Apple's blood oxygen monitoring returns to its latest Apple Watches | TechCrunch
The Rise of Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Apple Watches: A Shift from Old PhonesIn a significant move that has garnered both excitement and concern, Apple has recently introduced a new version of its Apple Watches equipped with blood oxygen monitoring (BOM). This feature was initially integrated into iPhones 7 and above, where it played a crucial role in helping users track their respiratory health. However, the shift from Android devices to Apple Watches for this feature marks a departure from how iOS platforms have traditionally supported such features.
### The History of Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Mobile Devices
The concept of blood oxygen monitoring has been around since at least 2014, when Apple first introduced it in its iPhone 7. This device included an app and integrated with the Apple Watch's fitness feature, allowing users to monitor their body's oxygen levels remotely. By providing real-time data on carbon monoxide, BOM not only helped users manage respiratory discomfort but also contributed to overall cardiovascular health.
### The Transition from Android to Apple Watches
For many users, the introduction of BOM on Apple Watches represents a major step forward in personalizing health apps and making health tracking more convenient. Prior to this version, BOM was only available on iOS devices, where it provided data directly to iOS-based health apps like HealthKit or Fit My Body. On Android platforms, users typically relied on third-party apps that integrated with Apple Watch’s fitness features but did not include BOM.
Apple’s decision to bring BOM onto its Watches marked a significant shift from the previous setup. The feature now integrates seamlessly into Apple Watches, allowing users to monitor their oxygen levels while wearing the device. This innovation has sparked both interest and skepticism, particularly because Apple emphasized that units sold outside the U.S., including in China and India, continue to use their older models with BOM.
### Limitations of Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Apple Watches
One critical limitation to be aware of is that blood oxygen monitoring on Apple Watches is now limited to iOS devices. While this simplifies integration, it also means users who have never used a previous iOS health app will not benefit from the feature. Some devices have integrated BOM into their HealthKit, so those with HealthKit would still need to update their app or use third-party services to get the latest information.
### Integrating Other Health Features on Watches
To fully utilize the benefits of BOM on Apple Watches, users should consider other health features available on these devices. For example, Apple Health provides a comprehensive health dashboard that includes BOM data. Additionally, with the release of Apple WatchOS 10, Apple introduced new health and fitness tools like Apple Health and HealthKit, which integrate seamlessly with BOM to provide a holistic view of health metrics.
### Risks of Dismissing Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Watches
For users who rely exclusively on their Apple Watches for tracking their health, the return of BOM may be a minor inconvenience. However, it’s important to recognize that not all devices offer BOM. This can lead to confusion when using apps or health tracking features that rely solely on BOM data.
### Conclusion: The Future of Health Technology
The introduction of BOM onto Apple Watches represents a step forward in personalizing health technology for wearables like Apple Watches. While it may seem like an inconvenience, especially for those who have only ever used their previous models, the integration with other features like HealthKit and Apple Health offers significant benefits. The risk to users is minimal, but they should be aware of how other health apps integrate with BOM data.
As wearables continue to evolve, new health features will undoubtedly emerge, providing even greater convenience and insights for users. With a focus on integrating seamlessly across iOS and Android platforms, Apple remains committed to delivering the best possible health solutions for its users while offering options that meet their needs in different contexts.
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#Hardware #Apple #AppleWatch
