Philips first announced plans to launch a line of connected health devices back at IFA 2015. The Philips Health Watch, the first wearable in the collection, has now gone on sale (slightly earlier than expected). It joins other connected devices that include a body analysis scale, ear thermometer and blood pressure monitors.
The Philips Health Watch continuously monitors your heart rate to determine your resting heart rate and calculate various heart rate derived metrics. It also tracks your resting respiration rate as well as your sleep patterns. It also records steps taken, active minutes and sedentary behaviour to calculate caloric burn rates. It can automatically detect walking, running and biking activities.
Unlike many other wearables, the Philips smartwatch is designed as a medical device. According to the company, the accuracy of its measurements and algorithms have been validated clinically. Philips adds that it was designed to “help prevent lifestyle induced chronic conditions.”
Battery life is rated at about 4 days, thanks in part to the monochrome display. Fast charge can recharge the Li-ion battery to 70% in about 30 minutes.
A touch ring encircles the display, allowing for various interactions with a simple tap
The data collected is synced back to the Philips HealthSuite health app. The other Philips Health Devices also integrate with the cloud-based platform that both collects and analyzes data to offer personalized guidance and monitoring.
The Philips Health Watch sells for US$249.99 in the United States. Unfortunately, the sole retailer listed, Amazon.com, is offering it for US$299.99 as a pre-order. It is not yet listed on Philips’ Canadian website.
Source : Philips