Wearable clothing news : February 2022

Monday, February 28, 2022

High Performance, Breathable Fabric to Power Small Electronics

Using the movement of a body to charge electronic devices such as phones may soon become a reality, thanks to the work done on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). But most current TENGs are not breathable, making them uncomfortable to wear. Now, researchers have developed a multilayered TENG made from electrospun fibers, silver nanowires, and a polystyrene charge storage layer that not only has a high electrical performance, but also has superior wearability.

The triboelectric effect is a phenomenon where a charge is generated on two dissimilar materials when the materials are moved apart after being in contact with each other. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) use this effect to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy. The compactness of TENGs allows them to be used as wearable devices that can harness the motion of the body to power electronics. Being wearables, the emphasis is placed on the fabric properties (such as the comfort of the material) and the charge-carrying capacity of the nanogenerators. Generally, the triboelectric materials chosen for the nanogenerator should be safe, compatible with the human body (biocompatible), flexible and breathable while being able to maintain a high electrical output performance.

Among the many materials considered for TENGs, electrospun fibers are a promising candidate as they are lightweight, strong, and have desirable electrical properties. Electrospinning is a technique by which solutions of polymers are drawn into fibers using electrical charge. There are ongoing efforts to add metals to electrospun fibers to improve the electrostatic potential and charge-trapping capabilities. But this has led to compromises being made between the comfort and the output performance of the material, reports University of Fukui.

In a recent study published in Nano Energy, researchers from the University of Fukui, Japan and Nanjing University, China have developed an all-fibrous composite layer TENG (AF-TENG) that can easily be integrated with normal cloth. “With our work, we are aiming to provide a new point of view towards wearable energy harvesters and smart textiles,” says Dr Hiroaki Sakamoto, the corresponding author for the study.

Photo of a university building — University of Fukui, Japan (Image: Hirorinmasa, Wikimedia Commons)

The AF-TENG contains a triboelectric membrane made of two layers of electrospun fibers – one of a material called polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and the other of a type of nylon. Silver nanowires cover these layers. The researchers further added a layer of electrospun polystyrene fibers between the silver nanowires and the triboelectric membrane.

The mechanical motion of the body while walking or running causes the triboelectric layers to gain a charge. This way, the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy, which can be used to power electronic devices.

Normally, the charge buildup on the triboelectric surface is gradually lost or dissipated, reducing the surface charge density and the output performance of the nanogenerator. However, in this case, the added polystyrene membrane collects and traps the charge, retaining the surface charge density of the AF-TENG. The researchers used the AF-TENG to light up 126 commercial LEDs each rated at 0.06 Watt, demonstrating the feasibility of the nanogenerator. Moreover, according to Dr. Sakamoto, “The power generation device has flexibility and breathability since all components are composed of fiber materials. This device shows great potential in harvesting the static electricity from our clothes.”

While TENGs are currently limited to power low-powered devices such as LEDs and calculators, improvements to the wearability and output performance are integral steps towards future wearable technology.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Fitbit Sense

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is an updated take on Samsung's previous smartwatch formula. Is it better than the Fitbit Sense? We find out in this head-to-head.

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

Best Apple deals and sales for February 2022

Apple fans know how fleeting deals can be, but we've rounded up some great Apple deals for you right here.

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Friday, February 25, 2022

Apple Watch 7 is cheaper today than it was on Black Friday

The Apple Watch Series 7 is down to its lowest price ever for the year on Amazon, which is offering a $50 discount for the wearable device's 41mm, GPS model.

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UC Berkeley Engineers Develop New Technique for Making Wearable Sensors

Engineers at UC Berkeley have developed a new technique for making wearable sensors that enables medical researchers to prototype test new designs much faster and at a far lower cost than existing methods.

The new technique replaces photolithography — a multistep process used to make computer chips in clean rooms — with a $200 vinyl cutter. The novel approach slashes the time to make small batches of sensors by nearly 90% while cutting costs by almost 75%, said Renxiao Xu (Ph.D.’20 ME), who developed the technique while pursuing his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Berkeley.

“Most researchers working on medical devices have no background in photolithography,” Xu said. “Our method makes it easy and inexpensive for them to change their sensor design on a computer and then send the file to the vinyl cutter to make.”

A description of the technique was published Jan. 25 in ACS Nano. Xu, who now works at Apple, and Liwei Lin, professor of mechanical engineering and co-director of the Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center, were the lead researchers.

Wearable sensors are often used by researchers to gather medical data from patients over extended periods of time. They range from adhesive bandages on skin to stretchable implants on organs, and harness sophisticated sensors to monitor health or diagnose illnesses.

These devices consist of flat wires, called interconnects, as well as sensors, power sources and antennas to communicate data to smartphone apps or other receivers. To maintain full functionality, they must stretch, flex and twist with the skin and organs they are mounted on — without generating strains that would compromise their circuitry, reports Alan S. Brown at UC Berkeley.

To achieve low-strain flexibility, engineers use an “island-bridge” structure, Xu said. The islands house rigid electronics and sensor components, such as commercial resistors, capacitors and lab-synthesized components like carbon nanotubes. The bridges link the islands to one another. Their spiral and zigzag shapes stretch like springs to accommodate large deformations.

In the past, researchers have built these island-bridge systems using photolithography, a multistep process that uses light to create patterns on semiconductor wafers. Making wearable sensors this way requires a clean room and sophisticated equipment.

The new technique is simpler, faster and more economical, especially when making the one or two dozen samples that medical researchers typically need for testing.

Making sensors starts by attaching an adhesive sheet of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to a Mylar (biaxially oriented PET) substrate. Other plastics would also work, Xu said.

A vinyl cutter then shapes them using two types of cuts. The first, the tunnel cut, slices through only the top PET layer but leaves the Mylar substrate untouched. The second type, the through cut, carves through both layers.

Smart fabric — A stretchable “smart mesh” made from the two-mode cutting fabrication process. This device could be applied in skin-mounted sweat extraction and sensing. (Image by Peisheng He/UC Berkeley)

This is enough to produce island-bridge sensors. First, tunnel cuts are used in the upper adhesive PET layer to trace the path of the interconnects; then the cut PET segments are peeled off, leaving behind the pattern of interconnects on the exposed Mylar surface.

Next, the entire plastic sheet is coated with gold (another conductive metal could be used as well). The remaining top PET layer is peeled away, leaving a Mylar surface with well-defined interconnects, as well as exposed metal openings and contact pads on the islands.

Sensor elements are then attached to the contact pads. For electronic devices, such as resistors, a conductive paste and a common heat plate are used to secure the bond. Some lab-synthesized components, such as carbon nanotubes, can be applied directly to the pads without any heating.

Once this step is done, the vinyl cutter uses through cuts to carve the sensor’s contours, including spirals, zigzags and other features.

A stretchable “smart mesh” made from the two-mode cutting fabrication process. This device could be applied in skin-mounted sweat extraction and sensing.

To demonstrate the technique, Xu and Lin developed a variety of stretchable elements and sensors. One mounts under the nose and measures human breath based on the tiny changes in temperatures it creates between the front and back of the sensor.

“For a breath sensor, you don’t want to something bulky,” Lin said. “You want something thin and flexible, almost like a tape beneath your nose, so you can fall asleep while it records a signal over a long period of time.”

Another prototype consists of an array of water-resistant supercapacitors, which store electrical power like a battery but release it more rapidly. Supercapacitors could provide power for some types of sensors.

“We could also make more complex sensors by adding capacitors or electrodes to make electrocardiogram measurements, or chip-sized accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure motion,” Xu said.

Size is sensor cutting’s one key limitation. Its smallest features are 200 to 300 micrometers wide, while photolithography can produce features that are tens of micrometers wide. But most wearable sensors do not require such fine features, Xu noted.

The researchers believe this technique could one day become a standard feature in every lab studying wearable sensors or new diseases. Prototypes could be designed using high-powered computer-aided design (CAD) software or simpler apps made especially for vinyl printers.

Other study authors are Kamyar Behrouzi, Peisheng He, Tao Jiang, Guangchen Lan, Ashley Lee, Yu Long, Yande Peng and Dongkai Wang.

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

IP what? Explaining water and dust resistance for audio gear

Tech companies use an IPX code to show that their products are water and dust-resistant. But what does this IPX code mean? We break it all down.

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Soft Semiconductors that Stretch Like Human Skin Can Detect Ultra-low Light Levels

Semiconductors are moving away from rigid substrates, which are cut or formed into thin discs or wafers, to more flexible plastic material and even paper thanks to new material and fabrication discoveries. The trend toward more flexible substrates has led to fabrication of numerous devices, from light-emitting diodes to solar cells and transistors.

Georgia Tech researchers have created a material that acts like a second skin layer and is up to 200% more stretchable than its original dimension without significantly losing its electric current. The researchers say the soft flexible photodetectors could enhance the utility of medical wearable sensors and implantable devices, among other applications.

Photodetectors today are used as wearables for health monitoring, such as rigid fingertip pulse oximeter reading devices. They convert light signals into electrical ones and are commonly used on wearable electronics.

Stretchable like a Rubber Band

Given that conventional flexible semiconductors break under a few percentages of strain, the Georgia Tech findings are “an order-of-magnitude improvement,” said Olivier Pierron, professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, whose lab measures the mechanical properties and reliability of flexible electronics under extreme conditions, reports Georgia Tech.

“Think of a rubber band or something that’s soft and stretchable like human skin yet has similar electrical semiconducting properties of solid or rigid semiconductors,” said Canek Fuentes-Hernandez, a co-PI formerly in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and now an associate professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University in Boston. “We’ve shown that you can build stretchability into semiconductors that retains the electrical performance needed to detect light levels that are around hundred million times fainter than produced by a light bulb used for indoor illumination,” he said.

Extraordinary Tenacity and Teamwork

Bernard Kippelen, vice provost for International Initiatives and an ECE professor, oversaw the work of Youngrak Park, the study’s first author and a Ph.D. candidate in ECE. Following two-and-a-half years of research, Park uncovered the right combination of chemical compounds that produced a super-soft material with the ability to generate and conduct electricity when exposed to light.

Park found the perfect ratio for all parts of the semiconductor layer to maintain high performance in the photodetector. But it was painstaking work to prove the materials’ stretchability, especially given that a single layer was 1,000 times thinner than a human hair.

Park relied on Kyungjin Kim, then a Georgia Tech Ph.D. mechanical engineering student, to test the material’s reliability. He continued to provide Kim with larger, thicker samples until one with a thickness of 500 nanometers worked.

“It was still super thin. Under dry conditions, it would just crumble. We had to use a water reservoir to keep its shape,” recalled Kim, now an assistant professor in the University of Connecticut’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.

To test for electrical signals coming out of the device under illumination, electronic terminals had to be embedded on it. Yet, those terminals had to be deformable, too, or the entire device would become rigid.

“Fabricating stretchable electronic terminals was a major challenge in and of itself,” said ECE PhD graduate Felipe Andres Larrain, who worked closely with Park and focused on the embedded components. He is now an assistant professor at Adolfo Ibáñez University in Chile.

Four people standing near a building — Three engineering labs at Georgia Tech collaborated to demonstrate a new level of stretchability of a photodetector. Pictured above is first author Youngrak Park (right) with the lab leads (L to R) Bernard Kippelen, Samuel Graham, and Olivier Pierron. (Photo credit: Ben Wright, Georgia Tech)

While this breakthrough material has been initially integrated into a photodetector and tested for electrical functionality, more testing and optimization is needed to show the materials’ stretchability under multimodal loads and its shelf stability.

“What’s exciting is what these materials and the devices will enable us to develop―namely, the concept of intelligence systems. You have functional surfaces that combine sensors that monitor all kinds of physical properties,” said Graham, former chair of the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and now Dean of Engineering at the University of Maryland.

“This is a very good example of interdisciplinary research — none of this work would have been possible without the collaboration between electrical and mechanical engineers,” Kippelen said. “In the lab we didn’t have any prior experience with stretchable materials. Figuring out how to measure this took a lot of perseverance, creativity and hard work.”

New Smart Applications Possible

The researchers are most excited about the potential of the material to enhance medical wearables. Typically, wristwatches that use rigid biosensors have limitations since flexing the wrist can completely change the sensor’s measurements. They are subject to “motion artifact,” or degraded image quality, caused when a person moves.

The research team foresees rich applications for the soft and stretchable polymer blend beyond wearables for health monitoring. “The soft device also could be attractive for implantable electronics for bio-electronic applications since the interfaces comply with the dynamic motion of the soft biological tissues, reducing the foreign body reaction,” said Kim.

“The potential is fantastic,” added Larrain. “In the long-term, you could develop sensors that could enhance or even replace the human eye or be applied to robotic eyes.”

Fuentes sees the material working in smart agriculture applications, where farmers could attach light sensors into fruits or other produce to monitor growth, disease and to better time harvesting.

Kippelen believes the rubber-like photodiodes that detect ultralow light levels could find applications in detecting, identifying, and characterizing ionizing radiation for nuclear fuel cycle monitoring.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Chinese Researchers Develop Wearable Electronic Textiles With a Large-Area Display

A team of researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, has developed an electronic textile with a large-area display that could have applications in communications, navigation and healthcare. Their work has been described in Nature. The textile is flexible, breathable and durable, making it an ideal material for practical uses. The fabric is the work of a team led by Huisheng Peng, a professor in the Department of Macromolecular Engineering at Fudan University.

Creating large displays integrated with functional systems that are flexible and durable when worn has been challenging. Conventional solid-state display materials are not readily compatible with textiles because they struggle to withstand the natural deformation that occurs when fabrics are worn and washed. This new design weaves conductive fibers and luminescent fibers together with cotton into a fabric display, and is shown to overcome this issue, reports Fudan University.

Huisheng Peng and colleagues produced a display fabric that is 6 meters long and 25 centimeters wide that can be integrated with a touch-sensitive fabric keyboard and a fabric power supply (in this case, one that harvests solar energy).

This is the conductive and luminescent fibers that we use for weaving, Peng said as he held up a reel of fiber that at first glance is just like ordinary yarns.

Less than half a millimeter in diameter, these fibers come in various colors. And when we plug them in, they begin to glow, Peng said as he picked up a shirt with a logo of “Fudan University” woven with blue fibers. It can be clearly discernible in the room when the power is switched on.

A wearable display — Image credit: Fudan University

There are various applications for the fabric, such as a navigation tool that displays an interactive map or a communications tool that can send or retrieve messages via a Bluetooth connection with a smartphone. The display is produced by illuminating units (electroluminescent units) that form where the conductive fibers and luminescent fibers meet at contact points in the woven fabric.

Is such fabric comfortable? As the diameter of the light-emitting fiber can be precisely adjusted between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, clothing woven from this kind of fiber is ultra-fine and ultra-flexible, which can fit the irregular contour of the human body and can be as light and breathable as the ordinary fabric.

After 1,000 cycles of bending, stretching and pressing, the performance of the vast majority of electroluminescent units remained stable. In addition, the brightness of the electroluminescent units remained stable after 100 cycles of washing and drying. With the integration of more functionality, the authors expect these “smart textiles” to shape the next generation of electronic communication tools.

Peng believes this invention can revolutionize communication and “help individuals with voice, speech or language difficulties to express themselves to others”. “We hope that woven-fiber materials will shape next-generation electronics by changing the way we interact with electronic devices,” Peng said.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Epitel Closes $12.5 Million Series A Financing for Seizure Detection Wearable

Epitel, Inc., a digital health company developing a wearable, wireless EEG monitoring platform for seizure detection, announced today the closing of a $12.5 million Series A financing for initial pilot commercialization and further development of its proprietary platform. Epitel received FDA clearance for its first product, a wireless and wearable EEG (brain wave monitor) sensor, and remote access software known as REMI® for use within hospital emergency rooms and critical care units. REMI first received clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 2021.

Two-thirds of the U.S. population lack ready access to EEGs and most emergency departments lack the capability to adequately monitor EEG (Ward et al., 2012. Neurocrit Care. 16(2):232-40.) REMI, Epitel’s first FDA-cleared product solves this problem with wearable, wireless sensors that can be rapidly and easily applied by a nurse or hospital technician. EEG data is then immediately connected to a cloud-based software platform available to neurologists to review and monitor for seizures at any time from any location. Because the Epitel System is wearable and wireless, it can continue to monitor the patient continuously for 48 hours during their hospital journey, reports BusinessWire.

“Epitel’s first FDA-cleared product, REMI, has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and management of seizures within the hospital. With Epitel, patients, no matter their geography, may have access to essential EEGs during the most critical times of need,” said Mark Lehmkuhle, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Epitel. “We intend to further expand our product pipeline for use outside the hospital by people living with epilepsy and other seizure conditions. We are honored to have the support of Catalyst Health Ventures, Genoa Ventures, and a strong investment syndicate in our first financing.”

A person holding a small chip on his palm — Image: Epitel

Catalyst Health Ventures (CHV) and Genoa Ventures co-led the Series A financing along with participation from Dexcom and OSF Ventures. Wavemaker 360, MedMountain Ventures and Salt Lake City Angels also participated in the round. In conjunction with this close, Vikram Chaudhery, Ph.D., of Genoa Ventures, and Joshua Phillips of CHV have been appointed to the Board of Directors. Andy Rasdal, founding CEO of Dexcom, and Kim Kamdar, Ph.D., of Domain Associates join the board as Executive Chairman and Independent Director respectively. Prior to Series A, the company has been primarily grant-backed with funding from the NIH and Epilepsy Foundation totaling over $7.5 million.

“It is time that EEGs for the brain become as accessible as EKGs for the heart to patients throughout the country. For too long essential neurological services have been inaccessible to large parts of our population,” said Dr. Chaudery, Principal with Genoa Ventures. “Genoa Ventures is excited to support Epitel in their journey to become the leader in remote seizure management and transform how clinicians monitor and diagnose seizures in the ED, ICU, ambulatory, and at-home settings. Most importantly we were excited about Epitel’s potential for broad impact across all these settings and changing the way we think about long-term brain health management.”

“We are excited to partner with the Epitel team to support bringing this disruptive technology to the market,” said Mr. Phillips, Managing Partner of CHV. “Epitel’s technology platform stands out as the first EEG system that may with further development more seamlessly support a seizure patient from the hospital to the home while integrating into existing physician and hospital workflows. With Epitel, the future is brighter for people living with acute and chronic neurological conditions.”

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Monday, February 21, 2022

Best Presidents Day Fitbit sales and deals 2022

Fitbit fitness trackers, which will help you get in better shape and track your progress, are available with discounts from Best Buy for Presidents Day sales.

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Foxconn Partners With tBPC and ITRI to Advance Telemedicine

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., also known as Foxconn Technology Group in the market, has announced that it is expanding into the Southeast Asian medical device market with its latest partnership in Taiwan, CNA News reports.

The multinational electronics producer has signed a cooperation cope with shopper electronics provider Taiwan Biophotonic Corp. (tBPC) and government-backed Industrial Expertise Analysis Institute (ITRI) to develop a long-distance care monitoring platform, reports MobiHealth News.

The companies may collaborate to mix tBPC’s optical sensors with Foxconn’s medical hardware in addition to combine the previous’s medical algorithms into the general software program improvement.

The remote care monitoring platform will be supported and guided by ITRI’s research in electro-optics, information communication, and microsystems.

The consortium plans to test their upcoming technology in a year-long clinical trial at New Taipei’s Tucheng Hospital. The new system will need to be certified by the health authorities in the markets it enters.

Photo of an office building — A Foxconn factory in the Czech Republic (Photo credit: Nadkachna, Wikimedia Commons)

Negotiations for broader cooperation are also underway with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and several elderly care centers in an effort to accelerate the rate at which new devices hit the local market and enter international markets.

A McKinsey & Co. report last year said that the digital health market in Asia could reach $100 billion in value by 2025 from $37 billion in 2020, driven by a thriving consumer-centric digital health ecosystem and rising demand.

In other news, Foxconn disclosed in November last year that it is investing over $700 million in its “3+3” initiative, which refers to three emerging industries: electric vehicles, robots, and digital health. The company started out in contract hardware manufacturing before expanding to hardware and software integration.

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Sunday, February 20, 2022

February 2022: SoftPulse™ by Datwyler

Our Innovation of the Month enables the next generation of brain-monitoring devices: SoftPulse by Datwyler!

Datwyler’s soft dry electrodes offer high wearing comfort, are waterproof, flexible, and biocompatible.

Innovative solution for long-term bio-monitoring applications.

The SoftPulse allows dry signal acquisition which eliminates the use of gels and decreases skin irritation significantly. The specific design and characteristics allow usage without special skin preparation and freedom of area for monitoring. It simplifies the correct placement and the patients can apply the electrodes outside the hospital, which significantly increases convenience.

Furthermore, the soft dry electrodes are very robust, can be cleaned easily and used repeatedly. The SoftPulse is our solution for long-term bio-monitoring applications as they really improve the treatment comfort for patients.

If you would like to learn more about SoftPulse, you are lucky: Datwyler is partnering with WT | Wearable Technologies again at the WT | Show at MEDICA 2022! Come and visit us and get introduced to Datwyler!

If you would like to learn more about SoftPulseTM and how they are manufactured and used, visit the WT | Studio Masterclass with Datwyler.

Want to learn more about Datwyler directly? Visit their Website.

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January 2022: CART by Skylabs

Our Gadget of the Month empowers you to live your life to the full: The CART manufactured by Skylabs!

Field of Application

CART is a ring-type medical device that continuously monitors your heart health using photoplethysmography and electrocardiogram signals.

Unique features of CART include:

Continuous heart monitoring
Atrial Fibrillation detection with 99.6% Accuracy
Real-time measurements and analysis
Remote data access from your doctor
Simplicity and ease of use

The heart rate is measured continuously and the ECG measurement can be triggered at will.

Technological Background

An irregular pulse wave is measured automatically by monitoring the blood flow in the finger through the optical sensor. Monitored data is sent to the cloud to detect and analyze atrial fibrillation using Artificial Intelligence. The results are sent to the companion user app and physician platform. The CART system combines photoplethysmography (PPG) to measure heart rate (HR) and detect atrial fibrillation. The electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements which are triggered at will provide the doctor with additional information.

This unique combination of sensor technologies packed into the small form factor of a ring makes the CART our Innovation of the Month! If you would like to learn more about CART, you are lucky: Skylabs is partnering with WT | Wearable Technologies again at the WT | Show at MEDICA 2022! Come and visit us and get introduced to Skylabs!

Want to learn more about Skylabs directly? Visit their Website: https://skylabs.io/

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Best cheap GoPro alternative action cameras for February 2022

If you're staying active outside, a good action camera is a perfect way to record your adventures.

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Best smartwatch deals for February 2022

Smartwatches make life easier by sending alerts right on your wrist. Many also provide fitness-tracking features, so now is a great time to pick one up for cheap. With so many models available, you can find a deal almost all of the time.

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Best Apple Watch deals and sales for February 2022

The Apple Watch has surged to prominence in recent years. If you're in the market for an iOS wearable, we've sniffed out the best Apple Watch deals available right now.

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Friday, February 18, 2022

Best Apple deals and sales for February 2022

Apple fans know how fleeting deals can be, but we've rounded up some great Apple deals for you right here.

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Best Garmin watch deals for February 2022

Garmin makes some of the best fitness wearables, and we can help you find the right one at the right price with this roundup of the best Garmin watch deals.

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Withings Buys Leading Health and Fitness App 8Fit To Boost Health Insights

Withings, a Issy-les-Moulineaux, France-based connected health tech company, announced the acquisition of 8fit, a worldwide health, fitness, and wellness app with more than 40 million downloads. Available in 6 languages, 8fit offers efficient workouts, customized meal plans, and self-care guidance to users. Its capabilities further strengthen Withings’ ongoing strategy to develop personalized programs that combine sophisticated data with actionable insights that empower users to modify behavior. The company intends to invest more than $30 million in the next three years to accelerate the development of this personalized support.

The acquisition comes on the heels of another deal announced last month. Withings acquired Impeto Medical, a French device company that makes a tool for monitoring peripheral neuropathies. That tech has already been incorporated into the company’s latest smart scale, the Body Scan, which it plans to release in the second half of 2022.

In the context of rising health concerns worldwide, users’ expectations and behavior have shifted towards a need for even more personalized support, through digital solutions such as health & wellbeing apps: acquiring 8fit is the first step in Withings’ ambition to provide value-added support to users, says a press release.

“In recent years, users have shown a growing need for solutions to help them (re)gain control over their health. Not only do people seek to understand their health by monitoring key health metrics, they also need to be supported, engaged and motivated throughout their journey to better health. We now feel it’s key to enter the era of the “product-service-data”, combining personal health data with personalized wellness plans, and further deliver on our mission to empower anyone to be healthier in the long-run. With the acquisition of 8fit, we are well placed to deliver a strategy that combines elegantly designed health devices, enhanced health data and experienced advice that is simple to adopt and designed specifically for our customers. ” said Mathieu Letombe, CEO of Withings.

Withings integrates 8fit into its health offering to strengthen personalized wellness capabilities

Launched in 2014, 8fit promotes healthy lifestyles by providing personalized nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness programs that address all aspects of its users’ health to help them achieve their goals. The app offers thousands of supervised and customizable workouts such as HIIT, boxing, Pilates, yoga or meditation, and hundreds of balanced, healthy, and easy-to-prepare recipes. Like Withings, 8fit puts the user’s health at the center of its personalized plans. Far from being a sports performance app, 8fit shares with Withings a vision focused on long-term health.

“From the services we offer, it’s clear that Withings and 8fit are aligned to help users achieve their health goals. We are excited to combine Withings’ expertise in connected health devices that collect accurate, quality data with our fitness and nutrition plans. Together, we will provide our users with a more holistic health offering to help them lead healthier, happier lives,” said Lisette Fabian, CEO of 8fit.

Device and Advice

Since introducing the worlds’ first connected scale in 2009, Withings has continually innovated and built the largest connected health ecosystem in the market, comprised of smart scales, blood pressure monitors, smartwatches, sleep monitors, and thermometers. Its devices capture 20 vital health parameters such as blood pressure, ECG, weight, heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns to help people achieve health goals and detect changes in their health status.

Withings’ easy-to-use and non-invasive devices offer best in class health metrics that support a longitudinal understanding of holistic health. On average, Withings’ scales users weigh themselves every 3 days, suggesting strong engagement already with the device. When combined with behavior change nudges, users will be supported and motivated to make behavioral and lifestyle changes that improve outcomes.

The move to pair personalized health insights with Withings health data was first announced at CES 2022, with the unveiling of Body Scan, a sophisticated health station with the ability to monitor segmental body composition, assess nerve activity and assess heart rhythm using a 6-lead ECG. Going beyond weight management, when launched in H2, 2022 Body Scan will also come with in-app access to personalized, holistic plans encompassing sleep, physical exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction, as well as clinical specialists for those who require more support.

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Thursday, February 17, 2022

Apple Watch Series 7 down to lowest price of 2022

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

The best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic screen protectors

Protect the traditional styling of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic with our pick of the best screen protectors, from tempered glass to flexible film protectors.

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Grab a Fitbit Versa for $50 off today!

There's a deal on some great wearable tech happening at Dell today, where the Fitbit Versa 2 is going for just $130.

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Apple Watch 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 get discounts at Amazon

It might be time to invest in a new smartwatch with Amazon's discounts for the 40mm, Bluetooth Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the 41mm, GPS Apple Watch Series 7.

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Cyber Monday 2022 deals — what to expect

We help you find the best Cyber Monday deals.

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The best Apple Watch Series 6 tips and tricks

The Apple Watch Series 6 includes numerous handy features for testing blood oxygen, measuring elevation, hand washing, and more. Here are our favorite tricks.

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Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Motorola’s 5G neckband can power lightweight XR glasses

Motorola has introduced a new 5G neckband designed to make your AR glasses and VR headsets (or XR headsets) feel light as a feather.

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Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs. Apple AirPods 3

Thinking of buying a new set of earbuds? Google's Pixel Buds A-Series and Apple's AirPods 3 are two great choices, but which is the best? Here's what we think.

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How does Garmin measure stress?

Stress can profoundly impact not only your fitness but also your well-being. Find out how Garmin measures stress and whether it's accurate enough to be useful.

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Best cheap Fitbit deals for February 2022

Out of shape? Get a head start on your summer beach bod with the best cheap Fitbit deals available.

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Monday, February 14, 2022

The Booming Market of Digital Musculoskeletal Care. What The Future Holds?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. In the United States, chronic back, neck, and joint pain afflicts millions of Americans and accounts for the largest share of U.S. health care expenditures. In 2016, spending on musculoskeletal disorders cost an estimated $380 billion, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

“It is part of the macro boom that we see within digital health,” Boris Kheyn-Kheyfets, senior manager at Deloitte Consulting, told MobiHealthNews. However, he added that “musculoskeletal, in particular, deserves special mention within that, because musculoskeletal is an extremely large total addressable market. And the reality is that you can save quite a bit to employers and plans around surgery avoidance.”

According to a study published in JAMA, just over 57% of the low back and neck pain spending came from private insurers and was associated with working-age adults. Meanwhile, spending for that condition increased nearly 7% between 1996 and 2016, though the number of prevalent cases only increased by just more than 1% annually.

Mark Luck Olson, CEO of RecoveryOne, thinks that instead of surgeries early intervention with physical therapy would save money. But the goal for digital musculoskeletal care should be more than just moving a physical therapy appointment to a virtual environment.

“That end-to-end journey is what we’re trying to innovate. We are not trying to digitize the visit. Sure, visits can be part of many episodes, but that’s not the point,” he said. “The point is to improve the cost and quality of that journey from ouch to all better, not digitizing the visit.”

A comprehensive approach to treating chronic musculoskeletal pain by combining physical therapy with behavioral health and lifestyle changes will create lasting relief and help employees avoid expensive surgeries and other medical interventions.

Acceptance of digital health and therapeutics by employers and health plans has accelerated rapidly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic — as have remote-work technologies and advances in digital health initiatives.

Musculoskeletal-focused digital apps (MDAs) are increasingly being used for physical therapy and rehabilitation, telehealth, pain management, behavioral health, and remote patient monitoring. Clinicians select and recommend MDAs for optimal patient care.

Digital musculoskeletal clinic Hinge Health launched HingeConnect to set a new standard in personalized care via seamless electronic medical record (EMR) integration, real-time interventions, and robust care coordination between digital and in-person providers.

DarioHealth, a leader in digital chronic condition management, launched Upright GO S, a wearable device that suppresses slouching and enhances posture.

The device uses biofeedback to track the user’s posture and vibrates when they begin to slouch, signaling them to straighten up. It is placed on the upper back either by a hypoallergenic adhesive strip or using a silicone necklace.

With remote work as the new normal, employers will need to address employee health risks. By leveraging the power of digital health for MSK therapeutics solution.

Digital technology is enabling new approaches to solving old problems like musculoskeletal pain. So, now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity before us.

The post The Booming Market of Digital Musculoskeletal Care. What The Future Holds? first appeared on Wearable Technologies.

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Sunday, February 13, 2022

Timex’s cool Space Invaders watch is dripping with nostalgia

How do you up the nostalgia around an already classic watch like the Timex T80? By making a special edition celebrating the Space Invaders video game.

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Saturday, February 12, 2022

The NFL wants to predict injuries before they happen. Here’s how

The NFL doesn't just want to treat injuries after they happen. Instead, it now uses technology to help predict and prevent injuries before they occur.

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Friday, February 11, 2022

Best Apple deals and sales for February 2022

Apple fans know how fleeting deals can be, but we've rounded up some great Apple deals for you right here.

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Best smartwatch deals for February 2022

Best Apple Watch deals and sales for February 2022

Best cheap GoPro alternative action cameras for February 2022

If you're staying active outside, a good action camera is a perfect way to record your adventures.

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Dexcom G6 CGM Gets Coverage in Alberta for Children and Youth Living With Diabetes

Dexcom, the global leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), announced today that people with diabetes who are under 18 years old and require ongoing use of insulin or insulin pump therapy are eligible for public coverage of the Dexcom G6 CGM System through Alberta Health.

Alberta joins five other jurisdictions in providing public coverage of real-time CGM systems under provincial health plans. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also recently announced coverage for First Nations and Inuit children. With expanded public coverage for CGM, more children and youth can access this standard of care technology, helping them manage their diabetes.

“We applaud the Alberta government for recognizing the value of real-time CGM and supporting access for its residents living with diabetes. For youth in particular, diabetes management can make day-to-day life a challenge. Now, more young people living with diabetes will be able to learn and play with their peers with far less worry for their families about their glucose levels,” says Laura Endres, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Dexcom Canada.

The Dexcom G6 CGM System uses a small, wearable sensor and transmitter to continuously measure and send glucose levels wirelessly to a display device; and a compatible smart device or receiver that displays real-time glucose data to users without the need for calibration† or scanning. The Dexcom G6 CGM System provides users with real-time alerts, including a predictive Urgent Low Soon alert, and can warn the user in advance of hypoglycemia — giving them time to take appropriate action before it occurs. With the use of the Dexcom Follow App, parents and caregivers can also access their loved one’s glucose levels remotely and be alerted if they are going out of their target glucose range. As part of the Alberta Health Services coverage program, users will now be able to order and pick up their Dexcom CGM supplies through their local pharmacy, reports BusinessWire.

A woman wearing a CGM device — Image: Dexcom

“In my practice, managing glucose through the use of real-time CGM has led to reduction in A1c, fewer incidences of hypoglycemia and an overall improvement in quality of life,” says Dr. Karin Winston, a pediatric endocrinologist in Calgary. “Today’s announcement means more pediatric patients will have access to this life-changing technology to manage their diabetes.”

In 2021, the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines review committee updated its recommendations for glucose monitoring, stating that real-time CGM (rtCGM), like the Dexcom G6, should be used by individuals with type 1 diabetes treated with basal-bolus insulin injections or an insulin pump in order to reduce A1C and increase time in range, reduce duration and incidence of hypoglycemia and, in adults, improve quality of life.

About Dexcom

Dexcom, Inc. empowers people to take control of diabetes through innovative continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. Headquartered in San Diego, California in the United States, and with operations in Canada, Dexcom has emerged as a leader of diabetes care technology. By listening to the needs of users, caregivers, and providers, Dexcom simplifies and improves diabetes management around the world.

The post Dexcom G6 CGM Gets Coverage in Alberta for Children and Youth Living With Diabetes first appeared on Wearable Technologies.

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Thursday, February 10, 2022

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 drops to $200 for a limited time

If you're an Android user on the hunt for a smartwatch, then you definitely don't want to miss out on this deal on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

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NTU Researchers Develop Way to Detect Depression Risk Using Data from Wearables

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, have developed a predictive computer program that uses data from wearable technology to detect individuals who are at increased risk of depression.

In trials using data from groups of depressed and healthy participants, the program achieved an accuracy of 80 per cent in detecting those individuals with a high risk of depression and those with no risk.

Powered by machine learning, the program, named the Ycogni model, screens for the risk of depression by analyzing an individual’s physical activity, sleep patterns, and circadian rhythms derived from data from wearable devices that measure his or her steps, heart rate, energy expenditure, and sleep data.

Depression affects 264 million people globally1, and is undiagnosed and untreated in half of all cases, according to the World Health Organization. In Singapore, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased concerns over mental well-being. A new study by Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health pointed to a likely increase in mental health issues, including depression related to the pandemic.

Activity trackers are estimated to be worn by nearly a billion people, up from 722 million in 2019.

To develop the Ycogni model, the scientists conducted a study involving 290 working adults in Singapore. Participants wore Fitbit Charge 2 devices for 14 consecutive days and completed two health surveys, which screened for depressive symptoms, at the start and end of the study, reports NTU.

The average age of the participants was 33 years old, with the sample closely mirroring the ethnic population of Singapore. Participants were instructed to wear trackers all the time and to remove them only when taking a shower or when the device needs charging.

A scientist showing a wearable device — Professor Josip Car and the Ycogni computer model (Photo credit: NTU)

Professor Josip Car, Director, Centre for Population Health Sciences at NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), who co-led the study, said: “Our study successfully showed that we could harness sensor data from wearables to aid in detecting the risk of developing depression in individuals. By tapping on our machine learning program, as well as the increasing popularity of wearable devices, it could one day be used for timely and unobtrusive depression screening.”

Associate Professor Georgios Christopoulos, from NTU’s Nanyang Business School, who co-led the study, said: “This is a study that, we hope, can set up the basis for using wearable technology to help individuals, researchers mental health practitioners and policy makers to improve mental well-being. But on a more generic and futuristic application, we believe that such signals could be integrated with Smart Buildings or even Smart Cities initiatives: imagine a hospital or a military unit that could use these signals to identify people-at-risk.”

The results of the study were published in the peer-reviewed academic journal JMIR mHealth and uHealth in November.

Over the next year, the team hopes to explore the impact of smartphone usage on depressive symptoms and risk of developing depression by enriching their model with data on smartphone usage. This includes how long and frequent individuals use their mobile phones, as well as their reliance on social media.

The post NTU Researchers Develop Way to Detect Depression Risk Using Data from Wearables first appeared on Wearable Technologies.

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Tag Heuer reinvents its luxury smartwatch with 2 stunning models

Tag Heuer pioneered the luxury smartwatch, and is now back with two brand new models, each with a distinctive look. Here's what you need to know about them.

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Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Johnson & Johnson Partners With Microsoft For Digital Surgery Solutions

The Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies (JJMDC) announced that it will collaborate with Microsoft to further enable and expand JJMDC’s secure and compliant digital surgery ecosystem. The Microsoft Cloud will help JJMDC realize its vision of driving innovation that advances skills, improves workflow, and enhances surgical decision making for a better overall customer experience and improved patient and economic outcomes.

JJMDC’s innovative medical technology exists across an ecosystem that includes next generation robotics, world-class instrumentation, advanced imaging and visualization, data and analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital solutions. To mobilize the potential of these assets and make a clinical difference for patients, it is imperative to establish robust connectivity with, and between, all elements of the ecosystem with a seamless, interconnected network that meets surgeons where they are in their workflow and patients where they are in their healthcare journey, according to a press release.

“Collaborating with Microsoft will help take our digital approach to the next level as we create a best-in-class, unified platform across our innovative surgical technologies,” said Larry Jones, Group CIO and Global Vice President, Medical Devices, Johnson & Johnson. “It brings together our collective expertise and is an exciting step towards creating a connected patient journey across the entire care continuum, before, during, and after a procedure.”

Robotic surgery — Image credit: P. Berthet-Rayne, G. Gras, K. Leibrandt, P. Wisanuvej, A. Schmitz, C. A. Seneci, and G.-Z. Yang (Wikimedia Commons)

As part of the strategic partnership, Microsoft will serve as JJMDC’s preferred cloud provider for the company’s digital surgery solutions and help JJMDC build out its digital surgery platform and internet of things (IoT) device connectivity. By harnessing the power of the Microsoft Cloud, including Azure, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365, the companies expect to work together to deliver innovation across the following areas:

Innovating to improve patient outcomes through artificial intelligence, machine learning and data insights.
Increasing JJMDC device connectivity, insights and intelligence using Azure IoT and Edge Computing technologies.
Increasing the pace of digital innovation and transformation across the JJMDC digital surgery ecosystem using Azure capabilities and services.

“At the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices companies, we’re shaping a future where medical intervention is smarter, less invasive, and more personalized,” said Peter Schulam, MD, PhD, Global Head, Medical Affairs, Clinical Affairs and Pre-Clinical Research, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, and Leader, Office of Digital Innovation. “We’re excited to collaborate with Microsoft on this important work as we continue to expand our digital surgery assets and capabilities, develop innovative and advanced instrumentation, and make a meaningful clinical difference for customers and patients.”

The post Johnson & Johnson Partners With Microsoft For Digital Surgery Solutions first appeared on Wearable Technologies.

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What you can (and can’t) do on your Apple Watch without your iPhone

Learn what your Apple Watch can do without your iPhone present.

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Tuesday, February 8, 2022

How to connect AirPods to a Peloton

Cranking out cardio on a Peloton is a great way to stay in shape at home. Better yet, if you have a pair of AirPods, you can pair them to the bike. Here's how.

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Jabra Elite 7 Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t

When it comes to noise-canceling earbuds, Jabra is one of the best brands, bar-none. But can the new Jabra Elite 7 Pro buds top the Elite 85t? Let's find out.

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Audibel Launches AI-Enabled Hearing Aids That Auto-Adjust To Wearer’s Environment

Health Tech Firm Audibel announced the launch of its new artificial intelligence hearing aids called the Arc AI. The sound quality is driven by an AI algorithm that automatically adjusts hearing aids to the wearer’s environment. Users can choose from multiple styles including completely-in-canal and behind-the-ear styles.

“The smartest hearing aid just got smarter,” said Achin Bhowmik, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer for Audibel. “The Arc AI will redefine how hearing loss is addressed for the next decade, and we at Audibel are proud to lead the way.”

“Your hearing aid should adjust to you, not the other way around,” said Keri L. Ruf, MA, Regional Managing Director at Audibel. “Now with the Arc AI, that can be the case for millions who rely on these devices each day.”

Up to 55 million personalized adjustments are made per hour without the wearer lifting a finger. The result is 40% noise reduction, a statistic that Ruf called “game changing” for anyone who wears hearing aids, Audibel said in a press release.

“Arc AI automatically adjusts to real-life scenarios that any wearer would find themselves experiencing,” Ruf said. “If the room is noisy, Arc AI will reduce background noise; if you go out for a walk, it will pick up the sound direction. In a place like Manhattan, where you’re going from a busy street filled with honking to a very quiet office building, automatic adjustments are a must.”

Ruf noted that the new technology is available in over a dozen styles, including fully hidden completely-in-canal (CIC) designs, powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) options, and every size in between.

“Not only is the Arc AI effortless hearing, but it’s effortless selection, since it’s customizable in the look and the fit,” said Ruf, noting that the hearing aids also come in rechargeable and non-rechargeable varieties. “We have a hearing aid for literally every person in the world who needs one.”

Parts of a hearing aid — Better hearing has never been more effortless with Arc AI. (PRNewswire photo)

Ruf said that Arc AI also features other key Audibel technologies, including:

Fall detection technology: A designated caregiver receives an alert whenever an accident happens.
TeleHear: Hearing aids can be adjusted or otherwise worked on remotely by Audibel technicians, limiting visits to a clinic.
Thrive app: The companion app supports many additional features, including tinnitus masking tools and settings for listening to music.
Bluetooth® connectivity: The Arc AI can connect to both iPhone and Android phones via Bluetooth, so the wearer can take phone calls, listen to audio, or watch videos with their hearing aids.
Reminders: Whether to go to an appointment or take a medication, Arc AI supports reminder alerts directly into the hearing aid.

“We brought the best of Audibel to the Arc AI,” Ruf said.

Arc AI will be available at Audibel – Manhattan starting October 4th, 2021.

About Audibel

Audibel is a brand of Starkey Hearing Technologies. Recognized across the globe as a premier provider of hearing healthcare, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, owned by Bill Austin since 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has more than 5,000 employees, operates 28 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

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Jabra’s Enhance Plus hearing aid earbuds are $799

Jabra's Enhance Plus earbuds have been priced at $799 and will be available at hearing clinics throughout the U.S. starting February 25.

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Garmin’s new D2 Air X10 adds voice controls for $550

In an upgrade to its critically well-received Garmin D2 Air, the new D2 Air X10 lets pilots control Siri or the Google Assistant from their wrists.

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Monday, February 7, 2022

Peloton Launches New Wearable Heart Rate Monitor

Peloton announced that it is releasing a new wearable Bluetooth heart rate monitor. Unlike its existing chest strap, the Peloton Heart Rate Band is meant to be worn on a user’s forearm and features optical heart rate sensors.

The arm band, which retails for $90, uses optical sensors to detect heart rate and features five LED lights to show heart rate zone, Bluetooth connectivity status and battery charge.

If your heart rate monitor is ANT+ compatible, the metric for your heart rate will automatically appear in the top left of your touchscreen. Please note, your heart rate monitor must be on prior to starting the class. To make sure your heart rate monitor is on, ensure the sensors are lightly wet (with water or sweat) before placing the leads on your chest.

The company also offers a chest-worn heart rate monitor that’s currently selling for $34.

The armband has been rumored for some time now. Bloomberg first reported that Peloton was working on the device back in June 2021 as part of a wearables push.

Unlike Peloton’s chest strap, the Heart Rate Band doesn’t support ANT+, meaning it may not work with some non-Peloton equipment. If you plan to use it exclusively with Peloton’s machines, that won’t be an issue, but if you want to pair it with other devices, make sure they support Bluetooth.

The peloton heart rate monitor exchange data using the ANT+ and BLE technology, which is a low-energy wireless protocol meant to collect and transfer data with other sensors. Then, the peloton bike and tread collect, analyze and interpret this data on the computer.

Battery life

According to the company, the band offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a charge, which should be enough for several workouts. However, it doesn’t last quite as long as some competitors—the Wahoo Tickr Fit promises 35 hours of battery life on a charge, while the Polar Verity Sense offers up to 30 hours.

How To Use the Peloton Heart Rate Band

To set up the Peloton Heart Rate Band, plug the charger in and place the pod on top to wake it; the LED lights on the display will show its battery level. When fully charged, all five LEDs on the band will shine blue. If the band is asleep, firmly press the LEDs to see the battery level and put the device into pairing mode. Once charged, snap the pod into the armband, reports PC Mag.

Before you start your work out, just fasten the band around your forearm, three to four finger widths from your elbow crease. Make sure, it’s snug enough to stay put, but not so tight that it hurts or cuts off your circulation. Finally, log into your Peloton machine and the Heart Rate Band should pair automatically.

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Saturday, February 5, 2022

Garmin Epix Gen 2 review: The ultimate fitness watch

The Garmin Epix might be the king of smart fitness watches, delivering more health metrics and detailed information than any other device.

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Friday, February 4, 2022

Best Apple deals and sales for February 2022

Apple fans know how fleeting deals can be, but we've rounded up some great Apple deals for you right here.

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 dropped to $200 today

Right now, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 at the official Samsung store for just $200 -- that's a $50 discount!

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Which Fitbit device is best for you in 2022?

If you’ve been thinking of buying a new Fitbit this year, here are the best options to choose from.

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Thursday, February 3, 2022

Fighting football injuries with 3D-printed, personalized pads

Protec3d is on a mission to replace generic, one-size-fits-all football pads with 3D printed, hyper-personalized ones that offer more protection for players

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Glooko Acquires Berlin-Based Health AI Company xbird

Glooko, a leading provider of remote patient monitoring and digital health solutions for diabetes and other chronic conditions announced it has acquired xbird, a Berlin-based health AI company developing JITAI (Just In Time Adaptive Intervention) technologies to support patients and their providers in predicting behavior and managing diabetes.

Using the latest AI and machine learning, xbird’s technology has the capability of identifying health risks for people with diabetes by interpreting medical and behavioral data in a targeted manner and providing customized recommendations and behavioral nudges. Sensors via smartphones and wearables record a user’s movements and analyze the data to create individualized behavioral profiles and personalized nudges to change patient behavior and lifestyle decisions. The addition of xbird expands Glooko’s advanced analytics capabilities and tools, further broadening Glooko’s platform offerings, says a press release.

“We are thrilled to welcome the xbird team to the Glooko family. Our investment in xbird represents Glooko’s strategic commitment to machine learning and customized digital coaching for patients with chronic conditions,” said Russ Johannesson, Glooko’s Chief Executive Officer. “Among the many JITAI companies in the digital health landscape, xbird clearly has a superior solution, and has built successful partnerships throughout diabetes device manufacturers and clinical institutions. The combination of Glooko’s established global footprint and xbird’s exciting JITAI capabilities will allow us to improve patient outcomes.”

Sebastian Sujka, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of xbird stated, “xbird and Glooko are a great fit. We share a commitment to providing solutions that address multiple chronic conditions, delivering measurable outcomes, and we have a common mission to broadly serve all patients in need. Our goal is to continue the design of digital health solutions for those living with these conditions and to make our capabilities accessible to as many patients as possible.” Mr. Sujka will join Glooko as the Managing Director of Glooko GmbH, along with all of the xbird staff.

Glooko will integrate the xbird JITAI digital coaching software with its established platform which is used daily by more than 7500 clinics globally and over 1M users. Glooko plans to enable users of their platform globally to utilize these solutions to better manage their diabetes and related chronic conditions.

A pair of wearing devices — Image credit: xbird

The Prevalence of Chronic Disease

Approximately 537 million adults are living with diabetes worldwide, with 9.5 million in Germany (15.3% of the population) and the numbers continue to rise. It is ranked in the top 10 global countries with the fastest growth in diabetes. Additionally, almost one in two people in Germany over 15 years report living with two or more chronic conditions (versus approximately one third of people worldwide). According to the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, one in six adults are considered to be obese in Germany.

About Glooko

Glooko is transforming digital health by connecting people with diabetes and other chronic conditions with their healthcare teams. The company’s software platforms collect and analyze data from multiple devices in one highly secure place, allowing for easy remote upload via app or in-clinic, and producing easy-to-read analytics through actionable charts and graphs. The platform is compatible with over 95% of global diabetes and health monitoring devices, giving patients and their providers flexibility in how to manage their conditions. More than 3 million users have already benefited from Glooko’s solutions in 29 countries across 22 languages.

About xbird

xbird is a medical AI company developing ways to predict health risks and support diabetes management. The company captures data streams from built-in sensors on smartphones, wearables, and medical devices to develop algorithms and machine learning models which process these streams into real-time just in time adaptive interventions (JITAI). Founded in 2015 by Sebastian Sujka and Matteo Carli, xbird has collaborated with major European and US pharma and medical device companies to customize patient interaction and engagement with artificial intelligence.

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