I think it's a solid 50/50 that this particular patent sticks, and Apple doesn't get it invalidated.
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Apple Updates Website to Highlight Removal of Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature
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I think it's a solid 50/50 that this particular patent sticks, and Apple doesn't get it invalidated.
Then just wait it out.
In the greater scheme of things, this is a nothing burger. The Apple Watch's success does not hinge on any one single feature, and if it's one thing Apple is good at, they know how to wait.
Not sure if reducing the price really a solution.
First question would be, what should the price reduction itself be? (no one will be happy with whatever apple decides).
Apple says, we are lowering the price by $25, people would complain and say it should be $30 or $40 or $50.
And let's be honest here, how many apple watch owners actually even know what that feature is and use it?
FWIW, the Blood Oxygen app still works just fine on my S9 Apple Watch running the watchOS 10.3 RC released yesterday. Since this is all done with software (not actually removing the physical sensor, because that would be super crazy expensive for them to do), what I'm wondering is how they'll be able to move forward, differentiating between devices and updates for S9 Watches already sold as opposed to new ones on the shelves? It's my understanding that this only applies to importing the Apple Watch to the US (Until Masimo decides to file patent lawsuits in other countries).
It's one thing to remove or somehow disable the app functioning within Software, but as I said, it works fine right now on what will be next week's release. And since it only impacts watches being imported, not ones already here? Seems like something that could just easily be updated later and brought back. What will happen when watchOS 10.4 is released? Some S9's still see the Blood Oxygen app work while others don't? Because again, it's about importing them into the US, not that they're technically already here.
It's one thing to remove or somehow disable the app functioning within Software, but as I said, it works fine right now on what will be next week's release. And since it only impacts watches being imported, not ones already here? Seems like something that could just easily be updated later and brought back. What will happen when watchOS 10.4 is released? Some S9's still see the Blood Oxygen app work while others don't? Because again, it's about importing them into the US, not that they're technically already here.
That's called a noncompete agreement. They're quickly becoming illegal in some U.S. states.
I've seen a small number of others say things like this, too. But when you DO know someone that uses this, you'll know how important it is. Thanks for your expertise, though. Go try working in a hospital.
I'll repeat what I said before:
Apple believes that Masimo's patent(s) are invalid and is therefore disputing them. If they felt that they did not have a case, they would likely settle with Masimo and move on.
If things go south, Apple could offer the Blood Oxygen app as a purchase on the watchOS App Store for the price of Masimo's license fee. That would mean that Apple could continue selling their current models as-is and only customers who wanted the Blood Oxygen feature would need to foot the bill.
Alternatively, they could drop the Blood Oxygen feature from all models except the Ultra.
Apple believes that Masimo's patent(s) are invalid and is therefore disputing them. If they felt that they did not have a case, they would likely settle with Masimo and move on.
If things go south, Apple could offer the Blood Oxygen app as a purchase on the watchOS App Store for the price of Masimo's license fee. That would mean that Apple could continue selling their current models as-is and only customers who wanted the Blood Oxygen feature would need to foot the bill.
Alternatively, they could drop the Blood Oxygen feature from all models except the Ultra.
Good on Apple for doing this. Most consumers are a bunch of two-faced people who laugh at Apple for losing these lawsuits, yet they themselves expect these features to come for no additional costs. If people want Apple to pay for this patent, then Apple should pass along the fee to consumers. Who loses in the end, the people who want this feature, not Apple. If you think it’s really going to hurt their sales that much, think again. It’s just going to hurt the people who could have been saved by it.
And charging the same price. Do they expect this feature will be re-enabled on these models? If not they should be selling them at a reduced price.
Not surprised, but also glad I purchased my Series 9 in Dec before this happened.
Or they could just buy Masimo. Apple will be weighing the legal expenses and the lost revenues vis a vis just buying Masimo and ending this in a day.
This is really bad. This was one of the main features I was looking for in the latest Apple Watch. I guess I need it less now.
It will be interesting to see what happens. I purchased a new Series 9 on Tuesday ending in LL/A. I had a feeling the court would not extend this. I have 14 days to return it if Apple nerfs the O2 next week with a Push Update. If they don't then I have 3-4 years to see what the outcome of this dispute ends up being. 🤞
$100 per phone? Never happen.
I don't think Masimo is interested in Licensing Fees. Most of the CEO comments, if you read carefully, indicate he wants a supply agreement with Apple for internal Blood Sat components.......
$100 per phone? Never happen.
I don't think Masimo is interested in Licensing Fees. Most of the CEO comments, if you read carefully, indicate he wants a supply agreement with Apple for internal Blood Sat components.......
Someone told me the different model numbers without the feature cant have it activated later. Would like to know more about this.
They thought they could bully their way to the win. Apple has a long record of abusing patents and out-lawyering their counterparts.
Th blood oxygen sensor on my Garmin watch significantly reduces battery life. Is it really worth the trouble? Is Garmin going to run afoul of these patents too?
Pretty scummy of the largest company on the planet to behave like this. Cook might be a financial genius but he is sucking the life blood out of this company.
Also, there is a very long history of companies no one's really heard of bullying other very large companies with patents.
The timing is really bad because it’s consuming energy that people need for trashing the AVP.
