Eye-Catching Digital Health Innovations from CES 2015 File for IPO
From January 6 to 9, 2015, the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the United States. As a bellwether for the consumer electronics market, CES has consistently drawn significant attention from the industry. At this year’s event, digital health devices once again emerged as a key focal point. VCBeat has compiled relevant information from this year’s CES to share with readers the many trending topics and innovative product solutions in the field of digital health.
Trend
On January 6, the Digital Health Summit at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) convened. During the event, a panel of experts conducted an in-depth analysis of various trending topics in digital health devices. By evaluating key factors such as the accuracy of wearable devices and data integration, they provided commentary and assigned ratings (on a scale of 4 to 10) for their future development.
1. Telemedicine
Telemedicine refers to the practice where physicians conduct consultations, diagnoses, and treatments via real-time video chats on smartphones or computers. The application of telemedicine in digital health is showing a growing trend, evident everywhere at this year’s CES health-related exhibitions, where attendees gave it an average score of 6.5 for its significance in digital health. The popularity of telemedicine largely stems from patients’ aversion to waiting rooms and hospitals. If the goal is merely to obtain medical advice and prescriptions, patients can conveniently use telemedicine platforms such as Doctor on Demand or MD Live for virtual visits, which are not only more convenient and efficient but also significantly reduce outpatient expenses. Additionally, telemedicine’s accessibility and lower costs prove particularly beneficial for patients who are temporarily located far away from their primary care physicians.
2. NanotechnologySurgery
The next item on the list of digital health trends is nanotechnology. Participants regarded the application of nanotechnology in pharmaceuticals as a natural evolution and a subversion of the conventional rules governing our bodies. The precision and accuracy of nanotechnology enable the design of specialized medications tailored to patients’ needs or the tracking of small cancerous tumors within the body. As a significant digital health trend, nanotechnology received an average score of 6 from participants. In the coming years, further actions and advancements in the field of nanotechnology are certainly expected.
3. 3D Printing
3D printing is the most influential trend in today’s digital health landscape, with its growth projected over the next decade to surpass that of most other trends. From medical devices printed on space stations to surgical frameworks, 3D printing’s mantra of “design, print, deploy” is poised to drive the advancement of digital health in the coming years. The expert panel highlighted the use of 3D printing in medical education. Printing heart models for hands-on practice by medical students provides a reliable and practical learning approach, helping position 3D printing as a leading force shaping the future of digital health.
4. Visualization
Visualization has received high ratings from experts for its relevance to digital health and has been described by them as an “open runway” for medication use. One of the challenges in consumer health and digital health is that consumers do not always understand what specific numerical values signify, such as blood pressure readings. Visualization technologies (e.g., virtual reality, models) can transform data from wearable devices into meaningful insights. This emerging technology enables the visualization of changes occurring both inside and outside our bodies, ushering digital health into a new, consumer-centric era.
5. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another digital health trend highly regarded by experts; meanwhile, AI has also been labeled as “scary,” primarily because it is difficult to predict exactly where AI will lead humanity. However, the capabilities that AI empowers us with are limitless. For instance, it can help physicians track patients’ health trends and detect warning signs before a heart attack or stroke occurs. AI is poised to usher in a new era of preventive medicine.
6. Genomics
Genomics scores slightly lower than the aforementioned trends, yet its significance in digital health is widely recognized. At the current pace of development, the cost of genomic sequencing is poised to drop from the current $1,000 to $100. The integration of personal genetics and research, exemplified by collaborations such as that between 23andMe and Genentech, will further propel genomics to the forefront in the coming years.
7. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a prerequisite for ensuring consumer privacy in all the aforementioned data sharing and collaboration, and it is also one of the hot trends highly rated by experts. However, emphasizing the relevance of cybersecurity in digital health is not because it makes users feel good, but because it is necessary. Particularly in light of recent events, if people wish to use digital data to improve their health, they must be more cautious with their own data and only share information with websites and companies they trust and understand.
8. Application of Traditional Healthcare Facilities in Digital Health
Finally, the expert panel also discussed the importance of traditional healthcare facilities—from physicians’ offices to hospitals—in digital health. With the growing prevalence of telemedicine and more affordable, ubiquitous digital health platforms, the momentum in healthcare is clearly shifting from traditional infrastructure to emerging trends.
As digital healthcare gradually becomes mainstream, the coming years will witness exciting new approaches to personalizing medicine and gaining deeper insights into your body.
New Products
The four-day CES 2015 also showcased a range of new digital health products. In addition to traditional wristbands, various wearable devices for different parts of the body, yoga mats, and even smart chairs captured widespread attention. VCBeat has selected some of the standout innovations for introduction—let’s take an exclusive first look!
Fitness Tracker
At this year’s CES, a variety of fitness trackers successfully captured the spotlight. Their rich array of new features and attractive pricing have spurred both hardcore fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike to seek out their own fitness trackers.
Fitness trackers worth paying attention to include:
AmpStrip
Most fitness trackers are designed in the form of wristbands. However, FitLinxx’s AmStrip takes a different approach: it is a bandage-like device that adheres to the left abdomen with adhesive, similar in use to a nicotine patch.
Steven Schwartz, Director at FitLinxx, stated that the waterproof AmpStrip is specifically designed for competitive athletes, such as swimmers who require heart rate monitoring. He further noted that the company validated AmpStrip’s accuracy by comparing its readings with electrocardiogram (ECG) results during testing. The AmpStrip can track user metrics including physical activity and skin temperature.
AmpStrip can be worn all day and has a battery life of up to seven days. FitLinxx will officially launch this device in July.
Activité Pop
Like the previously released Activité, priced at $450, the Activité Pop is also produced by the French company Withings. The Activité Pop is a stylish analog smartwatch that doubles as a fitness tracker. Offering the same functionality as its more expensive counterpart, the Activité, the Activité Pop smartwatch can track users’ step counts, distinguish between swimming and running activities, and monitor sleep cycles, while also serving as a gentle vibrating alarm clock for sleep. It uses the same battery specifications as the Activité, providing up to eight months of power.
The main difference between the $150 Activité Pop and its high-end counterpart, the Activité, is that the former uses more affordable materials, such as PVD-coated metal and a silicone strap, instead of the leather strap found on the Activité. The Activité Pop’s strap is available in three colors: gray, blue, and beige.
Polar A300
For those looking to purchase their first fitness tracker, the Polar A300 is a solid entry-level choice. Priced at $140, the Polar A300 is water-resistant and tracks steps, calories burned, distance walked, and sleep cycles. If the device detects prolonged inactivity, it gently vibrates to remind the user to stand up and move around.
Unfortunately, the Polar A300 is not suitable for professional athletes because it lacks built-in GPS. Users who require GPS functionality can opt for the more expensive Polar M400 to track their pace and duration.
VIBE Band VB10
The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 is likely the most eye-catching fitness tracker at CES 2015, at least in terms of price. This $89 fitness wristband with an e-ink display is unlikely to be released in the U.S., but its presence will certainly help Lenovo expand into the overseas fitness tracking market.
The ViBE Band VB10 can measure all common metrics, such as step count, calories burned, walking distance, and sleep duration. It also receives basic notifications pushed from the user’s smartphone, including calls, text messages, and social media alerts.
This affordable smart wristband features a low-power Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor and offers up to one week of battery life.
Vivofit 2
Garmin’s second-generation fitness tracker features a sleek design and prompts the wearer to get up and move after detecting prolonged periods of inactivity. The Vivofit 2 includes a visual status bar that gradually fills up when the user remains sedentary, resetting only after physical activity is detected.
Like its predecessor, the Vivofit 2 is designed for all-day wear and features a battery that lasts up to one year. It also offers optional Garmin “Style” accessories, including “fashionable and classic” bands made from materials such as stainless steel and leather.
Swarovski Shine
Misfit has partnered with Swarovski to launch its latest fitness tracker, the Swarovski Shine, adorned with Swarovski crystals. More than just ordinary crystal jewelry, it features a large embedded crystal that serves as the display face and, when paired with various designs and accessories, can be worn as a bracelet, pendant, or one of seven other types of jewelry.
This smart jewelry piece will be available in two versions. One is a transparent crystal edition, integrated with activity and sleep tracking sensors; the other is a purple crystal edition, combining functionality with luxury. Misfit states that the amethyst version can be solar-charged: exposing it to sunlight, indoor LED, or halogen light for approximately 10 to 15 minutes or longer is sufficient to sustain its operation.
The Shine series’ starter kit is priced at $170, with additional accessories costing between $70 and $150. Misfit will launch this fitness tracker, distinguished by its sleek, shimmering design, to the market this spring.
InBody Band
Tracking health by measuring body composition is more accurate than simply stepping on a scale. This is the key selling point behind InBody’s launch of the InBody Band. The device sends electrical impulses through the user’s body to measure bioelectrical impedance. In short, the InBody Band can measure a user’s body fat mass and muscle mass.
In addition, the device can also track all common metrics, such as heart rate, activity, and sleep. The InBody Band will be released in the United States this March at a retail price of $180.
HealBe GoBe
Similar to the InBody Band, the HealBe GoBe also utilizes bioelectrical impedance analysis, but it targets different physiological parameters. Priced at $300, the GoBe tracks users' caloric expenditure by measuring postprandial blood glucose levels. The device employs both high- and low-frequency signals to assess bodily fluids and uses "advanced algorithms" to automatically generate nutritional profiles, including calorie counts as well as quantities of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
HealBe claims that its device achieves an accuracy rate of 85%. While this figure may not seem particularly impressive, HealBe states that manual calorie counting has an accuracy of only 40–70%, suggesting that an 85% accuracy rate should suffice for those obsessed with tracking their calorie intake. If this holds true, the GoBe is indeed an interesting product.
Additionally, from an aesthetic perspective, the bulky module on the top of the GoBe could be made more refined.
Zensorium Being
Like all other fitness trackers, Zensorium Being can also track data such as activity, heart rate, and sleep cycles. However, its most distinctive feature lies in providing holistic health planning by monitoring users’ moods.
This is achieved by measuring the user’s pulse pressure or individual blood pressure differential, in conjunction with heart rate. Clearly, the aforementioned data can inform the device wearer of their physiological state at different moments. A red dot on the device’s dial indicates that the user is in a state of stress, while a green dot at the opposite end signifies calmness; yellow denotes excitement, and blue represents a neutral emotional state.
Fitbit Charge HR & Surge
Fitbit Unveils Two New Wearable Activity Trackers at This Year’s CES. One is the Charge HR, which measures and displays the user’s heart rate along with other information on its screen. It can also push smartphone notifications directly to the user’s wrist.
For those seeking more in-depth insights into physical performance, the Fitbit Surge better meets their needs than the Charge HR. The Fitbit Surge offers GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and music control, with notifications pushed to a larger square screen. Compared with other Fitbit devices, the Surge features a bolder, wider design.
Other Devices
Oku
Oku is a small cube that serves as a personal dermatologist. Utilizing multispectral light and sensors, it penetrates the skin layers to analyze tissue structures—including sebaceous glands, collagen, and elastin—providing a comprehensive assessment of skin health. The results are transmitted via Bluetooth to the user’s iPhone, along with personalized recommendations for improvement.
Oku is now available for pre-order at $250, with shipments expected this spring.
Emiota Belty
Belty is a smart belt that remembers the most comfortable length for the wearer when standing and sitting, and automatically adjusts according to changes in posture. It can also automatically loosen by a certain amount after the wearer has had a full meal to ensure comfort.
While Belty’s design still requires some further refinement, it already appears quite robust as a concept device. Belty is expected to hit the market later this year.
SmartMat
SmartMat is more than just a yoga mat; it also serves as the user’s personal yoga instructor. By docking an iPad into the mat’s base and subscribing to the service, users can access online yoga classes at no additional tuition cost. Furthermore, the mat provides personalized guidance through a built-in layer of sensors. These sensors monitor the user’s balance and offer real-time feedback on over 60 different poses, helping to improve form and movement quality.
SmartMat is a successful Indiegogo project that raised $320,000 by the end of its crowdfunding campaign last month. The mat is now available for pre-order at a price of $297.
TempTraq
TempTraq is a wearable thermometer for infants and toddlers that leverages micro-battery technology, providing parents with greater peace of mind when their child is ill. This patch-style thermometer wirelessly transmits real-time temperature data to parents’ smartphones. It immediately sends an alert to parents if the infant or toddler develops a fever. The technology is currently awaiting U.S. FDA approval for marketing as a medical device, and the company is also seeking CE marking to enable global sales.
Tao
The Tao Chair is perhaps one of the most unusual exhibits at this year’s CES. It is a stylishly designed home fitness device featuring a display screen on its armrests that shows the user’s exercise data. Thanks to the flexibility of its curved armrest design, the Tao Chair provides users with a comprehensive upper-body workout and can transmit results to their smartphones via the internet.
Xon Snow-1
Xon’s SNOW-1 snowboard bindings may be the coolest niche sports technology showcased at CES. By attaching the SNOW-1 to a snowboard and connecting it to a smartphone, users can record, visualize, and analyze their riding data. Additionally, the SNOW-1 features LED flashers that provide feedback on the user’s riding posture. In the event of an accidental fall down the slope, the device can also signal the user’s precise location with light after dark, facilitating rescue efforts.
Quell
Quell stimulates nerve endings in the lower leg via sensors, sending signals to the brain and tricking it into releasing natural opioids for pain relief. The manufacturer claims that a single charge provides 40 hours of pain relief. This wearable device also tracks the user’s sleep, allowing them to observe how pain affects their sleep quality. Quell has received FDA clearance and is marketed as a medical device in the United States.
Quell will hit the market this spring, priced at around $250, with a money-back guarantee if it fails to deliver results. While the technology has been proven effective for most people, it is not suitable for everyone.
UpRight
UpRight’s mission is to improve users’ posture and, in the process, alleviate their back problems. This compact wearable device is designed to be worn on the lower back, where it delivers gentle vibrations to remind slouching users to sit or stand up straight. It sounds ideally suited for desk-bound workers. Given its mechanism of action, users need only wear it for a few hours each day to train themselves to adopt better posture. The duration of use should gradually decrease over time, until users can naturally maintain an upright, poised stance while sitting or standing.
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