Now That’s What I Call a Smartphone.

There are two things biometrics have traditionally been used for: individual identification or verification and medical monitoring. We’ve already seen the prior come into mainstream use with computers that require fingerprint identification to allow users to log in, but what about a commercial device that can use biometrics to track a user’s health?

LifeWatch AG, an Israel-based medical monitor developer, has launched the world’s first medical smartphone, the LifeWatch V. It measures a variety of biometric factors, including heart rate, pulmonary function, blood sugar levels, and body temperature.

There are already a variety of non-phone devices on the market that measure a variety of these data, and medical mobile apps that record things such as medication regimes and dieting. Other companies are also working on integrating medical monitoring into smartphones, but none of them have taken it to this level.

As it stands, the LifeWatch V and partner application have a range of systems already in place within the single unit, including a nutrition management system, a pedometer, and a medication reminder. The data received from the device is sent to one of several call centers around the United States. The information can then be sent to doctors or insurance companies as needed.

The device still requires the approval of heath authorities, such as the EU CE Mark and the US Food and Drug Administration to be available in America, but it can already be marketed to an Israeli audience.

Just like any other smartphone, LifeWatch’s device is a full telephone with all the perks of a smartphone. It runs through the Android system, and currently the company is in discussion with several mobile carriers in Israel to get the product off the ground.

Imagine that–being able to monitor your own health with a handheld device?

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