When Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 4 with the ECG functionality, it could have not been foretold that even medical practitioners would use it to diagnose patients. In an astonishing report, a US doctor used his Apple Watch Series 4 to diagnose a patient with a heart condition at a restaurant.
As a physician, it’s much faster to put my #applewatch4 on someone else’s wrist to detect ?? disease (A. fib) than finding a ECG machine at a public restaurant! ? (Indeed, a true #mhealth guardian) pic.twitter.com/JLVD4JUYI9
The Tweet shared by the doctor exhibits the patient who is getting his ECG performed with the help of the Apple Watch. In a short span of just seconds, the device measures the ECG and also pinpoints a cardiac condition called Atrial Fibrillation. The said medical condition may not have any symptoms but when they appear they include palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Even though Atrial Fibrillation is not life-threatening, it is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment. A major concern with this cardiac disorder is the potential to develop blood clots within the upper chambers of the heart that can be followed by strokes which can be fatal.
All in all, Apple’s smartwatch has been a great tool for users who are unaware of an underlying health condition. Furthermore, future Apple Watch is reported to have a sensor which will be able to track blood sugar on the go. This would help in saving countless lives, as diabetes one of the most common fatal disease known to mankind.
In a world where health concerns are on the rise, each step taken in the right direction may save lives. Apple recognised the need for a device that brings genuine utility for its consumers. Rather than making an entirely new product, it has added new layers of functionality that enables the device to be a small but impactful health partner.
Apple has focused on making the Watch a standalone experience with its own unique functions. With the inclusion of an ECG sensor on the Apple Watch series 4, health took an active role with the device. Incorporating many of the health monitoring features that have been popular in the mobile industry such as tracking the number of steps taken. With individuals becoming more self-aware and conscious with their health, the industry soon adapted to provide the market with their current demands.
Health partner bands and companion wearable devices are not a new concept now, but Apple with its inclusion of functions like noise detection and menstrual cycle tracking made the experience a lot more streamlined and rounded. ECG sensor that brought real-time monitoring of heart rate, in countries like India where heart conditions affect nearly one-third of the entire adult population, makes it more than a useful tool for everyday use. (ECG is presently only available in limited countries)
The latest update to watchOS 6 had Apple say, ‘why stop there?’ The company along with its new ‘faces’ has seamlessly integrated pro-health functions to the Apple Watch. The ‘Loud Noise’ detecting app is one such application that passively records and measure sound levels in the users surrounding ambience. Noise pollution has become a real epidemic in the modern world and areas where sound levels cross 90 decibels are immediately notified to the user as harmful and unsafe. This function has yet to be reproduced by other manufacturers that target health-conscious consumers.
Apple, for its women userbase, has added a uniquely interactive app that lets them track their menstrual cycles. With the new Cycle Tracking App, women can log important data related to their menstrual cycles. The application with data inputs is also capable of predicting future cycles beforehand along with current period flow, symptoms and results from ovulation prediction kits. Fertility and ovulation can also be tracked by Apple Watch.
No wearable device/companion, even the ones specifically made for health monitoring feature such degree of functionality at this size. Apple succeeded in making the best wearable device in the market in this regard. Users can get a full picture of their health right on their wrist without ever needing an iPhone.
Apple has also made the Apple Watch a more stand alone device, which means it can function without requiring input from the iPhone. The Apple Watch offers Fall detection and emergency auto dial for the elderly, Heart Rate monitoring, and ECG, along with several other features like, Breathe reminders and fitness tracking which include auto exercise detection. The Apple Watch has already saved a lot of lives with some of it’s features and with more being added with WatchOS 6, the Apple Watch has now become the most well developed fitness and health tracker.
Apple Watch Series 4 was launched alongside the new iPhones in September last year. The watch brought along many significant changes in the device. One such feature was fall detection. And time and again, people have praised it for the accuracy of the feature. Now, the Apple Watch has been credited to save a Norwegian man’s life.
According to the Norwegian news site NRK, 67- year old Toralv Østvang was found “bloody and unconscious” on his bathroom floor by emergency crews. Toralv was wearing an Apple Watch Series 4 when it informed the emergency services. Toralv suffered three fractures due to the falls. His daughter believes that the damage would be higher if he hadn’t worn the watch at the time.
Apple Watch Series 4: Saving Lives Of People
Apple introduced a plethora of features with the Apple Watch Series 4. One of the features was Fall detection. The watch used its sensors like Accelerometer and Gyroscope and some custom algorithms to detect hard. falls as strong as 32 g-force. The watch detects the type of fall and requires the user to respond to its pop up. Also, If the user doesn’t respond to it in 60 seconds, the watch will inform the authorities.
The fall detection, is not the only feature saving lives of people. Since the debut of the ECG feature on the new Apple Watch models, several users have been alerted to previously undiscovered atrial fibrillation. And the Apple Watch’s SOS Emergency feature has also helped many users after some deadly car accidents.
Apple Watch Series 4 has turned out to be a life saver for many people all around the world. This shows how much Apple takes its claims seriously about the health features. The Apple Watch Series 4 GPS price in India starts from at Rs. 40,900 for the 40mm variant, while its 44mm version will be priced at Rs. 43,900. The Apple Watch Series 4 Cellular edition 40mm variant with an aluminium case, is available with a price tag of Rs. 49,900. On the other hand, the Series 4 Cellular edition 44mm with aluminium case is priced at Rs. 52,900.
The Apple Watch 4 was one of the most interesting devices revealed at Apple’e special September 12th event held this year. The Series 4 Watch has a bigger screen, added and improved features to track your health and many more changes. However, a recent report details that Apple has extended the return period for the Apple Watch 4 to 45 days. Compared to the traditional 15 days they offer on other devices.
The Extension
The information regarding the extension came through MacRumours. They got their hands on an internal document distributed by Apple to their Authorised Service Providers. So now, if any customer wishes to return their Apple Watch 4 after a period of 45 days, their request will directly go to Apple support. Then, customers will need to contact Apple by phone, email or chat online to initiate a refund.
The move is reported to be regarding the health features included in the new watch, especially the heart rate monitor and the ECG app. It also includes irregular heart rhythm notifications. Another document obtained by MacRumours also details that Apple Watch Series 1 to 4 will receive these features with the watchOS 5.1.2 update.
The Motive
However, it is still not clear as to why Apple has extended the return period for the Apple Watch 4. Some claim that this is done to let users get used to the health features and see whether they are really benefiting from it. This includes time for users to test out the ECG feature. And see whether it really has an impact and use in their daily life. However, Apple has warned users that the ECG feature is just to aid your health tracking and should not the used to replace a doctor. You must still rely on regular visits to your doctor in case you are suffering from any health issues.
The Apple Watch 4 also includes other features such as automatic fall detection. This will alert emergency services after a certain time duration, if you do not wake up after a fall. It is still not clear as to why Apple has made the move to extend the time period for the return of the Apple Watch. But users will surely benefit from it.
Amazon has officially announced that it will be selling more Apple products on its website. This will be done when the holiday season starts. The move reflects on how important e-commerce platforms like Amazon are becoming, even for brands such as Apple.
Earlier, Amazon only sold limited items from Apple’s inventory such as Mac computers and Beats headphones. Since Apple offers direct competition to the e-commerce giant with some consumer products, the companies always has their differences. Some issues also rose over Apple not adopting Amazon apps into its devices, which saw its resolution later. Now, the e-commerce giant will sell the latest iPhones, iPads and the Apple Watch 4 in select regions. These include the United States, Europe, Japan and most importantly, India. The company is already stocking up the devices, so that they are available in plenty in the coming weeks. The Apple products will now be available exclusively on the Apple Amazon page.
It’s Not All Additive
The move also resulted in the elimination of third-party and unauthorised sellers who sell Apple products on Amazon. However, third party accessories supporting Apple devices will be found on the website. Only third- party sellers retailing Apple products will no longer be present .
The list of products will however not include the Apple HomePod, as it is a direct competition to the Alexa Powered Speakers offered by Amazon. The reasons for a stand-off between these tech giants are never-ending, but this seems to be a promising move towards a better future for consumers. As most of the consumers prefer to buy products from e-commerce websites, this is a welcome step.
Apple has said that they will continue to work to improve the experience for Apple customers on Amazon and are looking forward to customers having ‘another great way’ to buy their products. A notable statistic is the fact that about 71% of Apple’s sales in 2018 came through distribution channels such as Amazon.
The Apple Watch has been a favourite for scientists across the US. Apple has constantly added new health and fitness features to the Apple Watch over the few years of it’s existence. The watch finds its use in the research of everything from symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to postpartum depression. Researchers now wish to find out if the watch can help with the detection of eating disorders. The Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders conducts the research named Binge Eating Genetics Initiative (BEGIN). BEGIN aims to better understand the genetic factors that may be associated with binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. The study wishes to develop better treatments for the millions of people who suffer from these illnesses.
Binge eating disorder is a disorder in which a person overeats compulsively and is unable to stop. It can occur in normal weighing men and women but more often leads to weight gain and obesity. Some people fall into depression and some resort to food as a coping mechanism. 2.8% of American adults suffer from binge eating disorder in their lifetime.
The research aims to recruit 1000 participants who suffer from binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa. Participants have to be over 18 years old and living in the United States and should have an iPhone. These participants will each reportedly receive an Apple Watch from the company itself. Researchers will monitor their eating habits using the Recovery Record app on the iPhone. They will record your mood, food, and goals for 30 days. The BEGIN page also has a Apple Watch setup flyer and a flyer that states ‘The price of this watch was a desire to recover’.
Brian Baucom and Jonathan Butner, researchers from the University of Utah will help with statistical modeling once the data collection concludes.
The Apple watch Series 4 was released in September 2018 and tracks important health functions such as heart rate, activity, sleep, mindfulness and nutrition. It also comes with fall detection and calorie tracking among other health and fitness features. Pre-bookings for the Apple Watch Series 4 are open in India.
One of the most anticipated events of 2018 is right around the corner. Apple’s September 12th event is what is on everyone’s mind and the new iPhone range is due to take centre stage. Apart from this, Apple is also rumoured to unveil the AirPods 2 and the Apple Watch 4 and possibly some more devices.
Launch Event:
The Apple Launch event will take place at the Steve Jobs Theatre on 12th September at 10:00 AM PDT. This converts to 10:30 PM Indian Standard time. This is 6:00 PM in the United Kingdom, 9:00 PM in UAE and 3:00 AM in Australia. The event can also be live streamed using various methods.
Those owning any apple device such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, or iPod can view it on the Apple TV app. The event can also be live-streamed on Safari and Microsoft Edge for Windows users.
iPhone:
The iPhone lineup for this year is arguably the most exciting thing about the event. Apple is bound to take a few steps to ensure the growth of its smartphone sales. Which have started to see a slight decline after the initial buzz of the iPhone X. The only solution which will help Apple out of that situation is to expand its customer base.
Via Spigen
For years, Apple stuck to manufacturing devices and delivering it to consumers. Unlike other manufacturers, Apple doesn’t focus much on market trends and what the consumers exactly want. They focused on bringing the best experience for users, but users never got much of a say in it. This might have started pinching them a little but as Apple is now looking to change their approach and cater to consumers.
We expect to see 3 variants of the iPhone which will cover a wide range of features, sizes and price. The devices will be called the iPhone Xs, the iPhone Xs Plus and the iPhone XC, according to reports. The iPhone Xs and Xs Plus will feature the same design as the iPhone X and will have OLED screens. The iPhone XC on the other hand, will feature an LCD display.
The sole reason for Apple to go in for the iPhone XC is to try to expand their market by offering a cheaper version of the iPhone. So lets find out all the rumours about these devices:
Design:
The iPhone Xs will sport a 5.8 inch screen while the iPhone Xs Plus has a 6.5 inch display. Both the devices sport a notch and design elements drawn majorly from the iPhone X. They will sport OLED displays and with glass bodies and stainless steel casing.
The cheaper, 6.1 inch iPhone XC on the other hand sports an LCD display. The display design is also based on the iPhone X. The device will sporting a glass body with an aluminium casing. The major design difference with the iPhone XC and the other two variants is the presence of only a single camera on the back.
All three of the devices will reportedly not have a Touch ID button and will fully depend on Face ID for its security. It is also rumoured that Apple will discontinue the 3D touch feature on the devices.
Processor:
The highlight of the new series of iPhones is the A12 bionic chipset from Apple. This is supposed to be a step up from the existing A11 bionic chip, which is already one of the fastest and most efficient chipsets out there. This is due to the manufacturing process behind the A12 chipset. The A12 chip uses the 7nm process as compared to the A11’s 10 nm process. This reduces the size of the transistors in the chip, allowing more transistors to fit into the same space. Therefore allowing for a better, smoother performance.
The A12 reportedly offers an increase in multi-core usability, supposed to bring up multi-core performance by 25-30%. The GPU performance is reported to have an even higher increment at 40%. This might not directly translate to gaming performance, according to experts. Analysts predict a real time number of around 25%. The A12 chip also gives a big boost to AI and machine learning. This will incorporate with the operating system to give better battery performance and camera results, according to reports.
Camera:
Alleged iPhone XC spotted
It is highly improbable that we will see a triple camera setup on the new iPhone. Reports indicate an improved sensor on the dual camera setup on the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Plus. Renders and leaks also reveal that the iPhone XC will however, only have a single rear camera. The camera sensors will be an improvement over last year’s devices in all senses. There will be better low light performance and enhanced AI integration to offer support in the portrait mode of the devices.
Battery:
All the three variants might have improved battery performance, more importantly they should. A flagship device in 2018 should meet numerous requirements to live up to tis name. One of the most important ones is a better battery life. It is obvious that the 6.5 inch iPhone Xs Plus will house a high battery, given its size and the demand from its display unit. Apart from this, the A12 bionic chipset will ensure better optimisation and longer battery life. Reports also suggest that Apple has worked on improving the idle battery life of the iPhones.
Price & Other Features:
Recent leaks also show that the devices will have dual SIM capabilities. The pricing of the devices is expected to cover a larger area so as to cater to a bigger consumer base. The iPhone XC is reported to be priced at CNY 5,888 which is around Rs 62,000. The iPhone XS is listed at CNY 7,388 and the iPhone XS Plus is at CNY 8,388 which are around Rs 77,980 and Rs 88,535 respectively.
iPad Pro:
The iPad Pro is expected to launch in a 12.9 inch and 10.5 inch variant. Numerous leaks and renders based on the said leaks have given us a fair idea about what the device may look like. The new iPad Pro will reportedly sport a sharper, bezel less design. We can also see the absence of a home button which could mean that the device is getting Face ID and that we won’t see touch ID anymore. However, the device will have to be vertical whenever you use Face ID as it doesn’t work horizontally.
It is also reported that the devices will sport an LCD display and not an OLED panel which is a bit disappointing. The iPad Pro will use the new A12X chipset and have 4 GB of RAM, according to reports. Storage will be variable, with options going up to 512 GB.
The iPad Pro will reportedly continue to offer Apple Pencil support and the smaller bezels will mean we will see a smaller device, despite the same screen size. The device is also rumoured to be dumping the lightning port to make way for a USB Type-C port.
The iPad Pro is expected to launch at Rs 54,999 for the 10.2 inch variant and Rs 64,999 for the 12.9 inch variant.
Apple Watch 4:
Latest reports suggest that Apple will be launching six brand new Apple Watch 4 models at the upcoming event. It is also reported that the devices will all sport ceramic backs and could possibly support LTE.
The device is also said to sport thinner bezels and will reportedly support electrocardiography (ECG) for advanced health tracking. The thinner bezels mean that we will get to see a larger display on a device the same size. The larger display can house more information and better optimisation of apps.
AirPods 2 & AirPower:
According to multiple reports, Apple is coming up with a successor to the already successful AirPods. The devices are said to sport a series of new features which will enhance the experience further. It is said that we will be able to summon Siri through the “Hey Siri” command rather than tapping the sides of the AirPods. Another widely expected feature is that of the launch of Apple’s AirPower wireless charging mat. This is highly relevant to the AirPods as it is rumoured that the AirPods 2 will support wireless charging.
And that’s not it, the new AirPods 2 are reported to support noise cancellation as well. Adding to this list is a report that they will be splash proof but not entirely waterproof.
MacBook:
We may be witness to the launch of an upgraded version of the MacBook. However, it is not clear whether this would replace the current 12 inch MacBook or whether it will be a totally different lineup. The new MacBook is reported to have a Touch ID sensor. The MacBook will also lack a TouchBar which we had seen in the MacBook Pro.
Certain speculations about an upgraded version of the MacBook Air is also doing the rounds, but this doesn’t seem too probable in the near future. Following the release of thinner, bezel less laptops at the IFA 2018, Apple might be looking as the new MacBook as an answer to the same.
With a wide range of products expected to be launched at this event, the level of excitement is higher than ever. With the power to change the course of the smartphone market, its time for Apple’s next big move.
