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‘Cove’ Wearable Reduces Stress And Improves Sleep By Silently Applying Gentle Vibrations Behind Your Ears

Innovative wellness technology company driven by neuroscience, unveiled its inaugural product

Feelmore Labs, an innovative wellness technology company driven by neuroscience, unveiled its inaugural product, Cove, a wearable device that effortlessly reduces stress and improves sleep. Using cutting-edge, patented neuroscience technology, the device silently applies gentle vibrations behind the ears that initiate a natural biological pathway between the skin and the brain. By harnessing this connection, Cove is able to activate the part of the brain that regulates anxiety, leading to a profound and durable sense of calm.

Related Interview with NeoRhythm: Next-gen brain stimulation headband to sleep better, relieve stress and boost your energy

Scientific studies have shown that consistent daily use of the device in 20-minute increments results in reduced stress and enhanced sleep, ultimately improving resilience to stress. Poised to be the future of self-care, Cove may be worn at any time to reduce stress -- during the course of the day while doing other things, like working, or at night before bed to help the user fall asleep faster and sleep longer, says a press release.

"Particularly during these challenging times, many of us are facing stress, uncertainty, fear, and doubt. The traditional ways to overcome and manage these feelings have yet to naturally activate resilience, which is where Feelmore Labs and Cove comes in," said Francois Kress, Co-Founder and CEO of Feelmore Labs. "Cove was created as a simple tool to effortlessly build resilience to stress, better equipping you to deal with it as it arises, while also improving sleep. As Cove doesn't require dedicated time or effort, our goal is for users to seamlessly incorporate it into their daily routines, using it as a resource to find a healthy balance between stress and relaxation. Cove helps you put on peace of mind."

Over a four-year span, clinical studies found that more than 90% of participants who used Cove for 30 days experienced a stress reduction of 41% and a sleep quality improvement of nearly 50%. These results show Cove's promise versus other solutions like meditation, which according to a 2014 Johns Hopkins Medicine study, only improved anxiety symptoms by 5-10%.

The Cove device comes with a companion app (available on iPhone and Android) that can be used to view session history, check stats and streaks, and keep a progress journal. In the near future, heart rate and motion data collected during each session will be used to report stress measurements of the user. With the comfort of the user in mind, the app does not need to be used during Cove sessions; however, it is recommended to check it between sessions for a more complete experience and to support consistent daily use of the device.

Related This Wearable Sensor Monitors Stress by Detecting Cortisol Level

Feelmore Labs is backed by major venture capital firms including True Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, and M13, and is led by a diverse team of scientists, medical professionals, and business and technology executives. Its scientific advisory board is made up of experts in neuromodulation, mood disorders, and sleep science from top institutions including Brown University and Harvard Medical School.

Cove will be available to consumers starting Fall 2020, and can be purchased online through the company’s website.

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Dawson Racing Collaborates With Square 1 Flex For Its New Contactless Payment And Dawson Racing Themed Wearable

New custom Visa payment-enabled e-wallet and Dawson Racing themed wearable device

Dawson Racing announced its association with Atlanta, Georgia-based Square 1 Flex for its new custom Visa payment-enabled e-wallet and Dawson Racing themed wearable device. As consumers increasingly look for touchless payment opportunities, the new offerings will allow fans to complete transactions more safely on or off the track, while earning points through the new loyalty rewards program.

Read more Visa and Planeta Informatica Launch New Technology to Bring Speed and Security of Contactless Payment to Transit Operators Worldwide

The SQ1 Mobile Companion Application is a true all-in-one (AIO) eWallet. It introduces a solution that encompasses the latest in contactless payment capabilities on wearables devices, physical companion cards, and mobile phone payments with a complete management eWallet for the user. SQ1 Flex enables members via ACH, debit and credit card, or direct deposit to securely load and manage their account, make purchases, gain rewards, and redeem points globally all from their Dawson Racing app, says a press release.

SQ1 Flex is an industry disruptor in payments, security, and user applications, providing a comprehensive experience and powerful hosted analytics platform. The SQ1 Flex solution connects Dawson Racing directly to its fans and members like never before -- 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year anywhere in the world. SQ1 Flex leverages next generation encryption that includes biometric security features, ID validation, and geolocation with a curated customer marketplace and loyalty rewards program. Square 1 Flex enables Dawson Racing to engage with its fans and members like never before.

The alliance with SQ1 Flex will provide custom insights and value-added benefits for Dawson Racing's professional racing and esports teams and athletes, particularly in motorsports, and other businesses, as it advances the platforms available to fans and members.

Through Dawson Racing's loyalty and rewards programs, fans and members can accrue points for purchases by using the wearable band, the mobile app or accompanying physical companion card anywhere Visa contactless payments are accepted. The Dawson Racing Mobile app is available now for download from Google Play and iOS App Stores.

“We are truly excited about our association with Square 1 Flex as our wearable technology partners," said Simon Dawson, VP Marketing, Dawson Racing. “Square 1 Flex's secure payment technology is the best and most innovative on the planet. The combined solution of the branded secure wearable wristband, SQ1 Flex mobile app, ID validation, loyalty rewards program capabilities and more are what make SQ1 the perfect partner as we expand our team and offerings. We couldn't be prouder to have them as part of our team.”

Read more HID Global and Fidesmo Partner Up To Add Contactless Access Control To Smartwatches and Other Wearables

“We are all fans at heart and want to belong. These are the core principals our offering is built on; Breaking down barriers to provide true value to fans and members globally with a revolutionary and socially responsible financial solution to bring people together as a community. We are the new norm and disruptive in nature," said Kenneth Boyle, Principal Partner at Square 1 Flex. “We see the value of Dawson Racing and the motorsports community and immediately saw that this was a company we wanted to be aligned with and help grow. With Simon and his team's vision, the value-added possibilities of this technology are limitless and we're very excited to be involved in providing state-of-the-art payment technology to their programs.”

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Loughborough University Student Designs Digital Guide Dog For The Blind

Guide dogs help blind people by leading them to their desired destination

Guide dogs help blind people by leading them to their desired destination. However, only a small proportion of blind people use a guide dog to get around, and for others, it is not even an option due to prohibiting lifestyle reasons – such as allergies, expenses or house size.

Anthony Camu, a final year Industrial Design and Technology student at Loughborough University in England, designed a digital guide dog for visually impaired people that fall into the latter category.

Read more Wearable Device Uses Ultrasound to Detect Obstacles for Blind People

Inspired by virtual reality gaming consoles, he has conceptualized and started to prototype ‘Theia’, a portable and concealable handheld device that guides users through outdoor environments and large indoor spaces with very little user input, reports Loughborough University.

Using Theia

Anthony says much like a self-driving car, Theia – which is aptly named after the titan goddess of sight – will program routes to reach destinations and avoids accidents along the way.

To use Theia, a user would simply say: “Hey Theia, take me to (for example) Cabot Circus”.

As an internet of things (IOT) device, Theia will then process real-time data available online, such as traffic density (pedestrians and cars) and weather, to guide users accurately and safely to their destinations.

While guiding a user from A to B, Anthony envisages it will also assist with tackling specific interactions such as elevators, stairs, entrances, shops, and pedestrian crossings, to name a few.

Theia will also have a fail-safe procedure for high-risk scenarios, such as crossing busy intersections.

When a user is close to a crossing, Theia will push them back and enter ‘manual mode’, which is a bit like using a cane.

The technology

Anthony aims to combine Lidar [a remote sensing method that uses light] and cameras so Theia can capture a three-dimensional image of the users’ surroundings.

Powerful onboard processors will then determine the best path to take and separate routes into individual commands – for example, bear left at 1.4 m/s.

The problem from here is communicating this information to the visually impaired person, and Theia aims to tackle this by physically ‘leading’ users.

Theia will communicate complex walking maneuvers and actually move users’ hands in open space using a novel form of force feedback that involves a control moment gyroscope (CMG) – tech found in satellites and space vehicles, including the international space station.

Read more These New Generation of Wearables are Empowering Blind and the Visually Impaired

Following user testing, a unique system of force and resistance was found, which can communicate complex walking maneuvers in real-time.

“Theia has the capacity to expand a blind person’s comfort zones and possibilities, broaden their horizons and allow them to think less about walking and more about what’s waiting for them at the end of the route,” said Anthony.

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Energy Harvesting Nanogenerators Offer New Option For Monitoring Health

Wearable medical devices offer a convenient means of monitoring many physiological features

Wearable medical devices offer a convenient means of monitoring many physiological features of our body. These devices, which include insulin pumps, continuous heart rate monitors, and neural stimulators, need an electric power source to function. Now, a team of scientists at Purdue University has developed self-powered wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based contact layers for monitoring cardiovascular health. TENGs help conserve mechanical energy and turn it into power, reports Purdue University.

The researchers published their work in the journal Advanced Materials.

Read more Renesas Launches RE Family – Energy Harvesting Embedded Controllers

“The PVA-based TENGs show great potential for self-powered biomedical devices and open doors to new technologies that use widely deployed biocompatible materials for economically feasible and ecologically friendly production of functional devices in energy, electronics and sensor applications,” said Wenzhuo Wu, the Ravi and Eleanor Talwar Rising Star Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering in Purdue’s College of Engineering, who led the development team. “We transform PVA, one of the most widely used polymers for biomedical applications, into wearable, self-powered triboelectric devices which can detect the imperceptible degree of skin deformation induced by human pulse and capture the cardiovascular information encoded in the pulse signals with high fidelity.”

Cardiovascular health is typically measured by echocardiogram to measure electrical activity in the heart or photoplethysmography that measures changes in blood volume in the peripheral microvasculature.

“These technologies can often be invasive to patients and have not yet been adapted into wearables for personalized on-demand monitoring,” Wu said. “TENGs with PVA blend contact layers produce fast readout with distinct peaks for blood ejection, blood reflection in the lower body, and blood rejection from the closed aortic valve, which may enable detection of common cardiovascular diseases such as cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease.”

Wu said PVA offers a valuable opportunity as potential constituents in future wearable self-powered devices. The PVA-based triboelectric devices can harvest the mechanical energy from the human body and use such electric power to support the operations of other biomedical devices.

Read more Researchers Develop Stretchable Thermoelectric Coils for Energy Harvesting in Flexible Wearable Devices

According to Wu, the PVA-based triboelectric devices can function as self-powered sensors to detect and monitor the mechanical activities from the human body in applications such as health monitoring, human-machine interface, teleoperated robotics, consumer electronics and virtual and augmented technologies.

The creators are looking for partners to commercialize their technology.

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AR Startup NuEyes Launches 2020 MassChallenge HealthTech Pilot Study in Partnership With MCB and MeHI

NuEyes, a leading augmented reality smartglass company

NuEyes, a leading augmented reality smartglass company that empowers those who suffer from severe vision loss, announced a new pilot study in collaboration with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI). The pilot is being conducted as part of the 2020 MassChallenge HealthTech program, an effort to boost startups at the intersection of healthcare and technology, supported by the Massachusetts Digital Health Initiative.

Related Comcast Partners with NuEyes to Help Customers with Visual Disabilities Watch TV

“At NuEyes, we are extremely passionate about empowering those with severe vision loss in new and exciting ways. Comprehensive pilot studies like this are embedded into our DNA. From the first pilot study launched in 2013 to now we strive to bring the best augmented reality smart glass technology to market. Collaborating with two esteemed organizations like the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Massachusetts eHealth Institute is an absolute honor for us, and we feel that the result of these studies will further advance smart glass technology for the visually impaired," said Mark Greget Founder and CEO of NuEyes.

This comprehensive pilot study will last 16 weeks and encompass 30 participants from across Massachusetts. During the study, a multitude of visually impaired focus groups will test five NuEyes head-worn devices that are slated for various commercial releases later this year and into the first part of 2021. The groups will be focused on daily tasks, mobility issues, connectivity issues, as well as how well the current and future products affect their visual acuity. Current form factors, resolution of cameras, and the displays of these low-vision, head-worn magnifiers will also be evaluated to ensure that all future products will meet the necessary requirements to enable the visually impaired in new ways, says a press release.

"Every day, we learn that Assistive Technology is a lifeline for some of the individuals we serve who are blind and visually impaired. We are committed to ensuring that this lifeline continues and improves by working with organizations and companies that are on the cutting edge of assistive technology in the Commonwealth. Our unique pilot program with NuEyes will allow a sample of our consumers to test new AT devices and provide direct feedback to the company as we work together to grow the best assistive technology for consumers to be successful at work and home," said MCB Commissioner David D'Arcangelo.

Related NuEyes, Pico Interactive Partner Up for Next Gen Wearables for the Visually Impaired

Laurance Stuntz, Director of MeHI, commented:

“Our parent agency, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, was founded upon a commitment to catalyze public, private, and academic collaboration to solve shared challenges. This project is a prime example of how our state's Digital Health Initiative is driving innovation through our state's Digital Health Initiative, by bringing together the MCB, a Massachusetts state agency, and NuEyes, an innovative California company to advance their cutting-edge products, while at the same time getting these assistive devices into the hands of Massachusetts residents. By supporting programs like MassChallenge Health Tech, we're also introducing innovative startups to the world-class healthcare and technology thought leaders that call Massachusetts home.”

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electroCore Receives FDA Emergency Use Authorization for use of gammaCore Sapphire CV For COVID-19 Treatment

One of the symptoms of COVID-19 is respiratory problems

One of the symptoms of COVID-19 is respiratory problems, and people with asthma are badly affected by the disease as it can make breathing even more difficult. Now, electroCore, a commercial-stage bioelectronic medicine company, announced that the FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) authorizing the use of gammaCore Sapphire™ CV non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) at home or in a healthcare setting to acutely treat adult patients with known or suspected COVID-19 who are experiencing exacerbation of asthma-related dyspnea and reduced airflow, and for whom approved drug therapies are not tolerated or provide insufficient symptom relief, reports GlobeNewsWire.

“Needless to say, we are very pleased to have received this EUA, and we intend work vigorously to make this novel therapy available to physicians treating known or suspected COVID 19 patients who are experiencing exacerbation of asthma-related breathing difficulty,” said Dan Goldberger, Chief Executive Officer of electroCore.

Read more FDA Approves AiRTouch Portable X-Ray, Could Be Potentially Used For COVID-19 Diagnosis

Peter Staats, MD, Chief Medical Officer, went on to say, “Results from prior pilot studies that evaluated gammaCore for the acute treatment of asthma support our belief that nVNS may provide much-needed relief to patients who are experiencing asthma-related breathing difficulty, which can be particularly debilitating in patients with COVID-19.”

Image: gammaCore

JP Errico, electroCore Board member, co-founder and co-inventor of gammaCore, commented, “This FDA decision is an encouraging first step toward developing evidence that may provide a basis for electroCore to pursue expansion of nVNS into reactive airway disease (RAD), which was the first area of research for electroCore.”

Read more FDA Expands Use of Remote Patient Monitoring During COVID-19 Emergency

electroCore will provide additional details on the pricing and distribution of gammaCore CV under this EUA in the coming weeks.

The EUA is based on preliminary data from two prospective studies of use of VNS or nVNS to treat asthma:

Study                    Design                  N                          Findings

VNS for the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations

nVNS for the relief of acute bronchoconstriction due to asthma

Prospective, multicenter, open-label study490 minutes after acute percutaneous VNS treatment, FEV1 improved from baseline by a mean of 73%, and mean VAS dyspnea score decreased from 8 (at baseline) to 1Prospective, multicenter, open-label study3090 minutes after acute nVNS treatment, 93% of patients reported improvement in VAS dyspnea score, and 86% had improvements in FEV1

Abbreviations: FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; nVNS, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation; VAS, visual analog scale.
Staats.P, Giannakopoulos.G, Blake.J, Liebler.E, Levy.R. April 27, 2020.
Use of Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Treat Respiratory Symptoms Associated with COVID-19: A Theoretical Hypothesis and Early Clinical Experience, Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface.

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Global Motion Sensor Market Size Projected To Reach USD 8.7 Billion By 2025

Technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmentative Reality (AR)

The global motion sensor market size is projected to touch USD 8.7 billion by 2025. The market is anticipated to grow at 7.8% CAGR, according to a new report by Million Insights. The growing use of motion sensors in gaming devices and consumer electronics is driving the market growth. Rapidly increasing consumer electronics market is positively affecting the market growth. For example, newly introduced wearable devices are gaining traction among consumers.

Read more Global E-compass Market Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR of 14% From 2019 to 2024

Technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmentative Reality (AR) are increasingly getting popular in consumer electronics. These technologies are incorporated in smartphones and wearable devices such as VR glass, smart glass, head-up display and VR motion chairs. Motion sensors play a crucial role in the development of VR and AR applications. The number of VR users has increased from 1 million in 2014 to 150+ million in 2018. Thus, growing VR application is expected to create a lucrative opportunity for the market players, says a press release.

For AR/VR domain, motion sensors are used for gaming applications. Motion gaming system enables players to interact with the help of body movements. The demand for interactive games has increased significantly over the last few years, thereby, supporting the growth of motion sensors.

Europe held the largest share in the motion sensors market and the region is projected to maintain its dominance over the next few years. Presence of leading automobile giant in the region is driving the growth of the market. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast duration.

Further key findings from the report suggest:

  • Asia Pacific is a key market for consumer electronics and thereby, projected to occupy a significant share in the market over the forecast duration.
  • The microwave category is predicted to exhibit a significant growth rate as they can operate in the K-band frequency range.
  • Healthcare segment is projected to grow considerably owing to the increasing demand for wireless body area networks.
  • Leading players operating in the market are Kionix, Inc., NXP Semiconductors, SENSINOVA, TE Connectivity Ltd. and STMicroelectronics among others.

Million Insights has segmented the global motion sensor market based on technology, application, and region

Motion Sensor Technology Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Infrared
  • Ultrasonic
  • Microwave
  • Dual Technology
  • Tomographic
  • Others

Read more Worldwide Wearable Display Market Is Forecasted To Grow At A CAGR Of 20%

Motion Sensor Application Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Consumer Electronics
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Healthcare
  • Industrial
  • Others

Motion Sensor Regional Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America

  • S.
  • Canada

Europe

  • Germany
  • K.

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan

Central & South America

  • Brazil
  • Mexico

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

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SSIVIX Lab Rolls Out One-Stop MyCLNQ Digital Health App To Meet Healthcare Needs Digitally

Singapore-based HealthTech startup SSIVIX Lab has launched its MyCLNQ mobile app

Singapore-based HealthTech startup SSIVIX Lab has launched its MyCLNQ mobile app, which provides several key benefits to enhance the quality of life for the community. The startup has currently 15,000 users for its MyCLNQ app and plans to expand regionally in the next two years.

Read more Theranica Partners With Cove to Expand Availability of Nerivio on Cove’s Telemedicine Platform

MyCLNQ serves as a one-stop-shop to take care of all your healthcare needs smartly and digitally. Thanks to the built-in smart AI feature, you can quickly view the least waiting time at various nearby clinics located in the neighborhood and take care of your medical needs. You can also set up a digital appointment and browse for the most appropriate and available doctor to seek medical attention from.

SSVIX’s immediate focus is mainly on patient care beyond hospitals and clinics through the use of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies. It also plans to expand regionally in India and Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand in the coming two years, reports MobiHealthNews.

Telemedicine has allowed healthcare to be more accessible as doctors can now care for patients remotely without physical presence. You can set up a chat, video, or teleconsultation easily and consult with a doctor online in your preferred language. Especially for non-urgent cases, there is no longer a need for you to schedule an in-person visit with a doctor to receive treatment. With secure and stable video and audio connections, you can now reach doctors virtually, gain better access to care, and have your medicine delivered right to your doorstep, SSVIX Lab said on its website.

Using the built-in AI feature, you can search and filter through the results for the nearest available doctors in the neighborhood and book your appointment online. Since it’s based on location, you will be directed to the relevant clinics and doctors that are accessible and convenient by distance. The smart feature also allows you to have a bird’s eye view on the waiting times at nearby clinics and avoid the crowd for a quicker consultation.

Read more How FDA is Backing the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Telemedicine

As the leading healthcare app in Singapore, MyCLNQ is changing the way you receive healthcare. The company is focused on the MedTech industry that leverages devices which people use daily, such as smartphones, to connect all healthcare needs in one online platform.

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Noninvasive Wearable Sensors to Advance Chronic Respiratory Disease Management In Patients Around the World

The global respiratory monitoring devices market is expected to garner around 6% CAGR

According to a new report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global respiratory monitoring devices market is expected to garner around 6% CAGR during 2019 to 2027.

Read more Wearable Medical Devices Market to Surpass $29 Billion by 2026, According to Transparency Market Research

The popularity of non-invasive methods has helped the pulse oximeters segment climb to valuation of approximately US$ 3.4 Bn by 2027.

Research analysts at TMR assert that manufacturers in the respiratory monitoring devices market should focus on improving the effectiveness, convenience, and reliability of sensors in spirometry and capnometry. In particular, focus on innovation on flow and pressure sensors to improve management of respiratory diseases in all clinical settings, says a press release.

Key Findings of Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Report

  • Of the various types of products, pulse oximeter segment held the leading share in 2018 in respiratory monitoring devices market
  • Of all the end-use segments, hospitals held the majority of market share in 2018
  • Home care is expected to rise at promising pace and will gain share by the end of 2027
  • Among the various key regional markets, North America accounted for the majority of share in 2018
  • Asia Pacific respiratory monitoring devices market to rise at robust CAGR of ~7% during 2019 – 2027

Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market: Key Driving Factors and Promising Avenues

  • Growing focus on respiratory health in worldwide population is a key driver for opportunities in the respiratory monitoring devices market. The prevalence and mortality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma is a key factor bolstering the demand for respiratory monitoring devices for diagnostic and therapeutic ends.
  • To put things in perspective, per a 2017 report by the WHO, 3 million die every year due to COPD. Further, asthma is the third leading cause of death worldwide
  • Rapidly aging population and increasing pollution levels have fueled the prospects in the respiratory monitoring devices market. According to a projection by the WHO, the geriatric population will touch 1.5 Bn by 2050.
  • Advances in performance of polysomnography have improved clinical evaluation of problems in sleep patterns, thereby boosting the respiratory monitoring devices market.
  • The growing clinical role of respiratory monitoring devices in managing sleep apnea. Over the years, sleep monitoring devices have grown in clinical relevance
  • In recent years, numerous product approvals have been made in home care segments. The application smart peak flow meters in detecting asthma exacerbations has also fueled revenues in the respiratory monitoring devices market.

Read more Fitness App Market Poised To Grow at a CAGR of 12%, Reaching 1.68 Billion During 2020-2024 Period

The Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market can be segmented as follows:

Product

  • Pulse Oximeters
  • Capnographs
  • Spirometers
  • Polysomnographs (PSG)
  • Peak Flow Meters
  • Gas Analyzers
  • Others

End User

  • Home care
  • Hospitals
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers
  • Specialty Clinics

Region

  • North America
    • S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • K.
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa

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Healthcare Organizations Using Technology To Address Health Disparities During COVID-19 Pandemic

One of the biggest health disparities comes from racial and ethnic differences

In the U.S., one of the biggest health disparities comes from racial and ethnic differences. Health disparities related to race take on many forms, including higher rates of chronic disease and premature death compared to whites.

Read more The Role Technology is Playing to Stem the Tide of COVID-19

These disparities were only made more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Black, Native American Indian, and Latinx communities faced the highest rates of severe illness, according to the CDC.

Addressing Social determinants of health (SDOH) and preventing people from getting sick can be a more effective strategy than simply treating them afterward, reports MobiHealthNews.

Organizations such as NowPow and ChristianCare are focusing on SDOH by offering platforms that connect health systems, health providers and health plans to community resources.

“Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put some members of racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting COVID-19 or experiencing severe illness, regardless of age,” the CDC said on its website.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, NowPow had to adjust its services for customers located in the heart of the pandemic. Some of the company’s largest networks were in New York, New Jersey and Illinois.

“We were in the thick of it, and we immediately, because we’re supporting these larger organizations, understood the magnitude of what was happening,” Kohler said.

As a result, NowPow began integrating “COVID status tags” in the platform to keep users up to date on what was opening and in what capacity.

The company also created a rapid sign-on system where a link could be sent out by text to a potential user to immediately get them registered on the platform. New emergency services popping up in the areas covered by NowPow could use the rapid sign-on to get added to the registry.

“NowPow has made it our business to know more than 45,000 community and emergency-relief services which are open and operating,” Lindau said. “So when we send people to places – people who have a real need and who find it hard to get to places under the current circumstances – those [services] are there to help them.”

Other companies, like Unite Us, which was featured in a recent HIMSS20 Digital session, have also been addressing SDOH during the pandemic.

As people begin to look past the pandemic, the need to change the way the U.S. treats healthcare has become evident, the MobiHealthNews report said.

Read more Wearables Playing Crucial Role In-Patient Monitoring During COVID-19 Pandemic

Other health organizations are focusing on legislation like the Social Determinants Accelerator Act, which would provide funding and assistance for community-based health to address SDOH.

If passed, the bill would help set up grants from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, increase coordination between health and social service programs, and set up program-evaluation criteria.

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OCBC Bank Launches Healthcare App With Partners To Provide Access To Over 100 Telehealth Doctors

OCBC Bank has partnered with seven medical groups

As Singapore enters a safe re-opening phase, OCBC Bank has partnered with seven medical groups to launch the HealthPass by OCBC mobile app, providing access to more than 100 general practitioners (GPs) and specialists. The app will address the healthcare needs of all Singapore residents over the age of 18, including non-OCBC Bank customers.

Read more How FDA is Backing the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Telemedicine

Video consultations with both GPs and specialist doctors can be booked and administered through the app, with medication delivered to the patient’s doorstep, reports OCBC.

The consultation fee is kept flat at S$20 for each telehealth and in-clinic visit to a GP during normal operating hours. Patients pay a flat fee of S$100 for the first telehealth or in-clinic consultation with any of the 63 specialist doctors from 21 specialties including gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology and oncology, which are among the top fields of specialist medicine Singaporeans often seek medical advice for. Medication and diagnostic procedures are charged separately based on current practices.

Singapore Medical Group, one of the partners for HealthPass by OCBC, estimates that there has been a 60% surge in specialist tele-consults since the onset of COVID-19. Apart from Singapore Medical Group, the other medical partners for HealthPass by OCBC are StarMed Specialist Centre, Thomson Medical, Faith Medical Group, OneCare Medical Group, Etern Medical and True Medical.

HealthPass by OCBC integrates directly with the healthcare partner’s clinic management systems, and information is only accessible by users and their doctors, which provides personal data privacy and security. Patients can also access digital Medical Certificates (MC), clinic invoices and laboratory results from the clinics visited securely through the app. This makes it convenient for patients, especially those with on-going medical needs, to easily retrieve past records for doctor consultations without the hassle of retrieving hard copies and maintaining a physical file.

The wellness shop in the HealthPass app gives users access to more than 100 merchant offers for wellness products and services. Patients also do not need to make physical cash or card payments. Once a credit or debit card is added to the app, payments to clinics and the online store are processed digitally, and the app helps users to track all costs in one place.

Consulting a doctor through telehealth safeguards individuals more susceptible to the effects of the virus, such as the elderly, those with underlying conditions and expecting mums, allowing them to seek timely medical help with relative safety. It also helps doctors to conduct follow-up consultations with patients, especially those with chronic ailments.

Read more Vuzix M400 Smart Glasses Continue Their Expansion Into Remote Care For COVID-19 Patients

“COVID-19 will eventually pass, but its impact on the community will be long felt, and widespread access to telehealth will provide a big boost to help manage Singapore’s healthcare needs,” said Mr Pranav Seth, OCBC Bank’s Head of Digital and Innovation.

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Chugai and Biofourmis Collaborating to Develop Digital Solution For Objective Assessment of Pain

One of Japan's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies and Biofourmis

Chugai Pharmaceutical, one of Japan's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies and Biofourmis, a Boston-based digital therapeutics company, announced that they have partnered to develop a digital solution for the objective assessment of pain associated with endometriosis.

Read more Wearables In Combination With Digital Technology Offers Huge Opportunities For Non-Invasive Pain Management

Endometriosis is the repeated proliferation and shedding of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, accompanied by dysmenorrhea (pain with menstruation) and chronic lower abdominal pain. It is also a cause of infertility. This disease affects one out of 10 women in their 20s to 40s. The only existing medications are hormonal agents. Moreover, if the pain cannot be controlled by drugs, the only treatment is surgical removal of the endometriotic tissue, says a press release.

Pain is one of the main symptoms of endometriosis and therapeutically important. The severity of pain may vary from day to day, and it can be a major issue that affects patients' quality of life.

The Chugai-Biofourmis partnership will leverage Biofourmis' Biovitals platform to co-develop a novel digital technology for the objective assessment of pain using biosensors and artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms. The solution will be validated in a global, multi-center observational study enrolling more than 120 endometriosis patients.

The digital solution for managing patients with endometriosis in an ambulatory setting will include a wearable, clinical-grade biosensor to capture physiology biomarkers and a patient-facing mobile app to monitor symptoms, with a gamification engine for patient engagement. The AI-based technology will provide a continuous quantification of pain by applying analytics to physiology biomarkers. The platform will also include a clinician-facing web dashboard for remote review and intervention.

“Through the partnership with Biofourmis, a leading company in research, development and commercialization of digital therapeutics, Chugai will set out to objectively assess pain associated with endometriosis and better understand its pathology," said Satoko Shisai, Chugai's Vice President, Head of Digital & IT Supervisory Division. "Through this partnership, Chugai is demonstrating its commitment to applying the most advanced digital technologies to better understand the real-life needs of patients and to develop innovative solutions for society, as outlined in the CHUGAI DIGITAL VISION 2030.”

Read more How Femtech Companies are Helping to Make Women’s Lives Easier and More Comfortable

Kuldeep Singh Rajput, CEO and founder of Biofourmis, said: “Chugai aims to become a top innovator by utilizing digital technologies, and we are thrilled to partner with them." He added: "This unique collaboration with Chugai is another indicator of the growing consensus in the healthcare industry that combining digital solutions with therapeutic developments—from discovery to patient care—is a powerful way to augment efficiency. Digital solutions can deliver faster, more reliable insights to clinicians to aid interventions, while increasing engagement and improving outcomes for patients and lowering healthcare costs for all stakeholders."

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MIT Researchers Develop New Method of Stimulating Neurons

To manipulate neural cells, doctors and scientists routinely use two methods

To manipulate neural cells, doctors and scientists routinely use two methods – electrical stimulation and chemical pharmaceuticals. However, these methods have their drawbacks. Chemicals are usually slow to take effect and have side effects, while electrical stimulation usually requires invasive wires, and is nearly impossible to administer within certain parts of the brain. Now, researchers at MIT and elsewhere have found a new method for stimulating neurons.

Read more Masimo Announces Bridge, A Wearable Neurostimulation Device That Reduces Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

The finding might offer a step toward new kinds of therapeutic treatments, similar to electrically based neurostimulation that has been used to treat Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Unlike those systems, which require an external wire connection, the new system would be completely contact-free after an initial injection of particles, and could be reactivated at will through an externally applied magnetic field, reports David L. Chandler at MIT News.

The researchers reported their finding in the journal ACS Nano.

“An interesting thing about the nervous system is that neurons can actually detect forces,” says MIT postdoc Alexander Senko PhD. “That’s how your sense of touch works, and also your sense of hearing and balance.” The team targeted a particular group of neurons within a structure known as the dorsal root ganglion, which forms an interface between the central and peripheral nervous systems, because these cells are particularly sensitive to mechanical forces.

The key to the new process was developing minuscule discs with an unusual magnetic property, which can cause them to start fluttering when subjected to a certain kind of varying magnetic field. These discs, which are hundreds of nanometers in diameter, contain a vortex configuration of atomic spins when there are no external magnetic fields applied. This makes the particles behave as if they were not magnetic at all, making them exceptionally stable in solutions. When these discs are subjected to a very weak varying magnetic field of a few millitesla, with a low frequency of just several hertz, they switch to a state where the internal spins are all aligned in the disc plane. This allows these nanodiscs to act as levers — wiggling up and down with the direction of the field, the MIT report said.

Read more This Wearable Device Can Improve Speech of People Living with Parkinson’s Disease

The work is still in its infancy, said Polina Anikeeva, an associate professor in the departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences. “This is a very first demonstration that it is possible to use these particles to transduce large forces to membranes of neurons in order to stimulate them.”

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How Health Technology Is Transforming The Lives Of Women Across The Globe

Innovations in health tech are changing the way people access healthcare

Innovations in health tech are changing the way people access healthcare. At the same time these innovations are enabling people to learn more about their bodies.

Read more Femtech Startup Bloomer Develops Smart Bra that Can Monitor Women’s Health

Women, in particular, are benefiting from health tech innovations as this group is worse affected by the limitations of health and sex education, reports MobiHealthNews.

Women make up about half (49%) of the world’s population. Statistics show that women live longer than men, but they may spend a greater part of their lives in poor health for various reasons. In the developing world, pregnancy and childbirth take a heavy toll on women’s health. Worldwide, nearly 380,000 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy each year.

From wearable breast pumps to digital birth control, the Femtech market is gearing up to see an unprecedented wave of innovation.

Dr Deborah Maufi, a project manager at the Health[e]Foundation, saw the harm of ignorance and misinformation firsthand in her native Tanzania.

“It made me really aware…that a lot of educated women also don’t know [about their reproductive rights]. Now imagine those who are not educated at all,” Maufi said. In response, she developed an app called MyHealth@Hand. Using the app, pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa can connect with healthcare workers. “They can share health data and also the woman has access to health information about pregnancy and the newborn and can also chat to the healthcare professional in the app,” she said.

Read more How Femtech Companies are Helping to Make Women’s Lives Easier and More Comfortable

The Femtech market could appeal to women of all ages, races and nationalities. Innovations in this field aren’t only making it possible for women to manage their health on a more personalized level, but it is enabling them to learn more about their own health.

The key benefit of combining education with the digital is its accessibility. “Almost everything that we do now is digital,” comments Dr. Maufi. “Even in developing countries: you see the economy's very low, but people still have access to smartphones.”

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Vitls Wins FDA Clearance For Its Remote Patient Monitoring Platform

Houston, Texas-based Vitls Inc. won FDA 510(k) clearance for its Vitls Platform

Houston, Texas-based Vitls Inc. won FDA 510(k) clearance for its Vitls Platform. The Vitls Platform is a combination of a vitals monitoring patch, cloud storage, and an app that lets clinicians monitor patients in multiple healthcare settings – from the hospital to the home.

Read more Abbott Receives FDA Approval for Gallant Heart Rhythm Implants Featuring Continuous Remote Monitoring

"Obtaining and managing patient vitals in a distributed environment can be challenging. The Vitls Platform, with its wearable device and accompanying software, offers a better chance for continuous, unobtrusive, remote monitoring, to better manage patient care in a multitude of scenarios,” said Stephen Meyer, former president & chief executive officer of Welch Allyn, reports BusinessWire.

Vitls developed a clinical-grade platform that enables healthcare providers to reliably and accurately monitor key patient vital signs in real-time. The Vitls Platform consists of Tégo, a small and unobtrusive wearable that wirelessly records vital signs; the Vitls Cloud, where data is stored and then sent to hospital systems, the Vitls App and other connected devices; and the Vitls App, which displays the data in an intuitive layout.

Data collected with the Vitls Platform gives healthcare providers a complete picture of a patient’s status, paving the way for early intervention and improved outcomes. Studies show that deterioration can be identified and treated more than 60 percent earlier with continuous, remote monitoring.

“When my eldest son suffered from febrile seizures, we couldn’t find anything reliable and accurate enough to alert us at the onset of his fevers; we developed Tégo to address the challenge of intermittent monitoring and late detection for both patients and clinicians,” said Werner Vorster, chief executive officer and founder of Vitls Inc. “With this FDA clearance and our US launch planned for Q3/2020, we are much closer to our goal of making continuous monitoring the standard of care in healthcare settings, as well as in the home. Healthcare needs accurate, clinical grade, continuous monitoring - especially now during COVID-19 - and we’re proud and fortunate to be in a position to help.”

Read more Medtronic Wins FDA Clearance And CE Approval For LINQ II Insertable Cardiac Monitor

Vitls Inc. is a digital healthcare company that focuses on remote monitoring of patient vital signs throughout the care continuum. The company developed the Vitls Platform which consists of the Tégo wearable, an unobtrusive patch that continuously collects vital signs and other data from the wearer, the Vitls Cloud, and the Vitls App.

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Needle-Free CGM Startup Movano Exits Stealth Mode And Raises $10M In A Bridge Round

health-focused technology company dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people affected

Movano Inc., a health-focused technology company dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people affected by chronic health conditions, has raised $10M in a bridge round led by Tri-Valley Ventures. Taken alongside its prior investments, the company said it has now raised $27 million since its founding in 2018. The company said it will use the money to develop its first product – a wearable, non-invasive continuous glucose monitor (CGM) powered by Radio Frequency (RF) technology that is painless, smart and simple.

Read more Dexcom G6 Pro CGM Offers Both Blinded And Unblinded Mode For Glucose Monitoring

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people with diabetes worldwide rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Without proper management diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure and other serious health complications. Despite the prevalence of diabetes, only a small number of people with diabetes use a CGM today, primarily due to affordability.

“There’s a considerable disconnect between the demand for an inconspicuous and inexpensive glucose measurement solution and what’s on the market. Today, people with diabetes have two options to get a glucose reading - either prick their finger daily or wear an expensive, disposable patch,” said Michael Leabman, founder and CEO of Movano. “We plan to bridge this gap, so that measuring your glucose becomes as simple as glancing at your wrist, whether you’re a person with diabetes, pre-diabetes or a part of the greater wellness community.  We’re going to break down the current cost, usability and accessibility barriers with CGMs so that anyone can manage their glucose levels with confidence and in a way that best suits their lifestyle.”

Movano’s novel approach to glucose monitoring is centered around its patent-pending RF solution, which can be embedded in a wearable and connected to apps and the cloud. The combination of custom-built, miniature and highly flexible sensors, smart antennas and proprietary machine learning algorithms will form a glucose monitoring system that is more affordable and smaller in size than competing CGMs, reports GlobeNewsWire.

The company’s cloud-based network app will give users real-time data, including trending lines and time-in-range information. This will enable data sharing with healthcare providers, caregivers and family to optimize care routines, reinforce positive behaviors and serve as a catalyst for long-term behavioral changes. Armed with real-time knowledge about how glucose levels impact a person’s overall well-being, Movano’s solution is being designed as a valuable preventative care tool to aid users in making data-driven decisions, reducing the frequency of doctor and hospital visits.

Read more Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 2 iCGM Receives FDA Clearance For Adults And Children With Diabetes In The U.S.

“What makes a digital health tool effective is its ability to keep consumers engaged without disrupting their normal routine and a design that makes the wearer feel like a person, not a patient,” said Greg Hitchan, Managing Partner of Tri-Valley Ventures. “What resonated with us about Movano is its consumer-centric approach to glucose management. Its non-invasive solution, which can be included in wearable devices, enables users to get a continuous reading no matter where they are. With the potential to improve the quality of life for so many people dealing with serious health conditions related to diabetes, we see a bright future for Movano and its technology.”

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UnitedHealth Group Launches New Digital Therapy To Improve Lives Of People With Type 2 Diabetes

UnitedHealth Group has launched an innovative new therapy

UnitedHealth Group has launched an innovative new therapy that combines wearable technology and customized personal support to help improve the health of people living with type 2 diabetes.

The therapy — known as Level2 — helps eligible participants gain real-time insights about their condition and, for some, successfully reduce spikes in blood sugar levels or even achieve type 2 diabetes remission. Level2 equips eligible participants with integrated tools that include a mobile continuous glucose monitor (CGM), activity tracker, app-based alerts and one-on-one clinical coaching to help encourage healthier lifestyle decisions, such as food choices, exercise and sleep patterns. In the future, UnitedHealth Group may offer the Level2 model to support people with other chronic conditions beyond type 2 diabetes.

Read more Dexcom G6 Pro CGM Offers Both Blinded And Unblinded Mode For Glucose Monitoring

Level2 is available at no additional cost to more than 230,000 employer-sponsored, fully insured UnitedHealthcare members in 27 states and Washington, D.C.

Maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels, as measured by hemoglobin A1C, is a key focus for people with diabetes. In a pilot study of more than 790 UnitedHealthcare members, certain Level2 participants achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in their A1C within 90 days. Participants who began this therapy with the most significantly elevated A1C (above 8.0%) saw the greatest reduction (more than 1 percentage point decrease on average). By helping participants better control blood sugar levels and, in certain cases, achieve type 2 diabetes remission, some Level2 participants no longer require medication for their condition. To date, Level2 has helped participants improve their health to the degree they eliminated the need for more than 450 prescriptions, reports UnitedHealth Group.

“The combination of insights and resources in Level2 provides a high-touch, therapeutic benefit to help participants take charge of their type 2 diabetes and achieve better health,” said Amy Meister, D.O., CEO of Level2. “Connected devices such as continuous glucose monitors and activity trackers may be game-changers for the approximately 30 million people2 nationwide living with type 2 diabetes. By expanding this innovative new therapy to more members across the country, we are empowering people with actionable information and personalized support.”

Initial studies show that sudden changes in blood sugar levels among people with type 2 diabetes may indicate potential COVID-19 infections. Closely monitoring this metric among Level2 participants and supporting people at greater risk for COVID-19 complications, Level2 has demonstrated the ability to predict potential COVID-19 infections and help encourage access to needed medical care earlier. Type 2 diabetes may be a risk factor associated with worse outcomes related to COVID-19.3 However, people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is stable may experience fewer medical complications and greater likelihood of recovery from COVID-19.

Read more Innovosens’ Diabetes Monitoring Technology May Help In Early Detection Of COVID-19

Level2 is part of UnitedHealth Group’s industry-leading focus on integrating human support with advanced data analytics, including from real-time sources such as digital health technologies, to help improve and personalize therapies.

Level2 will be made available to select employers with self-funded plans later this year.

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Wearables Playing Crucial Role In Patient Monitoring During COVID-19 Pandemic

Wearable technologies can be innovative solutions for healthcare problems

Wearable technologies can be innovative solutions for healthcare problems. According to a literature review of wearable technology applications by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Inc. (HIMSS), wearable applications can directly impact clinical decision making. Wearable technologies enable the continuous monitoring of human physical activities and behaviors, as well as physiological and biochemical parameters during daily life. The most commonly measured data include vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, as well as blood oxygen saturation, posture, and physical activities through the use of electrocardiogram (ECG), ballistocardiogram (BCG) and other devices.

Read more Thinklabs One Electronic Stethoscope Keeping Healthcare Professionals Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

Wearable technology is playing a crucial role during the current pandemic. For example, according to Harvard University, Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, in March 2020, the South Korean government implemented a smartphone app to supervise the self-quarantine of those who met criteria for confirmed contact with individuals who were confirmed to have the viral infection, according to news provided by FinancialBuzz.com.

Nemaura Medical, Inc. announced earlier last week breaking news that it has, "issued a presentation outlining potential new applications for monitoring disease progression in Covid-19 patients using Continuous Lactate Monitoring (CLM). The company’s both CGM and CLM products are based on Nemaura's BEAT platform, which is designed to non-invasively extract a number of analytes through the skin. By adapting the sensor chemistry, algorithm and mobile app interface initially developed for sugarBEAT, the BEAT platform has the potential to be utilized for several markets beyond glucose monitoring and diabetes. Nemaura is evaluating the timelines for bringing the CLM to market as a Class 2 approved Medical Device.

OPKO Health, Inc. announced earlier this month that it will conduct COVID-19 testing for all Major League Soccer (MLS) players as well as match officials, and Club and League staff participating in the MLS is Back Tournament. MLS has chosen BioReference as its laboratory to assist in informing its return-to-play policies for the Tournament kicking off in Orlando in early July.

Moderna, Inc. announced last week the publication of an interim analysis of the open-label Phase 1 study of mRNA-1273, its vaccine candidate against COVID-19, in The New England Journal of Medicine. This interim analysis evaluated a two-dose vaccination schedule of mRNA-1273 given 28 days apart across three dose levels (25, 100, 250 µg) in 45 healthy adult participants ages 18-55 years, and reports results through Day 57.

Koninklijke Philips N.V. reported earlier this month that it had introduced first-of-its-kind mobile Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in India. Designed to meet the critical-care requirements of patients, each prefabricated ICU has a capacity of nine beds. The units will be locally manufactured by Philips in India, with each ICU unit capable of being deployed in one day. India is in the top 5 countries with the highest amount of COVID-19 cases. The country's healthcare system is under immense pressure as infections spike. Leveraging its clinical, technical and design expertise, Philips has developed new mobile ICUs to address the challenging needs of critical-care services in India.

Read more BHP Trials Wearable Technology On Its Iron Ore Mines During COVID-19

iBio, Inc. announced back in June that IBM Watson Health had selected iBio to receive 18 months of use of the IBM Clinical Development (ICD) solution, free-of-charge. IBM Watson Health recently began offering its ICD solution to eligible trial sponsor organizations as part of its efforts to help support the medical community to address the COVID-19 pandemic. IBM Watson Health has received interest in the offering from numerous hospitals, sponsors, contract research organizations and academic institutions, and is currently enabling 15 COVID-19 disease trials.

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Fitness App Market Poised To Grow at a CAGR of 12%, Reaching 1.68 Billion During 2020-2024 Period

the fitness app market is poised to grow by USD 1.68 billion during 2020-2024

According to a new report by Technavio, the fitness app market is poised to grow by USD 1.68 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of 12% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

Read more Global E-compass Market Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR of 14% From 2019 to 2024

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities, reports BusinessWire.

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. adidas AG, ASICS Digital Inc., Azumio Inc., BetterME., FitNow Inc., Google LLC, Nike Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Under Armour Inc., and YAZIO GmbH are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments, the Technavio report said.

Increasing demand for wearable devices has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market.

Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct & indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations.

Fitness App Market is segmented as below:

Gender

  • Female
  • Male

Application

  • Lifestyle Monitoring
  • Health Monitoring
  • Others

Geographic Landscape

  • APAC
  • North America
  • Europe
  • South America
  • MEA

Fitness App Market 2020-2024: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The fitness app market report covers the following areas:

  • Fitness App Market Size
  • Fitness App Market Trends
  • Fitness App Market Analysis

This study identifies the proliferation of a variety of fitness apps as one of the prime reasons driving the fitness app market growth during the next few years.

Read more Global Blockchain IoT Market Expected To Grow At A CAGR of 44.83% To $2,389 Million By 2025

Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio’s in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports.

Vendor Analysis

  • Vendors covered
  • Vendor classification
  • Market positioning of vendors
  • adidas AG
  • ASICS Digital Inc.
  • Azumio Inc.
  • FitNow Inc.
  • Google LLC
  • Nike Inc.
  • Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
  • Under Armour Inc.
  • YAZIO GmbH

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Medtronic Wins FDA Clearance And CE Approval For LINQ II Insertable Cardiac Monitor

announced it has received U.S. FDA clearance and European CE Mark approval

Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology, announced it has received U.S. FDA clearance and European CE Mark approval for its LINQ II insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) with remote programming, which enables clinicians to optimize device settings without the need for patients to return to the office or hospital. The LINQ II system also delivers improved device longevity (4.5 years*1) compared to other ICMs and enhanced accuracy to correctly detect abnormal heart rhythms, simplifying the diagnosis and monitoring of patients.

Read more Medtronic Buys Diabetes Management Startup Klue to Strengthen Personalized Closed Loop System

LINQ II is a small (one-third the size of a AAA battery), wireless ICM for patients with abnormal heart rhythms who experience infrequent symptoms including dizziness, palpitations, syncope (fainting) and chest pain, thereby requiring long-term monitoring or ongoing management. The device will be commercially available in the U.S. and Europe later this summer, reports Medtronic.

“In the current COVID-19 environment, the LINQ II system offers patients a seamless way to experience ongoing connectivity between their device and their physician, while reducing the need for in-office visits,” said Rob Kowal, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of the Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure division, which is part of the Cardiac and Vascular Group at Medtronic. “LINQ II gives physicians actionable data to help diagnose underlying heart conditions and define treatment protocols for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or other abnormal heart rhythms.”

The LINQ II device incorporates many of the features of LINQ with TruRhythm plus improvements that differentiate the device from other ICMs:

  • Accuracy and Streamlined Workflows. The LINQ II device has the lowest published rates of AF false detections compared to previous ICMs.2-5 It also has an industry-exclusive Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) detector to help with patient diagnosis; PVCs are extra, abnormal heartbeats that begin in the ventricles, and disrupt the heart rhythm. Additionally, clinicians spend 33 percent less time reviewing ICM transmissions,6 resulting in potential office efficiencies and reduced costs due to more streamlined workflows.
  • Remote Programming. The LINQ II ICM offers remote programming, which reduces the need for patients to come into the office to have their device settings adjusted – a benefit for both patients and physicians, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Remote Patient Management. Patients with the LINQ II ICM can choose one of two monitoring options to fit their lifestyles and increase remote monitoring compliance, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes:
    • Patients can use their smartphones to automatically transfer device data via the MyCareLink Heart™ mobile app using BlueSync™ technology that enables secure communication via Bluetooth.
    • Patients who are unable or prefer not to use a cell phone can transmit device data with the MyCareLink Relay™ Home Communicator.
  • Increased Longevity. The LINQ II device offers an extended duration of continuous monitoring at 4.5 years*1. Continuous monitoring gives physicians greater insights into patient data, aids in diagnoses and helps them manage chronic cardiac arrhythmias.

Read more Medtronic Receives CE Mark For Its MiniMed 780G Insulin Pump With Artificial Pancreas Capabilities

In collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers and scientists worldwide, Medtronic offers the broadest range of innovative medical technology for the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrhythmias.

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March 2026: NAOX Wave - Smart EEG Earbuds

Wireless EEG earbuds tracking brain activity for sleep, focus, and cognitive health.
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February 2026: Feel Music Through Touch

Wearable haptic music tech that turns sound into body sensations for inclusive experiences.
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January 2026: Nutromics Lab-on-a-Patch

Skin-worn patch enabling continuous, real-time biomarker monitoring for personalized healthcare.
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December 2025: Miniaturized Temperature Sensing Accuracy

AS6223 – Miniaturized temperature sensing accuracy for next-generation wearables.
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November 2025: Transforming Cancer Care with Wearables

Wearable implant delivering continuous, personalized cancer therapy for everyday life.
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October 2025: The New Era of Meta Smart Glasses

Meta Smart Glasses 2025: Sleek, AI-powered eyewear for hands-free capture and connection.
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September 2025: Innovation in Oxygen Monitoring

OxiWear - Innovation in wearable health, protecting you from silent hypoxia every day.
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August 2025: Ultra-Thin Battery Revolution in Wearables

NGK's 0.45mm EnerCera Battery: Non-Swelling, Non-Flammable Power for Wearables
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July 2025: Mudra Link - Neural Gesture Control Wristband

Touchless neural wristband for seamless gesture control across devices and platforms.
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June 2025: Biobeat’s Next-Generation Wearable Solution

AI-powered wearable for continuous, cuffless vital sign monitoring in clinical and home settings.
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May 2025: Breakthrough in Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Needle-free biosensor patch for real-time glucose monitoring and metabolic health insights.
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April 2025: Robeauté’s Brain Microrobot

Robeauté's microrobot enables precise, minimally invasive brain intervention with cutting-edge tech.
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March 2025: The Future of Cognitive Health

G.Brain boosts focus and brain health with AI-powered neurotechnology.
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February 2025: Revolutionizing Women's Health

Nettle™ by Samphire Neuroscience: A non-invasive, drug-free solution for women's health.
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January 2025: The Future of Heated Apparel

Revolutionizing heated clothing with sensor-driven, real-time temperature control.
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December 2024: Remote Health with Smart Patches

Wearable tech enables non-invasive, continuous health monitoring, transforming patient care.
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November 2024: Bearmind Launches Brain Health Wearable

Bearmind’s helmet sensor tracks head impacts in real time, advancing safety in contact sports.
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October 2024: Ambiq Empowers Digital Health with Edge AI

Ambiq’s low-power chips enable personal AI on-device for digital health and remote monitoring.
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September 2024: The Revolutionary .lumen Glasses

Empowering the visually impaired with smart, award-winning technology for greater independence.
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August 2024: Breakthrough in the Field of Health Monitoring

BioButton: award-winning sensor for continuous vital health monitoring with advanced AI technology.
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