Apple Working to Transform HealthKit Into Diagnosis Tool Aided by New Apple Watch Apps

Apple has hired "scores of healthcare experts" in recent years to develop improved electronic health record software, with an ultimate goal of transforming HealthKit into a tool that improves diagnoses, reports Bloomberg.

apple-health

The system could chip away at two problems that plague the industry and have stumped other specialist firms in the field: interoperability -- allowing data to be transferred from hospital to hospital across different databases; and analysis -- making it quick and easy for physicians to extrapolate salient information from mountains of data.

If the efforts are successful, HealthKit could eventually interpret health and fitness data and provide advice to patients, doctors, and others accordingly.

The collection of health and fitness data will be aided by the Apple Watch, including two new apps that will help users track their sleep patterns and gauge their fitness levels by "measuring the time taken for the heart rate to fall from its peak to resting level," according to the report.

"If you drive for a while and your car gets too hot, it says pull over. If you need an oil change, it says check your oil. What's the equivalent for the body?" said Apple CEO Tim Cook at Startup Fest Europe in May. "Health is a huge issue around the world and we think it's ripe for simplicity and a new view."

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Top Rated Comments

shk718 Avatar
122 months ago
Entering the health care industry is a huge opportunity for Apple that I think Wall St. is completely overlooking.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zirel Avatar
122 months ago
Strange that they talk about this after making the health app so awful under iOS 10.
Please explain the "so awful"?

They maintained what they had, but better sectioned, put prettier graphics you can ignore, everything else, it's the same.

These people trying to spread updatofobia...

If you don't want things to change stay away from Apple, because they are coming for your zone of comfort, they will come and will take your DVD drive, your USB ports, your 3.5mm jack and your phone keys, and your money too.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CB1234 Avatar
122 months ago
Do I need a second watch then? Because my first one will be charging at night.
Or in repair when it's only a few days old (mic stopped working)
What would you do if your car broke down?

You will survive until you get your replacement. But if this benefits even 1 person, it is worth it...

Applaud Apple for trying and where it is due... everything doesn't have to be negative.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mad Mac Maniac Avatar
122 months ago
Do I need a second watch then? Because my first one will be charging at night.
This is such a ridiculous argument. I'm sure Apple will gladly sell you a second watch, but I've tracked sleep with my Apple watch nearly every night for almost a full year now. It's much easier than you would think. Because the battery is so small it charges super quickly. Charging starts to slow down once you start going above 80% so I usually keep my watch in the 40%-80% charge range (which actually is the ideal way to increase longevity of a battery), which usually equates to 40-50 minutes of charging daily. Either all at once or broken up into 2 bursts (getting ready in the morning and getting ready for bed). It's really not a bother for me personally.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Haribokart Avatar
122 months ago
Strange that they talk about this after making the health app so awful under iOS 10.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tomnavratil Avatar
122 months ago
IMHO HealthKit and HomeKit integrations and development are the big things for Apple. There is massive potential market with a great marketing / CSR opportunity if it gets done right. This could be huge.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)