The health and fitness wearables market is a multi-billion pound industry. During the pandemic, as a global population we tuned in more closely to tracking our own health. With many of us still working from home, managing our own fitness around a more sedentary day presents a great opportunity for innovators in this arena.
EarMetrics®️ technology embedded in earphones could reimagine the in-ear experience, moving beyond input and placing the user in control of how they interact with the world.
Today, we download third-party apps to our devices using Android, Windows or IOS. But for the new generation of hearable devices, new operating systems are being developed that work similarly in providing application programming interfaces (APIs) or software development kits (SDKs) for developers to create apps. These tools, specifically designed for the in-ear wearable, will expand its functionality and compatibility with other services.
We are expecting third-party app creators to jump on the opportunity to leverage health data collected by the in-ear device fitted with EarMetrics®️ technology. This in-ear technology will inspire app innovators to find even more user-centric way to understand their health and fitness. Like smartphone apps today, this could include generating charts and graphs, and providing insights into health metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels and more.
Sensors taking data from the ear canal could enable users to manage their health in a more holistic way than today’s wrist-worn devices. Integrating more accurate and extensive real-time health data with movement data would allow individuals to better understand their overall wellbeing and make informed decisions about their lifestyles.
Third-party apps would use the ear sensor generated data to suggest not only exercise routines, but also lifestyle changes, nutrition tips, and stress management techniques tailored to the user's specific health data. Apps could send health alerts if they detect abnormal heart rate patterns or increased stress levels, guiding the user to take a break, seek medical attention, or practice relaxation techniques. These alerts could also be sent in real-time to healthcare professionals, enabling remote consultations and remote monitoring of patients.
Third-party apps in the earphone could enable integration with other health monitoring platforms so users could synchronise their data with established health platforms, such as Apple Health or Google Fit. This consolidated view of health data from various sources could be shared with healthcare providers or integrated with other health-related apps for further benefits.
In the next five years, we can expect further evolution in the integration of third-party apps with hearable devices.
Advanced machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence): In-ear health monitoring devices, coupled with sophisticated machine learning and AI algorithms could offer even more accurate and personalised insights. These algorithms could analyse vast amounts of data collected from multiple sensors in real-time, providing more precise health assessments, early warning signs, and predictive analytics.
Enhanced biometric measurements: In-ear health monitoring devices could expand their capabilities to measure additional biometric parameters. EarMetrics®️ technology already has the potential to monitor blood oxygen levels, heart rate and rhythm, and breathing patterns but in the near future, this might be expanded to include blood pressure, glucose levels, hydration status, or even the detection of biomarkers for specific diseases or conditions.
Seamless integration with ecosystems: In-ear health monitoring devices could become seamlessly integrated with broader health and wellness ecosystems. This could include interoperability with your electronic patient record - for example your NHS record - or other health-related technologies, and smart home devices. Imagine a cohesive and interconnected ecosystem where data seamlessly flows across different platforms and devices.
We’re interested in finding new partners with big ideas! The future of our technology is in your hands. What will you do with it?
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