09 Aug 2016
Philips to launch devices to help track health
BY Deven Pamben
Philips will launch four devices to help individuals take greater control of their health.
The products, which are a health watch, blood pressure monitors, body analysis scale and ear thermometer, will be available in September from selected retailers.
The devices are part of health programmes designed by Philips to provide personal, tailored support for people who want to live healthier. They have been developed by medical experts and psychologists so individuals can measure vital signs, monitor progress through a dashboard on the Philips HealthSuite health app and stay motivated to reach personal goals.
Programmes are targeted at those at risk of developing chronic, lifestyle related conditions and who are aware of their higher risk status and want to manage it. Each programme comprises the devices, an app-based personalised programme, and secure, cloud-based data analysis. As healthcare moves outside the hospital into homes and everyday lives, the programmes help connect care for consumers, patients and health providers.
The health watch continuously and automatically measures health biometrics, including heart rate, activity, and sleep patterns. It will enable people at risk of disease to track their health on a day-to-day basis and identify how their daily lifestyle is impacting their wellbeing.
The recommended retail price (RRP) of the watch will be £250. Upper arm blood pressure and wrist blood pressure monitors will measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as heart rate, and will retail at around £90 and £70. The body analysis scale, which measures weight, estimates body fat and calculates body mass index, has a RRP of £90. Finally, the ear thermometer, which measures body temperature, is expected to cost around £45.
Dr Mark Aloia, Behaviour Change Expert at Philips, said: “Our personal health programmes are different to others because they’re built to motivate the user, showing that small steps can lead to big results. Changes don’t need to be radical. In fact, small changes sustained over time are a good way to help us reach our health goals. Measuring and tracking helps us take the small steps needed to improve our lifestyle. Our programmes support you personally as you take those steps.”
Close Window