Samsung has recently announced a new series of smartphones and unveiled the enticing Galaxy Ring last week, and now it is focusing on its next breakthroughs in the field of health. The company is investing significantly to add innovative features to wearable devices, such as more accurate blood pressure monitoring and a way to track blood sugar levels without finger pricking. “If we can achieve continuous monitoring of blood pressure and glucose, we are playing the game on a completely different arena,” said Hon Pak, head of Samsung’s mobile digital health division, in a recent interview. “I think everyone is trying to reach that. We are making significant investments in it.”
Health monitoring has become a key function in smartphones and wearable devices such as smartwatches and smart rings. The Galaxy Watch already measures the wearer’s blood pressure, but it requires calibration with a blood pressure cuff during initial setup and periodic calibration thereafter. Both Apple and Samsung have been unable to add blood glucose level sensors to their wearable devices – but the race has just begun.
The development of these technologies takes time; Samsung has been working on these goals for years, publishing research in 2020 discussing the development of a non-invasive method for monitoring blood glucose levels in collaboration with MIT. According to reports, Apple has been conducting research on non-invasive and continuous blood glucose monitoring since at least 2010. It is not clear exactly what Samsung’s current research involves, but their 2020 study made progress in using off-axis Raman spectroscopy, a technique that observes molecular vibrations using a laser-based sensor, which can detect the presence and concentration of glucose through the skin.
The biggest obstacle for Samsung and Apple is accuracy. These methods are not as accurate as direct blood glucose level testing, so until these companies can deliver accurate results, we will not see the Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch, or Apple Watch with a blood glucose level monitor. “We are considering everything from miniaturization to different technological platforms that can perform any form of glucose or anything else monitoring,” Pak said, adding that he hopes non-invasive glucose monitoring will hit the market within five years.
Although the research is promising, there are currently no commercially available non-invasive blood glucose level monitoring devices in the mainstream US market. Some blood glucose monitors offer continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which requires one insertion and replacement every 10-14 days. A non-invasive method would provide over 38 million diabetics in the USA with a painless alternative to continuous blood glucose level measurement, regardless of their location.
Samsung is also working on improving blood pressure monitoring to extend the period without the need for calibration with a blood pressure cuff. Apple plans to add blood pressure monitoring to the Apple Watch later this year, according to Bloomberg.
“Not only Apple, but also others are trying to redefine blood pressure levels in the way that was originally assumed, which is: What is your cardiovascular risk?” Pak said in the interview.
With the hope of expanding the reach of Samsung Health and providing users with better insights, the company plans to introduce the Galaxy Ring by the end of the year and is conducting research on various sensors in its earbuds and even in its mixed reality set.
FAQ section
1. What is the new series of smartphones announced by Samsung?
Samsung has announced a new series of smartphones and also showcased the Galaxy Ring smartphones.
2. What innovative features does Samsung want to add to wearable devices?
Samsung is investing in adding innovative features to wearable devices, such as more accurate blood pressure monitoring and a way to track blood sugar levels without finger pricking.
3. Why is health monitoring a key function in smartphones and wearable devices?
Health monitoring has become a key function in smartphones and wearable devices because it provides users with information about their health and helps maintain well-being.
4. What are the obstacles for adding a blood glucose level monitor to smartphones?
The biggest obstacle for adding a blood glucose level monitor to smartphones is accuracy. Current methods are not as accurate as direct blood glucose level testing.
5. What are Samsung’s and Apple’s future plans?
Samsung is working on improving blood pressure monitoring, and Apple plans to add blood pressure monitoring to the Apple Watch later this year.
Definitions:
– Wearable: Devices that can be worn on the body, such as smartwatches, smart rings, and other smart accessories.
– Blood pressure cuff: A device used to measure blood pressure, which is used to calibrate blood pressure monitors in smartphones and other wearable devices.
– Blood glucose level monitor: A device used to measure the blood glucose level of individuals with diabetes.
Useful links:
https://www.samsung.com/pl/ – Official Samsung website in Polish
https://www.apple.com/pl/ – Official Apple website in Polish
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk