WATCH can read blood oxygen levels

[zaneliu94]

iFixit revealed that the heart rate sensor is actually a plethysmograph that can measure your blood oxygen level. That's amazing that this watch has prebuilt sensors that can do more than just heart rate. It leaves hope for future software upgrades.

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Apple+Watch+Teardown/40655

 

[ilovemyibook]

Hopefully the FDA allows this. I think I remember reading something about the FDA being less strict on certain things pertaining to smart watches. I could be mistaken, though.

 

[zaneliu94]

Hopefully the FDA allows this. I think I remember reading something about the FDA being less strict on certain things pertaining to smart watches. I could be mistaken, though.

There was an article stating that the FDA would take a step back and not regulate fitness trackers. So as long as Apple doesn't attempt to prescribe conditions and simply tries to provide a rough estimate of these values, they should be fine

 

[Aurial]

They'll probably make that a feature of the next Apple Watch. For those owning the Apple Watch 1 it'll never be activated.

 

[H3rman]

If I'm not mistaken these devices can also keep check on your blood sugar for diabetics, but the FDA refused to approve it, so while the watches hardware is physically capable of additional things, they are not legally allowed to implement these additional features (yet).

 

[ohio.emt]

Checking heart rate is one thing. I don't know if the FDA would allow them to measure spo2 without regulation. Anybody know of any other fitness trackers that measure spo2?

 

[x-evil-x]

would be very interesting if they will allow this and just a software update is all thats needed to turn it on.

 

[iregret]

I'm not a doctor. What value is knowing blood oxygen levels? Can the watch tell me how drunk I am? If so, I'm writing an app that texts all my favorites my drunk status! LOL

 

[nwlondonlad]

Great article, will need to look into this

 

[mkruck]

I'm not a doctor. What value is knowing blood oxygen levels? Can the watch tell me how drunk I am? If so, I'm writing an app that texts all my favorites my drunk status! LOL

This will be huge for asthmatics. We're in the hospital yearly with our son who has severe asthma. When it's bad and nebulizing isn't getting it done, his O2 levels drop off and it's check-in at this hospital time for him. Having a reliable O2 sensor immediately at hand when he starts hacking and wheezing will be great.

 

[Ecoh]

Checking heart rate is one thing. I don't know if the FDA would allow them to measure spo2 without regulation. Anybody know of any other fitness trackers that measure spo2?

I have one that sends spo2 and heart rate data to my iPhone. Bought it at the Apple Store a year ago.

 

[Julien]

Apple could add this in a update. Apple may have been reluctant because it was waiting on the FDA. The FDA recently said it would take a 'hands odd' approach to regulation.

http://www.cultofmac.com/317473/fda-is-taking-a-hands-off-approach-to-apple-watch/

 

[TigerStephie]

This is so awesome! I have been toying with the idea of getting a monitor just to see during running but all the monitors would be a pain to use while running so I have held off. I hope apple allows us to see this data soon!