Imagine a world where a smartwatch could predict Covid.
Well, with the latest research at Princeton, this might be the future for smartwatch users. With a combination of health data and premium sensors, the students at this university have developed an app that can predict the user’s Covis status.
But is this technology going to be on our wrists soon?
A New Way To Test
Led by Professor Niraj Jha, the Princeton research team is creating a Covid solution for wearable devices. Though their research initially started with medical wearable watches, they have also incorporated the tech seen in popular smartwatches.
This team created the Covid test through data analysis via machine-learning algorithms. These algorithms had been trained to recognize any symptoms of illnesses. Wearables with sensors were also used to confirm the symptoms and predict a diagnosis. Critical sensors used in the research were blood pressure monitors and galvanic skin response (GSR).
Once the patient data and physical symptoms are compared, the machines can pick up any signs or indicators that patients haven’t noticed yet. This is a great success, allowing the possibility to diagnose a disease before it appears.
What Next?
These findings are impressive, but what is Professor Jha’s team working on next?
Already, teams are working to integrate these algorithms into hospital settings. So, instead of focusing on in-patient solutions, the team at Princeton is looking at creating wearable sensors that can go on everyday watches.
The key aim for this team is to get this tech onto smartwatches that can be worn away from the hospital. Not only does this allow patients to detect diseases early, but it will give them the freedom to diagnose from home too.
Can You Buy Health Trackers Now?
Health and fitness trackers are some of the most popular smartwatch features. From simple pedometers to EGC scans, modern smartwatches are equipped with a range of different sensors.
Unfortunately, no commercial smartwatches offer Covid diagnostics yet, but watch this space! With research continuing rapidly, we expect to hear more about this new feature very soon.
Though you can’t test for Covid, most mainstream smartwatches offer additional health trackers. These often include:
- Heart rate monitors
- SpO2 monitors
- Stress detection
- Sleep tracking
- Menstrual health trackers
Apple is also working on an iPhone feature that aims to detect Parkinson’s Disease. This feature is still in the works, but we can expect to see health features increasing as smartwatch development improves.
Smartwatches can also detect epilepsy and fits via their fall detection software. The accelerometers built-in to the device can recognize when the user is seizing, and it can call nominated contacts for help.
If you want to learn more about upcoming health tracking, read our article on health tracking smartwatches here.
Looking To The Future
News about upcoming health features is exciting. With this advanced technology appearing, it gives us a glimpse at a brighter future where our health is in our hands – or on our wrists!
Let us know what you think about this new smartwatch development in the comments.
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Last Updated on March 9, 2022
Isobel is a freelance copy and content writer who regularly contributes to Superwatches. Well-versed in all the ins and outs of the smartwatch industry. Isobel specializes in Fashion and design and is a First Class fashion design graduate.
Currently lives in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.