Words by Dr. Ryan Grech and Dr. Dylan Attard, Clinical & Health Tech Advisors for MedTech World and two of the co-founders of Digital Health Malta.
For example, speaking for ourselves, we have become accustomed to tracking our daily calories, active exercise minutes and our VO2 max amongst other things on our Apple Watch. In the long run, we feel that we have become healthier as a result.
Companies have also been pushing to increase the number of metrics that their devices can collect. Whilst it is valuable at helping us monitor our health and improve it, it also opens a new portal for data that can be useful in pushing the agenda of preventative health. Data is key – for example, Apple with its iPhone can track your walking speed, step length and stair speed. Using these metrics, and as with most numbers, their trend, Apple may be able to sense even subtle changes in coordination that allows your doctors to potentially diagnose abnormalities at an earlier stage.
The market for smartwatches is on the rise. Leaders in the market keep pushing primarily, Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Garmin. Google has also been trying to infiltrate this space by acquiring Fitbit earlier this year.
The above points cover important features that you as a customer should be aware of before buying your smartwatch. We will not go into the merit of which company has the best smartwatch because realistically, there is no best smartwatch out there with new products constantly coming out. If you’ve never dabbled in the world of smartwatches we advise you read up a bit more about them as they can be life-changing in the way you track and improve your health.
The Med-Tech World conference, which follows a successful digital event in 2020, will run from 18th-19th November 2021 and will highlight innovations and developments in digital health across the globe. With so many countries realising the potential for exponential growth, Med-Tech World will address the opportunities and challenges driving this multi-million forum – embracing the potential for technological innovation to change the face of medicine in this global sector. Register your interest here!