Tag: Masimo

  • Apple’s Blood-Oxygen Smartwatch Resale Delayed Until 2028

    Apple’s Blood-Oxygen Smartwatch Resale Delayed Until 2028

    There's positive news for Apple Watch users in the United States who are missing the blood oxygen monitoring feature. Recent developments suggest a potential return, although the timeline remains uncertain and could be lengthy.

    Apple's Efforts to Overturn the Ban

    Apple is making efforts to appeal the ban that led to the removal of the blood oxygen monitoring feature. This move could pave the way for an earlier reinstatement of the functionality.

    Following a lawsuit from Masimo regarding the infringement of pulse oximetry technology, Apple faced restrictions on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Documents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection hint that Apple may be able to resume selling watches with the blood oxygen feature by August 2028, coinciding with the expiration of the patent in question.

    Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

    Apart from the patent expiration, Apple is challenging the ban set by the U.S. International Trade Commission, potentially leading to a quicker return of the blood oxygen functionality. However, the absence of a settlement between Apple and Masimo poses a significant hurdle. Masimo is concerned about potential misuse through jailbroken iPhones and is pushing for stricter preventive measures.

    The situation remains complex, and the lack of a licensing agreement between the parties adds to the uncertainty. The potential financial implications for Apple are significant, given the popularity of Apple Watches among its product lineup. The outcome remains to be seen, but for now, users will have to wait for updates on the reintroduction of blood-oxygen-measuring Apple Watches to the market. Stay tuned for further developments!

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  • Masimo reveals the Freedom smartwatch featuring blood oxygen monitoring following the Apple Watch prohibition

    Masimo reveals the Freedom smartwatch featuring blood oxygen monitoring following the Apple Watch prohibition

    Masimo, the company that previously sued Apple for proprietary infringement, has recently unveiled its latest smartwatch called the Masimo Freedom. This new smartwatch is a significant step for Masimo as it expands its focus from being solely a medical technology company to now incorporating consumer-friendly gadgets. While Masimo had previously released the Masimo W1 smartwatch in 2023, which was more health-centered, the Freedom smartwatch has the potential to attract a broader customer base.

    The Masimo Freedom prototype was showcased at CES 2024, and it stands out from the Apple Watch with its distinct design. The smartwatch features a round display and a navigation touchbar on the right-hand side, along with a button for selecting objects. Masimo is intentionally creating its own unique identity to avoid any potential patent infringements from Apple. The company aims to emphasize the accuracy of its health monitoring technology through the design of the Freedom smartwatch. According to Masimo, its blood oxygen monitoring is more accurate compared to its competitors. It claims to account for various factors that can affect readings, such as low perfusion, motion, skin pigmentation, or poor blood flow.

    In addition to blood oxygen monitoring, the Masimo Freedom smartwatch offers a range of other health features. These include tracking hydration index, pulse rate variability, pulse rate, respiration rate, and even detecting when a user falls over. Alongside these advanced health monitoring capabilities, the smartwatch also includes standard functionalities like sleep tracking. It continuously monitors vital signs on a per-second basis, making it an excellent choice for the elderly or individuals who require constant health monitoring.

    As for pricing and availability, the Masimo Freedom smartwatch is expected to be released later this year. However, there may be some deviations from the prototype's specifications. The projected cost of the smartwatch is $999, but it is important to note that Masimo is currently awaiting FDA approval for its health features. Interested customers can reserve the Masimo Freedom through the Masimo website by placing a $100 deposit.

    Overall, the Masimo Freedom smartwatch represents a significant expansion for the company into the consumer-friendly gadget market. With its focus on accurate health monitoring and a range of advanced features, it has the potential to appeal to a wide range of users. As Masimo continues to innovate and push the boundaries of wearable technology, it will be interesting to see how the Freedom smartwatch performs in the market.

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