sided with Masimo, banning the import of Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring features, which led to the removal of this functionality from recent Apple Watch models. In response, Apple redesigned the feature so that blood oxygen readings are processed on the paired iPhone rather than
IoTwearable-technologypatent-infringementpulse-oximetrymedical-devicesApple-Watchhealth-monitoringNew AI toilet camera scans waste for hydration and gut insights
Kohler has introduced Dekoda, a $599 AI-powered toilet-mounted camera designed to monitor users’ health by analyzing waste samples. The device tracks hydration, gut health, and detects traces of blood using discreet optics that focus solely on the toilet contents, ensuring user privacy. It mounts easily on most toilet rims without tools and includes fingerprint authentication for multi-user households. Health data is encrypted end-to-end and managed through the Kohler Health app, which provides trend tracking, health scores, and notifications of irregularities. The device operates on a rechargeable battery lasting about a week and supports USB-C charging. Dekoda represents Kohler’s entry into the digital health market under its new wellness division, aiming to integrate medical-grade insights into daily routines. While not a replacement for medical testing, it serves as an early warning tool to prompt users to consult healthcare professionals if needed. The product requires a subscription for ongoing AI analysis, costing between $70 and $156 annually. Positioned in the premium segment, Dekoda
IoTAIhealth-monitoringsmart-devicesprivacywearable-technologydigital-healthOura launches redesigned app and ‘Cumulative Stress’ feature
Oura has launched a redesigned app featuring enhanced personalization through three main tabs: “Today,” which highlights daily insights; “Vitals,” offering quick views of sleep, stress, and cardiovascular trends; and “My Health,” which focuses on long-term well-being with sections on habits and routines. The update also improves menstrual cycle tracking by extending predictions of periods and fertile windows from one month to twelve months. A key new addition is the “Cumulative Stress” feature, which measures how chronic stress accumulates over time by analyzing five physiological factors—sleep continuity, heart stress-response, sleep micro-motions, temperature regulation, and activity impact—providing weekly updates based on the past month’s data. Additionally, Oura is pursuing FDA clearance for a blood pressure feature aimed at assessing users’ likelihood of hypertension. The company has initiated a Blood Pressure Profile study at its U.S.-based Oura Labs, approved by an Institutional Review Board, which passively tracks signals from the Oura Ring combined with user questionnaires
IoTwearable-technologyhealth-monitoringstress-trackingblood-pressureFDA-clearancepersonalized-appKohler unveils a camera for your toilet
Kohler has introduced the Dekoda, a $599 camera designed to attach to your toilet bowl and capture images of its contents. The device analyzes these images to provide insights into gut health, hydration levels, and potentially detect the presence of blood. Equipped with a rechargeable battery, USB connection, and a fingerprint sensor for user identification, the Dekoda aims to offer personalized health monitoring. Shipments are set to begin on October 21, 2025, with an additional subscription fee ranging from $70 to $156 required for ongoing service. Addressing privacy concerns, Kohler assures users that the Dekoda’s sensors only view inside the toilet bowl and nowhere else, and that all collected data is protected with end-to-end encryption. This product reflects a growing trend in health technology that leverages imaging and data analysis for personal wellness, joining other companies exploring similar approaches to monitoring digestive health through stool analysis.
IoTsmart-homehealth-monitoringprivacywearable-technologyconnected-devicesbiometric-sensorsSmart menstrual cup tracks infections, redefines period care
Researchers at McMaster University have developed an innovative menstrual cup that enhances period care by combining hygiene, sustainability, and health monitoring. Central to this advancement is a flushable seaweed-based tablet that can be inserted into the existing Bfree Cup, a lubricant-infused silicone cup that naturally repels viruses and bacteria. The tablet improves usability by absorbing menstrual blood to reduce spills, addressing a common challenge with menstrual cups. This combination offers a more hygienic, eco-friendly, and user-friendly alternative to traditional menstrual products, with the potential to reduce period poverty, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to safe menstrual care is limited. Beyond improving convenience and sustainability, the researchers envision future versions of the cup equipped with biosensors capable of detecting early signs of infections and blood-borne illnesses, effectively transforming the cup into a wearable health monitoring device. This proactive approach could enable earlier diagnosis of conditions such as endometriosis and urinary tract infections, representing a significant shift from reactive to preventive women’s health care
IoTwearable-technologymenstrual-healthbiomedical-engineeringsustainable-materialshealth-monitoringdiagnosticsOura launches Ring 4 Ceramic collection, new charging case, and a ‘health panel’ feature
Oura has launched the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic collection, marking its first smart ring line without metallic finishes. Made from durable and lightweight zirconia ceramic, the rings feature colors derived from natural minerals, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy without fading. The collection includes four colors—Tide, Cloud, Petal, and Midnight—and is priced at $499, with membership options available. Oura emphasizes the rings as both a tech product and a personal style statement, designed for everyday wear and self-expression. To complement the rings, Oura introduced its first charging case, capable of storing up to five full charges and fully charging both the case and ring in 90 minutes. The case, priced at $99, also serves as a secure storage option and will be available later this year. In addition to hardware updates, Oura unveiled a new Health Panels feature within its app, allowing users to track 50 blood biomarkers alongside sleep, readiness, and activity data. Members can schedule blood tests at over
IoTwearable-technologysmart-ringceramic-materialshealth-monitoringcharging-casebiometric-dataIs the Apple Watch SE 3 a good deal?
Apple recently released the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3, targeting different market segments. The Ultra 3, priced at $799, is aimed at high-end users and athletes, while most consumers will likely choose between the Apple Watch SE 3 ($249) and Series 11 ($399). Despite its lower price, the SE 3 offers much of the same software as the Series 11 and includes significant upgrades over its predecessor, the SE 2. Notable improvements in the SE 3 include the new S10 chip, an always-on display, fast charging, enhanced crack resistance, new health features such as a wrist-temperature sensor for advanced sleep tracking and retrospective ovulation insights, making it a strong value proposition, especially for first-time buyers. Both the Series 11 and SE 3 share many features, including the S10 chip, always-on Retina display, heart health notifications, wrist gestures, emergency SOS, fall and crash detection
IoTwearable-technologysmartwatcheshealth-monitoringApple-Watchsleep-trackingwearable-sensorsWearable devices could monitor pregnancy-related health changes
A recent study published in Lancet eBioMedicine highlights the potential of wearable devices, such as Apple Watches and fitness trackers, to monitor pregnancy-related health changes by tracking physiological patterns, particularly heart rate. Researchers from Scripps Research analyzed data from 5,600 participants, including detailed health information from 108 women spanning three months before pregnancy to six months postpartum. They found that heart rate patterns closely aligned with fluctuations in key pregnancy hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and hCG, which are critical indicators of pregnancy progression. For example, heart rate typically dropped between weeks five to nine, then steadily increased until shortly before delivery, and stabilized around six months postpartum. This research suggests that wearables could play a transformative role in prenatal care, especially for women living in "maternal care deserts"—areas with limited access to obstetric services. Early detection of abnormal heart rate patterns may help identify adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes. While the findings
IoTwearable-deviceshealth-monitoringpregnancy-trackingsmartwatchesprenatal-carephysiological-sensorsApple unveils Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3
Apple has introduced three new Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3. The Series 11 features a new hypertension alert system that analyzes blood vessel responses over 30-day periods to detect chronic high blood pressure, aiming to notify over a million undiagnosed users in its first year. It also introduces a Sleep Score that evaluates sleep quality based on multiple factors, 5G connectivity for improved coverage and battery efficiency, and offers up to 24 hours of battery life. The Series 11 is available in Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Space Gray, starting at $399. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts the largest Apple Watch display with a wide-angle OLED screen and introduces satellite connectivity for emergency communications and location sharing in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. It also supports 5G and hypertension notifications like the Series 11. The Ultra 3 comes in Black and Natural Titanium and starts at $799.
IoTwearable-technologyApple-Watch5G-connectivityhealth-monitoringsatellite-communicationbattery-lifeForget smartwatches, scientists teach WiFi to monitor heartbeats
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz have developed Pulse-Fi, a novel system that uses ordinary WiFi signals to monitor heart rate with clinical accuracy, eliminating the need for wearables or specialized medical devices. By leveraging inexpensive hardware like ESP32 chips and Raspberry Pi boards, Pulse-Fi applies machine learning algorithms to detect subtle variations in WiFi signals caused by heartbeats, filtering out noise from movement or environmental factors. Tested on 118 participants, the system achieved heart rate measurements with an error margin of just half a beat per minute after five seconds of processing, maintaining accuracy across different postures and activities. Pulse-Fi represents a significant advancement in non-intrusive health monitoring, potentially transforming everyday WiFi routers into health trackers capable of continuous heart rate monitoring. The technology works by analyzing how radio frequency waves are absorbed and scattered by the human body, with machine learning models trained on data collected alongside standard oximeters to recognize heartbeat-induced signal fluctuations. The system also demonstrated reliable performance up to three meters away
IoTWiFihealth-monitoringPulse-Fimachine-learningwearable-alternativeswireless-technology3D-printed auxetic sensors promise leap in wearable electronics
A research team from Seoul National University of Science and Technology, led by Mingyu Kang and Dr. Soonjae Pyo, has developed a novel 3D-printed tactile sensor platform based on auxetic mechanical metamaterials (AMMs). These materials exhibit a negative Poisson’s ratio, meaning they contract inward under compression, which concentrates strain and enhances sensitivity. Using digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing, the team fabricated cubic lattice structures with spherical voids that improve sensor performance by increasing sensitivity, maintaining stability, and minimizing crosstalk. The sensors operate in capacitive and piezoresistive modes, with the latter utilizing a carbon nanotube coating to detect resistance changes under load. The researchers demonstrated the technology’s potential through applications such as tactile arrays for spatial pressure mapping and wearable smart insoles capable of monitoring gait patterns and detecting pronation types. Unlike conventional porous structures, the auxetic design prevents lateral expansion, making the sensors more wearable and less prone to
3D-printingauxetic-sensorswearable-electronicstactile-sensorsroboticsmechanical-metamaterialshealth-monitoringNew acetone breath test could offer quicker diabetes screening
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel graphene-based breath sensor that can rapidly and inexpensively detect diabetes and prediabetes by measuring acetone levels in exhaled breath. The device uses a combination of laser-induced porous graphene and zinc oxide to selectively identify acetone, a biomarker linked to diabetes risk when present above 1.8 parts per million. Unlike traditional diabetes tests that require blood draws or lab visits, this sensor provides results within minutes by simply exhaling into a bag and dipping the sensor, eliminating the need for induced sweat or complex lab analysis. The sensor’s design overcomes challenges such as moisture interference by incorporating a membrane that blocks water molecules while allowing acetone to pass through, enhancing detection accuracy. Currently, the test requires breath collection in a bag to avoid environmental airflow disruption, but future iterations aim to enable direct detection under the nose or inside a mask. Beyond diabetes screening, the researchers envision broader health applications by tracking acetone fluctuations related to diet and exercise. The study,
materialsgraphenesensor-technologydiabetes-detectionzinc-oxidebreath-analysishealth-monitoringGoogle announces new AI-powered personal health and fitness coach for Fitbit
Google has announced a new AI-powered personal health coach for Fitbit, developed using its Gemini AI technology. This coach functions as a combined fitness trainer, sleep coach, and wellness advisor, integrating real-time data from Fitbit and Pixel Watches, as well as compatible devices like smart weight scales and glucose monitors. Set to preview in October as part of Fitbit Premium, the coach creates personalized fitness routines based on user goals, preferences, and available equipment, dynamically adjusting workout plans in response to factors such as sleep quality and injuries. The AI coach also offers advanced sleep analysis, providing insights to improve sleep quality and personalized recommendations on optimal sleep duration tailored to daily activity levels. Users can interact with the coach to receive science-backed advice on health questions, such as balancing sleep and exercise or selecting effective workouts for weight loss. This feature will be embedded in a redesigned Fitbit app that emphasizes coaching and AI, featuring enhanced data visualization, improved syncing, and dark mode. Additionally, Google has enlisted NBA star Stephen Curry as a performance advisor
IoTwearable-technologyAI-coachfitness-trackerhealth-monitoringsmart-devicespersonalized-fitnessEight Sleep raises $100M to expand it AI-powered sleep tech
Eight Sleep, a New York-based startup founded in 2014, has raised $100 million in a new funding round led by investors including HSG, Valor Equity Partners, Founders Fund, Y Combinator, and notable athletes such as Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc and McLaren CEO Zak Brown. This brings Eight Sleep’s total funding to approximately $260 million. The company specializes in AI-powered sleep technology, offering smart mattresses like its flagship product, the Pod, which tracks sleep stages, heart rate, breathing, and movement, and automatically adjusts temperature, elevation, and firmness to enhance sleep quality. Eight Sleep has generated over $500 million in Pod sales since 2019 and has collected data from more than one billion hours of sleep. The startup is expanding beyond its Pod mattress with Sleep Agent, an AI system that creates thousands of digital twins per user to predict and optimize sleep recovery proactively, moving from reactive tracking to personalized intervention. Eight Sleep’s Autopilot technology continuously adapts
IoTsmart-mattressAI-sleep-technologyhealth-monitoringwearable-technologysleep-data-analyticspersonalized-healthcareSelf-powered microneedle patch monitors biomarkers without blood
Researchers have developed a self-powered microneedle patch that enables painless, blood-free collection of health biomarker samples from dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) just below the skin’s surface. Unlike traditional blood tests, which require needles and complex processing to isolate relevant fluids, this patch uses microneedles that swell upon contact with ISF, drawing the fluid into a paper layer where it is stored. The patch can collect and store biomarkers for up to 24 hours, allowing for easier and faster health monitoring without the need for batteries or external devices. In proof-of-concept tests on synthetic skin, the patch successfully measured cortisol, a stress biomarker, within 15 minutes, demonstrating potential for frequent, noninvasive monitoring of various health indicators. Made from inexpensive materials, the patch eliminates the need for phlebotomists and blood collection supplies, potentially transforming home and clinical diagnostics. The research team is advancing human trials and developing electronic readers to analyze the collected samples, seeking industry
materialsenergy-harvestingwearable-technologybiosensorshealth-monitoringmicroneedlesself-powered-devicesApple’s blood oxygen monitoring returns to its latest Apple Watches
Apple has reintroduced its Blood Oxygen monitoring feature on select Apple Watch models—Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra—through a redesigned approach that complies with a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban. Instead of measuring blood oxygen levels directly on the watch, the updated feature calculates the data on the paired iPhone, with results accessible via the Respiratory section of the Health app. This change follows a recent U.S. Customs ruling allowing Apple to import watches with this modified functionality, but it only applies to devices sold after the ITC ban took effect in early 2024. Existing models and units sold outside the U.S. remain unaffected. The ITC ban originated from a legal dispute with medical device maker Masimo, which accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximetry patents after failed collaboration talks. In 2023, Masimo won the import ban at the ITC, forcing Apple to remove the original blood oxygen feature. Apple has
IoTwearable-technologyhealth-monitoringApple-Watchblood-oxygen-sensormedical-devicessoftware-updateNew wearable blood pressure patch offers hospital-grade accuracy
Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a stretchable, skin-mounted electronic patch that offers hospital-grade, real-time blood pressure monitoring. Unlike traditional bulky cuff-based devices that provide only intermittent readings and can be uncomfortable or inaccurate, this patch continuously tracks blood pressure by measuring the time delay between the heart’s electrical signals and the mechanical pulse in arteries. The device uses a highly sensitive, flexible sensor made from liquid metal circuits shaped via laser sintering, enabling precise, durable, and elastic performance that withstands extensive stretching without loss of accuracy. In tests, the patch demonstrated superior accuracy compared to standard cuffs, effectively capturing rapid blood pressure changes during activities like exercise. The technology promises to transform hypertension management by allowing continuous monitoring anytime and anywhere, benefiting patients, athletes, and healthcare providers. The researchers are further enhancing the patch with wireless communication and AI analysis to improve usability and accessibility. This innovation, published in Advanced Materials, exemplifies a shift toward smart healthcare, empowering individuals to manage their health proactively outside clinical settings.
wearable-technologyIoThealth-monitoringflexible-sensorsliquid-metallaser-sinteringcontinuous-blood-pressure-trackingSamsung brings back the Classic version for the Watch8 series
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch8 series at its Unpacked event in July 2025, introducing both the standard Watch8 and the return of the Classic version featuring a rotating bezel. Both models have been redesigned to resemble the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with a squarish case around a circular bezel. The Watch8 boasts a brighter display with peak brightness of 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the previous generation, enhancing usability in bright conditions. Internally, it retains the Exynos W1000 chip and BioActive Sensor, capable of monitoring heart rate, EKG, and body composition. The new watches incorporate health and fitness features introduced recently by Samsung, such as Bedtime Guidance, Vascular Load monitoring, Running Coach, and an Antioxidant index that measures carotenoid levels. These features rely on complex health data calculations to provide scores and lifestyle suggestions, though their practical usefulness may vary. Both models run One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS
IoTsmartwatcheswearable-technologySamsung-Galaxy-Watchhealth-monitoringExynos-W1000Wear-OSApple’s new Workout Buddy helps you sweat smarter
Apple has introduced Workout Buddy, an AI-powered workout coach designed to enhance fitness routines by providing real-time coaching based on users’ current workouts and historical fitness data. This data includes metrics such as pace, miles logged, activity rings closed, and training load. Workout Buddy utilizes a text-to-speech model to deliver motivational feedback through generative voices modeled after Apple Fitness+ trainers, allowing users to select from multiple voice options. The AI also offers dynamic updates during workouts—highlighting milestones like fastest mile or distance markers—and provides a summary at the end, detailing average pace, heart rate, and achievements such as completing a first 10K run. In addition to Workout Buddy, Apple is updating the Workout app on the Apple Watch and iPhone with a new layout that makes features like Custom Workout and Race Route more accessible. The app also integrates enhanced media features, enabling Apple Music to recommend playlists or podcasts tailored to the user’s workout type or listening preferences. Apple emphasizes that Workout Buddy is designed to be personal and private, aligning with the company’s broader focus on user privacy. The feature will initially be available in English and support the most popular workout types.
IoTwearable-technologyAI-fitness-coachApple-Watchhealth-monitoringsmart-workoutfitness-technologyScientists sew up smart t-shirt, gesture-reading gloves using sound waves
smart-textileswearable-technologygesture-recognitionIoThealth-monitoringacoustic-wavessmart-wearables