Samsung and Apple Compete in Developing Needle-Free Blood Sugar Monitors

Samsung Watch
HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Samsung and Apple aim to create pain-free devices for blood sugar and pressure tracking.
  • Samsung's Galaxy Ring, a comfortable wearable, promises continuous health tracking without interruptions.
  • Samsung plans to upgrade headphones to track temperature and heart rate, enhancing health insights.

Samsung and Apple are at the forefront of a technological race, aiming to revolutionize health monitoring with non-invasive methods for tracking vital health metrics. The focus is on developing wearables that provide easy and pain-free solutions for monitoring blood glucose levels and blood pressure. This competition is expected to drive significant advancements in health monitoring devices within the next five years.

Non-Invasive Monitoring Solutions:

Both Samsung and Apple have been actively exploring non-invasive methods for blood glucose monitoring, eliminating the need for traditional skin-piercing techniques. Apple has been in this pursuit for years, seeking to simplify the monitoring process for patients. Huawei, in contrast, released the Huawei Watch 4 last year with non-invasive glucose monitoring capability, though uncertainties surround the accuracy of its innovation.

Samsung's Digital Health Vision:

Hon Pak, Samsung Mobile’s Head of Digital Health, emphasized the importance of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, especially for diabetes patients. In a recent Bloomberg interview, Pak highlighted that wearable devices capable of continuously measuring blood pressure and blood glucose will bring about a revolution in health management. He anticipates these technologies to be available in some form within the next five years, although a specific timeline was not provided.

Samsung's Current Offerings:

Samsung's Galaxy Watch already features blood pressure measurement but requires frequent calibration and lacks continuous monitoring. The upcoming Galaxy Ring, a comfortable wearable ring, focuses on tracking activity and sleep quality with plans to incorporate more health monitoring features over time. The advantage of the ring lies in its continuous wearability, eliminating interruptions for charging, a common drawback in smartwatches.

Future Innovations:

Samsung plans to enhance its smart headphones to measure body temperature and heart rate. The vice president of the company explained that the ear's proximity to the heart makes it an ideal location for such measurements. When combined with data from smartwatches, these readings from headphones could offer a more comprehensive view of a user’s health.

Verdict:

As Samsung and Apple intensify their efforts in developing needle-free blood sugar monitors and non-invasive health monitoring solutions, consumers can anticipate a future where wearable technology seamlessly integrates with daily life, providing valuable insights into their health. The competition is not only fostering innovation but also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of health monitoring devices. Keep an eye out for these advancements that are poised to transform the landscape of personal health management.