All articles tagged with #healthtech
Withings has announced the second-generation Body Scan scale at CES 2026, which now measures 60 biomarkers including heart capacity, cellular health, and hypertension risk, aiming to provide comprehensive health insights and promote healthier lifestyles. The new model features hardware improvements like an integrated display in the ECG handle and is expected to launch in mid-2026 with a price around $600.
Oura, a popular sleep-tracking ring favored by celebrities and CEOs, aims to stay ahead of competitors like Apple and Google by expanding device connectivity, leveraging smartphone integration, and enhancing software with AI. Despite rising competition and the high cost of its device, Oura emphasizes trust, independence, and innovative partnerships to maintain its market position and explore new health monitoring possibilities, including integration with medical data and personalized health insights.
Google has announced plans to launch new Fitbit-branded devices next year, marking a return to Fitbit hardware after a period of no new releases since 2024, coinciding with updates to the Fitbit app and AI coaching features.
Kohler has introduced the Dekoda, a smart toilet attachment that uses sensors and algorithms to analyze waste for insights into hydration and gut health, providing users with health notifications via a mobile app for a subscription fee.
Finnish health tech company Oura has raised $900 million in funding led by Fidelity, valuing it at approximately $11 billion. The company plans to use the funds for AI, product innovation, and global expansion, with recent sales surpassing 5.5 million rings and revenue expected to exceed $1 billion in 2024. Oura is also expanding into health testing services and targeting new demographics, including young women.
Daniel Nadler, a Harvard Ph.D. and former billionaire founder, built OpenEvidence, an AI-powered platform that helps doctors quickly access and analyze the vast and growing body of medical research, raising $210 million at a $3.5 billion valuation, and signing up over 430,000 U.S. doctors, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare information access.
Hull NHS hospitals have implemented AI software that reduces MRI scan times by 10-15 minutes, improving efficiency and patient comfort, especially for those with claustrophobia or learning disabilities, and allowing more patients to be scanned in a given period.
US health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. endorsed the use of health wearables, prompting a surge in shares of DexCom and other medical device makers, as he announced plans to promote wearable technology for health monitoring across the US within four years, highlighting the growing interest and investment in health tracking devices.
Samsung is expanding its digital health offerings with a new smartwatch update aimed at helping users monitor and improve their health as they age, including features like antioxidant measurement and personalized fitness coaching, to compete with Apple and other health tech companies.
Oura Ring has introduced a new feature called Symptoms Radar for its Oura Ring 3 and 4 models, designed to predict early signs of illness by monitoring health metrics like skin temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability. This proactive health management tool notifies users via the Oura app about potential health issues, allowing them to take preventive measures. The feature is part of Oura's strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the growing smart ring market.
Top investors predict significant changes in healthcare by 2025, including increased court action over legislative changes, the sale of Illumina, and a resurgence in health tech mergers and IPOs. Dr. Oz is expected to lead CMS, making Medicare Advantage more accessible, while Apple is anticipated to revolutionize glucose monitoring with non-invasive technology. Health tech AI startups may struggle to sustain as standalone businesses, and cell therapy is predicted to regain prominence in treating solid tumors.
The Lingo continuous glucose monitor (CGM) by Abbott offers a consumer-friendly way to track blood sugar levels, providing insights into metabolic health and potential diabetes risk. Unlike traditional CGMs requiring prescriptions, Lingo is FDA-cleared for general wellness use, allowing users to monitor how diet and lifestyle affect glucose levels. While the app provides useful health insights, some users may find its motivational language and features like the 'Lingo Count' less appealing. The device is currently only compatible with iPhones, and its affordability makes it a viable option for periodic health check-ins.
Oura, a pioneer in the smart ring market, is planning an international expansion and exploring new features, including nutrition tracking and AI integration. CEO Tom Hale emphasized Oura's focus on health and science, distinguishing it from competitors like Samsung. The company is also seeking FDA approval for diagnostic use and is testing a new AI product, Oura Advisor. Despite competition, Oura's business has strengthened, with nearly 2 million subscribers to its $5.99 monthly service. Oura is also considering new hardware products beyond its current smart rings.
Apple is reportedly planning to release a smart home camera and updated AirPods with enhanced health features in the coming years, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The smart home camera, expected to integrate with Apple Intelligence and Siri, is set for mass production in 2026. Future AirPods models may include health management features similar to the Apple Watch, with Goertek as the primary supplier. These developments align with Apple's ongoing focus on health technology.
Scientists in Barcelona are developing a digital version of the human heart to enhance predictive and preventative medicine, potentially revolutionizing healthcare and advancing our comprehension of heart health. This ambitious project aims to leverage technology to improve medical understanding and treatment of heart-related conditions.