Maybe it’s Google Glass backlash. Even as the niche for Google Glass in sectors like healthcare continues to generate interest, particularly for telemedicine and surgical checklists, consumer interest in the device failed to take off. I saw it more frequently worn by folks at mobile health and health IT conferences than on the street. The owners tended to be selling something or used it to attract attention as to how they were putting the smart glasses to use.
As for the consumer front, I rarely saw women wearing them. If wearables are going to win over women, companies have realized , they need to camouflage the technology or go for a more subtle approach.
Smart jewelry has been a growing part of wearables in the consumer wellness space and they made a pretty big splash at CES. They’re likely to resonate with consumers because they achieve the opposite effect of Google Glass by shrinking and masking its technology in the form of necklaces, rings in a slightly flashier way than smartwatches. iRingly, which raised $5.1 million this week, hides its email and text message alerts in a ring band, although it doesn’t yet have health and wellness applications.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
It attracted investment from venture investors such as High Line Venture Partners, Silas Capital, and PCH. Returning investors included First Round Capital, Mesa+, Social+Capital and Brooklyn Bridge Ventures.
Misfit was well ahead of the curve with its Misfit Shine. But its latest wearables are have more bling. This year it collaborated with Swarovski for a solar powered wearable unveiled at CES. Swarovski Shine counts steps, distance, calories burned and helps users track sleep and duration. Two versions include a crystal.
Another trend is Bluetooth enabled rings that allow users to make hand gestures that can connect and operate digital devices such as Fin, which debuted at CES last year and held an Indiegogo campaign this year. Future developments include adding biometrics that could assign different functions to each finger. It fits into the same category of gesture control technology of Myo by Thalmic Labs but instead of an armband, the design is more stylish.
Arcus Motion Analyzer ring uses sensors not only as an activity tracker but to assess performance in sports like tennis and swimming so users can figure out what they need to improve.
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
