Consumer Technology & Gadgets / Wearables

The Asus VivoWatch 6 Aero features ECG and blood pressure monitoring, along with other health indicators such as SpO₂, heart rate, and Pulse Transit Time (PTT Index). It also includes built-in GPS for activity tracking and supports Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) standards.

The VivoWatch 6 Aero uses dual ECG and PPG sensors. Users can place a finger on the front sensor module to measure blood pressure, SpO₂, or take an ECG. The back sensor continuously monitors heart rate and SpO₂ when worn. The device supports the Software as a Medical Device standard and works with the ASUS HealthConnect app.

MicroEJ and Actions Technology are combining Actions Technology's high-performance, low-power System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions with MicroEJ's VEE Wear software platform. This integration enables vibrant user interfaces, scalable app ecosystems, and extended battery life in affordable smartwatches.

MicroEJ's VEE Wear platform is designed to bridge the gap between expansive OS features and compact, energy-efficient smartwatches. It enables app development for both premium and low-power smartwatches, fostering an inclusive app ecosystem and supporting seamless integration with established tech solutions like Android Studio.

The device features a small chamber that captures gases emitted from and absorbed by the skin without making contact. It measures gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using specialized sensors, allowing for the assessment of skin health without disturbing fragile skin[1][2][3].

The device has potential applications in wound care, infection detection, and monitoring hydration levels. It can also help track the efficacy of skin treatments and provide insights into skin barrier function, which is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations like diabetic patients[2][3][4].

Apple Intelligence on the Apple Watch involves introducing AI-enhanced features, but due to hardware limitations, these features will likely rely on cloud-based processing rather than local AI processing. The features might include notification summaries and other AI-driven functionalities, though the exact implementation details are still speculative.

Currently, there are rumors suggesting that Apple Intelligence features might be exclusive to newer models, such as the Apple Watch Ultra, due to hardware requirements like increased RAM. However, these claims are speculative and not confirmed by Apple.

Recent innovations include advanced health monitoring features, AI-driven insights, and enhanced battery life. For example, Apple is rumored to introduce non-invasive blood glucose monitoring in future models, while Samsung and Google are focusing on AI integration and seamless ecosystem connectivity[2][3].

Smartwatches are evolving with more sophisticated software updates, such as Apple's upcoming watchOS 12, which may include new health features and AI-based coaching services. Additionally, smartwatches are becoming more integrated with their respective ecosystems, offering seamless connectivity and personalized experiences[4][5].

AI-assisted wearable devices contribute to preventive healthcare by continuously monitoring vital signs, detecting early warning signs of diseases, and providing personalized health recommendations. They enable early intervention for conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, reducing the need for hospitalizations and improving patient outcomes[1][2][3].

Future advancements in AI-powered wearables include enhanced disease prediction and prevention capabilities, integration with healthcare systems for seamless data sharing, and the potential for precision medicine by offering personalized treatment plans based on individual health data[5].

Blood glucose wearables are being developed using various technologies such as radar, electrochemical, optical, electromagnetic, and microwave technologies. For example, radar technology involves miniaturizing satellite-like systems to fit inside smartwatches, while optical technologies use light to measure glucose levels through the skin. These devices aim to provide non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring, reducing the need for finger pricks or invasive patches[1][2].

Currently, blood glucose wearables are not yet FDA-approved or widely recognized for their accuracy. While some studies show promising results, these devices have not met the FDA's accuracy requirements for glucose monitoring. Therefore, it is recommended to use FDA-cleared glucometers or continuous glucose monitors for reliable blood glucose tracking[2].

Fiber computers are embedded into clothing by weaving them into fabrics, allowing for comprehensive health monitoring and activity tracking across extensive body areas. This approach offers a more holistic view of health compared to traditional wearables, which often focus on specific body parts like the wrist. Additionally, fiber computers are washable and flexible, making them more comfortable and practical for daily use.

Fiber computers have promising applications in health monitoring, military uniforms, and extreme condition testing. Future developments aim to enhance fiber functionality, reduce size, and improve integration into traditional textiles. This technology could revolutionize wearable computing by providing real-time health insights and enabling more sophisticated wearable devices.

Proposed upgrades include adding multiple cameras for gesture detection and AI vision, a dedicated neural engine for improved performance, and beam-forming microphones for better voice interaction. These upgrades aim to transform the Apple Watch into a more powerful AI assistant.

Apple plans to integrate cameras into both standard and Ultra Apple Watch models. The standard model may have a camera embedded within the display, while the Ultra model could have a camera on the side, near the digital crown. This integration is part of Apple's broader strategy to enhance AI and Visual Intelligence capabilities across its devices.

The cameras in future Apple Watches are intended to support AI features, specifically Visual Intelligence, which allows users to quickly receive information about their surroundings by pointing the watch at objects or places.

The camera-integrated Apple Watches are expected to be released by 2027, as part of Apple's strategy to enhance its wearables with AI capabilities.

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are flexible devices made from carbon-based materials that combine electronic and ionic charge carriers. They enhance wearable technology by enabling real-time signal processing and AI-driven insights, making them suitable for applications like health monitoring and fitness tracking. Unlike traditional transistors, OECTs can operate reliably in wet or humid environments, which is advantageous for wearable devices.

Stretchable transistors improve user comfort and adaptability by allowing wearable devices to conform to the body's dynamic contours. This flexibility reduces motion artifacts and enhances the durability of the skin-device interface, ensuring that devices remain functional and comfortable during use.

The TruSense System tracks over 60 health indicators across six major body systems, including respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems, with 98% heart rate accuracy and ±5-8 mmHg blood pressure precision. It also includes emotional well-being monitoring.

TruSense uses upgraded optical, electrical, and material science innovations, including multi-region optical path design and next-gen algorithms, to account for variables like skin tone, wrist size, and weather conditions, ensuring consistent signal quality and measurement reliability.