I might be wrong, It’s not like measuring blood science is rocket science. You can have an analog bracelet and pump, or for cheap buy an electronic one that you can operate with a single button.
I’m sure this will have its uses for people who are on the go a lot, but measuring at home has always been an option. If anything the advantage here is to measure on the go.
I also question it’s accuracy - I have had several doctors tell me the wrist cuff ones regularly read 10 points high, and many cheap ones are just almost random of 20 points so rather unreliable. I have also seen that in personal use, and taken several to the Dr Office to be tested. I don’t like it, and I wish it was different, but the only brand and type recommend by my current Doctor is an upper arm style from Omron.
Cheap, yes. But these “at home” gadgets can’t replace a quick visit to the doctor… Which is why I think there is a target market. People don’t like going to the doctor. They think they can self diagnose or they want to save money and time. My partner’s family is the type that would buy this. A visit to the doctor is free here, but they think they know more.
On a side note, I’m nearly 40 and still don’t know what good or bad blood pressure is.
plastic clip with a spring mechanism that lets the user squeeze the device and two light channels: one to direct a flashlight to your finger and the other to direct the reflected light to the camera for image processing
That’s so fucking clever.
Wait, this looks very nifty. But digital blood pressure monitor with air pump is quite cheap nowadays and very easy to get one.
Also this seems to be the extension of measuring heartbeat with camera + flashlight that was out there like 10 years ago (you measure it by placing your thumb over your phone’s camera). I wonder if eventually smartphone maker would just have it built in.
