01.13.11
Mobile devices dominated this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). From tablets powered by Google’s 3.0 operating system, “super” phones with high-resolution screens and 4G connectivity (not to mention a plethora of output ports), and both the iPad and iPhone, mobile companies and their products were white-hot at CES.
High-tech gadgets, however, were not the only products that generated some buzz at last week’s show. Medical devices caused quite a stir as well, even managing to extract some honors for innovation from show organizers. Among the standouts:
• Nike+ Sport Watch GPS – Created in collaboration with GPS navigation firm TomTom, this watch has a tap-sensitive navigation screen and three buttons. Its GPS-tracking capabilities work with the Nike+ shoe sensor to deliver the most accurate pace and distance data, but those wearing this watch do not need the Nike+ sensor for their workouts. The device is compatible with heart monitors, and features such as run reminders, recognition for personal rewards and constant encouragement provide encouragement to exercise enthusiasts. The watch also plugs into the USB port on most computers so runners can send their information to NikePlus.com.
• iHealth Blood Pressure Monitoring System – This dock for the iPhone, iPod and iPad helps people track their blood pressure and heart rate. Its built-in arm cuff and battery-powered dock (and the iPhone, iPod or iPad, of course) allows health enthusiasts to measure their heart rates from just about anywhere. The iHealth application tracks measurements and lets users run reports, create graphs and send data to their doctors.
• Withings Blood Pressure Monitor – Those who want to escape Apple’s monopoly of i-gadgets can try the blood pressure monitor offered by this French startup firm (the same company that introduced the world to the wi-fi body scale). Withings’ blood pressure monitor plugs directly into the iPhone, iPod or iPad; its accompanying application launches automatically. Users simply hit a green button to initiate a blood pressure reading, which is then saved and logged within the application.
• AliveCor iPhone ECG – Dave Alpert, M.D., is hoping to make at-home medical devices a little more cost-effective and practical with this portable cardiac event recorder that snaps onto the back of an iPhone 4. Though it has not yet been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Alpert is waiting for his 510(k) application to be approved), this device has the potential to turn an ordinary smartphone into an on-the-go clinical-quality heart screener. Those interested in keeping up with Alpert’s progress with the FDA can register for product updates at the AliveCor website.
• Personal Sound EM (Environment Management) – This in-ear assistive listening device from Wheat Ridge, Colo.-based Able Planet Inc. provides full time low-level amplification with situational hearing solutions based on the listening environment and tonal sensitivity that helps improve comprehension in difficult listening environments.
• Beltone True – Developed by Glenview, Ill.-based Beltone Electronics, this hearing instrument system comprises a proprietary digital wireless communication system that operates at 2.4 GHz. The system provides connectivity to the outside world for those who are hard of hearing.
• OtoLens – Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Starkey Laboratories Inc. touts the OtoLens as the “first invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid.” Custom built to each patient’s ear, OtoLens uses advanced digital signal processing, according to its website.
• Tabsafe Home Medication Dispenser – This medical management device from Roswell, Ga.-based Tabsafe Medical Services Inc. gives visual and audible reminders about medications in an effort to prevent a patient from missing a necessary dose. Besides issuing reminders, the dispenser automatically notifies the patient when it is time to reorder medication and communicates electronically with the patient, his or her family, caregivers, doctors and pharmacists.
• SmartBabyPhone – The blood pressure monitor is not the only mobile application developed by Withings. The company also came up with a smart sensor that communicates with any connected screen (smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or LCD television) via wi-fi, 3G or Bluetooth. It provides users with audio/video and ambient parameters from remote locations.